Total Posts: 75
Tom Fogarty loves music—especially gigs and festivals. A former writer for Pennyblackmusic, Tom’s musical tastes include punk, heavy metal and lots of GG Allin.
Trieste, that quietly elegant Italian port city known for its literary ghosts and coffee-fuelled introspection, may not be the first place you’d expect to host an evening of sublime dread and emotional disembowelment. But on a crisp April night in 2025, Michael Gira and Kristof Hahn turned the Teatro Miela into something between a cathedral […]
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In the dimly lit confines of The Underworld in Camden, a venue that has undoubtedly seen its fair share of musical mayhem, the legendary Norwegian black metal band Carpathian Forest graced the stage on 20 March 2025. The anticipation was palpable, as fans clad in black attire and adorned with various metal paraphernalia gathered to […]
Read articleIf there’s one thing Londoners love more than overpriced pints and passive-aggressively ignoring each other on public transport, it’s a good old knees-up drenched in black metal and craft beer. Enter Black Occult Fest at New Cross Inn—a festival so dark, even your inner nihilist would crack a smile (or at least a grimace of […]
Read articleWembley Stadium—a venue that has witnessed the dulcet tones of countless pop divas and the occasional football match. Yet, on the 25th of February, 2025, it braced itself for an onslaught of a different kind: the ferocious return of Pantera. The Texan titans of metal descended upon London, promising an evening of subtle ballads and […]
Read articleBack in 2011, I went to Primavera Sound in Barcelona. It was a heady and liberating adventure, as it was my first time in the city and my first music festival abroad. As usual with events organised by All Tomorrow’s Parties, the lineup was very eclectic; the main attractions for me being Grinderman, Pulp, and […]
Read articleWho knew that on a Saturday evening in Lewisham, one could ascend to dancefloor Valhalla? Yes, the Utah Saints—those high priests of early ’90s rave—descended upon the Fox & Firkin, a pub that’s part gig venue, part community centre, and part living museum for sticky carpets. And what a spectacle it was. The legendary electronic […]
Read articleThe 100 Club. That hallowed ground of live music where the walls have absorbed decades of sweat, lager, and questionable decisions. Last Saturday, it hosted Cockney Rejects, the East End’s own punk pioneers, proving yet again that the Oi! scene is alive and kicking—albeit with a slight limp these days. The band may be edging […]
Read articleMolotov Jukebox turned Hootananny Brixton into a holiday carnival on a cold December evening, delivering a performance that felt like the sonic equivalent of a boozy, glitter-drenched Christmas party. The six-piece band, fronted by the vivacious Natalia Tena, showcased their signature “gypstep” sound—a heady mix of gypsy jazz, ska, funk, and Latin influences—while injecting the […]
Read articleAttending Ed Tudor-Pole’s gig at the New Cross Inn is a bit like watching The Crystal Maze on a slightly sticky floor. It’s chaotic, unpredictable, and a lot more fun than you probably deserve for the ticket price. The man himself, once the almost-forgotten heir to Richard O’Brien’s silver jumpsuit and still very much the […]
Read articleIn what can only be described as an evening of chaos, gothic melodrama, and an unhealthy dose of corpse paint makeup, Cradle of Filth took to the stage at the Kentish Town Forum on Halloween night. A date that perfectly suits a band who have been waving the flag for theatrical black metal for nearly […]
Read articleLast night’s concert at Slaughter Club was a brutal and thrilling display of hardcore and thrash punk delivered by two bands that clearly live to break boundaries: the Moscow-based crossover thrash outfit Siberian Meat Grinder and Italy’s hardcore veterans Toxic Youth. The evening was packed with energy, aggression, and camaraderie, setting a high bar for […]
Read articleThe The’s live performances have long been revered as a convergence of music, philosophy, and defiant cultural critique. When Matt Johnson, the creative force behind the band, returned to the stage after a lengthy hiatus, expectations were high. Known for their deep lyrics, emotionally charged vocals, and unique blend of post-punk, synth-pop, and political commentary, […]
Read articleThere are certain moments in life where you wonder, How did I end up here? A rainy Friday night at New Cross Inn, surrounded by fervent fans of John Otway, is one of them. With its sticky floors, dim lighting, and a bar staff that seems to have taken a vow of indifference, the New […]
Read articleLondon’s music scene has always been a melting pot of cultures, sounds, and movements. From its punk origins to the metal anthems that have echoed through its streets, the city is a historic hub for rebellious and innovative music. Among its many festivals, Cosmic Void, dubbed “the must transcendental metal festival on earth,” stands as […]
Read articleThe 2024 Beyond the Gates festival in Bergen, Norway, was a triumph for extreme metal enthusiasts, offering a rich tapestry of performances that honoured the genre’s legacy while introducing fresh elements. Held from July 31 to August 3, this year’s edition promised an unforgettable experience, and it delivered on all fronts, blending legendary acts with […]
Read articleI seldom critique albums. I used to do it fairly regularly several moons ago when I was a writer for PennyBlack Music, but apart from casting my critical eye over Daft Punk’s Random Access Memories in 2013 (which was a very lacklustre effort on my part, trying to be topical at the time), that’s about […]
Read articleThe lights dimmed, and the energy inside Milan’s Alcatraz venue surged to a fever pitch as Megadeth took the stage on a balmy June evening. The thrash metal titans, touring in support of their latest album “The Sick, The Dying… And The Dead!” delivered a performance that proved why they remain a seminal force in […]
Read articleSeth Putnam was one of the most polarising figures in the extreme metal scene. As the founder and frontman of the grindcore band Anal Cunt, Putnam became known for his abrasive persona, controversial lyrics, and unapologetically offensive stage presence. Despite—or perhaps because of—his notoriety, he left an indelible mark on the music world. He was […]
Read articleIncineration Fest 2024, the annual gathering of metalheads from around the globe, once again set London ablaze with its infernal lineup and scorching performances. Held across several iconic venues in Camden on 11th May, this year’s edition proved to be a relentless onslaught of extreme metal in all its fiery glory. This year was also […]
Read articleLordi is a Finnish rock band known for their elaborate monster costumes and theatrical stage performances. Led by vocalist Mr. Lordi, the band’s lineup includes other members with monstrous personas, such as Amen (guitar), OX (bass), Hella (keyboards), and Mana (drums). Lordi’s music blends elements of heavy metal, hard rock, and glam rock, often featuring […]
Read articleWelcome to the cosmic chaos of Celestial Darkness Festival 2024, where the stars aligned to bring together some of the most legendary acts in extreme metal. With Primordial, Empyrium, and Ihsahn headlining the event, it was a celestial celebration of all things heavy and haunting. Join me as I take a journey through the astral […]
Read articleSuffocation, the acclaimed New York death mental outfit, played London’s O2 Academy in Islington on 23rd February, so I went along to enjoy a sonic assault on my eardrums. In a world where chaos reigns supreme and the only certainty is uncertainty, there’s one thing you can always rely on: Suffocation bringing the house down […]
Read articleIn the darkened cavern of the concert hall, where the air was thick with anticipation and the scent of sweat mingled with stale beer, Napalm Death took the stage like a force of nature. With a name that evokes destruction and chaos, this legendary grindcore band from Birmingham, England, proved once again why they are […]
Read articleLegendary Irish poet, punk rocker and pisshead, Shane MacGowan, sadly passed away on 30th November 2023. And while it’s probably fair to say that Shane mainly lived a life of excess, it’s a shame that he didn’t get to see one last Christmas this year. Shane was a man whose life story reads like a […]
Read articleAs 2023 marked the 30th anniversary of GG Allin’s death, I decided to commemorate the occasion by writing something about the infamous and anarchic musical artist. My attempt at an obituary (3 decades too late) In the wild world of punk rock, there was no one quite like GG Allin. Born on 29th August 1956, […]
Read articleSpace, the eclectic English band hailing from Liverpool, has carved out a unique niche in the music world since their inception in the 1990s. With their genre-blending sound and witty lyrics, they were seemingly always on the radio and appearing on telly when I was a teenager at school, and I was incredibly fond of […]
Read articleFull of Hell headlined a brutal lineup of (mainly) grindcore bands in the sweaty confines of the dark and intimate north London venue, The Garage, on September 9th. For those unfamiliar with this caustic and corrosive niche of extreme music, grindcore is a fusion of heavy metal, hardcore punk, and industrial genres. It is incredibly […]
Read articleLondon’s music scene was set ablaze as iconic crossover hardcore pioneers Biohazard took the stage at the Islington Academy on 17th August. With a legacy that spans decades, Biohazard’s reputation as a force to be reckoned with was on full display, and the evening unfolded as a testament to their enduring influence on the hardcore […]
Read articleEvery August, the seaport city of Bergen in west Norway hosts a festival of extreme metal, mainly of the black and death variety. This year, the diabolical extravaganza featured a lineup of metal powerhouses, including the likes of Deicide, Gorgoroth, and Dimmu Borgir, so from August 2nd–5th, I decided to pay a second trip to […]
Read articleIt’s a little-known fact that in his spare time—when not busy flying Boeing 757s, taking part in international fencing competitions on behalf of Great Britain, and writing acclaimed books—Bruce Dickinson is the singer with the operatic range who fronts heavy metal pioneers Iron Maiden. A band who really needs no introduction (but will get one […]
Read articleWhen two iconic 80s metal bands, Def Leppard and Mötley Crüe, announced their joint world tour, it seemed like an opportunity too good to miss. I have loved both of these bands since childhood, and they helped fuel my passion for rock music that has endured to the present day. An even more fervent fan […]
Read articleWhen it comes to punk rock, few bands can match the raw energy and passionate performances of Rancid. Recently, I had the opportunity to witness their concert at Wembley OVO Arena, and jolly good fun it was too. From start to finish, Rancid’s performance was an electrifying blend of frenetic punk anthems, infectious melodies, and […]
Read articleIncineration Fest 2023 set London ablaze with a scorching lineup of extreme metal acts that left fans entranced and exhilarated. The event was held on 13th May across four venues in Camden (Electric Ballroom, Underworld, Black Heart and The Dev) and has become something of a hub for the metal community in the UK. This […]
Read articleCosmic Void Festival was held on 24th and 25th September, offering two days of ear-splitting extreme metal in Camden Town, London. Unwholesomely good fun, celebrating the devil’s music, the event took place across two venues situated within five minutes’ walk of each other: The Underworld and Electric Ballroom—an unholy alliance that has been a hub […]
Read articleBilly Idol recently played 6 concerts across the UK, so I took the opportunity to see the 66-year old punk legend’s homecoming London show at Wembley Arena on 19th October. It was the first time the blond-haired rocker has played in the UK capital since 2018. I should say from the outset that I have […]
Read articleThe godfather of shock rock, Alice Cooper, performed at Alcatraz in Milan on 29th June 2022, as part of the European leg of his world tour. Having been a huge fan since childhood, I couldn’t resist the opportunity to see one of his spooky spectacles live. Alice Cooper’s contribution to rock music has been huge, […]
Read articleOn a balmy June evening in 2022, the O2 Academy Brixton played host to Beck (not Jeff Beck), the enigmatic maestro of musical metamorphosis. The venue, renowned for its grandiose architecture and sticky floors, provided the perfect backdrop for an evening that promised to be as unpredictable as the British summer. A Marathon, Not a […]
Read articleMayhem and Mortis (not to be confused with Shanks & Bigfoot) are two acclaimed but distinctly different metal bands that are currently performing across Europe as part of the “Northern Ritual” tour. The London leg of this double-billing event took place at O2 Academy Islington on 22nd May 2022. Despite both bands emerging from the […]
Read articleIncineration Fest is an annual event celebrating the best in extreme metal. After a 2-year absence due to the coronavirus pandemic, the one-day metal bash returned to London on 7th May 2022. The UK’s metal-heads descended on Camden Town to headbang their way along to an eclectic lineup headed by one of Norway’s most famed […]
Read articleAfter a 2-year hiatus due to the Coronavirus pandemic, Inferno Metal Festival returned in full force in 2022 and boasted a powerful lineup of classic bands, including Venom, Gorgoroth, and Mayhem. This annual extreme metal event is held in Oslo at Rockerfella Music Hall and runs for four days over Easter. Often regarded as the […]
Read article80s icons Go West played at the London Palladium on 20th March to celebrate the 35th anniversary of their debut single, “We Close Our Eyes.” The gig was originally intended to happen in 2021 but had to be rescheduled due to COVID-19 restrictions. I took my mum, who is a Go West superfan, to see […]
Read articleMarduk are a black metal band from Sweden who formed in Norrköping in 1990. They take their name from the Babylonian god of magic and were formed with the intention of becoming the “most blasphemous band in the world,” according to founding member Morgan Steinmeyer Håkansson. They were established as part of the so-called “second […]
Read articleThe mighty Supergrass headlined at Crystal Palace Bowl as part of South Facing Festival in August 2021, my first opportunity to see live music since the start of the coronavirus pandemic. Coincidentally, Supergrass were also the very last band that I saw on the weekend before the COVID-19 crisis kicked off in London, back in […]
Read articleOn 6–7 March, Supergrass played at Alexandra Palace (home of the PDC World Darts Championship, no less) after a 10-year hiatus. I realise that it’s a bit late to be posting a review of this gig now, but since the Coronavirus pandemic and subsequent lockdown that followed the very next week after the show, time […]
Read articleBatushka are a Polish black metal band that recently played at the Dome in Tufnell Park on 3rd March 2020. To all intents and purposes they are the brainchild of Krzysztof Drabikowski, who writes all the music and lyrics as well creating the album artwork, and is responsible for the style and ethos of the […]
Read articleLindemann played to a sold out crowd at the 2,300-capacity Kentish Town Forum in London on 23rd February; the duo dubbed “the most politically incorrect band in the world” recently by The Telegraph. A super-group consisting of Rammstein frontman, Till Lindemann and Peter Tägtgren of Hypocrisy and Pain, they have released two albums to date: […]
Read articleOn a cold and dark, rainy Monday in January—in the heart of winter and on the bleakest of days—Abbath played at Islington Assembly Hall in north London. Handy for me as it’s just round the corner from where I work, and what better setting to frame one of the Norwegian black metal scene’s leading exponents? […]
Read articleNorwegian black metallers, Taake, performed at Camden’s Underworld in London on 12th December, so I decided to venture along after voting in the UK General Election to enjoy the carnage. Formed in 1993 in the epicentre of Nordic metal, Bergen, the band are the self-proclaimed pioneers on “True Norwegian Black Metal”, singing—well, screaming—their lyrics in […]
Read articleI saw Ghost on Friday night. I’m talking about the Swedish heavy metal band, rather than the soppy film in which Patric Swayze gets killed, then stalks his wife from beyond the grave via the medium of Whoopi Goldberg. Ghost (the band) are famed for their glitzy stage performances and flashy attire; the singer dresses […]
Read articleDorset-based doom-metallers, Electric Wizard, played Shepard’s Bush Empire on 17th October; a one-off UK show, following their 2018 album, Wizard, Bloody Wizard, before embarking on a small stateside tour to bring 2019 to a close. This was my third or fourth time seeing the band live, and as expected, they did not disappoint. Perched up […]
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