Debut gigs always hold that extra bit of anticipation, not only for fan bragging rights, but also for that first glimpse of the band’s energy and vibe. Lords Of NWOBHM contain some very familiar faces, so we knew we were in safe hands, and tonight, at the Cart & Horses, we experienced the joy and thrill of the very essence of Heavy Metal.
Lords Of NWOBHM – Leader Of Down
Cart & Horses, London – 8 January 2026
Words: Liz Medhurst
Photography: Steve Ritchie
There have been plenty of supergroups put together for various reasons. But this one, comprising Tino Troy (Praying Mantis), John Gallagher (Raven), Karl Wilcox (Diamond Head), Cliff Evans (Tank) and Carl Sentance (Persian Risk), offers something a little bit different.
Formed to celebrate the NWOBHM heritage and ongoing legacy, this is not a tribute band nor a covers band, even though the setlist contains classic Metal songs. This is a collection of true original frontrunners from the scene, which they all had a significant part in creating.
Tonight may be the first time the five have played all together on the same stage, but the connections between themselves and their bands are deep-rooted, so much so that it is impossible to make a comprehensive list.
They have toured together, had band members in common, criss-crossed through each other’s professional lives in many ways, and it is hard to think of a better lineup in both experience and chemistry.
Leader Of Down
Support came from Leader Of Down, and there are even more links there, as that was ex-Motörhead guitarist Würzel’s final band, formed with bass player Tim Atkinson and every band member on stage tonight can trace a connection to Motörhead too.
Leader Of Down warmed us up nicely with a tight and punchy set from the quartet, vocalist Matt Baker skilled in creating an atmosphere and getting everyone going, with cuts from the albums Cascade Into Chaos and The Screwtape Letters showcasing their talent for traditional Metal.
It is always great to see this band live. The mid-set three-song punch of Midnight In London, Cat’s Eye Night and Holloway Motel is a great, powerful and melodic trio of tracks, and when the band welcomed Dennis Stratton to the stage after Feel Good, there was a whiff of an expectant spoiler in the air for tonight’s main act special guest slot.
The inevitable Hitman followed, and if you have not seen the video for this track yet, then you should, as Stratton’s Oscar-worthy escape performance is a gem. The crowd were pumped to join the Hitman chorus, and the following Master Of The Universe, complete with Stratton solo, was a great ending to a fantastic set.
Lords Of NWOBHM
It took precisely ten seconds after the Lords Of NWOBHM took to the Cart & Horses stage for cheers to ring out in recognition of the first song, a rousing version of Samson’s Riding With The Angels. This band mean business, and they deliver the goods.
Carl Sentance was in great voice, the twin guitars of Cliff Evans and Tino Troy complemented each other perfectly, and the engine room of John Gallagher’s muscular and melodic bass and the thundering drums of Karl Wilcox gave us an onslaught that was thoroughly satisfying.
As a nice bonus, each member brings a unique stage presence that makes for engaging watching, too.
Sixteen tracks were well chosen, with good variety from up in your face Metal to a more melodic side, and plenty of surprises. There were tasty cuts from the band’s core catalogues (e.g. Shellshock, Children Of The Earth, Break The Chain, Women And Rock and In The Heat Of The Night), and the net was cast wider to include gems such as Hellbound from Tygers Of Pan Tang.
The audience reaction was always going to be a key measure in tonight’s success, and it was universally positive. Everyone was singing along, shouting, completely caught up in the performance.
This is our music, our life soundtrack, and we revelled in experiencing what would make a great party playlist come to life before our eyes.
Before the set closed, a very special guest was welcomed as original Iron Maiden guitarist Dennis Stratton took to the stage to guest on Phantom Of the Opera, a lovely touch to end a glorious night.
With this debut gig triumphantly completed, the band head off to Japan for some shows, with the promise of more to come later on this year.
Bring it on.
Lords Of NWOBHM Setlist
Riding With The Angels (Samson)
Shellshock (Tank)
Riding High (Persian Risk)
Children Of The Earth (Praying Mantis)
Rocks Off (Def Leppard)
In The Heat Of The Night (Diamond Head)
Break The Chain/Bass Solo (Raven)
(He Fell In Love With A) Stormtrooper (Tank)
Hellbound (Tygers Of Pan Tang)
Lovers To The Grave (Praying Mantis)
Princess Of The Night (Saxon)
Women And Rock (Persian Risk)
Don’t Need Your Money (Raven)
Angel Witch (Angel Witch)
Am I Evil? (Diamond Head)
Phantom Of The Opera (Iron Maiden) (Ft Dennis Stratton)
