H.E.A.T., Islington Assembly Hall, London, U.K.

Feb 43 min read

Heavy rock titans H.E.A.T. arrived to a packed-out Islington Assembly Hall in London, UK. The Swedish rock icons held nothing back in displaying a rocky prowess to their loyal fanbase. With a setlist packed full of hard-hitting anthems and soaring melodies, the band proved once again why they are one of the most dynamic live acts in rock today.

The diversity of the audience filling Islington Assembly Hall on this evening was a diverse group of new and old fans alike, many of the H.E.A.T. army in attendance. Support acts Chez Kane and Art Nation set the tone early on, each band equally energetic and engaging. This was an evening planned to uplift and this was a crowd ready to party with this current generation of rock greatness.

Glenn Frey’s classic The Heat is On started blasting through the PA, and H.E.A.T. stormed the stage amongst smoke cannons shooting up in the air. Launching straight into Disaster – their stage presence made it was clear that the night was going to be an all-out rock spectacle. The energy surged as they transitioned into Emergency and Dangerous Ground, with frontman Kenny Leckremo commanding the stage with his signature powerhouse vocals. The audience fed off their intensity as the bands tight synergy was on full display.

As the set progressed, H.E.A.T. balanced newer material like Nationwide and Hollywood with beloved fan favourites. Rise brought a moment of uplifting unity, while In and Out of Trouble provided a soulful change of pace. In full party mode, the audience sang along passionately to Beg Beg Beg, which featured a surprise snippet of Black Sabbath’s War Pigs, adding a touch of classic rock nostalgia to the mix. Sky Davids ripped through the classic riff which caused the crowd to cheer, his guitar with only the bridge pickup honouring Tony Iommi’s classic sound.

One of the night’s highlights came in the form of an exhilarating drum solo that showcased Don Crash’s incredible skill and showmanship. The band then launched into Back to the Rhythm, reigniting the crowd’s energy before diving into one of their biggest hits, Living on the Run. The H.E.A.T. Army sang along loud and proud through the chorus, in a singular voice that could evoke memories of old Wembley Stadium with some of the world’s leading rock bands through the 1980’s. No song felt more at home on this setlist.

The night’s closing stretch featured anthems that had even the seated on their feet. 1000 Miles was a standout, its infectious melody prompting another full-throated singalong. The explosive One by One and the powerful closer Tearing Down the Walls sealed the night with a bang, leaving fans craving more.

H.E.A.T. delivered a masterclass in live rock performance. Their setlist was perfectly curated, their energy and stagecraft were unmatched, and their musicianship was flawless. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to their music, catching H.E.A.T. live is an experience that should not be missed. They don’t just perform; they set the stage ablaze, alongside the hearts of all watching. I can speak from experience when I say that they genuinely made a lot of new fans in the photographer’s pit during the show.

H.E.A.T. continue to perform across mainland Europe and South America during the first half of 2025, returning to the UK to play Made of Stone festival on Friday 18th July. Don’t miss the chance to catch this high-octane act at any opportunity.

Setlist

1. Disaster

2. Emergency

3. Dangerous Ground

4. Hollywood

5. Rise

6. Nationwide

7. Harder to Breathe

8. In and Out of Trouble

9. Beg Beg Beg (Included a snippet of Black Sabbath's 'War Pigs')

10. Drum Solo

11. Back to the Rhythm