According to Stereogum.com, bluegrass star Billy Strings has long displayed his passion for various metal music. That has been readily prevalent in him showing up onstage with Tool, Primus and more over the years. This weekend saw him host his inaugural ‘Ionia Freak Fair‘ in Ionia, MI, which in addition to various bluegrass, etc. outfits, also hosted a separate tented stage featuring various metal and hardcore heavy hitters. And so it happens, Strings even got up onstage with Canadian death metallers Cryptopsy during their set. He stepped up during a performance of “Open Face Surgery” from the group’s 1994 album, Blasphemy Made Flesh.

The magical moment surprised the audience because almost the whole crowd filmed the set and posted it on social media. One user said: “Billy Strings x Cryptopsy ‘Open Face Surgery’ @Ionia Freak Fair 2026.” Based from the videos, it seems like the crowd were enjoying themselves because constant cheer could be heard throughout the whole performance.

 

View this post on Instagram