Metal, Hardcore, Indie, Rock
The Underworld in Camden Town hosted a powerful international metal showcase on December 2, 2025. Featuring France’s symphonic melodic death metal headliners Aephanemer, supported by UK debuts Portugal’s Dark Oath and Australia’s Valhalore. The packed, intimate venue was the perfect setting for a high-energy evening defined by shared excitement and fierce musical performances. The tour marked the UK debut for Dark Oath and Valhalore, creating a uniquely celebratory atmosphere where personal interactions and blistering musicianship took precedence over elaborate set designs.
Dark Oath from Portugal opens the night with a brutally aggressive and tight performance. For these UK dates, Ross King from Countless Skies filled in on guitar. Lead vocalist Sara delivered a powerhouse performance with constant, energetic hair-flying, leading a band that impressed with their crushing drums and duelling guitars. Their set primarily featured tracks from their 2024 album “Ages of Man”, as well as “Land of Ours” from their 2016 album “When Fire Engulfs The Earth”, surely showcasing their epic symphonic death metal sound.
Australia’s Valhalore kicked off their first-ever UK gig with undeniable charm, quickly winning over the London crowd. An interesting fact about the band is that vocalist Lachlan had previously visited The Underworld as a fan, thus making their performance a dream come true, which he shared with the audience, surely establishing an instant connection. Their vibrant set was noted for its captivating tunes, which layered a genuine folk metal atmosphere over their dynamic blend of clean vocals and growls.
Headliners Aephanemer commanded the stage with an immense presence during their extensive 14-song set. Seamlessly integrating melodic death metal with grand, symphonic overtones that filled the small venue with an epic scale. Frontwoman Marion Bascoul captivated the audience by effortlessly switching between powerful growls and clean operatic vocals. At the same time, guitarist Martin Hamiche showcased blistering, neoclassical-driven technicality, providing a triumphant, memorable finale to an unforgettable night of epic metal talent.
Photos: Peterson Marti
Photos: Peterson Marti
Photos: Peterson Marti
