If you attend a Gwar concert seeking a transcendent musical experience, you’re going to be severely disappointed. If, however, you’re looking for sheer ridiculous spectacle, you can’t possibly do much better. The musicians have absurd stage names (Beefcake the Mighty, Balsac the Jaws of Death), even more absurd costumes, witty antics mocking celebrities and political figures, and, of course, an abundance of fake blood. Gwar’s cheeseball thrash metal plays a supporting role to its over-the-top stage show, rather than the other way around, and I’m sure the group wouldn’t have it any other way. Gwar has been refining its shtick over the course of a dozen full-length records and countless shows spanning nearly 25 years, and its members are nothing if not consummate, polished entertainers. Don’t miss it if you haven’t seen it, but don’t wear your fancy going-out clothes, either.

GWAR PERFORMS WITH KINGDOM OF SORROW AND TOXIC HOLOCAUST AT 8 P.M. AT THE 9:30 CLUB, 815 V ST. NW. $20. (202) 265-0930.