Live Review: Mastiff with Worn Out, Copse and Believe in Nothing at 229 London (24/07/25)

Better late than never, eh?

Sorry about the delay writing about these killer bands, I’ve been so damn busy and the entire night was such a blur of fun, booze, noise, and more, that sometimes I just don’t want to write about things, you know?

Then I thought, these bands kicked so much ass and delivered a raucous night in London that I should really write something about the show. Not just because it was headlined by one of the noisiest and nastiest bands in the UK scene (Mastiff), and not just because those lovable hellraisers from Ireland (Worn Out) came over, but also because blackened post metal heavyweights Copse performed and the experimental chaos of Believe in Nothing was experienced.

Which really is the best way I can sum up this band, who opened the night with a mesmerising display of avant-garde noise that is blackened to the core, a core that is also extremely sludgy. It’s the kind of experimental music that isn’t for everyone, but those who do enjoy it, enjoy it with every part of their being. I find them a fascinating watch, challenging in all the right ways, and they really impressed me at this show.

As did Copse, but in a different way. Having previously experienced them from a distance (back of The Dev at Incineration Fest), it was a joy to get up close and god damn, did they deliver. Far heavier, more intense, and with tons of feeling, Copse live is as good as, if not better, than Copse on record. On any other night, they’d have stole the show but when in the company of such stellar bands, they’ll have to make do with me pouring sugary words of love upon them and their immense showing.

How about Worn Out’s hardcore metal sound though! A band that (finally) seems to be getting their dues, and a band that is fast becoming a must see. All because they pour everything into their performance, have the songs to back up the energy, and just so happen to be really nice people. Ain’t that the absolute best!?

Not that everyone wasn’t lovely, but there’s just something about being greeted with a big smile, a hug, and then having your face torn off by blistering speed and heaviness that has two-step groove, pit-inducing hooks, and breakdowns that will make your eyes water. Sounds scary, right? It’s not, it’s freaking fun and the more they come over here (they’re back again later in the year with Pupil Slicer and LLNN), the more their name spreads. They’re one of the best and that this show comes off the back of them barely sleeping for a day or so, makes it all the more special.

Speaking of being the best though, although I found out after that vocalist Jim messed up his vocal cords here – ouch, it’s freaking Mastiff and if there’s one thing you can guarantee about Mastiff, it’s that they’re going to bring the heavy. Hell, they’re the reason everyone should be wearing earplugs at a live show.

Now it would be remise of me if I didn’t mention that the pit, which is a given at a Mastiff show, is a little… off. Not the fault of the band and if you were there, you know why (DM me babes, I’ll give ya the skinny), but it doesn’t stop a flurry of hardcore movement, head banging, and two-stepping happening none the less. It’s intense, but of course it is, it’s Mastiff and they operate on a high level that is both exciting and terrifying. I’ve seen them live a bunch and they still get my knees-a-knocking.

They’re class, as they always are, their setlist is filled with banger after banger (big up Burner frontman Harry for jumping on stage for a delightful showcase of Serrated – isn’t it always grand?), and it’s over in a flash, but once again the impact is felt far and wide.

Untouchable, and they’re about to get a whole lot stronger as they transform into a six-piece with three guitars and team up with Church Road Records for whatever comes next. I can’t wait.