On 21 February 2025, London’s Electric Ballroom erupted into chaos as Kvelertak, Urne, and Desert Storm unleashed a night of blistering riffs, thunderous drums, and unrelenting energy. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as fans packed the venue, eager for an evening of primal force and sonic precision.
Kvelertak – Urne – Desert Storm
Electric Ballroom, London – 21 February 2025
Words And Photography: Ash Nash
This powerhouse lineup promised to deliver a tour de force of Metal in all its ferocious forms, and it certainly did not disappoint. From start to finish, the stage was set for a night that would sear itself into the memory of every headbanger in the room.
Desert Storm
Opening the night with undeniable force, Oxford’s Desert Storm wasted no time in asserting their dominance with a commanding set that showcased their signature fusion of Stoner and Sludge Metal. Currently recording a new album, the band gave fans a taste of what is to come, drawing from their incredible back-catalogue.
Desert Storm’s setlist was a potent mix of fan favourites and newer material, including tracks like the groove-laden Cut Your Teeth from Omniscient, the searing Badtrip from Death Rattle, and the brooding Black Bile from the same album.
Each track was executed with precision and intensity, with the band’s tight rhythm section and towering riffs forming an unshakable foundation for the acts that followed.
Desert Storm have established a formidable presence in both London and their hometown of Oxford through years of powerful performances, sharing stages with the likes of Famyne, Trippy Wicked and the Cosmic Children Of The Knight, and Gurt.
Their performance on this night was not just a warm-up—it was a bold statement, reinforcing why they remain a force to be reckoned with in the UK Metal scene.
Urne
Next up was Urne, a band rapidly gaining momentum in the Metal world. Their performance served as a perfect bridge between the evening’s opener and the headliner, delivering a set that was both technically proficient and emotionally resonant.
Urne’s ability to seamlessly blend melodic elements with heavy riffs captivated the audience, leaving them hungry for more.
Their setlist included powerful tracks such as The Flood Came Rushing In (from A Feast OPn Sorrow), Becoming The Ocean (from A Feast On Sorrow), and Serpent & Spirit (from Serpent & Spirit). Each song was delivered with intensity, further solidifying Urne’s reputation as a rising force in the genre.
Urne’s latest release, Throes Of Grief, is a dynamic track that highlights the band’s evolving sound and musicianship. A journey through raw emotion, it blends crushing heaviness with melodic intricacies, further proving Urne’s potential to push boundaries in the Metal scene.
With their evolving sound and bold musical direction, the future looks incredibly promising for Urne, setting the stage for even more groundbreaking releases ahead.
Kvelertak
Then, from the moment Kvelertak hit the stage, they unleashed an unstoppable surge of energy that immediately consumed the crowd. The band wasted no time, diving headfirst into a set packed with fan favourites like Krøterveg Te Helvete and Mjød, each song hitting with the precision and ferocity that have become their signature.
Blistering riffs, thunderous drumming, and Ivar Nikolaisen’s commanding vocals propelled the audience into a collective frenzy.
The crowd was swept up in the Kvelertak’s magnetic presence, with mosh pits erupting and chants reverberating throughout the venue. Whether playing classics or newer tracks, each song was delivered with a raw intensity that captured the essence of the band.
As the gigantic flag flew on stage, it signalled a final call to arms, each song met with an eruption of enthusiasm from the audience.
Kvelertak’s set moved at a relentless pace, their chemistry electric as they seamlessly transitioned between tracks. The band’s commitment to giving everything on stage was palpable, with each member feeding off the crowd’s energy and delivering it back at full throttle.
A masterclass in stage command, Kvelertak’s live show left an indelible mark, reaffirming their status as one of the most electrifying acts in Metal.
The Electric Ballroom, with its intimate atmosphere, proved the perfect setting for the night, where camaraderie and mutual respect flowed between the band and the fans.
As the final notes faded and the lights dimmed, the crowd left still buzzing from an unforgettable night of ferocious live music.
