“Who can I trust with tomorrow?”
Much like fellow metal festival, Incineration Fest, Camden will be consumed by Sabbath-worshipping stoner metal in May, with Desertfest taking over the town’s most iconic venues. From the cramped, brutal feel of The Devonshire Arms, to the extensive, high-production, Roundhouse; Desertfest crank the gain on a vast array of “desertscene” bands – each of which worships at the altar of the Boss FZ-2 and rather peculiar substances…
Below, we’ve put together an overview of a handful of our favourite acts set to perform at this marathon of bluesy riffs, germanium fuzz, and pure sonic chaos, with contributions from Emily Cole (EC), Nathaniel Shelley (NS) and Asha Sitarz (AS).
Black Elephant
If Clutch took a strip of acid, released their stoner blues into the cosmos and traded their southern mettle for Italian fuzzed-psychedelia, you may just end up with something close to Black Elephant. The bohemian four-piece exemplify this thriving genre of fuzzed-out riff worship – channeling similar otherworldly weight as fellow Italian doomers, Ufomammut, who attended Desertfest last year. Modern songwriting gels with vintage analogue warmth – fans of the ’70s hypnotic psychedelic blues are in for a real treat as Black Elephant are a present-day amalgamation of everything you love, and then some. A perfect sundown band on the Black Heart stage – large riffs, larger grooves, and enough “cosmic soul” to see you through a trip to space. Nathaniel Shelley
Hexis
Spawning from Denmark’s unholy underground are blasphemous band, Hexis. With their crucifix-adorned album covers and Latin-laced track titles, Hexis present your once pure ears with a malevolent mass – filled with satanic sludge and abominable atmospheres. Each song is blessed with a malicious mix of hardcore, punk, post-metal, and the crushing simplicity of doom that solidifies Hexis as one of the most extreme acts of this year’s lineup. It is almost prophetic that Hexis will be bringing damnation to Desertfest, so if you’re looking for a reason to be excommunicated, head down to the Underworld to witness an evil that can only be eradicated with exorcism. Emily Cole
Hippie Death Cult
Much like Dopelord, another band making a long-awaited return to Desertfest after seven years is none other than Planet of Zeus. It’s almost surreal to think the Greek gods of stoner rock are celebrating their 25th anniversary this year. Their latest album, Afterlife, packs the same punchy energy and infectious hooks as their most iconic releases. Headlining the Underworld on Saturday, they do sadly marginally clash with headliners, Zeal & Ardor (a tough call, I know). But if you’re chasing the raw spirit of the palm desert generator parties, this might just be your spiritual home for the night. Asha Sitarz
Lowrider
Representing Scandinavian doom this year at the Electric Ballroom are desert rock pioneers, Lowrider. Before fellow Swedish bands like Monolord and Greenleaf took over the scene, Lowrider were laying down the fuzz-soaked foundations with their unmistakable hybrid of greasy grooves, revved-up riffs, and truckloads of coarse power – as heard in their 2000s debut, Ode To IO. After re-emerging in 2020 with their sophomore album, Refractions, and reigniting their legacy at Desertfest Berlin, the band have been flooring it ever since. Expect nothing less than a full-throttle sonic assault – ditch “The Horse You Rode In On” and get “Riding Shotgun” with Lowrider. Emily Cole
Stoned Jesus
One of the first bands to baptise the Electric Ballroom in sacred, sonic filth is Ukrainian trio, Stoned Jesus. This band definitely live up to their name with a discography that truly sounds as if Christ got a hold of some marijuana and a fuzz pedal. Every song feels like an abrasive sermon, spanning over 15 minutes and filled with pure Doomicus worship. With their Candlemass-esque vocals, religious riffs, and pious production; Stoned Jesus are certainly an immaculate conception of psychedelia, doom, and stoner metal. Even if this is your “First Communion”, I pledge a holy oath that the power of Christ will compel you to check out this band on Desertfest’s Friday. Emily Cole
Amenra
One of Desertfest’s most anticipated heavy-hitters, Amenra are the quintessence of post-metal, magnificently robed in atmospheric, vociferous sludge. Amenra succeed in standing apart even in an overpopulated scene, with their experimental edge that cements them as uniquely distinct within this year’s line-up. With live shows infamous for their emotive ferocity and brooding soundscapes, you can anticipate guttural catharsis at its peak, paired with intense walls of sound. With De Toorn and the rest of their discography leaning into a vicious blend of genres, Amenra’s structured emotional heaviness promises one of the most visceral and transcendent moments you can experience at the iconic Roundhouse. Bring earplugs – tissues – and brace for “The Dying of Light”. Nathaniel Shelley
Planet of Zeus
Much like Dopelord, another band making a long-awaited return to Desertfest after seven years is none other than Planet of Zeus. It’s almost surreal to think the Greek gods of stoner rock are celebrating their 25th anniversary this year. Their latest album, Afterlife, packs the same punchy energy and infectious hooks as their most iconic releases. Headlining the Underworld on Saturday, they do sadly marginally clash with headliners, Zeal & Ardor (a tough call, I know). But if you’re chasing the raw spirit of the palm desert generator parties, this might just be your spiritual home for the night. Asha Sitarz
Castle Rat
Taking the stage at Camden’s iconic Underworld, are fantasy doom band, Castle Rat. With the release of their debut album Into the Realm in 2024, the New York 5-piece have truly made a name for themselves in the underground scene. Known for their D&D-like stage presence and fantastical backstories, Castle Rat are certainly unique in all regards. Their musical style is almost a light-hearted, magical blend of King Woman’s haunting, clean vocal style and Witchrot’s psychedelic riffmongering. If you’re a fan of medieval mythology, “Battle-Babes & Beasts”, or straight-up riffage, then witnessing Castle Rat is an exceptional way to celebrate such a sinister Sunday. Emily Cole
Dopelord
Closing out the weekend in the Underworld are none other than Polish stoner-doom powerhouse, Dopelord, who are returning to Desertfest after a seven-year absence. Known for their thick, fuzzy riffs and a deep appreciation for vintage cinema, occult and magical herbs; the band summons the spirit of Sabbath while carving out a sound entirely their own. Their live shows are a ritual of monolithic tones and riff worship. Whether you’re a long-time follower or a curious newcomer, this is the perfect way to bow out of a weekend in a haze of doom and distortion. Asha Sitarz
Khan
Forged in the furnaces of Melbourne comes a new iteration of psychedelia and progressive rock. With an aura akin to the sounds of Black Lung, this Australian trio’s discography is drenched in cavernous reverb and swirling fuzz – juxtaposed by the kind of crushing low-end riffs that wouldn’t feel out of place on a High On Fire record. Shimmers of Once More ‘Round the Sun-era Mastodon can be heard in Khan’s latest project, Creatures – melodic sludge, dynamic shifts, and tasteful texture with a drowning fog of echoes and soaring distortion that’ll leave you in a “Purple Haze” of the best kind. Khan’s ability to shift their euphoria into ferocity makes them a definite wild card at the Electric Ballroom – this is one you shouldn’t overlook. Nathaniel Shelley
Desertfest 2025 takes place on May 16th – 18th, and tickets are still on sale which can be found here.
Stay tuned for our live report of the festival!