Live Review: Kreator with Carcass, Exodus, and Nails at Brixton Academy, London (27/03/26)

It’s no surprise that the queue to get into Brixton Academy has gone completely around the building way before doors have opened, such is the strength of a bill that features hardcore metal band Nails, thrashers Exodus, death metallers Carcass, and thrash legends Kreator, who are headlining this shindig.

It’s the kind of queue that calls for an old-fashioned ‘queue beer’, but once doors open, you’d be surprised by how fast it moves.

Brixton Academy is an iconic venue, and I can’t tell you how many shows I’ve seen here. I’ve seen everyone from Sum 41 to Judas Priest, from A Perfect Circle to Machine Head, from Lamb of God to Gojira, and so on. In fact, I once fell asleep to Opeth in this venue. Sorry, not sorry.

It’s had its issues, some so serious that lives were lost, but I’m glad the venue remains open today and that a band like Kreator has risen to such a prominent position that they can easily headline it. You can’t say that don’t deserve it, and all while being more relevant than ever (Krushers of the World – January 2026).

It’s not just the music though, it’s the fact that Kreator live comes with a show and a ton of fire.

By comparison, Nails’ show looks ordinary, but thankfully, it’s anything but and all because they deliver furiously heavy hardcore-infused noise that has the walls of Brixton Academy shaking. You Will Never Be One of Us was such a game-changing album for me, so my highlight of their raucous set comes from the songs aired from that album. The title track, in particular, is downright anthemic and to have that followed by Unsilent Death, caps off an excellent performance.

It’s tough for Exodus to follow that, and even though they come armed with great new album in the form of Goliath, it’s an off night for the thrash legends. Muddy sound, coming across a bit lifeless on stage, and lacking memorable flair, it’s quite a dull performance.

I do think the new songs are strong though and the likes of 3111 and Goliath sit comfortably alongside the likes of Bonded by Blood and Strike of the Beast.

What certainly doesn’t help Exodus is that Carcass follow them and turn in a near-show stealing set. Where no frills death metal is delivered with immense power and furious focus. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a bad Carcass show, and when they’re knocking out bangers like Unfit for Human Consumption, Buried Dreams, Genital Grinder, and Heartwork, a show like this is never going to disappoint. I thought they were brilliant.

Almost show stealing, and if you were asking me what band, musically, I’d rather listen to, it will always be Carcass, but Kreator are the ones bringing the show and that is what tips them over the edge in the end. Delivering a thrilling 16-track set that spans their illustrious career and delivers jets of fire, smoke, streamers, and more. It’s like hell came to Brixton for one night only.

This being a new album tour, it’s no surprise that Krushers of the World is the focus, but when I say this is career-spanning, I’m not joking with at least one track coming from almost every single album and each delivered with immense potency. They are super tight, and vocalist Miland Petrozza sounds fantastic all night long, but it’s the combination of songs and show that end up making this so unforgettable. Seven Serpents, Hail to the Hordes, Satanic Anarchy, Krushers of the World, Satan is Real, Endless Pain, Pleasure to Kill… it’s a true ‘best of’ Kreator and a triumphant night for a band who has earned every bit of respect given by a rabid crowd all night long.

Leaving the Academy at the end, there’s a buzz in the air and looking around, there’s smiles everywhere. I think Brixton had a good night, I know I did. All hail Kreator!