Wembley’s OVO Arena played one of the strongest metal lineups of the year: Killswitch Engage, Hatebreed, Fit For An Autopsy, and Decapitated. The mix of people stood out just as much as the music. You could see young kids on the barrier and crowd surfing, old-school fans in worn-out shirts with the band’s logos everywhere.
Decapitated were first, and they didn’t waste time warming up. The Polish band came out focused, setting the tone for the night. The pit didn’t take long to open, and Eemeli Bodde sounded strong, with Vogg’s guitar work as sharp and clean as ever. Short set, no messing around, job done.
Next up were Fit For An Autopsy, and they brought a heavier, slower groove to the room. “Lower Purpose” kicked things off, and Joe Badolato kept the front row moving and knew how to work the crowd without trying too hard. “It Comes For You” and “Hostage” got big reactions right after, and by “Far From Heaven” (closing the set), the room felt full and ready for more. Their set leaned into the atmosphere, with blue and green lighting matching the crushing pace. It wasn’t flashy, but it hit hard.
By the time Hatebreed came on, the pit was already chaotic, and Jamey Jasta made sure it stayed that way. From the first shout of “I Will Be Heard,” the crowd was moving. The set was fast, loud, and packed with songs that left no space to breathe. “Live for This,” “To the Threshold,” and “Destroy Everything” (always expected by the crowd) landed with full force. The band threw in their usual inflatable ball of death, and somehow the chaos got more fun than violent. Hatebreed played like they always do, loud, tight, and straight to the point. Crowd surfers were coming over the barrier nonstop, and the energy didn’t fall once.
Killswitch Engage closed the night strong. Killswitch Engage walked on to “Strength of the Mind” and took control right away. Jesse Leach’s vocals were clear and powerful, switching easily from harsh to clean. The band kept the balance between old songs and new ones. “Broken Glass” and “Aftermath” from their latest album sounded just as great as classics like “My Curse” and “The End of Heartache.” Adam D was full of energy, joking with the crowd while never missing a note.
The set ended with “My Last Serenade,” while the remaining part of the crowd (some were leaving early, clearly to avoid the chaos at the end) sang most of the final chorus. It was a simple but strong finish to a long night. Seeing so many young fans next to older ones, all reacting the same way, shows that this kind of music still matters. Wembley didn’t need to be full to feel alive. Every band gave their best, and the people who were there will remember it.
GALLERY: Killswitch Engage with Hatebreed, Fit for An Autopsy & Decapitated at OVO Arena in Wembley, UK (October 17, 2025)
