CASKETS | COLORBLIND | PALMIST @ O2 ACADEMY ISLINGTON

Caskets closed out the UK leg of their 2025 headline tour with a ferocious night at O2 Academy Islington, supported by PALMIST and Colorblind.

As I arrived at the venue, a queue of young and hungry metalheads snaked a chunk of the Angel Central where the O2 Academy is located, having rushed to get their spot a few hours before.

Kicking off the night were PALMIST, the London-based alternative rock quintet pushing the boundaries of genre with their electrifying soundscapes and heartfelt lyrics. Their irresistible grooves and disco-infused style seemed an unusual choice as an opener, however 3 songs in and the first circle pit of the night unleashes when they lay down their heaviest song Freak!, a track that fiercely blends metalcore with synth-pop. With over 1 million streams already on Spotify, PALMIST is not a band to second guess in this space - just be sure to bring your dancing shoes.

Up next were Colorblind, the dreamcore band all the way from Austin, Texas. For fans of Sleeping With Sirens, I See Stars, and PVRIS, these guys deliver exactly that. This tour is Colorblind’s first time across the pond and the relentless energy they brought to the stage really set the standard for what’s to come. Teasing the release of their debut album later in the year (mark your calendars for September), exclusive unreleased songs were mixed into the set amongst fan favourites from their 2022 self-titled EP. Racking up some 28 million streams on Spotify so far, Colorblind have made themselves firmly known.

Now, what would be a metal gig without some 90s club classics to get the crowd warmed up? 5,6,7,8 by Steps and Backstreet Boys I Want It That Way had everyone singing in harmony, and as my first metal show of the year, reminded me as to why I love this community. Un-matched.

Caskets opened to Guiding Light from their 2023 album Reflections, “a story of redemption, realisation and belief in your own willingness” vocalist Matt Flood describes. Ripping up the stage with their unrelenting power, Caskets blasted through a 12-song set, proving why the wait was more than worth it since their last headline show in early 2023. Known for their energetic performances, impactful melodies, and emotionally charged lyrics, the four-piece from Leeds delivered a night that will be held close to their fans' hearts. Despite a small venue, the crowd were electric, with pit warriors and surfers galore. Matt Flood got down and personal to draw the evening to an end as he stood over the barrier to belt out the closing songs whilst being held up by the crowd.

Setlist:

Caskets are signed onto SharpTone Records and currently consists of lead vocalist Matthew Flood, lead guitarist Benjamin Wilson, rhythm guitarist Craig Robinson, and drummer James Lazenby.

Tickets for the EU leg of the tour can be purchased at casketsband.com.

Review written by James Nash

Images by Dani Evans