The Black Heart, Camden, London
Thursday, 26th March 2026
Having heard Grace Hayhurst’s The World Is Dying album, one of last year’s finest releases, I felt compelled to make the not inconsiderable journey to London to witness her first headline show. I’m pleased to say that many others felt the same way, and by the time I arrived at the Black Heart, it was fairly busy. The ticket price of £6 may have helped swell the ranks, and the healthy crowd seemed to buzz in anticipation.
DEA VELATA
Unfortunately, I arrived too late to see the first support band, Tales of Perdition, though judging by the comments I heard, they were well received. Dea Velata took to the stage to an already warmed up audience, and they proved to be a very interesting and talented band.
Their intriguing blend of symphonic prog folk metal was spellbinding. Apparently their songs are inspired by Greek mythology, and the bulk of the set is sung in an operatic style in Latin. Full marks for originality! There are moments of classical guitar dexterity juxtaposed with heavier rocking sections, and for a debut live show, they are amazingly tight. We’re going to be hearing a lot more from this band.
LINKS
Dea Velata – Facebook | Bandcamp | YouTube | Instagram
GRACE HAYHURST
After a short break, Grace and her band take to the stage, and launch into the title track from her album The World Is Dying. Initial sound wobbles, not unknown at this venue, are soon sorted, and the band rock through the song, lead from the front by an assured Grace on guitar and keyboards.
Her band are clearly well rehearsed and eager to impress, and they do just that. I suppose Grace’s sound world could be described as prog metal, but it seems a rather inadequate term in her case. Her music is multi-faceted, dynamic and full of drama, but above all, it rocks!
The majority of the set comes from The World Is Dying, plus a couple of tracks from the Existence Is Temporary EP, and the single I’m In A Battle Against My Brain. During the latter, we are treated to fake blood and a fake brain as Grace indulges in a little stage craft. It’s simple but effective, and highly entertaining. Throughout the set, she proves herself to be an accomplished guitarist, and great keyboard player. Her voice isn’t bad either, and her band help propel her music to new heights with a display of controlled power. Whilst the Black Heart isn’t completely full, I’ve rarely experienced such an electric atmosphere of excitement here, and there’s a genuine feeling that something special happening.
As we career towards to end of the set, Grace and her band seem to sense that it’s going well, and relax into the last few songs. Take Off is a joyously simple rock song, and Armistice is an enthralling and complex climax. We are brought back to Earth with the acoustic Absent Futures, and shuffle into the chilly night giddy from a memorable performance. Hopefully this will prove to be the first of many headline shows, and I’m glad to have been at the gig that launched it all. If you get a chance to see Grace Hayhurst, just go. She’s the real deal.
[Photos by Graham Thomas]
SETLIST
The World Is Dying
Negative Incline
And It’s Our Fault
Us Vs Them
Our Forest, The Earth
The Search For Purpose
I’m In A Battle Against My Brain
Take Off
Armistice
Absent Futures
LINKS
Grace Hayhurst – Website | Facebook | Bandcamp | YouTube | X
