Retribution Alive brings a night of melancholic metal to The Dancehall, featuring three compelling acts from the funeral doom and gothic doom underground.
Shape of Despair headline the evening. This legendary Finnish band, formed in the mid-1990s, helped define funeral doom with their crushingly slow riffs, vast atmospheric keys, and haunting dual-vocal presence. Their landmark albums—including Angels of Distress, Monotony Fields, and 2022's Return to the Void—have shaped the genre for decades. This is their first UK return since a single appearance in 2016, making these shows exceptionally rare.
Opia join the lineup with their cinematic gothic doom sound. The UK and Spain-based band (formed in 2022) burst onto the scene with their 2025 debut I Welcome Thee, Eternal Sleep, combining crushing heaviness with haunting melody and emotional depth. They'll perform one of only three UK shows scheduled for 2026.
Denali represent the rising edge of the UK doom scene. Formed in Hertfordshire in 2020 and featuring members of Countless Skies, Everest Queen and Earthbound, their 2022 self-titled EP showcases slow-burning heaviness paired with atmospheric intensity and introspective songwriting.
DJ Hixxx provides additional entertainment throughout the night. This is an immersive experience for doom and metal enthusiasts—prepare for overwhelming intensity and haunting beauty.
