Lowen are the kind of band you just want to shout about. Fronted by Nina Saeidi, a Briton born to Iranian parents who fled their home country during the revolution, they play a twist on progressive metal with themes and melodies inspired by Persian tradition. Their debut album, 2024’s Do Not Go To War With The Demons Of Mazandaran, fascinatingly used Middle Eastern mythology to comment on modern politics, and their live shows are rituals that give Saeidi the presence of a priestess.
Tonight, the five-piece come full circle, playing their biggest headline show at the venue where they formed. Saeidi met guitarist Shem Lucas during an Akercocke gig at London’s Underworld eight years ago, and here they are having almost sold the place out just one album in.
