SVDDEN DEATH Took VOYD to New Heights for Valley of Darkness III at Red Rocks

SVDDEN DEATH made his triumphant return to Red Rocks Amphitheatre for Valley of Darkness III, where he performed a VOYD set for the ages.

Few artists in the bass music scene have as recognizable a brand as SVDDEN DEATH. From his sound, visuals, and image, you just know when something comes from the artist, especially for his VOYD stage show concept.

The project has had a massive 2025, including the release of the ambitious three-part VOYD Vol. 2.5 album, his VOYDOME events, and the opportunity to headline one of the final shows of the season at the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre. The project has a special connection to Colorado as the first true VOYD performance was played in Denver at the Ogden Theatre back in 2019.

Valley of Darkness III was a two-day event at Red Rocks. I attended the first day because I’d never seen a VOYD set before. I’ve caught SVDDEN DEATH a few times in the past, but nothing quite compared to the excitement I had going into this first VOYD set.

I’ve heard many things about VOYD, but I couldn’t wait to experience it for myself. SVDDEN DEATH also said himself that there would only be four VOYD performances in 2026. This could have been my last chance to see a set for a while, and I couldn’t waste the opportunity to see one at a world-famous venue.

Photo Credit: Trey Karson

The support lineup made for a unique progression of sound throughout the night.

Red Rocks is an absolutely gorgeous venue that I recommend everyone experience at least once in their lifetime. It offers breathtaking views as well as plenty of restrooms and concession stands — but not before you get in your steps, of course.

I arrived right when the doors opened and was able to get a fantastic spot, which built my excitement for the openers. I hadn’t seen any of them before. The weather was also nice, which is far from guaranteed during a mid-November Red Rocks show.

Executioner was a good way to start the night, and his sound was similar to that of a regular SVDDEN DEATH set. Witching Hour, made up of VAMPA b2b JEANIE, delivered the perfect dose of heavy dubstep. Their onstage presence was infectious as they looked to be having a ton of fun on the decks.

MYTHM threw down some nasty riddim; he was all gas, no breaks through the duration of his electric set. Simula, who was my most-hyped opener of the night, delivered in every way possible. His set had some of the filthiest drum and bass that I’ve heard all year — which is saying a lot, because I’ve seen both Chase & Status and WORSHIP in the last month and a half.

The final opener of the night was Alice Glass, a set that sparked a lot of conversation on social media, and with the people around me in the crowd. Alice’s style closer to electro or indie dance, which some felt was out of place at a VOYD show. While I’ll admit that it really isn’t my cup of tea, I did think it was a unique live performance. It was something different from what you usually get at a Red Rocks electronic music show.

SVDDEN DEATH does a great job curating his lineups to offer a unique evolution or progression of sound throughout the night. The evening takes you on a journey, as each artist’s sound is completely different, leading into the main event. He also wins points for giving the stage to artists that he likes and wants to showcase. While I heard some say that Alice Glass was out of place on the lineup, I think that her billing perfectly embodies the diversity of a VOYD show.

Photo Credit: Trey Karson

Once SVDDEN DEATH started levitating, I knew I was in for something I’d never seen before.

When it was finally time for the long-awaited headliner, you could feel the excitement coursing throughout the venue. As this was my first VOYD set, I could hardly contain my own excitement.

When SVDDEN DEATH’s intro started and he walked out with the skull antler mask in all its glory, I knew it was go time. “Prelude I” started playing. Once he started levitating right before the drop, I knew I was in for one of the most insane sets of my life.

From the jump, his stage presence was absolutely unreal, and the production matched it every step of the way. The stage was one of the biggest I’d seen at Red Rocks. The lighting, lasers, and pyrotechnics were top notch.

SVDDEN DEATH engaged the crowd early with some of the biggest hits from the VOYD project, like “Shallow Land Burial,” “Behemoth,” “Rise,” and others. He also did a fantastic job of incorporating many tracks, remixes, and VIP’s from VOYD Vol 2.5, like “Creator,” “Time Bind,” and the headbanging heater with PYKE, “SYFM.”

One big difference in this event from other VOYD outings is that there were no mosh pits. VOYD events are known to have some of the most chaotic mosh pits in the scene, but that’s not possible at Red Rocks due to the amphitheater seating.

Red Rocks is likely the only such venue in the country where SVDDEN DEATH hosts shows, and that alone makes it a unique experience. You could truly enjoy the music and performance without being on the verge of a “wall of death” breaking out. The picturesque backdrop made it the perfect space to witness such a special VOYD performance.

Photo Credit: Trey Karson

A VOYD set is a journey that captures an artist’s true artistic vision.

As the set came to an end, and he levitated one final time to the grape milk remix of “Kereberot,” it took me a second to process the insanity that I had just witnessed. It wasn’t just a DJ set; it was a pure spectacle. VOYD at Red Rocks offered something I hadn’t experienced during other performances. It left my jaw on the floor the entire time.

I will say that a VOYD set isn’t for everyone, because it certainly is out there. I know people who don’t care for SVDDEN DEATH because of the macabre visuals or his sound. That’s okay. To each their own.

What I truly loved about his performance was getting to experience the pure, unfiltered artistic vision of an artist. The entire thing just felt like VOYD in every single way. You can tell that SVDDEN DEATH takes massive pride in the project — and he should, because it’s reached higher heights than even he likely could have ever imagined.

It’s always amazing to see an artist achieve their full vision, and for me, it’s especially enjoyable when it’s a fellow hometown kid from San Jose. There are only a small handful of VOYD sets left between now and the end of 2026. If you get the chance to witness one, you shouldn’t miss it.

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