On the 21st of February, we had the opportunity to watch a very heavy night at the Electric Ballroom, with the presence of two UK locals: Desert Storm and Urne and the Norway band Kverlertak.
Desert Storm
Starting with Desert Storm as the venue started filling, we had a great blend of Stoner and Sludge metal, coming from Oxford, playing some of their earlier songs and teasing for their 2025 album coming up, they started showing us a bit of what was to come. The vocalist Matt Ryan also was wearing some of the Desert Fest metal festival, where they played on the 2023 edition, and hopefully will play again soon, as they are a perfect fit.
Urne
After such a strong start, it was time for the band Urne to come to the stage, formed by Angus, Joe and James, they’re the locals, coming from London and bringing even more weight with their mix of Sludge and Stoner Metal, it felt too short by playing only 6 songs, that although long (as most of the songs from the genre), it kept me wanting for more. My highlights were “The Flood Comes Rushing In”, which brings a lot of melodic elements to the heavy riffs, and “The Burden” which goes full-on into the depths of what the band is capable of, and finishing with “Desolate Heart” on a slower note, which could’ve been a brilliant idea for what was coming up next.
Urne Setlist
Venue: Electric Ballroom, London
Set:
- The Flood Comes Rushing In
- Becoming the Ocean
- Serpent & Spirit
- The Palace of Devils & Wolves
- The Burden
- Desolate Heart
Kverlertak
When Kverlertak’s vocalist Ivar Nikolaisen entered the stage, it was such a boost of energy that caught me off guard. His presence and energy were impressive, commanding the stage from side to side while playing “Kr