In a city constantly flooded with emerging and veteran acts, it takes something special to make a Thursday night in London feel like a spiritual revival. On June 5th 2025, Welsh rock outfit Himalayas did just that, transforming The Garage into a pulsing crucible of raw energy, soaring vocals, and bone-rattling guitar lines. Touring in support of their blistering new album Bad Star, the Cardiff-based quartet proved they’ve not only matured musically but are rapidly ascending into one of the UK’s most exciting live bands.
Himalayas @ The Garage
From the first notes of slow-burn opener Beneath The Barrel, the atmosphere was electric. The lights dropped, tension rose, and then—boom. The band launched into the tune’s dark, pulsing intro putting frontman Joe Williams’ voice, gritty and full-bodied and reminiscent of an early (pre rock-lounge phase) Alex Turner, front and centre, Mike Griffiths’ synths haunting before the troupe kicked off full pelt as if announcing the arrival of something momentous, the crowd surging forward in response. Louis Heaps, meanwhile storming basslines that would be right at home coming from Royal Blood’s Mike Kerr.
That momentum didn’t let up. Straight into Alone and Hung Up, the band laid bare their ability to navigate melody and aggression, with hooks sharp enough to catch even the most passive bystanders. “London how the fuck are we?” Griffiths asks to cheers. “Welcome to the show!” he offers deadpan. The setlist was a finely crafted journey through both the band’s newer work and fan-beloved staples. Leave This Place and Somebody Else felt emotionally raw and cinematic, while Twisted Reflections brought a snarling edge that seemed to awaken something primal in the front rows. “Everyone who wants a mosh pit, come down” someone shouts as the tune kicks off, promising some crowd energy is to be released.
Old favourite Thank God I’m Not You saw the venue explode. Every word was shouted back at the stage, hands in the air, feet stomping in rhythm. The Garage’s famously intimate acoustics made the moment feel like a shared battle cry. Standouts from Bad Star like Afterlife and Heavy Weather blended seamlessly into the set, proving that Himalayas aren’t just resting on the success of past singles—they’re evolving, deepening, and diversifying their sound.
By the time they hit 2017 single Sigh On A Hurricane and new LP cut What If…?, the audience was fully under their spell—hypnotised by the band’s mix of tight instrumentation, thoughtful lyrics, singalong licks, and that irresistible undercurrent of chaos barely held in check. “London, I know you can be way fucking louder than that, c’mon” Williams demanded during a mid-song pause, and boy did The Garage show what they had in response. “This is the part of the show where, all of the people that we’re horrible to in everyday life …” the frontman gushed, “this show wouldn’t happen without them” he continued, encouraging those behind the scenes to be recognised by the audience.
Himalayas @ The Garage
As the main set closed with the furious Bad Star closer A Brand New God, the crowd was already demanding “one more song”, and the band obliged with a three-song encore that pushed the night into legendary territory. They began the three with Cave Paintings, a storming slower-tempo, moody number that gave the room a moment to catch its breath without losing the emotional grip, screaming basslines and soaring vocals that filled the room. Then came Flatline, which brought the tempo and intensity back up with hammering drums, a viciously addictive chorus and delicious 80s metal guitars.
Finally, they closed with debut LP title track From Hell To Here—a gritty, apocalyptic anthem that would have been a perfect finale in its own right. But then, in a move that felt both surreal and deeply satisfying, the band launched into an outro built around Coolio’s hit 1995 single Gangsta’s Paradise. Reinterpreted through Himalayas‘ lens, the iconic ’90s hip-hop track morphed into something darker, grander, and strangely reverent. It was unexpected, but the crowd loved it—an example of the band’s fearless genre-blurring attitude.
What made the night so memorable wasn’t just the songs—it was the way Himalayas delivered them. Joe Williams commands the stage like a man born for it: part prophet, part rock star. Guitarist Mike Griffiths spun intricate, feral riffs while never missing a chance to lean into the crowd. Bassist Louis Heaps anchored the madness with pounding basslines that were equal parts groove and menace, while James Goulbourn’s drumming was relentless—machine-precise but filled with human fury.
The chemistry between the four was undeniable. There’s a certain telepathy that bands develop after years of gigging, and Himalayas displayed it in spades. Himalayas‘ show at The Garage wasn’t just a great gig—it was a statement. A signal that this band has arrived, and they’re not going anywhere. Their blend of hard rock, post-punk energy, and emotional gravitas makes them one of the most compelling acts on the UK circuit right now.
Whether you came as a long-time fan or stumbled in on a whim—as did the chap from Upminster who I was chatting to in the queue to get in, buying last minute tickets to an affordable show—, you left knowing you’d witnessed something powerful. And if Bad Star is any indication, Himalayas are only just getting started.
Live review & photography of Himalayas @ The Garage, London by Kalpesh Patel on 5th June 2025.
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