Live Review: Wargasm – The Venom Tour – O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, London

An oddly mild December evening is about to heat up for one of the last shows of the year before the Christmas festivities kick off for most. And in all honesty, what a noisy chaotic way to see out 2023. Wargasm, hot off the release of a new record are in London Town once more to cause mischief and mayhem to those willing to accept it. And boy are they ready willing and able.

A couple of artists before that however are doing their thing to butter up a crowd that, to be honest, doesn’t need to be asked twice. Harpy first up on stage brings a slathering of goth pop something or other (whatever the hell label you want to apply to it) it’s dark and it’s damn filthy with the band even having some stage props on the form of individuals wearing BDSM inspired latex/rubber outfits. With a solid performance filled with great hooks, impressive sound and an intense light show to boot, we’d say that was quite an opener and an even bigger statement made.

It’s Dropout Kings however, that really turn the heat up and whilst it’s certainly Wargasm’s show, you’d be forgiven for walking away from the venue with this band as the highlight of your night. With their riot inducing riffs blending both metal and hip hop, a frenzy opens up on stage as frontmen Adam & Eddie refuse to be still for even a moment. It’s heavy, it’s energetic and it, quite frankly, is darn right infectious.

But tonight is about Wargasm who are on a run in support of their new album, Venom which as expected makes up a big chunk of the evenings setlist. It’s the title track that opens things up in a massive way with Shepherds Bush exploding into action. It’s Safe to say the bodies spilling over the barrier keep security on their toes for the duration of the show as Wargasm are relentless from start to finish.

And while the pace is redlining and execution of every note is relentless, it’s an encore featuring both ‘D.R.I.L.D.O’ & ‘Spit’ that really gets the fans going proving that once again Wargasm are a force to be reckoned with on the U.K. live music scene and they show no signs of slowing down any time soon.