LIVE FROM THE PIT: Hiraes and NOPREACHERS
- Theviya R Karunaharan
- Apr 27
- 3 min read
HIRAES are no strangers to an energetic London crowd. With two previous performances at The Dome and the O2 Academy Islington as supporting acts for DARK TRANQUILITY and BE LAKOR. These previous incredible performances had left long-lasting impressions and created a group of devoted fans, ecstatic to see another show in the UK. The Black Heart, located in Camden, is primarily known as a haven for metalheads and those who enjoy alternative music. HIRAES had seized the opportunity to perform their first headline London show at an incredible intimate venue, whilst sweeping through Europe, as part of their Nightlight tour with NOPREACHERS. A night filled with rage, passion, and German melodic death metal, this night will not be forgotten.
With their first time performing in London, NOPREACHERS had been releasing music since 2023 and were seen as an upcoming band that blends melodic death metal and metalcore. Their connection to HIRAES became unmistakable with their latest single, Bury Me, which features guest vocals from Britta Görtz, further cementing NOPREACHERS as a German band worthy of recognition. This song proved to be the perfect way to connect with the crowd, ready for an evening of entertainment.
The atmosphere during NOPREACHERS’ was set before the first note. With striking light work that flooded the venue, anticipation rose through the crowd. When the performance kicked in, the powerful clean vocals immediately stood out. Their melodic delivery merged seamlessly with the heavier elements, evident in their track Ikigai. Stage direction was a highlight as the crowd formed a synchronised wave of headbangers and waving arms. A pint was spotted in the centre, lifted high as the arms that swayed in unison. Closing with Rising showcased the diversity of their talent, solidifying NOPREACHERS’ ability to win over new listeners and pull them into their music.
It was time for the main act, HIRAES. With a solid fanbase formed across Europe, their first London headline show was fast approaching. As the clock struck nine, a low hum of anticipation was simmering on the floor. A vibrant sea of blue lights draws the crowd's attention as the band fills their stage. With their backs turned to the crowd in those first few seconds, there’s a quiet confidence and an unspoken promise that the night's performance was going to be worth the wait.
The intro begins with the lead vocalist alone, her voice cutting the anticipation as she clutches the fist microphone. Smoke machines roar to life around her and she rises above the crowd on to a higher platform, adding a theatrical intensity. Through The Storm is the first song on the setlist. Britta Görtz was controlled and ferocious, a voice that anchors the chaos that follows. It doesn’t take long for the crowd to respond. Chants ripple through the floor, fuelled by the band’s compelling stage presence. There’s an incredible balance in the sound: melodic intertwined with waves of raw, passionate aggression. We Owe No One resonates with the floor as lyrics echo back to the stage. Britta Görtz wove into the crowd, letting fans feel closer to her as they screamed along. After some crowd interaction with the band, it became evident that the audience was a mix of longtime fans and newcomers.
Then comes the shift. There is a new level of chaos as the pit opens up: bodies colliding, beer spills and a new round surge of energy. There's a strange sense of unity. The melodic undertones guide the movement as the audience sways, sings, and crashes together like a restless school of fish. From the very back, you can still see it: collective arm movements, Britta’s signature hair propelling, and a collective sense of joy. The band’s sound surges of piercing pig squeals and crushing instrumentation, featuring slashing riffs and solidifying bass lines, before shifting into a “closing stretch” that leans into a Viking-metal-inspired intensity with the song Running Out Of Time.
As the ending approaches, the crowd isn’t ready to let go. Chants for an encore erupt immediately. The band returned to deliver one last assault of slashing riffs and unified voices. Closing the night with Undercurrent, it is solidified that the night was triumphant and hard-earned. Fans were happy with the equally distributed setlist with 7 songs from each album, Dormant and Solitary, being performed. As the venue clears out, there's a unified feeling of content and a yearning for yet another return from German bands NOPREACHERS and HIRAES.
Words: Theviya R Karunaharan
Photos: Lisa Ulferts
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