With the news that weekend tickets are now SOLD OUT, we launch the second part of our Desertfest Preview coverage by taking a look at what both the Saturday and Sunday is set to bring across all of the venues. This is the biggest Desertfest yet with the Friday night utilising the KOKO and Sunday seeing a festival return to The Roundhouse. The venue proved to be an absolute triumph last year and truly accentuates the kind of growth the event is currently experiencing. Without any further ado then, here's some of our top picks from across the stages over both Saturday and Sunday!
High On Fire - The Electric Ballroom - Saturday - 20:30-21:45
Following the incredible Sleep performance last year to close out Desertfest, Matt Pike returns to Camden with High On Fire to headline The Electric Ballroom's turn as the main stage on Saturday. Relentlessly heavy and consistently fantastic live you'll be hard pressed to find a better performance all weekend as the three-piece are in the midst of celebrating their 20th anniversary. The set time will allow them to cherry pick fan favourites from across their seven album discography and we're hoping that there'll be one or two treats by way of new tracks as well. It's perhaps a good thing The Electric Ballroom will have it's door closed on the Sunday considering Fertile Green or 10,000 Years should be marked as potential serious hazards for the venue's foundations.
Monster Magnet - The Roundhouse - Sunday - 21:45-23:00
Another band close to celebrating a big anniversary (for Magnet they're nearing 30 years!), Dave Wyndorf and co. are still as busy as ever with the recent release of their tenth studio album Mindfucker. Undoubtedly a legendary unit within the scene, Monster Magnet are likely going to garner a huge crowd as the headliners are tasked with closing out the whole festival.
Hawkwind - The Roundhouse - Sunday - 19:50-21:05
Speaking of legendary groups! Hawkwind's influence in the world of heavy music cannot be overlooked and much like Monster Magnet straight after, we're expecting The Roundhouse to be absolutely jam-packed as the current line-up reach in to the depths of their massive discography to lay on a Sunday evening psychedelic jaunt.
Puppy - The Underworld - Saturday - 14:25-15:05
Moving towards the other end of the spectrum as far as age is concerned, Puppy are widely being considered as one of the true rising stars in heavy music at the moment. Blending elements of The Smashing Pumpkins, Weezer and more, Puppy bring some serious 90s vibes and really come in to their own on stage. Make sure you blow off any cobwebs from Friday night to get down there early for this on Saturday.
Telepathy - The Devonshire Arms - Saturday - 20:00-21:00
Another band garnering a strong level of interest on the lower end of the line-up are the instrumental post-metal prog four-piece from Colchester who are still riding high off the widely critically acclaimed release of Tempest last year. They've often said themselves that their passion stems from performing live so would definitely try and pop your head in for this lot - likely to be the highlight set at The Devonshire this weekend.
Weedeater - The Electric Ballroom/The Underworld - 19:00-20:00 (Saturday)/22:00-22:45 (Sunday)
You have absolutely read that correctly - there will be TWO chances to catch the mighty Weedeater this weekend! When you look at the DNA of Desertfest over the years Weedeater are an integral part of it. Hugely popular amongst the core festival punters you've got absolutely no excuse to miss this Californian Stoner outfit.
And with all that, we hope to see you banging your head down Camden this weekend!