Live Review: Lords of Acid at Teragram Ballroom

How is an 80s/90s rave scene related to one’s expression of their identity?

Belgian industrial dance music group Lords of Acid put out a puissant show infused with erotic mayhem at Teragram Ballroom on June 27^th, 2025. The stop at Los Angeles was part of their 2025 Praise the Lord North American tour as a celebration of their 37-year-long career, as well as the new addition of the group’s lead vocalist, Carla Harvey (former lead vocalist of American groove metal band Butcher Babies).

The dystopian-inspired show was filled with the group’s indefatigable energy (with their spontaneous stage mannerisms toned down for the crowd’s safety) with mayhem-filled performative aspects that reminded of a burlesque show – or even of an underground goth rave during a hot summer evening in Belgium. Lords of Acid illustrated their yet again blending of techno, acid house, as well as industrial sound to remind the audience of the persistence of the late 80s and early 90s rave culture – to both their loyal fans as well as their younger generation of curious music fans.

The night opened with visceral, yet futuristic, performances by American metal-rock singer Lucia Cifarelli, followed by American burlesque troupe Little Miss Nasty. As Cifarelli’s raw, primal vocal grooved along with her metal and punk songs, Little Miss Nasty (with constant changes of cyber-punk inspired outfits) showed off a variety of powerful interpretative dance choreographies. Also, with computer-generated images of animals being displayed during Cifarelli’s performance, as well as heavily edited versions of Little Miss Nasty’s music videos being displayed during their show, were perfect creative choices to set in the post-apocalyptic mood for the night.

As the industrial yet electrifying energy continued, the band members of Lords of Acid took the stage to further boost the audience’s adrenaline. Following the lead of the pianist and the founder of the group, Praga Khan, the band members were all wearing goth stage outfits to accompany the ominous mood – especially, with Carla Harvey wearing a full-body leather suit, the lead guitarist wearing a sleeveless hoodie and a devilish make-up, as well as the lead bassist wearing a dark lord inducing outfit. As the group began performing their first song of the night, “Voodoo-U,” the sound of high-octane beats and extremely distorted synth sound started to kick in for the night.

Lords of Acid was very interactive with the fans, especially with some provocative yet memorable moments throughout the night (of course, while the band members ensured the safety of the fans). Most notably, with Carla Harvey throwing out inflated adult-sized dolls to the audience while nonchalantly performing “Rubber Doll,” the lead dancer of Little Miss Nasty performing interpretive choreographies while slicking in instrument-heavy song “Worship the Lords,” as well as inviting a whole crowd of female audience members to dance on stage while performing “Pussy.”

The dark industrial ambiance of Teragram Ballroom was perhaps a perfect setting for the Belgian music group – with its intensely pulsating disco laser lights, the open venue space allowed a recreation of an 80s/90s rave scene for modern music fans. Yet beyond the stress-relieving experience, Lords of Acid’s performance was a striking reminder of how safe, open and communal spaces are necessary for one to explore their radical self-expressions. Especially in today’s society, where freedom of expression is both celebrated and challenged, Lords of Acid illustrated how music can empower one to accept their identity for who they are – here, with the sound of electrifying industrial beats and melodies.

Lords of Acid Setlist:

1. Voodoo-U
2. Do What You Wanna Do
3. Lover
4. Drink My Honey
5. Mister Machoman
6. The Power Is Mine Coda
7. (A Treatise on the Practical Methods Whereby One Can) Worship the Lords
8. Rough Sex/Take Control
9. Rubber Doll
10. Pussy
11. I Sit On Acid
12. Scrood Bi U
13. The Crablouse