Samurais, dancers, warriors and fighters, the Nova Twins are exactly the boss bitches that heavy music needs to embrace, but they are not asking for permission. Tonight, they brought a jubilant atmosphere to O2 Forum Kentish Town, joined by HotWax and Ashaine White.
Nova Twins – HotWax – Ashaine White
O2 Forum Kentish Town – 18 October 2025
Words And Photography: Matt Pratt
For a genre that is founded in alternativity and diversity, a band that drops everything we know about the typical metal ensemble inevitably draws eyes, for better or worse. Refusing to be held back by the gatekeepers, the Nova Twins have dropped no less than three albums in the short space of just four years, so whether you like it or not, they have staked their claim as onehead of the most exciting new bands in rock.
Though often overlooked, the identity of the alternative scene is rooted in protest. It is a unifying force against oppression, and although plenty of bands forgo their opportunity to use their platform for good, The Nova Twins are leading by example with no clearer demonstration than earlier this week when they announced a partnership with Amnesty International. “We’ve always believed music is about more than sound,” they said in a reminder this was never just a genre, it is a movement.
Snarling basslines are a trademark of the Nova Twins sound, the sharp, warbling slaps like a mouthful of lemon, as the duo kick off their chapter-defining show with heavy hitters like Cleopatra and Taxi.
Clutching the crowd with faultless command, alongside the enveloping waves of Georgia South’s bass guitar, the pair offer a performance that is paradoxically both stripped back and full.
Instead of being limited by the size of the band, the two-piece have dialled into what they can offer in their numbers and emboldened it, making sure every element is as sharp as it can possibly be, taking to the listener like a scalpel to skin.
The pair are paying plenty of thanks this evening, the event feeling as much a celebration of their achievements to date as it is just another triumphant set towards their ultimate musical domination.
The loudest tribute of all is directed towards touring drummer Jake Woodward who, after his longstanding partnership, would be playing his final show with the band, and what a high to leave on.
The jubilant atmosphere of the night hits no greater high than, as the double act bound into one of their most popular hits, Choose Your Fighter. The audience unsurprisingly takes to the song like a punk to Camden, currents sweep attendees from side to side of the erupting venue.
Not looking to be outdone by the chaos in front of them, the Nova Twins invite their entire supporting cast back onto the stage for the climax of the song and with plenty of fighters to choose from on the stage, they take the opportunity to leap off it, surfing into the crowd.
Should this duo continue to rise with the velocity that they have been, it may be the very last opportunity to see them outside of an arena setting, and you could hardly question it given the unwavering attention of tonight’s sweltering Kentish Town crowd.
By their pace, the twins are likely well underway with yet another album and making plans for their next steps up the mountain of rock, with the peak in sight.
HotWax
Appropriately, HotWax perfectly bridge the show, sharing in both the grungey aspects of Ashaine White’s performance and the lively alt-rock that the Nova Twins offer.
The three-piece are undeniably Camden-worthy, their gritty, moody, underground alternative style feels as though it should soundtrack a stroll through the streets just outside the doors of the O2 Forum Kentish Town and is perfect material for the staunchly alternative community grown by Nova Twins.
The energy is perfectly levelled for a final support act of the evening, appropriately activating our most rowdy members with their boisterous and fiercely assertive taster menu of their offering.
Ashaine White
Opening up the show for one of the most exciting additions to the rock scene, at one of the most iconic venues in the country, is a hard enough task in its own right, let alone for a solo singer-songwriter with such a significantly different sound.
Arriving prepared for the sizable venue, Ashaine White enters the stage alongside a full complement of backing band, ensuring their work can be delivered to its full potential.
With that said, it is debatable whether the vocalist needs any support whatsoever. Where many would have been daunted by the historic venue, the proud North Londoner demonstrates how at home they are, beaming their authentically warm personality into the room while confidently delivering their intriguing sound.
Contemplatively melancholic, White’s musical identity is an intriguing mixture of moody grunge and soothing soul, carving out a truly unique space in between music genres.
While it’s not the sort of music you expect would ever inspire a circle pit, it seemed perfectly fitting for a livelier audience, gripping with rawness, yet calming in beauty.
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‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.metaltalk.net ’
