Live Review: Infected Rain, with Skarlett Riot & Secreum at The Underworld, Camden, London (29/08/24)

It’s been such an incredible year for Infected Rain already (and there’s so much more to come) that this London headline show feels like celebration. A celebration of Time, a celebration of the achievements following the new album’s release earlier this year, and a celebration of being in a much better place, mentally and physically.

Infected Rain’s Summer plans have seen them on the road pretty much since the end of June, and a handful of UK dates heralds the end of this current run. Although not for too long as the latter part of 2024 is looking pretty intense. To say that Infected Rain are on a roll at the moment is to underplay just how much momentum they have and the proof is the fact that The Underworld in Camden, London, is packed to the brim when they take to the stage.

Before that though, it’s the happiest band to ever play The Underworld, it’s Secreum and their excellent head-banging inducing ways. Why am I calling them the happiest band to ever play The Underworld? Because no band has had grins as big as theirs for 30 minutes straight and all while delivering riffy, groovy, and meaty metal sounds. They loved every second of their time on stage, and those good vibes prove to be super-infectious.

Those who came early, and there were a lot, end up having an absolute blast sending Secreum away with the knowledge that this might have been one of their best shows. How good was guest vocalist Charlotte Jones too? That track, ‘Voice of Reason’, was freaking beastly!

Less beastly, but with no shortage of heavy and anthemic moments, it’s Skarlett Riot, a band that are beginning to look like they are poised to headline venues of this size. Hyperbole? If you think so, you weren’t there. The amount of Skarlett Riot t-shirts, the size of the crowd in front of the stage, the noise made throughout their set, and the grins on the faces of the band proves unequivocally that they belong.

So, what’s the appeal? It’s modern metal with inventive alt-twists and pop-infusions that bleeds authenticity while being undeniably anthemic. Not only are they armed with so many good tracks (Chemicals, Breaking the Habit, and Human were just three bangers aired), but their confidence makes them exceptionally watchable. You read it here first (or maybe it’s more common within the fanbase) but Skarlett Riot will be headlining The Underworld sooner, rather than later.

Speaking of confidence though… Lena Scissorhands might be one the most watchable and listenable artists within the rock and metal world. Stalking the stage, constantly moving about, speaking openly and honestly with every single person regarding looking after each other, while also spitting out instructions when it comes time to let loose a little (always in the name of fun though). Throughout Infected Rain’s mammoth set, she is a revelation to watch and hear, and has earned every ounce of respect owed to her.

Of course, she’s not alone, and the entirety of Infected Rain approach this show as though it’s their last and the world is ending outside. Forget playing in Manchester the next day, the energy exuded here suggests the band are going to need to sleep for a day or two just to recover. Seriously, did guitarist Vidick ever stop head-banging?

The heat in The Underworld has gone beyond stifling stages and is beginning to reach uncomfortable stages, but you wouldn’t think that was the case as the floor is awash with folks head-banging and pitting to a setlist focused on the latest album, Time. This is a showcase of an album that Infected Rain are rightfully proud of and almost three-quarters of the setlist covers it.

No-one is complaining though, not when the likes of Vivarium, The Answer is You, Dying Light, and Enmity are part of it. How about Lighthouse though? Unexpected as it’s one of the more experimental tracks from Time, but it goes off live and of course, Lena delivers those vocals like she’s in the studio.

Of course she does though, Infected Rain are so damn hot right now, and with all this momentum behind them, there seems to be no limit on what they can do now they’ve found a more comfortable and happy place to exist in. The best London show of their careers? There’s a mighty strong argument for it. Until the next one, of course.