While She Sleeps / An O2 Forum Kentish Town Metalcore Triumph

It was back in 2022 that While She Sleeps had the gravitas to earn them slots at venues like Cardiff International Arena with Lorna Shore. A headline show at Alexandra Palace would follow. Two nights at the O2 Forum Kentish Town might not be the same size-wise, but these were nights of pure energy and connection and While She Sleeps proved why they are one of the UK’s top Metalcore bands right now.

While She Sleeps – Currents – Thrown – Resolve

O2 Forum Kentish Town – 6 December 2024

Words: Carol Giannattasio

Photography: Antonio Giannattasio

While She Sleeps - O2 Forum Kentish Town - 6 December 2024
While She Sleeps – O2 Forum Kentish Town – 6 December 2024. Photo: Antonio Giannattasio/MetalTalk

While She Sleeps

While She Sleeps completely nailed their set at the O2 Forum Kentish Town. The band played with great energy, performing songs from their latest album, Self Hell, along with fan favourites from their older music.

The crowd were hooked from start to finish, with mosh pits forming and fans shouting every word. Loz Taylor’s vocals were raw and powerful, while the band’s mix of Metalcore riffs and catchy melodies kept the energy high.

While She Sleeps - O2 Forum Kentish Town - 6 December 2024
While She Sleeps – O2 Forum Kentish Town – 6 December 2024. Photo: Antonio Giannattasio/MetalTalk

One of the best parts of the set was how much the band interacted with the crowd. Loz jumped into the audience, making a strong connection with the fans. The venue, with its rough, industrial feel, added to the excitement of the night.

The stage production was also impressive, with great visuals and a sound mix that perfectly balanced the band’s wild energy and melodic parts.

While She Sleeps - O2 Forum Kentish Town - 6 December 2024
While She Sleeps – O2 Forum Kentish Town – 6 December 2024. Photo: Antonio Giannattasio/MetalTalk

A special moment came when they brought Anthony Diliberto from Resolve and Brian Wille from Currents on stage. This added even more power to the performance.

The crowd’s energy peaked during this, matching the intense vibe from the stage. This surprise collaboration felt like a celebration of metalcore, making the live experience unforgettable.

While She Sleeps - O2 Forum Kentish Town - 6 December 2024
While She Sleeps – O2 Forum Kentish Town – 6 December 2024. Photo: Antonio Giannattasio/MetalTalk

The setlist was the perfect mix of heavy anthems and emotional songs, showing off the band’s range. Tracks like You Are We and newer songs from Self Hell brought the house down. The band’s love for DIY music came through in their tight, polished performance.

While She Sleeps - O2 Forum Kentish Town - 6 December 2024
While She Sleeps – O2 Forum Kentish Town – 6 December 2024. Photo: Antonio Giannattasio/MetalTalk

It is a hometown show for While She Sleeps tonight as the band prepare for Sheffield’s The Leadmill.

While She Sleeps - O2 Forum Kentish Town - 6 December 2024
While She Sleeps – O2 Forum Kentish Town – 6 December 2024. Photo: Antonio Giannattasio/MetalTalk

Resolve

Since they started in 2017, Resolve have kept growing, and their set at the O2 Forum Kentish Town was a standout moment during their support slot for While She Sleeps. The band focused heavily on their 2023 album, Human, including the extended version, delivering powerful and emotional tracks like Human, Death Awaits, and Molotov with intensity.

Resolve - O2 Forum Kentish Town - 6 December 2024
Resolve – O2 Forum Kentish Town – 6 December 2024. Photo: Antonio Giannattasio/MetalTalk

Their set was a mix of heavy breakdowns, melodic choruses, and precise playing. Frontman Anthony Diliberto’s strong stage presence stood out, with his passionate performance pulling the crowd in. Guitarist Antonin Carré and the rhythm team of brothers Nathan and Robin Mariat played tightly together, balancing raw energy with technical skill.

Resolve - O2 Forum Kentish Town - 6 December 2024
Resolve – O2 Forum Kentish Town – 6 December 2024. Photo: Antonio Giannattasio/MetalTalk

The crowd responded with lots of energy, joining in with singalongs and starting mosh pits during the band’s most anthemic songs. Resolve’s ability to connect with the audience and keep the energy high set a strong tone for the rest of the night. It’s clear they’re becoming one of Metalcore’s rising stars.

Resolve - O2 Forum Kentish Town - 6 December 2024
Resolve – O2 Forum Kentish Town – 6 December 2024. Photo: Antonio Giannattasio/MetalTalk

Thrown

Thrown’s set was raw and unrelenting. The Swedish band brought a modern, aggressive Metalcore sound that had the crowd energised from start to finish.

Thrown - O2 Forum Kentish Town - 6 December 2024
Thrown – O2 Forum Kentish Town – 6 December 2024. Photo: Antonio Giannattasio/MetalTalk

Frontman Marcus Lundqvist commands the stage with intense vocals, delivering lyrics full of anger and self-reflection. His vocals ranged from guttural screams to haunting melodies, adding depth to the performance. 

The guitar riffs were sharp and relentless, paired with thunderous drumming that kept the audience moving in unison. Fans in the mosh pit were particularly active, responding to the band’s powerful sound and engaging breakdowns.

Thrown - O2 Forum Kentish Town - 6 December 2024
Thrown – O2 Forum Kentish Town – 6 December 2024. Photo: Antonio Giannattasio/MetalTalk

They played fan favourites and some newer tracks, all of which had the crowd either moshing or shouting along. Thrown’s mix of dark, emotive themes with brutal energy kept the moment high throughout their set.

Thrown - O2 Forum Kentish Town - 6 December 2024
Thrown – O2 Forum Kentish Town – 6 December 2024. Photo: Antonio Giannattasio/MetalTalk

This performance solidified their place as one of the rising bands to watch in heavy music.

Currents

Currents delivered an incredible set, bringing their signature mix of heavy riffs, emotional lyrics, and intense energy, keeping the crowd engaged from start to finish. Their setlist featured songs from their latest album along with fan favourites, and they gave it their all.

Currents - O2 Forum Kentish Town - 6 December 2024
Currents – O2 Forum Kentish Town – 6 December 2024. Photo: Antonio Giannattasio/MetalTalk

Moving seamlessly between crushing breakdowns and melodic moments, they showed why they are also seen as one of modern Metalcore’s rising stars. The lighting and stage presence added to the experience.

Currents - O2 Forum Kentish Town - 6 December 2024
Currents – O2 Forum Kentish Town – 6 December 2024. Photo: Antonio Giannattasio/MetalTalk

Lead vocalist Brian Wille poured raw emotion into every word, backed by the band’s powerful playing. Fans were especially hyped for songs like The Death We Seek and Monsters, which had the crowd moshing and singing along. The band’s interaction with the audience created an electric atmosphere, showing they were just as thrilled to perform as the fans were to watch.

Currents - O2 Forum Kentish Town - 6 December 2024
Currents – O2 Forum Kentish Town – 6 December 2024. Photo: Antonio Giannattasio/MetalTalk

Overall, Currents proved why they are a must-see live act, combining technical talent with an emotional, high-energy performance. Their set was a highlight of the night and left fans buzzing long after the final note.

Currents - O2 Forum Kentish Town - 6 December 2024
Currents – O2 Forum Kentish Town – 6 December 2024. Photo: Antonio Giannattasio/MetalTalk
Currents - O2 Forum Kentish Town - 6 December 2024
Currents – O2 Forum Kentish Town – 6 December 2024. Photo: Antonio Giannattasio/MetalTalk
Thrown - O2 Forum Kentish Town - 6 December 2024
Thrown – O2 Forum Kentish Town – 6 December 2024. Photo: Antonio Giannattasio/MetalTalk
Thrown - O2 Forum Kentish Town - 6 December 2024
Thrown – O2 Forum Kentish Town – 6 December 2024. Photo: Antonio Giannattasio/MetalTalk
Thrown - O2 Forum Kentish Town - 6 December 2024
Thrown – O2 Forum Kentish Town – 6 December 2024. Photo: Antonio Giannattasio/MetalTalk
Resolve - O2 Forum Kentish Town - 6 December 2024
Resolve – O2 Forum Kentish Town – 6 December 2024. Photo: Antonio Giannattasio/MetalTalk
Resolve - O2 Forum Kentish Town - 6 December 2024
Resolve – O2 Forum Kentish Town – 6 December 2024. Photo: Antonio Giannattasio/MetalTalk

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