O2 Academy Islington hosted an all-out metal assault on a cold London night, as The Devil Wears Prada, the genre-defining post-hardcore/metalcore outfit from Ohio, brought their blistering set to the intimate venue. With a powerful mix of crushing breakdowns, melodic elements, and an undeniable stage presence, the evening was set to be a celebration of all things metal.
Opening the night, Ocean Grove brought their unique flair for experimental metalcore to the stage. The Australian quintet is known for blending hard-hitting metal with elements of grunge and alternative rock, and their performance didn’t disappoint. The crowd was immediately drawn to their unpredictable sound, which varies from dreamy to destructive. Tracks like “Silver Linings” and “The Long Sleep” captivated the audience with their genre-blending style, offering a refreshing departure from the usual metalcore formula. The band’s chemistry and offbeat energy made for a compelling opening, with the crowd embracing their eclectic, genre-defying sound.
Following them, Kingdom of Giants stepped up with their precise mix of progressive metalcore. Known for their polished production and technical prowess, they were a natural fit to keep the momentum building. The crowd was treated to a blend of intricate guitar work and explosive rhythms, as songs like “Murderer” and “Clever Girl” showcased their tight, precision-driven approach to metalcore. While Kingdom of Giants’ sound is a bit more methodical and intense, it kept the crowd on its toes, warming them up for what was to come.
But let’s be real—everyone was there for The Devil Wears Prada.
Kicking off their set with the monolithic “Mammoth” from their latest album Color Decay, the band wasted no time in reminding fans why they remain at the top of their game in the metalcore scene. Frontman Jeremy DePoyster’s brutal screams alongside Mike Hranica’s guttural growls painted the room with a vibrant darkness. The intensity was palpable, with their signature combination of melodic hooks and bone-shaking breakdowns locking the audience in from the very first note.
Next up, “Watchtower” and “Danger: Wildman” provided more high-octane, adrenaline-pumping moments, with the crowd moshing in perfect unison. Tracks like these exemplify TDWP’s mastery of the chaotic yet melodic, balancing moments of serenity with full-throttle aggression.
One of the night’s standout moments came during “Born to Lose” as DePoyster asked the crowd to “buy him a drink.” It was an unexpectedly human moment amidst the raw energy, reminding us that the band is still down-to-earth despite their ever-growing success. Of course, that only led to even more headbanging and sing-alongs.
The relentless energy continued with the emotionally charged “Salt”, before they brought things down with “Broken”, which had the crowd chanting the lyrics in unison. With its emotionally-charged hooks and contemplative atmosphere, “Broken” highlighted the band’s more introspective side.
TDWP’s live shows are known for their unpredictability, and this performance was no exception. The band then surprised fans with a cover of Excision’s “Reasons”, a huge shift in their usual style. While this might have seemed like an odd choice at first, it proved that the band is always willing to take risks and push boundaries, keeping their fans on their toes.
The onslaught continued with crowd favorites like “Noise”, “Termination”, and “Escape”, each song amplifying the mosh pit’s intensity to new heights. The pulse of “Dez Moines” echoed through the venue, a reminder of TDWP’s evolution, from their early metalcore roots to their more experimental, heavier sound of today.
As the set neared its close, the band unleashed “Chemical” and “Sacrifice”, with DePoyster and Hranica feeding off the crowd’s boundless energy. By the time they wrapped up with “Hey John, What’s Your Name Again?”, the O2 Academy was practically vibrating with adrenaline, with fans screaming every word.
In true TDWP fashion, they left the stage with a sense of satisfied chaos, their relentless performance never allowing the crowd to let up for a single second.
The Devil Wears Prada remain an unstoppable force, and their ability to evolve while retaining their signature sound is a testament to their endurance in the metal scene. Alongside Ocean Grove and Kingdom of Giants, the night was a full-throttle celebration of everything metalcore fans love—relentless energy, blistering breakdowns, and a sense of unity in the chaos. If you weren’t at this show, you definitely missed something special.
High Fives & Stage Dives 