If you have caught any late-night programming on the Cartoon Network during the “Adult Swim” series, you may have noticed a rather ghoulish troop of animated behemoths of decidedly stony demeanor, who appear to be a combination of superhero troop and death-metal band.

That’s Dethklok, the brainchild of musician Brendan Small, who apparently took a page from the Gorillaz manual and imagined a cartoon band that could actually take its act on the road.

With the help of former Frank Zappa guitarist (and musician of logic-defying magnitude) Mike Keneally, drummer Gene Hoglan and bassist Bryan Beller, Small has turned his pen-and-ink proteges into a modern-day heavy metal success story. While a massive screen behind them portrays images of the cartoon troubadours doing their thing, Small and Co. tear up the ferocious, doom-laden metal out front. Reports from the road suggest that this comes off incredibly well in the concert setting.

Last month, Dethklok teamed with the rather brilliant modern metal band Mastodon, and took to the tour circuit beneath the banner “Metalocalypse.” The multi-act bill, which also includes openers Converge and High On Fire, comes to the Agri-Center, Hamburg Fairgrounds (5830 South Park Ave.) on Saturday. Doors for the all-ages show will open at 6 p. m. Tickets are $30 (Tickets.com).

—Jeff Miers