Report

The First London Metalfest Was A Triumph

As we discussed in the build up to London Metalfest, it's always an exciting proposition to be a part of music history, no matter how relatively small. This year, in addition to hosting Desertfest and Incineration Festival, Camden welcomed the very first edition of London Metalfest to The Electric Ballroom, The Underworld and The Dev, with bands arriving from near and far to perform. It was The Underworld which opened its doors first, and so naturally, that's where our journey began.

Unfortunately arriving too late to see Enquire Within, (though after putting in a great shift supporting Acid Reign a few months ago at the same venue, I'm sure they were superb once more,) the first band we'll be looking at today is Unnatural Order. They were an unorthodox way to start the day, consisting of a vocalist, a guitarist, a drummer and a laptop, and performing a blend of metalcore and nu metal. The Underworld was probably about half full, but they gave the Kent trio a strong reception from beginning to end. This was one of those cases as a reviewer where one must discard their own opinion on the music and focus on how the crowd reacted, and you can't argue with cheers and headbanging.

Following Unnatural Order, it was Wretched Soul's turn to take to the stage. Also from Kent, the band delivered what could perhaps be described as a more old-school approach to metal, combining traditional and thrash styles with some real gruffness. Once again, the audience were really up for them, but this time, I agreed and found their music to be highly enjoyable. Of particular note was the closing number, "Necromancer," which was fairly lengthy, but captured their sound and dynamic perfectly. They've been around for quite a while now, and it's been ten years since their last full length release, but Wretched Soul made a great case for themselves to be given attention once again. More...

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After Infinity Unveils New Lyric Video

Finnish melodic metal act After Infinity releases their new single "Whisper In The Air," offering one of the most intimate and emotionally charged moments from their upcoming sophomore album "Beyond Eternity," due out October 23rd, 2026 via Rockshots Records.

Featuring guest vocals from Mika Tauriainen (Entwine, Shamrain), "Whisper in the Air" marks his first release in over a decade.

Following the heavier approach of the previously released singles, After Infinity now reveals a very different side of the forthcoming album. Built entirely around piano, orchestral arrangements, and vocals, with no guitars or drums, "Whisper In The Air" provides a deliberate moment of contrast within the record.

The song was originally conceived by After Infinity founder, guitarist, and songwriter Zsolt Szilagyi as a short interlude. During the collaboration with Tauriainen, however, the piece gradually developed into a complete four-minute composition, with the vocalist contributing not only his performance but also helping shape the song into its final form.

Zsolt Szilagyi comments:
"Between a fast song and a 12-minute prog metal epic, this simple piano ballad allows the listener to catch their breath. What an honor it was to have Mika Tauriainen from Entwine collaborate on this song, making it his first release in over a decade. Not only did he deliver the most emotional vocals; he helped me shape the song from a small interlude into an independent masterpiece." More...

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200 Stab Wounds To Release New Album In February

200 Stab Wounds returns in 2027 with "Lowest Form," set for release on February 19th via Metal Blade Records.

The highly anticipated follow-up to their acclaimed "Manual Manic Procedures," 200 Stab Wounds' eight-track "Lowest Form" full-length was produced, mixed, and mastered by Arthur Rizk (Power Trip, Cavalera), features artwork by James Bousema (Municipal Waste, Frozen Soul), and finds the band sharpening their signature blend of brutal death metal, massive riffs, and unforgettable hooks through more confident, dynamic songwriting. Rooted in the same old-school brutality that has defined them from the beginning, Lowest Form delivers leaner arrangements, stronger dynamics and a broader sense of atmosphere without sacrificing an ounce of intensity. More...

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Desertfest London Announces First Bands For 2027

Desertfest London has announced the Melvins as the first headliner for their 2027 edition, taking place next May 21st-23rd in the heart of Camden Town. Formed in 1983 in Montesano, Washington, the Melvins are a band that need little introduction at this point in their career. As true pioneers in heavy music their status as one of modern music’s most influential bands is undeniable, and their live shows are truly unparalleled. Often imitated, never duplicated, we here at Desertfest London are honoured to have the Melvins take their rightful place as headliner next May 2027.

Masters in molten riffs, Monolord have been carving out their path in the heavy for well over a decade. Beloved by fans and peers alike, they are no strangers to the Desertfest stage - who can forget their packed out unforgettable 2024 Ballroom set? It was a no-brainer to have them return for Desertfest ‘27.

For those craving something ferocious and filthy, Mantar’s heavy hybrid of blackened death-punk grooves will be served up by the German duo to those brave enough to devour it. Festivities continue as Virginia’s dissonant doom disciples Inter Arma celebrate 20 years of unparalleled pummelling haunting music. And they won’t be celebrating alone, as we also honour 20 years of Desert Storm, homegrown heroes of British heavy metal.

Meanwhile, Montreal powertrio Dopethrone will bring a hefty dose of “Canadian Slutch” filth direct to the streets of Camden, and Seattle duo Year of the Cobra return in sonic style to the Desertest stage for the first time in 8 years.

The first bands confirmed are as follows:
Melvins
Monolord
Mantar
Inter Arma
Dopethrone
Year Of The Cobra
Desert Storm
The Grudge
Modder
Kanaan
Omo
Row Of Ashes

Desertfest London takes place in its annual home across multiple venues in Camden Town Fri 21st May - Sunday 23rd May 2027.

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Konvent Announces New Album "Firesky"

Fiercely sinister and heavy as ever, Danish heavy hitters Konvent return with their third album, "Firesky," on November 6, 2026 via Napalm Records. Embellishing their compositions, five songs is all it takes the four-piece this time around to prove how incomparably weighty their sonic soundscapes can be. "Firesky’s" tracks are significantly longer than what Konvent have offered before, but the dynamics within the dark arrangements prove the extraordinary commitment to their craft. Previously leaving their mark on the death doom scene, the band now expands on their influences and experiments significantly with black metal. They say the third album makes it or breaks it – Konvent, however, manage to fully reconstruct the principle itself.

Paired with the album announcement, the extreme metal band releases the first track off the album. As the opening song, "Exorcise" serves as "Firesky’s" exposition: Slow and brutal, it opens up the gates to doom metal’s very core – only to explode in its last third, showing that Konvent have added to their style and have their new path well thought out.

Konvent about "Exorcise":
"‘Exorcise’ is the sound of the suffocation we feel after watching lawmakers around the world pass increasingly sexist and transphobic legislation. Legislation that will one day, like a snake, eat its own tail." More...

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Baest Shares "In Loathe And Love" Video

Denmark‘s Metal commandos Baest released their massive 4th studio album "Colossal" last year worldwide via Century Media Records and continue to promote it with further relentless touring.

After a busy summer of live performances and in order to stress the start of their comprehensive headline tour of European and the UK at the end of this week, Baest are now launching a next promotional video for the album‘s dynamic track “In Loathe And Love”, which can be viewed below.

Baest guitarist Svend Karlsson checked in with the following comment: "One big summer for the books - check out our video for “In Loathe And Love”, a special track from our latest album. We‘ll be performing this gem among others on this upcoming tour, and as you see - the shows are mental. Cheers!" More...

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