London Metalfest Storms Camden for Its Inaugural Edition

London’s metal scene is gearing up for a new contender on the calendar. On September 12th, Camden will become ground zero for distortion and denim as the inaugural London Metalfest takes over three of its most iconic venues: Electric Ballroom, The Underworld Camden and the Dev.

Born from a passion for the European festival circuit and a desire to bring that “all-in-one” experience to the UK capital, London Metalfest aims to celebrate the full spectrum of heavy music—blending rising talent with established names from across the UK and beyond. Leading the charge are Swedish doom pioneers Candlemass, bringing their monolithic riffs to Camden, alongside the relentless force of Burning Witches, and the dark, genre-bending sound of Dool, hailing from Rotterdam.

The UK is strongly represented, with DeVere flying the flag as one of London's own—firmly embedded in the city’s rising hard rock scene—alongside newcomers like Aethoria, a hard rock outfit emerging from Suffolk with a darker, atmospheric edge.

But this isn’t just about the bands. The festival promises a boutique, immersive experience: vinyl and memorabilia market, official merch, signing sessions, and that unmistakable Camden energy where metal feels less like a genre and more like a shared language.

With limited tickets available and a concept that taps into both grassroots passion and continental ambition, London Metalfest arrives with intent. If this first edition delivers, it could well become a staple in the UK’s heavy calendar—Camden’s answer to the great European metal gatherings.

Tickets and more info available at:

www.londonmetalfest.co.uk

At The Riff Collective, we’re fully behind this exciting new initiative—supporting the scene, spotlighting the bands, and diving deep into what makes this lineup tick. We’ll be breaking down the artists in the coming weeks, and we’ve also put together a dedicated playlist to get you warmed up for what’s coming.

The Riff Collective