How a low-budget goblin video turned a metal band into viral sensations
In short: In 2012, Nekrogoblikon was just a melodic death metal group with a comical idea. They didn't expect a music video about a goblin working a sales job to garner 1.5 million views in three months, or for a tweet from DJ Diplo to propel them into the global spotlight.
The band's meteoric rise was catalyzed by the 'No One Survives' music video, directed by Brandon Dermer. At the time, the band had no budget for such a production and initially resisted the idea of dressing up. However, Dermer secured funding from three brands to finance the video, which included a specialized goblin costume and mask from Monster Effects. The video's depiction of the mascot, John Goblikon, working at a marketing firm and experiencing a romantic mishap, resonated deeply online, amassing over 1.5 million views within its first three months.
The character of John Goblikon, portrayed by actor-comedian Dave Rispoli, eventually transcended the music video to become a central pillar of the band's identity. While the band members initially viewed the goblin theme as a joke, they eventually embraced the lore, claiming John is a real goblin and a full-fledged band member. This persona has expanded into a podcast, 'Right Now with John Goblikon,' and even a self-help memoir.
This creative pivot has defined the band's trajectory through various eras. Following the success of their 2015 concept album 'Heavy Meta'—which tells the story of an immortal goblin race seeking death—the band has navigated significant lineup changes. In late 2023, original vocalist Nicky Calonne departed to pursue a new life path, leading to the recruitment of Dickie Allen for harsh vocals and Grady Welch to perform John Goblikon's clean singing parts.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Nekrogoblikon
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