Where did you spend your Sunday evening? Because if it were at home under a duvet instead of being caught in the middle of a raging mosh pit, I think you need to reconsider your life choices. Malevolence’s second-biggest headline show, the grand finale of their UK & EU tour, was the place to be for any metal fan in London that evening. The venue proudly displayed its name at the gates, a prestigious milestone for any emerging artist. We can safely say that Malevolence have now reached the point of no return from the depths of the music underground. The 2026 festival posters speak for themselves; their logo is no longer buried in the small print but proudly displayed front and centre. That next chapter will be exciting to watch.
Malevolence
From the very beginning, the atmosphere inside the venue was almost radioactive. The walls, the crowd, and everything within the building’s radius seemed to hum with intense energy. Looking around, you could see it in people’s faces: they were ready. Barely holding back before launching themselves forward like greyhounds from the racing gates, driven by pure adrenaline rush and deep craving for violent live music. Anyone standing in the centre of the room definitely had a death wish. When Alan Ford stepped out of the backstage, many lost it and started to mosh to what must have been the coolest introduction perhaps ever? Plus, when a gangster tells you what to do, ladies and gentlemen – you listen.
Malevolence is now a household name in the UK metal scene. Those humble lads from up north have captured hearts across the country, following a stellar trajectory that propelled them to the top of the heavy music food chain. This was undoubtedly their year. They released their fourth studio album, “Where Only The Truth Is Spoken,” via Nuclear Blast, produced by none other than Josh Wilbur, who has worked with giants like Lamb of God, Gojira, and Trivium. Things got serious.
This successful release was followed by their biggest UK and EU tour to date, a monumental achievement culminating at the Brixton Academy. It truly felt like we were watching their well-earned promotion to the Premier League of metal acts. All that hard work has paid off. Their metallic groove, blended with edgy hardcore, resonates deeply with a wide range of metalheads. There’s something for everyone in their sound, and it drives crowds into an uncontrollable frenzy.
You could measure the energy of the performance by the number of crowd surfers; it grew exponentially as the set went on. I’m sure quite a few people still haven’t fully recovered, aching with every move. Incited by their vocalist, circle pits merged into one massive whirlpool of chaos. People were thrown into the air like cheerleaders in mid-routine, propelled forward in a mix of panic and anticipation, praying someone would catch them.
With their DIY ethos, Malevolence designed their own stage and ensured security was fully briefed before the show, preparing everyone for the carnage that was about to unfold. Yet, through the sheer madness, you could feel the love, the understanding, the brotherhood and sisterhood that defines the scene they operate in. Smiles on people’s faces were unforgettable. Those Sheffield lads united their fans, creating a space where people could let go, unravel, and melt their worries away in the sweat, blood, and tears of the pit. We’re all extremely curious to see what 2026 will bring for them.
Speed
Speed reminded everyone that this was a hardcore show. No time for snoozing, no time for crossing your arms. You mosh, or you go home.
This Australian hardcore band is tearing up international stages. Their powerful messages unite communities and promote inclusivity. There’s no space for hate or racism as long as they are playing. They will beat this into you with violent riffs if they have to. Although relatively new as a band, all members have plenty of experience from their previous projects. Their debut album, “Only One Mode,” released last year, cemented their existence, and just a few weeks ago, their new EP, “All My Angels,” became my personal favourite. I walked into Speed’s set and instantly regretted having my camera gear; otherwise, I’d have joined that madhouse of crowd surfers and two step the hole in the ground. This massive venue suddenly felt like we’d broken in for an illegal hardcore show. Like we surely shouldn’t be here.
Dying Wish
Dying Wish followed Psychoframe and performed to a jam-packed audience. There were no latecomers; each band on the bill was exciting enough to draw people in right when the doors opened. Just like the opening act, they flew in from the US to introduce us to their own interpretation of metalcore. And what was even more exciting? The female representation, still scarce, yet when it happens, is insanely powerful. Their lead vocalist, Emma Boster, delivered visceral growls that made your hair stand up as if exposed to static charge, then smoothed things over with honeyed vocals. This continuous flow between the two opposing styles was stunning. They have plenty to be excited about this year. In September, they dropped their third studio album, “Flesh Stays Together“, and toured relentlessly across the world, joining Spiritbox and Counterparts on the road. Despite all the miles behind them, they felt as fresh as ever.Their set was light and flowy, almost joyful in execution, yet at any moment it could shift dramatically into near meat-grinding carnage. You can tell they love their job.
Psychoframe
Psychoframe opened the night. Their techy deathcore flirted with slam’s finest beatdowns. I was having a kind of personal revelation: how could I have missed their emergence this year? There was so much happening on stage, with two of their vocalists running around like they were doing laps in a PE class. Photographing them almost resembled the Olympic Games; was this sport photography?
Touring with Malevolence was an amazing opportunity for them. The prospect of showcasing your sound outside of the US is something you grab onto. In July, they released their debut album “Salvation Laughs in the Face of the Grieving Mother“, and with all that’s going on, they must feel like they’re in a bubble. They were confident; the high ceiling of the O2 Academy Brixton did not intimidate them, quite the contrary. They owned the space as if it were their headline show. The pounding drums drilled into our ears like a pneumatic hammer, and the unhinged riffs left a lasting imprint.
