It says a lot about the interest in Iress that the Black Heart, on a hot Sunday evening in London, is as busy as it is. A lot of people have turned out for the dream metal band, as well as the two support acts, Healthyliving and Sunnata.

Finally, it’s Iress. The headline act, coming all the way from Los Angeles, and about halfway through their UK tour (that included stops at the likes of ArcTanGent). Having released their incredible new album, ‘Sleep Now, In Reverse’, at the end of July, anticipation for a live show is stupendously high. Notable by the fact that it’s Sunday night, nearing 9:50pm and the Black Heart is still full of eager people waiting to experience Iress.

An experience that can barely be summed up in words, such is the transcendent nature of it. Where 45 minutes flies by in 5 and the word ‘mesmerising’ can’t fully describe just how watchable and listenable a show it is.

It is staggering that all the aspects of Iress that make them so unique are on full display here and every member sounds immense. Yet, how can a person speak about Iress live and not comment on the fact that vocalist/guitarist Michelle Malley sounds as strong here as she does on record. There was never any doubt, not with a voice like that, but even then, it’s bloody impressive.

It’s not the longest set, but Iress do pack in plenty, giving everyone in attendance a taste of who and what they are today, while also acknowledging where they’ve come from. They could have played for double the time and everyone would have still wanted more. The sooner they come back, the better, but for now, they left a room full of people happy, content, and even more in love with them.