Dedicated to supporting LGBT+ musicians in the UK metal scene, London’s first Metal Pride was held at Signature Brew in Haggerston on Sunday 8 June. From the moment I arrived, til the moment I got home and tripped over my cat, I couldn’t stop smiling. It was the gayest, glorious-est, gnarliest, prettiest, queerest, meet your new best friends-est, most fun, happiest, best and brilliant festival ever organised (after LOUD WOMEN Fest, of course) and I’m still smiling!
Here’s a joint review from me and my fellow LOUD WOMEN photographer, Artemi Falzon.
Artemi was there waiting for the first band, Angrygynophiles. You’d never have guessed this was this band’s second ever gig, a worthy opening act that very much got everyone warmed up!
I was introduced to a ‘twerkle pit’, during the second band’s set; a very honourable mention to Worship The Sacrifice. Who in a completely different outfit, were present for Symbyote.
What more could you want from a metal gig than a human pyramid forming in the mosh pit? I mean really, though. Because it was followed by a Macarena pit.
Then fourth in the first set of Bands, Nymphic, took the stage. With a strong presence, the singer was in what could be a bullet proof vest and started discharging bullets for salvation. The crowd went wild, I took so many photos my camera was really struggling to keep up!
Angrygynophiles. Photo by Artemi Falzon 
Hawxx. Photo by Keira Anee 
Broken Calling. Photo by Keira Anee 
Atlas Theory. Photo by Artemi Falzon 
Davghter. Photo by Keira Anee 
Wolfy. Photo by Keira Anee 
Black Mass. Photo by Artemi Falzon 
Be N!ce. Photo by Artemi Falzon 
Nymphic. Photo by Keira Anee 
Photo by Keira Anee
Be N!ce may have been the least heavy act on the stage, but that didn’t stop them from jumping into the mosh pits formed while they sing about just going to bed and getting some well earned sleep (and being angry about work, and other things). They are playing the LOUD WOMEN Brighton Minifesto on 19 July, too!
Then Black Mass. Entire bands struggle to be as brutal as what this solo brutal black metallist produced!
After a short break filled by Drag King Wolfy on Karaoke, Davghter took to the stage. Nothing was safe from frontwoman Izzy climbing on it, from tables at the front of the venue to the lighting scaffolding, as they called out transphobic politicians and even gifting us a black metal cover of Chappell Roan‘s Pink Pony Club.
Atlas Theory, who hail all the way from Cardiff, were next. An emo inspired set was met in the crowd by again, more moshing and fists in the air.
Broken Calling were a band of dual vocalists and masks. They rocked the stage and were joined by Kid Bookie, as two vocalists wasn’t enough for them! One of their guitarists could jump higher than a ping pong ball thrown in rage, too.
Headliners Hawxx certainly earned their place, with the three (plus guest bassist) piece’s set including epic standout ‘Death Makes Sisters of Us’ All, a war cry against violence against women and queer folks, with a guest appearance by The Buttercups. The patriarchy cowered.
Even after Hawxx the party wasn’t over, as the party continued with a DJ for those queers not tired out yet – on a Sunday night! – from all the moshing, head banging and pit shenanigans.
I tell people how I’d be too lazy to run from a bear; but would happily run from a mosh pit like an olympic athlete. At Metal Pride everything felt safe (whilst of course, dark and gnarly). It was actually overwhelming how brilliant this festival was.
It provided the most amount of sequins in a mosh pit, fabulous outfit changes and it was the first time I’d ever had the pleasure of seeing a drag King. The heavy and political, whilst also heavy day-to-day annoyances were themes the crowd collectively lapped up: MUCH more of this sort of thing!!