Swedish metalcore group Adept have recently returned to the studio, and the stage. After a 9 year hiatus the band releases Blood Covenant, a metalcore album that could be used as the definition of what metalcore is – or at least what every band should aspire to.
On December 3rd, Adept took to the O2 Academy Islington for their first London show in almost a decade but it truly felt like they haven’t been gone at all.
The crowds were roaring, the energy running wild, the production was near perfect and the setlist was the right mix between their old stuff from Another Year of Disaster, Silence the World and the newly released Blood Covenant.
The support bands shone brightly as well, Swedish Intohimo, whilst new to the stage for many londoners, have earned their stage and the additions to our playlist, opening up the night with brutal vocals, junty guitars and a love for the craft that spread joy through the entire venue.
Australian Ocean Sleeper came next, showing us that the metal scene down under is indeed in full bloom, as some of the best bands and albums of the genre made their way out of the dangerous pines of Aussie. Playful in approaching the stage but heavy as hell, with catchy choruses and downright defeaning breakdowns.
Thousand Below were next on the lineup, and their really showed why Buried in Jade was their defining moment. Catchy hooks, clean breakdowns, they were the perfect band to listen to while waiting for Adept to take the stage.
Last time I’ve listened to Adept on repeat before this year was somewhere around 2016, towards the end of the Silence the World cycle and the newly released Sleepless. They’ve kept a spot on my playlist since, and when they announced their return with Blood Covenant, I believe I actually sighed a breath of relief that could be interpreted simply as “Finally!”
Looking back at the London gig now, I firmly believe everyone in the room felt exactly as I did.
Adept take the stage with the title track, Blood Covenant, and the energy implodes. They swap back and forth between staple songs such as Carry The Weight (Sleepless – 2016), Shark! Shark! Shark! (Another year of disaster – 2009) and YOU (Blood Covenant – 2025)
Define Me and Filthy Tongue, the heaviest two of the new record make the setlist as well and the crowd reaction says it all. Sweaty mosh pits, screams, callouts and an abundance of crowd-surfers made it a night to remember and a statement of how loyal a fanbase Adept have in London.
It’s refreshing, in a way. Coming back after a decade, staying true to form, showing the love for the craft and the genre by keeping it simple yet effective. A lot more bands could learn a few things from Adept. And a lot of heavy music listeners should check them out!
BarricadeUK 