Desertfest, London’s most exciting festival for genres like stoner rock, doom, heavy psych and sludge metal has dropped a big roster update for next year. Their main headliners, experimental mavericks Melvins will be joined by 18 new bands including doom metal trio YOB and ressurrected sludge metal veterans Kylesa.
After its first edition in Camden, London in 2012, the Desertfest brand has expanded into an international enterprise, with previous events in Germany, Belgium, the US, Greece and Norway. The 2026 event this May saw famous Camden venues like the Roundhouse, the Underworld and the Electric Ballroom host an eclectic mix of alternative acts like Green Lung, Clutch and The Sword.
Back in 2027 for its 15th edition, Desertfest London’s initial announcement had a massive first headliner in Melvins. Known for frontman Buzz Osbourne’s iconic look and their utter lack of respect for genre boundaries, Melvins have inspired countless rock, metal and punk movements since 1983. When they were announced in September, Desertfest’s promoters wrote “We are over the moon to finally have the Melvins headline Desertfest – a band that needs no introduction to followers of the heavy. As true pioneers in heavy music their status as one of modern music’s most influential bands is undeniable, and their live shows are truly unparalleled. Often imitated, never duplicated, we here at Desertfest London are honoured to have the Melvins take their rightful place as headliner next May 2027. It’s been a long time coming!”
Alongside them is a UK exclusive show for Swedish doom metal outfit Monolord, and a hotly-anticipated set by German sludge duo Mantar. There will also be two 20th anniversary parties: US crossover act Inter Arma look back on their 2006 formation, while Oxford progressive metal heavyweights Desert Storm celebrate their emergence in 2007.
The updated poster for Desertfest 2027
The new wave of acts announced this week kicks off with Oregon doom metal three-piece YOB, who last played Desertfest in 2022 at the Roundhouse. Desertfest’s promoters describe them as “modern day living legends and masters in megalithic music.” They’ll be bringing a set of heavy, dense and atmospheric tracks to London in 2027.
Next up is sludge metal legends Kylesa from Savannah, Georgia, who bounced back from a 10-year hiatus in 2024 and are back playing live shows as of 2025. The group are well-known for their brand of groovy, riff-laden metal packed with psychedelic vibes. They will be making their Desertfest debut next year, sure to make the festival one for the history books.
Another debutant is Richmond, Virginia stoner metal collective Windhand, who Desertfest promise will “will dose us into a deep hypnosis with the heaviest of eerie psychedelia.” A huge story for the festival will be the return of London duo Lowen, who fuse metal with Middle Eastern elements and themes. After sets at Download Festival and ArcTanGent in 2025, the pair are working on their third album.
Here’s all 18 bands announced in the second wave for Desertfest 2027:
YOB
KYLESA
WINDHAND
LOWEN
MARGARITA WITCH CULT
BONNACONS OF DOOM
GURT
RITUAL KING
CARDIEL
DRUIDESS
PINK FUZZ
BLUE HERON
GOYA
FRIENDSHIP COMMANDERS
STONUS
CONGULUS
OCCULT HAND ORDER
TELLEMEHOOKAH
