Live Review: Burner, Beyond Extinction & Worn Out at The Lower Third, London (26/09/26)

What a night. A metal takeover of The Lower Third in central London. Three of my favourites on one bill. A celebration of a phenomenal record, and a reminder of just how strong the scene is across the UK and Ireland.

I love shows like this. Where I get to spend time in the company of three hungry bands who are more relevant than ever. Bands who continue to improve upon their craft, and in the case of all, have new music to showcase. Albeit some more than others. It’s a show that lives up to the ‘album release party’ moniker too as the energy and vibe within the room is that of an event and kicking things off is the incomparable Worn Out.

Hardcore metal at its finest, Worn Out’s energy and drive is staggering, and their chemistry only seems to grow stronger each time I see them play. Here, their intensity seems to go up a notch and that means things get even heavier and wilder. They are sounding f**king mean, but it’s a snarl and a slap to the back of the head that comes with a hug.

Our band of the year for 2025, in one 30-minute set, they proved again that ours, and so many others’ belief in them, is justified. Over the past few years, they have worked very hard to spread their name far and wide and have become one of the most consistent support bands. Now I want to see them become a consistent headliner. They can do it, the show is there, the confidence is clear, and they have the music.

Beyond Extinction though? They’re already there and every time I see them, I am blown away them. Yet, what makes this show extra special is the fact that it came with new music. Specifically new music taken from their upcoming EP, Three Swords, and the songs sound so brutal. If that wasn’t enough, it was also a bit a celebration as their excellent debut album ‘Where They Gather’ turned one. They grow up so fast.

Crushing deathcore that slams into the mind, body, and soul over and over again. Beyond Extinction make it all look so easy, not just because of their impressive stage presence, but because their professionalism and focus puts a lot of their peers to shame. I say it every time I write about them, and I’ll say it again here, they are on course to be one of the giants of the extreme scene.

Which brings me to the headliner, Burner, one of the best heavy bands in the UK. A statement I whole-heartedly believed before ‘No One Is Coming to Save Us’ came out and a statement that I believe is inarguable now. It’s that damn good of an album and I was delighted that it was to be played in full.

So, what did I experience? A f**king out of body experience. A chaotic explosion of blackened death and hardcore that blends so well together. The sight and sound of a band on incredible form, confident in their music, and enjoying the experience of playing it live. Music that results in plenty of pit related shenanigans, horns raised to the sky, and heads banged.

From What Will You Give? (with a tasty Worn Out guest spot) to Blood River, to Accelerationist, Kurtz (also with a tasty guest spot, this time from Beyond Extinction), and Agni Kai, the new album sounds immense live. Better than I expected, especially when the stunning The Agony of Peace is played. I love a lot of Burner tracks, several of which already come from this album, but this one track has touched me in ways I never expected. Hearing it live was emotional and one hell of a highlight.

You’d be hard pressed to find me complaining about any part of Burner’s set, beyond the standard moan of it being over too soon, and that remains the same here. It was simply fantastic, and I always come away feeling blessed to have experienced shows like this. Burner, a banging new album, a fun and lively crowd, a good venue for sound, and two support bands who are just as strong as the headliner, it simply doesn’t get better than this.