The Grimm Vegan (webzine blog)

Blondies is small dive bar venue in the Clapton area of north London, not far from their parent Base and brewery. Though for its small size has in the past played host to Mastodon, Refused and Parkway Drive amongst others. London Evilcore/Hardcore crew So Far So Good state they've played here before and had a lot fun. They play a set that fuses Hardcore with Death Metal, Sludge and Djent in confusing ballet of dirgey guitars, blast beats and throat shredding screams over the occasional drum n bass sample. A good choice to get things started and hope to see them playing higher up on future bills. A month ago Apathy were opening the Sophie Lancaster stage at Bloodstock and now they’re playing in London to about 20 people. You can look at that from a negative point of view or see this as a golden opportunity to see band who one day will be too big to play dive bars. Metalcore one minute, Deathcore the next and then hit you with some Thrash with a mix Grunge and Psychedel...

Hellfest was only a few months ago which was the end of Urne's touring cycle for A Fest On Sorrow. And already they're back starting the cycle over for their upcoming third album Setting Fire to the Sky, which is due out in January 2026 via Spinefarm. Returning  with a new fourth new member live guitarist Kurtis Bagley joining them, they’re treating London fans with a sold out home-coming gig at the Camden Assembly, formerly the Barfly. With no support band they take to the stage at a reasonable time and open with current single ‘ Be Not Dismayed.’ Tracks from 2023’s a Fest on Sorrow ‘Becoming the Ocean’ ‘the Flood Came Rushing In’ and ‘The Burden’ gets the pit going though it looks as though Urne have also become a sing-along band, as horns are held a loft with some passionate singing. Joe’s bass rumbles and vocals roar as Angus and Kurtis shred while drummer James beats the drum with an ever present smile, they play with intesity and tightness we gave come to ex...

The ongoing RMT strike action affecting the London Underground and the choppy stop/start weather hasn’t dampened the spirits of London's Harcore scene which tonight sees the debut of US newcomers Roman Candle who are touring with Queercore favourites Shooting Daggers. Openers My Tiny Room kick things off with some Melodic Shoegazing Screamo. This three piece switch between calming clean moments with meolidic but angular Post-Hardcore riffs building into fierce intense Screamo, showcasing songs such as They Had Twins and No Resolution. Norfolk Post-Hardcore Mountain Peaks play Screamo with Punk energy and each track sounding as anthemic as the llast. Playing to wha they claim to be their best audience yet with various shapes being thrown to various tracks that can be found on their Spotify. Anticipation has been building around Roman Candle’s UK debut and their EP Discount Fireworks is already a scene favourite. Front wwoman Piper Ferrai invites anyone who knows the words songs li...

  For anyone that’s come across the Pete & Vinnie Play podcast are in for a treat as they make their live debut under the moniker No Writer at Camden’s famous historical haunt the Fiddlers Elbow. They pick, shred, duel and generally noodle over a headbanging backing track with tight precision. As openers go and given their talents, they’re ego free, down to earth and well received by all.   Velvet Grip are described as 80’s Rock with 70’s influences which sounds confusing until you hear them. They have that old swagger about them with punchy vocals, rumbling bass, ass-kicking drum fills and shredding guitar solos. They draw a decent enough crowd who demand ‘one more song’ which is delivered with a rendition of Guns n’ Roses Mr Brownstone.   Tonight’s hosts Tempest Saint are a reminder that while it maybe 2025, the NWOBHM era never really left us. Belting out Traditional Heavy Metal reminiscent of Saxon, Iron Maiden and Manowar from their Hyperbolised d...

Camden Town's Devonshire Arms has fresh month the gigs lined up and tonight gets off to Thrash Metal start. Excorcism were supposed to be on the bill but ufortunatly didnt make it. Manchester’s Bloodsaw play unforgiving old school Blackend Speed Thrash Metal that feels like you’ve been taken back in time to of high-top trainers and Metal fringes. They smash through an eleven-song set that includes songs Bow Down and Deadly Speed from last year’s self-titled EP, some new tracks PTSD, Midnight and covers of Slayer’s Repentless and Antichrist. Exaust from South Wales were at the Dev just a few months ago opening for Thrasherwolf, have returned in the headline slot to decimate north London with a brand of Thrash that comes served with a hint of Death Metal. Samshing through set made up of recent EP release Abysmal Earth with tracks Sworn to Silence, Open Wound churning nicely with older tracks the Pharoah and Toxic War as the pit two-steps and slams into oblivion, ending with an ...

  Having rested and recharged day two of the LMC Coalition Fest is ready to kick off with female fronted Death Metal new commers The Slaughtering . Made up of three members from Symbyote with Andi on vokills and Vienna on bass and they blend old school Death Metal with Hardcore aggression. Andi does a good job of warming the pit up jumping off the stage to get the first circle pit of the day moving even if everyone is still waking up. Tales of Perdition change the tone slightly with some Symphonic Metal grandeur. Alea’s vocals soar over intense chunky riffs and melodies which give a few necks a good working out. As do classic old school Heavy Metal four-piece Kardinal X who are described as the bastard love child of Led Zeppelin, Pantera, Dio era Black Sabbath and you can hear why. Heads are-a-banging and horns held a lot during their high energy set which is led by vocalist Jimi James and occasionally bassist and LMC honcho Ade, whilst Shaun shreds on guitar and a kilted John...

  Standing strong with 21 bands across two days along with other performances, interviews and entertainment the Metal community have gathered at Signature Brew in east London for the London Metal Coalition’s third annual Coalition Fest. Over the course of the weekend there is Thrash, Death, Pagan, Operatic Metal…and Morris dancing. This year is the first time there is two stages. The main indoor stage is called Vyte Stage where the bands play, whilst outside for some between sets entertainment there’s the Matt stage, both named after respected people from the scene who left this world too early. Theres also an alternative marketplace and Signature Brew have teamed with the LMC for a signature beer called the Red Tide.   The weekend opens up with the last-minute addition of The Silent Era who kick things off with some Post-Punk Alternative which you may think is a bold move for a Metal festival but, the Coalition is about inclusiveness, knowing their niches and The Silen...