DROWNING POOL : Show Review & Photos- London, England- Nov 20, 2025 Openers Hed) P.E. & Spineshank

The Metal Voice
42 minutes ago
2 min read

Drowning Pool performed at the O2 Academy Islington on Nov 21, 2025.

The iconic O2 Academy Islington played host to an unforgettable night of nu-metal nostalgia as Drowning Pool stormed the stage for their highly anticipated UK tour stop. The atmosphere was electric from the moment the doors opened, and fans were ready for a full-throttle evening of heavy grooves and raw energy.

Opening Acts Set the Tone

The night kicked off with (Hed) P.E., who battled through some early technical issues but quickly found their stride. Their unique blend of reggae-infused rap-metal resonated with the crowd, delivering a gritty and rebellious vibe that set the tone for the evening. Despite the hiccups, their performance was a success.

Next up was Spineshank, who wasted no time unleashing their industrial-metal fury. Classics like Smothered and New Disease hit hard, and the band’s relentless energy had the crowd surging forward. By the time their set wrapped, the audience was primed and ready for the main event.

Drowning Pool Takes Over

When Drowning Pool hit the stage, the energy in the room skyrocketed. They opened with their iconic track “Sinner”, and the crowd erupted . From that moment on, it was clear it was a night to remember. Ryan McCombs commanded the stage with a magnetic presence, engaging fans at every turn and amplifying the intensity inside the venue.

The setlist was a perfect mix of fan favorites and big hits:

Tear Away – A timeless anthem that had the crowd singing every word.

Step Up – Hard-hitting and aggressive, a true adrenaline rush.

Feel Like I Do – Showcasing the band’s melodic side without losing their edge.

Enemy – A riff-heavy powerhouse that shook the walls.

Rebel Yell (Billy Idol cover) – A sing-along moment

And of course, the night closed with “Bodies”, their signature anthem and ultimate showstopper. The floor shook as fans screamed the chorus in unison—a fitting climax to an explosive performance.

A Night of Nostalgia and Power

Two decades after their debut, Drowning Pool still hits harder than most modern bands. The show carried an intimate vibe, yet the energy was massive—proof that their post-grunge, nu-metal, Pantera-infused sound remains as relevant and powerful as ever.