Live Review: Sertraline at The O2 Academy 2, Islington, London (25/03/19)

We love Sertraline here at Games, Brrraaains & A Head-Banging Life. Ever since they first came our way back at Bloodstock 2018, we’ve been waiting for the chance to catch the Leeds/Manchester metal quintet live. Having impressed us with their Guilty EP a few years ago and the new track, Relapse recently we were so excited to see them perform live.

That time finally came on a cool Monday night in London. As Sertraline took to the stage in support of Skarlett Riot.

It’s so heartening to see the small O2 Academy 2 in Islington filling up just in time for the five-piece metallers to take the stage. They have 30 minutes to blow everyone’s socks off and holy hell, do they do it. Before, we thought they were one of the most exciting up and comers in the metal scene. Afterwards, we know they are one of the most exciting up and comers in the metal scene.

The venue really gives their sound some extra oomph, they sound so damn heavy but that’s not all. Frontwoman, Lizzie can roar as well as sing and when those clean moments come, she soars. The blend of head-banging heaviness and lighter singing is spot on. When she asks for crowd interaction, there is no-one not willing to join in.

It’s over way too soon. Sertraline blew everyone away and can proudly hold their heads up high having come to London and showed the metal world how it is done. One of the best shows of the year.