The walls of The Academy pulsed with anticipation for the return of German dark rock titans Lord of the Lost, who brought their UK + Ireland Tour 2025 to the Irish capital, This being only their second time in the city and their first headlining show as the first time there where here it was opening for Iorn Maiden.
With a lineup boasting two dynamic support acts. American electronic rockers Julien-K and British hard rock outfit Skarlett Riot, the night promised an eclectic mix of heavy riffs, emotional depth, and electric energy. It absolutely delivered.
Julien-K opened the night with a set that proved just how much sound a three-piece can generate when firing on all cylinders. Emerging from the ashes of American industrial rock legends Orgy, the band have built their own legacy blending moody synth textures with fierce guitar lines and infectious rhythms. Known for contributing tracks to the Sonic the Hedgehog and Transformers soundtracks, they brought a cinematic flair to the stage. Songs like “All That Glitters” and “Stronger Without You” and a monumental cover of ”Blue Monday by New Order filled the room with pulsing energy, their mix of electronics and rock distortion setting an intense yet danceable tone and their sheer volume both literal and emotional won over the crowd within minutes.
Next up were Skarlett Riot, who unfortunately had to deliver an abbreviated and reimagined performance due to unforeseen circumstances. Drummer Luke Oglesby, who lives with Type 1 diabetes, was rushed to hospital earlier that evening following a medical emergency. The remaining members courageously took the stage as an acoustic duo, determined not to let their Dublin fans down. What could have been a setback turned into one of the most heartfelt moments of the night.
Frontwoman Chloe “Skarlett” Drinkwater showcased remarkable resilience and vocal power, performing two of the band’s original songs in stripped-back arrangements that highlighted their strong songwriting. The highlight came with a stunning acoustic cover of The Cranberries’ “Zombie”, a moving nod to Irish music heritage that resonated deeply with the audience. The crowd responded with warmth and support, joining in for a communal singalong that turned the venue into a chorus of solidarity and love. (Get well soon, Luke, the band misses your thunder behind the kit!)
Then came the main event. Lord of the Lost, never ones to do things halfway, unleashed a 20-song set that reminded everyone why they’re one of the most captivating live acts in modern rock. Opening with the atmospheric “Moonstruck,” the band immediately set the tone for a journey through their diverse soundscape, dark, dramatic, and irresistibly anthemic.
The setlist pulled from across their catalog, including fan favorites like “Drag Me to Hell,” “La Bomba,” “The Things We Do for Love,” and, of course, the explosive title track “Blood & Glitter.” Each song was delivered with theatrical flair, frontman Chris Harms commanding the stage with his distinctive mix of charisma and emotional depth.
A real highlight came during the two unexpected yet expertly executed covers. First, the band tore through Iron Maiden’s “Children of the Damned” with fierce respect for the original’s metal majesty, while still injecting their own gothic energy. Then came a moment of brilliance: a haunting, powerful rendition of Bronski Beat’s “Smalltown Boy.” Transforming the 1980s synth-pop classic into a dark, cinematic epic, Lord of the Lost proved once again their mastery in reinterpreting songs while maintaining their emotional essence.
By the time the final notes faded, the audience was left exhilarated and awed. All three acts brought something unique , Julien-K’s electrified precision, Skarlett Riot’s heartfelt resilience, and Lord of the Lost’s gothic grandeur, culminating in a night that felt both intimate and monumental.
If you get the chance to catch any of these bands on tour, don’t hesitate. You’ll witness musicians who give everything they have to their craft and to their fans. The Academy may be small in size, but on this night, it contained worlds of sound, emotion, and pure rock passion.
Julien-K photos:
Skarlett Riot photos:
Lord of the Lost photos & set-list:
Set-list:
Moonstruck
I Will Die in It
Damage
Drag Me to Hell
My Deepest Fear
Smalltown Boy (Bronski Beat cover)
Destruction Manual
Die Tomorrow
Blood for Blood
La Bomba
Children of the Damned (Iron Maiden cover)
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
Photos & words – Ian Mc Donnell @mcgigmusic