Live Review: Kvelertak - KK's Steel Mill, Wolverhampton
Support: Urne, Desert Storm
20th February 2025
Words: Cat Finch
Photos: Tim Finch
It’s a miserable Thursday in Wolverhampton, the weekend is nearly upon us, but the highlight of the week is Kvelertak making a rare appearance on these shores with a show at KK's Steel Mill.
It is up to Oxford's Desert Storm to open the evening, despite Ryan and Elliot suffering from the usual round of winter bugs, they soldier on valiantly. The band showcased their distinctive fusion of stoner and sludge metal, captivating the audience from the outset.
Each track was executed with precision and intensity, with the band's tight rhythm section and towering riffs forming an unshakable foundation. Notably new song, ‘Cut Your Teeth’ offered a glimpse into their evolving sound, hinting at exciting developments in their upcoming album.
Desert Storm's performance was a bold statement reinforcing their formidable presence in the UK metal scene. The heavy, Sabbath inspired riff’s live strong in the West Midlands, and Desert Storm showed why they are so popular.
Following an electrifying set from Desert Storm, Urne took to the stage delivering a performance that was nothing short of crushing. As the second band of the night, the London-based trio wasted no time in setting an intense, almost cinematic atmosphere with their intricate blend of sludge, groove, and progressive metal.
Opening with ‘The Flood Comes Rushing In’, Urne immediately showcased their signature sound—huge, driving riffs intertwined with dynamic shifts between melody and brutality. Joe Nally’s commanding vocal presence carried raw emotion, soaring over angular, crushing guitar work from Angus Neyra.
‘Becoming the Ocean’ and ‘Serpent & Spirit’ both built up tension before exploding into colossal breakdowns with the crowd responded in kind, heads banging in unison to the relentless groove.
By the time they launched into ‘The Burden’, Urne had fully immersed the audience in their sonic world. The haunting melodies and atmospheric layers added depth to their set, ultimately delivering sheer weight to their set.
Closing with ‘Desolate Heart’, Urne left the stage on a high, having delivered a performance that was as emotionally gripping as it was sonically devastating. If there was any doubt that they’re one of the UK’s most exciting rising forces in metal, their Wolverhampton set put that to rest.
It was now time for Kvelertak to take command of KK’s Steel Mill and they did so in the most explosive fashion imaginable. The Norwegian titans unleashed a relentless onslaught of blackened rock ‘n’ roll, punk energy, and classic heavy metal swagger, keeping the crowd in a constant state of motion from start to finish.
From the moment they launched into ‘Krøterveg Te Helvete’, Kvelertak’s raw energy was undeniable. Vocalist Ivar Nikolaisen was a whirlwind of movement, his infectious enthusiasm matched by the crowd’s immediate response. The six-piece wasted no time shifting into ‘Blodtørst’, its galloping rhythm sending bodies flying in the pit.
With the guitarists creating a wall of sound, songs like ‘Crack of Doom’ and ‘Motsols’ carried an unstoppable momentum, blending ferocious hints of black metal with classic rock showmanship. The crowd roared along to the anthemic choruses, fists pumping as the band tore through their set at a breakneck pace.
The night’s standout moments came in the form of ‘Heksebrann’, where Kvelertak’s ability to build tension before a massive payoff was on full display, and ‘Kvelertak’, which had the entire room chanting along to its anthemic vibe. By the time they reached ‘Mjød", chaos was in full swing as the night reached its peak.
Closing with ‘Bråtebrann’, Kvelertak cemented their status as one of the most electrifying live bands in heavy music today. They don’t play these shores often, but when they do they deliver something special.
Photo Credits: Tim Finch Photography
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