Review and Photos By Fraser Allan

The O2 Academy in Islington is no stranger to rock mayhem, and tonight it hosted an absolute powerhouse lineup. With a capacity of 800, the intimate venue became a furnace of heavy riffs, pounding drums, and soaring vocals from Fearless Vampire Killers, Conquer Divide, and New Years Day. Each band brought their own flavor of chaos, leaving the crowd breathless by the end of the night.
Fearless Vampire Killers kicked things off with a six-song set that perfectly blended theatricality and grit. The five-piece from East England wasted no time, opening with All Hallows Evil, a groovy yet heavy track that immediately energized the crowd. Dual vocalists Laurence Beveridge and Kier Kemp were in fine form, trading vocal duties seamlessly while drummer Luke Illingworth hammered out thunderous beats.


Highlights from their set included Necromania from 2012’s Militia of the Lost and Keep Smiling from 2015’s Bruises EP, showcasing intricate guitar work that kept the audience hooked. They closed with Neon in the Dance Halls, a fan favorite from Unbreakable Hearts, which had the crowd singing along with every word. Their energy and chemistry set the perfect tone for the rest of the evening.
Next up was Conquer Divide, a band that delivered a surprising punch. Originally formed in Michigan, the now-international group has evolved into a well-oiled metal machine. Kiarely “Kia” Castillo’s powerful clean vocals blended effortlessly with bassist Spencer D Maybe’s ferocious screams, creating a vocal contrast that kept the set dynamic and engaging.


Most of their set came from 2023’s Slow Burn, kicking off with Atonement. Kristen Sturgis and British guitarist Izzy Johnson kept things heavy with tight, aggressive riffing, while Chemicals brought a wall of sound that shook the room. Bad Dreams, their latest single, stood out with its catchy chorus and massive breakdown, while Welcome2paradise closed the set with a raw, shout-along intensity.

By the time New Years Day hit the stage, the crowd was ready for a grand finale, and the California-based band did not disappoint. Frontwoman Ash Costello, the sole remaining founding member, owned the stage with her fierce presence and incredible vocals.

The setlist leaned heavily on their latest release, Half Black Heart. Kicking off with Vampyre, the band unleashed a relentless onslaught of low-tuned guitars and massive drums, courtesy of Tommy Rockoff, who delivered a standout performance all night. Half Black Heart and Fearless continued the sonic assault, before the band surprised the crowd with a powerful cover of Kehlani’s Gangsta, a soulful twist that rivaled the original.


The second cover of the night, Pantera’s Fucking Hostile, cranked the energy to 11 and whipped the crowd into a frenzy. Ash climbed down into the audience during Skeletons, walking through the room and singing to fans face-to-face—a bold move that elevated the already electric atmosphere. The set ended on a high with three bangers from Malevolence: I’m About to Break You, Defame Me, and Kill or Be Killed, leaving the entire room chanting, “Sick, Sick, All of Us Are Sick!”

Verdict? A Night to Remember
All three bands brought something special to the stage. Fearless Vampire Killers proved they’re still as fun and engaging as ever. Conquer Divide were a revelation, combining heaviness with heart in a way that left a lasting impression. And New Years Day? Simply put, they owned the night. Ash Costello and her band are a force to be reckoned with—a group of performers who can captivate and crush in equal measure.
If you missed this show, you truly missed out. This was a masterclass in how rock and metal should be done—loud, raw, and unforgettable.
+ There are no comments
Add yours