FESTIVAL PREVIEW: DesertFest London 2026
Words: Matthew Williams
Photos: Tim Finch
After many years of admiring Desertfest from afar, I finally ventured down to Camden last year for the UK’s premier festival of all things doom, stoner, sludge and psych. The excitement of being there for the first time was only improved further when I saw next year’s dates advertised in The Electric Ballroom, and I vowed to return. With so many amazing and talented bands on offer it whetted my appetite, so here’s who to look out for at this year’s stunning event.
Inevitably, all eyes will be on the main stage headliners with two huge nights planned for The Roundhouse, which is a fabulous venue to watch live music. I let out a few whoops of delight when I saw Hermano confirmed, as I’ve been a massive fan for years, so they are a “must-see”. Having witnessed Green Lung in Manchester three times in recent years and seeing singer Tom Templar enjoying himself at The Underworld last year, I’m looking forward to hopefully hearing some new songs mixed with their awesome back catalogue. And finally, I can’t add any words about Clutch that haven’t been said before, and as one of the best live bands in the world, they’ll certainly be bringing their DC Sound Attack on Sunday night.
Friday
If you haven’t seen Belgium’s Dukes of Disgrace Gnome before then get along to the Electric Ballroom, as they are incredible and it will explain the plethora of red pointy hats that will be seen around Camden on Friday, but kicking the day off is one of the godfathers of desert rock, Mario Lalli and his Rubber Snake Charmers, which will be an audible treat for all. Over at The Underworld, they are hosting some absolute gems, with Swedish rockers Hallas headlining, but I’m intrigued by Lorquin’s Admiral, Glasgow doomgazers Cwfen and of course the return of New Jersey heavyweights Solace.
I’ve witnessed Witchsorrow live a few times and they are well worth casting your eye over but it’s The Black Heart where more of my interest leans, with the return of Florida sludge pioneers Cavity, aided in their onslaught by the mighty Moloch, punchy Praetorian and Iron Slug. And if that wasn’t enough, The Dev has Italian quartet Supernaughty, who I’m really excited about seeing, alongside Iron Rat and headliners Meatdripper. If you manage to survive all this, then you are doing well, but Saturday will come around quickly, so get ready for more.
Saturday
Another day that is stacked with bands which will have people running in-between venues to catch as many as possible. If you want a bit of crossover thrash then head to the Roundhouse for the brilliant Inhuman Nature, or if death metal is your thing, catch Brighton’s Smouldering Tomb at The Dev. Another must-see band for me is IAN as their album was one of my top five from last year and I simply can’t wait to enjoy their elegant post rock drudgery.
The Black Heart once again hosts some excellent bands, with Londoners Okay You Win and Denver’s Abrams two of the bands I need to catch with Texans High Desert Queen headlining, who will have the crowd rocking. If you want your ears to bleed, then head The Underworld for the raw aggression of Harrowed followed by the immense Khost, and if you survive that and crave something more fearsome at the end of the evening, then Scotland’s Coffin Mulch are the ones for you, and having seen them twice, they are something to behold.
Sunday
The Roundhouse on Sunday is one of those days that people dream of, as it is laden from start to finish with absolute quality. Not only do we get headliners Clutch, but the return of another Texas powerhouse, The Sword alongside the unparalleled genius that is Earthless, Sweden’s fuzzy legends Truckfighters and all started off by the juicy Steak. The venue will be packed out but, as always with Desertfest, there are gems across the other venues as well.
One of which is Panama’s AlphaWhores, a duo who bring their intriguing alternative metal sound to the UK, so be sure to watch them but only after you’ve been wowed by the musical shapeshifters known as Teiger and Sweden’s post-psych band Den Der Hale. Mumbai’s favourite sons Midhaven kick off proceedings at The Underworld, so I’m hoping to pop in to see them and having witnessed the sheer power of The Grey earlier this year, I can’t recommend them highly enough, alongside Alunah and two of the other headliners, Blackwater Holylight and Cult of Occult.
With so much on offer over the three days, Desertfest London gives people an opportunity to not only discover new bands but have that immense joy and satisfaction of watching your favourite bands once again. See you there earth rockers!!
Photo credits: Tim Finch Photography
