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The variables that go into making an evening a special occasion are often hard to pinpoint. Just over a year ago Ignite sold out the Underworld, whereas tonight the attendance is far more modest. But if you think that would leave them uninspired to perform then you’d be kidding yourself. If anything it has the opposite effect, with frontman Zoli Teglas looking even more fired up as he takes pot shots at Boris Johnson and Donald Trump, comparing the UK and US’s current political situation to a ‘pair of weird cousins that have just slept together’ and bringing big bursts of melody to his band’s breakneck hardcore. But the night really kicks into gear when Zoli spots a now-engaged couple who met at an Ignite gig and lets them pick a song, leading to an impromptu run-through of Who Sold Out Now. Energised by the spontaneity, Ignite ditch their setlist, with Zoli holding his up and ripping it to shreds to the small but committed crowd. A one-off evening of pure punk heaven.

Since blagging his way onto the Hammer team a decade ago, Stephen has written countless features and reviews for the magazine, usually specialising in punk, hardcore and 90s metal, and still holds out the faint hope of one day getting his beloved U2 into the pages of the mag. He also regularly spouts his opinions on the Metal Hammer Podcast.

Ignite at the Underworld, London - live review

The Gospel - live