Desertfest has announced that American band Earth – known for their simmering minimalist sound and – will be joining Zeal & Ardor and Elder as headliners for the annual, Camden based, heavy rock festival next summer. They will headline Sunday at the Camden Electric Ballroom.

The festival, which takes over Camden for a late spring weekend each year, will be hosted at five iconic venues – The Roundhouse, The Electric Ballroom, The Underworld, The Black Heart, The Devonshire Arms – between 16-18 May 2025. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Desertfest London (@desertfest_london)

Alongside the headliner announcement 20 new artists have been booked. These include some new experiences such as the UK debut of live art experience Chöd, an audio, visual, and spiritual collaboration between Isaiah Mitchell (Earthless), featuring original animated projections by Arik Moonhawk Roper (known for his artwork for Sleep, High on Fire, Earth, Cathedral, and more) and guided meditation by Doc Kelley (Psychedelic Sangha). They pay homage to Tibetan meditation practice through their combined arts. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Isaiah Mitchell (@isaiahmitchellsounds)

In a more traditionally true to form style, perhaps, Arkansas quartet Pallbearer will top a heavy duty Saturday at the Roundhouse. Known for hits like ‘I saw the end’ and ‘Love you to death’ the band is touring their current album Mind Burns Alive, a stripped back exploration of narrative, the band has moved away from its historical use of intense vocals and waves of guitar, making for a well rounded sound that will be sure to impress.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Pallbearer (@pallbearerdoom)

Familiar faces are also making a reappearance at the festival. The local heroes Conan are a heavy hitting trio focussed on drums, bass, and guitar. Their sound will be joined by another group of London locals: the gloomily atmospheric bops of Elephant Tree.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Elephant Tree (@elephant_tree_band)

Full List of New Additions to Desertfest Line Up 2025:

• Earth headlining Sunday at Electric Ballroom
• Pallbearer
• Conan
• Elephant Tree
• Chöd
• Hippie Death Cult 
• Castle Rat
• Avon
• Greenmillk from the Planet Orange
• Servo
• Mr Bison 
• Kind
• El Moono
• The Hazytones
• King Botfly
• Lust Ritual
• Slump
• Witchorious
• The Summit Fever
• Dresden Wolves   

Weekend tickets are currently available for purchase through the Desertfest website. 

Link in bio pic.twitter.com/03D8oQvoOc

— SAULT (@SaultGlobal) November 1, 2022

Now… if you’ve ever gotten to know me, you may be aware that I’ve got a special place in my heart for music that is surprising. Whether it’s general amazement at the talent of a band like black midi, or the whimsy and mysticism of The Smile; I love a secret, I love a surprise. That being said, if any project has spent their time really leaning into the element of surprise, then SAULT are the one to take the crown – in my opinion. Since their debut, 5, back in 2019, the group have maintained a level of mystery rivalling that of Daft Punk, other than the almost obvious production credits from Inflo, and vocal appearances from Cleo Sol and Kid Sister; everything else is pretty much under wraps. The group have never played live, released a music video, or given an interview; they also have quite a substantial list of unnamed collaborators.

I mused back in April, after the group gave us their last offering – Air – that there would be another release this year. So even if I didn’t figure out the passwords for myself, I’ll feel good about myself. My speculation may not have been spot on, but the parallels to the 99-day release window for last year’s Nine meant that something had to be brewing.

After a quick listen to each of the LPs, there are some obvious directions that can be seen in previous works. Airr, for example, follows the more symphonic, ethereal style of April’s Air. (Untitled) God seems obviously in sync with its other Untitled siblings, Earth leans more into African-style dance music, while Today & Tomorrow could have easily been written 50 years ago. With 11, I’m continuing my semi-grounded conspiracy that 5, 7, and 9 are all one continuous project and constantly being updated. I think it fits musically, and thematically. Good luck with those passwords.