You know how sometimes you can just feel the anticipation building in the air before a show kicks off? That vibe was in full force when Lake Malice took to the stage at The Dome this Friday night, bringing their dark, heavy, and hypnotic sound to the frontlines. The crowd was already buzzing when they launched into Scatterbrain, a track that immediately grabbed you by the throat and didn’t let go. From the start, it was clear Lake Malice were here to make an impression, and they did not disappoint.
Their setlist was a perfect introduction to their chaotic, genre-defying style. Tracks like Black Turbine and Magic Squareshowcased the band’s knack for blending industrial noise with post-punk and electronica, setting the stage for a relentless ride. The room was quickly sucked into their groove, swaying in sync with the heavy, thumping basslines and eerie vocals.
The crowd reacted in full force as the band dropped Creepers and Power Game—songs that have that raw, pulsating energy that demands movement. By the time they hit 3D Robocop (which had its live debut this evening), it was clear Lake Malice were here to own the night.
Then came Eternal December, with its brooding, almost hypnotic build-up that dropped into a furious, distorted outro. The crowd was fully invested by now, and it felt like they were taking the audience on a journey through their twisted, noise-drenched world. Nobody Wants to Be You was another standout, a track that blended moments of dark introspection with high-intensity sonic blasts. Lake Malice’s sound is a strange, compelling mix that hits the sweet spot between menacing and magnetic.
They dropped two unreleased tracks during their set—the live debuts of Ghost and 3D Robocop—and both were massive hits. Ghost in particular stood out with its eerie, atmospheric tension and an intensity that built to a cathartic release. With lead singer Alice keeping the crowd hooked to her every note and word, Blake made sure the riffs were echoing through the north London venue.
By the time they finished up with Blossom—a track that perfectly encapsulates their blend of chaos, beauty, and dark energy—there was crowd surfing from Alice, circle pits, in-crowd guitar playing from Blake and a new found love for London from the band that was more than reciprocated.
There are gigs where you’re just happy to be there. And then there are gigs where you feel like you’re part of something. Blackout Problems at The Dome was one of those nights. From the moment they kicked off with DNA, you could tell this wasn’t going to be your average night of rock ‘n roll—this was a full-throttle, boundary-pushing, emotional rollercoaster.
If you’ve ever been to The Dome, you know the venue has a special kind of vibe—it’s intimate but loud, cozy but electric. Blackout Problems wasted no time setting the room ablaze with DNA, the kind of opener that doesn’t just hit you in the chest; it takes your breath away. A wall of sound blasted through the room, the crowd instantly locked into the band’s frenetic energy. This is a band that knows how to own a stage.
They didn’t slow down, diving straight into WHALES, a track that’s as anthemic as it is raw. By this point, the room was already a sweaty mass of bodies, the kind of atmosphere that makes you feel like you’re part of something bigger than just a show. The band was feeding off the crowd, and the crowd was absolutely feeling it.
The night’s setlist was a masterclass in dynamics. Blackout Problems have this incredible knack for shifting gears between raw, chaotic punk energy and brooding, atmospheric moments that make you pause. Take TROUBLE—the emotional intensity of Mario Radetzky’s vocals turned the track into a cathartic moment that connected with every single person in the room. It wasn’t just a song; it was a release.
But the real treat came with their take on Voodoo People—Pendulum’s remix of The Prodigy’s classic. A cover of a song this iconic? In the middle of a rock set? But Blackout Problems nailed it, making it their own without losing any of the original’s fire. They didn’t just play it—they owned it. The shortened intro into How Should I Know was a nice touch, adding an unexpected twist that had the crowd losing their minds.
As the set rolled on, there were moments that were straight-up mind-blowing. Quicker Than Death saw Blackout Problems teaming up with Lake Malice, and the result was pure chaos in the best way possible. The two bands collided in this beautiful storm of sound, the energy in the room ratcheting up another level. If you weren’t already sweaty, you were by this point.
Other highlights included QUEEN, BLACKROOM, and the fiery GERMANY, GERMANY, all of which kept the momentum high. Blackout Problems have this ability to turn even their quieter moments into massive events—DARLING, for example, started off almost tender before exploding into this intense, layered crescendo that had everyone shouting back the lyrics.
By the time the band hit the encore, the crowd was ready for more, and Blackout Problems did not disappoint. MURDERER, FRONTROW, Rome, and FUNERAL brought the set to a close with the kind of catharsis you only get at gigs like this. FUNERAL was the perfect closer—a track that’s equal parts haunting and electrifying, with a final rush of noise that left everyone breathless.
But it wasn’t just the music that made the night so unforgettable—it was the feeling of being in the moment, part of something that transcended the typical gig experience. Blackout Problems didn’t just play songs; they took you somewhere. And you didn’t just watch them perform—you felt every single note. And not to forget Mario essentially becoming part of the crowd by the end of the night, including a guitar solo in the middle of the room
If you’ve been sleeping on Blackout Problems, it’s time to wake up. Their live show is a beast of its own, a blend of relentless energy, emotional depth, and pure musical chaos. They’ve evolved into something even bigger than their already impressive recorded output, and their performance at The Dome was a statement.
They’ve got the kind of raw power that’ll make your ears ring for days, but it’s their heart—and their willingness to share it with the crowd—that’ll make you remember them long after the lights come up. If this show was any indication, Blackout Problems are going places. And trust me, you’ll want to be there for the ride.
High Fives & Stage Dives 