Live Review: Conjurer with Pijn & Death Goals at The Underworld, London (12/11/25)

Some shows are more special than others, it’s as simple as that. For me, when I think of shows that left a mark, I think of the first time I saw Metallica play. The first time Cradle of Filth blackened my heart, and At the Gates injected a ton of life into me on a tired and cold night. I think about THAT Gojira show at Brixton a few years back. I think about crying my eyes out to Sugar Horse at ArcTanGent, about singing along loudly to Faith No More at the Roundhouse, having so much fun at a small Static-X show on a Sunday night a few decades ago, the last time I saw Children of Bodom, being mesmerised by Blind Guardian for the first time, seeing this ‘up and coming’ band named Ghost in 2013, and so many more other special shows.

I’ve been to tons of great shows around these, but it’s been a while since I felt like I’ve been to something truly special. Something I’ll remember for years and years. That time is now, and it comes courtesy of a band that I already think are great. Conjurer, the sludgy/post/noise mongers played to a sold-out crowd in London at The Underworld and delivered a career-best show. A highly emotional set packed with brilliance, both new and old. For over an hour, the four-piece transformed from a band on the cusp of greatness to a band showing loudly and emphatically why everyone needs to be paying attention to them. They are that good, and this new album (Unself) has given them the step up they needed to be recognised by more as a great band. It’s downright beautiful to see them begin to get their flowers.

Were you at The Underworld? Do you understand what I mean? This was special and, at times, brought me to tears. Looking around throughout, I don’t think I was alone. The authentic emotion that comes from vocalist/guitarist Dani, the vibrant intensity that vocalist/guitarist Brady exudes, the jaw-dropping energy of bassist Connor (the best bassist in the game right now) and the unmitigated strength that comes from Noah’s drum work. Together, they are Conjurer and together, they delivered their best show to date, in my opinion.

I’ve seen them a few times too. In fact, the first time was across the road at the Black Heart and Mire was all they had to offer. No complaints, it was an immense show, but nothing like this. Every band/artist/person wants to grow and hopes to evolve, and in Conjurer’s case, you can see it before your eyes and hear it in everything they do. Least of all Unself. Have I told you enough times just how much I love this album yet?!

I really do and to hear it aired in full made me a happy man. I’m still undecided about which tracks sounds the best live, but f**k me, is it an album deserving of being played in full every single time. No shade on Páthos (Rot is still a beast live) or Mire, I love both but not like I love Unself. An album of the year contender and now, after this show, Conjurer are also in the running for show of the year too.

The Underworld was rammed, but at times, I felt like the only person there. This was special.

I wanted to talk about Conjurer because this was their show. Their sellout, their achievement, and their moment of glory. However, it would be remiss of me if I didn’t say something about the other two bands on the bill, especially as both were stunning in their own unique ways.

Death Goals. I really do love this band and while I don’t think I’m saying anything new here, they looked and played like superstars in the making. They’re a band who perform like their lives depend upon it and express themselves with an honesty that is downright sobering if you’ve not been paying attention to the state of things. Especially the state of things for queer, trans, people of colour, and the most marginalised people in the world. It ain’t pretty and nor is a lot of the noise that Death Goals deliver, but damn it, it’s unforgettable. I’ve not forgotten the last time I saw them (ArcTanGent 2023) and once again, I won’t be forgetting this show any soon.

As for Pijn. Well, that was different but goodness that was special too. The post collective creates hypnotic music and that is what they delivered. At one point, you could hear a pin drop, so transfixed was the crowd in the Underworld. There’s an argument that something with a bit more energy would have been preferred by some in attendance, but personally, the warm beauty of their music was needed. I like to feel and Pijn are very good at doing that.

Both bands were incredible in their own way, but this was one band’s night in the end. Take a bow Conjurer. As for us, I think we should all be glad that we live in a time when people can step up and say who they are. Let’s continue to fight to ensure that doesn’t change.