Friday night detox: HANABIE. and Lake Malice cleanse the system with their show in London

Walking into a packed Electric Brixton on a Friday night is just something else. It’s the end of the week, and everyone is eager to shake off the past few days. A gig is definitely one of those things that helps take the edge off.

Whatever genre Lake Malice and HANABIE. play, it definitely draws in the younger crowd, but you can also find the classic metalheads in the mix. There’s a buzz in the air, and Electric Brixton could be the perfect spot for a show that wrapped up well before the classic 11 PM.

So, with the EU/UK tour wrapping up in November, Lake Malice is the guest for this London show, making room for the rest of the tour to be taken over by Sun Brutal Pop.

Lake Malice

1. Magic Square
2. Black Turbine
3. Scatterbrain
4. Power Game
5. Ghost
6. Nobody Wants To Be You
7. Mitsuko
8. Stop the Party
9. Creepers
10. Blossom
11. Bloodbath

We’ve been watching Lake Malice for a while now. A few months back, we totally felt their amazing energy when they were backing Scene Queen, and honestly, they really caught our attention even then. The extra time on stage and an audience eager for their unique brand of chaos really took the atmosphere to a whole new level.

The crowd in London really went for it; they jumped straight into the pit as soon as the first song started playing. The setlist may have seemed like something we’ve heard before, but the sound and intensity really made it pop this time around. It honestly felt more like a cosy hangout with their loyal fans rather than just a typical support slot. And for anyone still trying to put them in a box: just forget about those neat genre labels. Lake Malice brings an exciting mix that combines the powerful rhythms of metalcore and nu-metal with the modern sounds of electronic rock and hyperpop.

Blake, the guitarist and composer, really brings a sense of calm that holds everything together. He blends those intense, heavy riffs with some glitchy, industrial electronic sounds in a really awesome way. Their sound really pops with those thoughtful layers, adding so much depth and complexity. Alice totally knows how to own the stage. She glides effortlessly between these uplifting, melodic choruses and those intense, raw screams. It’s definitely worth a listen! Her versatility truly makes her a fantastic fit for the band’s deep themes, exploring everything from past trauma and social anxiety to toxic relationships. When she sang the powerful lyrics of songs like “Black Turbine” and “Nobody Wants To Be You,” you could really sense the genuine emotion behind the anger. The show was fantastic; it just had a couple of minor costume hiccups!

Photo: Peterson Marti.

HANABIE.

1. Warning!!
2. Bucchigiri Tokyo
3. Spicy Queen
4. Meta-moru-phose!
5. Ware Amatou
6. Kotoshi koso Gal~Shoka ver.~
7. GIRL’S TALK
8. Reiwa Matching-sedai
9. GAMBLER
10. Choujigen Galaxy
11. NEET GAME
12. TOUSOU
13. Osaki ni Shitsurei Shimasu.
14. Today’s Good Day & So Epic
15. O•TA•KU Lovely Densetsu

The first thing that grabs your attention isn’t the guitar feedback; it’s the incredible visual contrast. Forget those usual black t-shirts and dull lighting; this band’s vibe really embraces spectacle. They were all decked out in super colourful, stylish outfits that looked like they just stepped out of a vibrant anime convention. This “kawaii” look is such a fun visual trick—it lures you in with those bubblegum pop vibes, but then it really packs a punch.

The heart of the show’s chaos is definitely frontwoman Yukina. She truly knows how to own the stage! One moment, she’s bouncing around with an adorable, high-pitched “Hello, London!” charm, and the very next, she’s unleashing a guttural, earth-shattering metalcore scream that totally surprises you, especially coming from her sweet persona. This immediate and seamless shift from pop vocals to death-metal harshness is the band’s signature and a standout moment.

And when they lean into the heavy stuff, it hits home hard. Tracks like “Bucchigiri Tokyo” and “Spicy Queen” totally kicked off the mosh pit from the get-go. The breakdowns really pack a punch and have such a great groove, transforming the cheerful crowd into a spinning, sweaty whirlwind in no time. It’s such a fun scene: people in costumes like minions having a blast next to guys in denim vests. This heavy precision is supported flawlessly by the rest of the band: Matsuri’s guitar work is full of sharp, melodic riffs; Hettsu brings some of the heaviest and most satisfying bass grooves I’ve heard this year; and Chika really shines as a powerhouse on the drums.

Beyond the musical chops, their connection with the audience is remarkable. Despite limited English, language isn’t a barrier at all. What they were doing on stage really felt authentic, creating a strong bond between the band and the fans right from the start. There was a cute little moment when Yukina jumped off the stage to high-five some of the fans, and I’m certain she also took a few selfies with them too!

Photo: Peterson Marti.