Dark glamour takes over KK’s Steel Mill with Lord of the Lost, Skarlett Riot, and Julien-K

Julien-K

First up were Julien-K- an American electronic rock band based in Long Beach, California. 

The band opened strongly, they kicked off with the high-energy track Futura to immediately ignite the crowd. Frontman Ryan Shuck commanded the stage — engaging with the crowd, creating an intimate feel even in a larger setting. The blend of electronic beats, industrial rock textures, and alternative rock riffing was clearly effective. For example, tracks like “Stronger Without You” were highlighted as moments that really connected with the audience.

To finish the set they paid homage to their roots: the cover of Blue Monday (originally by New Order) While the reviews are overwhelmingly positive, one recurring mild criticism: the set felt “short” at times, especially considering how engaged the crowd was Given the somewhat niche genre (electro-rock / industrial rock), their shows seem particularly strong for those who appreciate that blend — not purely “stadium rock” but more intimate, stylised live performance. 

If you like bands that merge electronic production, industrial textures and rock energy, then Julien-K deliver a compelling live show. 

Set list: Futura - All That Glitters - Fractured - Night Mover - Stronger Without You - Shut Down Your Soul - Blue Monday (New Order cover)

Skarlett Riot

Next up were a Skarlett Riot British hard rock band, from Scunthorpe, Lead by vocalist Chloe “Skarlett” Drinkwater who commanded the attention, interacting with the audience - fist-bumps, eye contact - while delivering strong melodic vocals. Musically, the band hit a fine balance of hard rock and melodic metal: soaring choruses and razor-sharp riffs.

The setlist offered a good mix of new material - Chemicals, Luminate, Limits and older favourites Paralyzed & Underwater— giving long-time fans and new ones something to dig into. The band’s tightness - Danny Oglesby - lead guitar, Luke Oglesby - drums and Tim Chambers - bass guitar – has been honed after years on the circuit. This was a slick short but sharp set as Skarlett Riot delivered their usual fiery, engaging performance with both musical and emotional impact. The band showed growth, strength and connection with the audience. 

Set list: Stronger – Chemicals – Paralyzed – Spiralling – Limits – Luminate- Breaking The Habit – Gravity - Underwater

Lord Of The Lost

Then was headliner time, Lord of the Lost a German dark rock band from Hamburg delivered a high-voltage performance that blended industrial power, gothic flair and crowd-pleasing anthems. From the thunderous opening of Moonstruck to the climactic finish with One of Us Will Be Next, the set left little room for calm.  The set kicked off with Moonstruck and proceeded through a strong mix of new-material tracks alongside covers (“Smalltown Boy” and “Children of the Damned”) — showing versatility and crowd engagement. The inclusion of powerful tracks like Blood for Blood, Damage and Ghosts created some of the heavier, more climactic moments of the evening. Chris “The Lord” Harms is one of those rare frontmen who can command a stage before even saying a word  Harms doesn’t just sing — he inhabits the stage.

He moves with deliberate control, blending gothic poise with sudden bursts of intensity. Whether he’s leaning into the mic with predatory calm or shouting to the heavens, there’s always intent behind every gesture.

Frontman Chris “The Lord” Harms stood centre-stage, a crimson silhouette in smoke and strobe, radiating dark charisma. His voice — deep and commanding one moment, soaring and melodic the next — carried the emotional core of the entire set. The band around him were a machine of precision and flair: π (Pi) on guitar delivered razor-sharp riffs, Gared Dirge switched effortlessly between keys and percussion, Class Grenayde’s bass thundered through the floor, and Niklas Kahl drove the heartbeat of the night with relentless drumming.

Between songs, Harms spoke with warmth and humour, balancing gothic intensity with genuine charm. He thanked the crowd in both English and German, turning the packed room into a choir for the sing-along moments. By the time they reached “The Curtain Falls” and “One of Us Will Be Next,” the audience was completely under their spell — fists in the air, voices hoarse, faces lit by stage fire.

Visually, the performance walked the line between glam and gloom: glittering lights cutting through darkness, mirrored by Harms’s theatrical gestures and the band’s coordinated, almost ritualistic energy. By the time closed the night, the crowd was a sea of raised fists and glowing smiles — proof that Lord of the Lost don’t just perform; they celebrate their music with every gig they do.

As the final notes of One of Us Will Be Next faded into the smoky air, it was clear that this wasn’t just another tour stop — it was a celebration of dark unity. Julien-K set the tone with their sleek electro-industrial pulse, pulling the crowd into a neon-lit trance. Skarlett Riot followed with pure melodic fire, their energy and precision proving that British rock’s next generation is more than ready to take the stage. And then Lord of the Lost brought it all home — grand, theatrical, and unapologetically alive. Yet another fantastic at the amazing KKs Steel Mill

Set list:  Moonstruck - I Will Die In It  - Damage - Drag Me to Hell - My Deepest Fear - Smalltown Boy (cover of Bronski Beat) - Destruction Manual - Die Tomorrow - Blood for Blood - La Bomba - Children of the Damned (cover of Iron Maiden) - Where Is All the Love - Loreley - The Curtain Falls - Bazaar Bizarre - Ghosts - The Things We Do for Love - Light Can Only Shine In The Darkness - Blood & Glitter - One of Us Will Be Next

Pictures and write-up by Andy Shaw