Killer Robots

Words: Kris Henry
Photos: Kris Henry

Appeared:
October 13, 2006
Screamfest 2006


Orlando’s Screamfest 2006 was designed to be a weekend of horror and entertainment and it certainly delivered this year.  It was the third-annual convention on International Drive contrasting their neighbor, Universal Studios.  Many bands were scheduled to play including Voltaire, Gargamel!, The Van Orsdels, and Orlando’s own Killer Robots.  After hearing so much about the Killer Robots, I finally had the opportunity to check them out for myself.  I peeked at their Myspace page prior to seeing them to prepare myself for the adventure I was about to set out on.  It was the night of Friday, October 13th and by the time I arrived, the crowd was feverously awaiting the Killer Robot’s set. 

Interestingly enough, the band members are very humble and friendly.  They set up all their own stage props and make all their own costumes.  I found that to be extremely creditable to their existence as entertainers.  When the stage was finally set and ready to go the Killer Robots crashed through the mock stage wall and started chaos within the audience almost immediately.  This band does not require stage lights as camera flashes from the audience provided all necessary lighting to illuminate the entire room.  This music does not stipulate the “robot dance” as one might expect, but sounds like something one would hear in a classic sci-fi flick.  The tunes were eerie, but most were playful in an upbeat manner.  The guys definitely fired up a great crowd reaction with every song. 

The band encouraged audience participation from the start.  The Robots provided toys for beating up a neighbor, toilet paper for wrapping up a friend and silly string for spraying down innocent photographers. Chairs were flying, tripods were knocked over and fans were wrestled to the ground throughout the entire set.  Drummer Trog mingled within the crowd fighting off evil beings, which were hardcore fans either dressed in their own costume or something created by the band.  From the tall hooker with the bubble gun to the spiky pierced dragon, this band was sure to entertain with their stage show as well as with their music.  After speaking briefly with the guys, they left with one comment to pass on:  “It is a show everyone must experience.”

http://www.myspace.com/killerrobots