Sometimes the stars align in perfect cosmic harmony, and sometimes they align while wielding Marshall stacks and enough fuzz to power Camden for a week. Desertfest London 2026 has just dropped its initial lineup announcement, and it’s immediately clear this year’s edition means serious business.
GREEN LUNG
Leading the charge are homegrown heroes Green Lung, whose journey from Black Heart pub to Roundhouse headliners is well deserved in 2026! Formed in the sweaty aftermath of Desertfest 2016, the band’s decade-long ascension has been nothing short of meteoric, built on a foundation of crushing riffs, occult imagery, and an unshakeable belief in the power of British heavy rock.
Vocalist Tom Templar’s excitement shows: “Back at Desertfest 2016, our guitarist Scott, drummer Matt and ex-bassist Andrew met in the hallowed confines of the Black Heart, and over a few ales decided to form the band that would go on to become Green Lung. Ten years later, we couldn’t be more honoured to be headlining the festival.”
THE SWORD
If Green Lung represents the future of British heavy music, then The Sword embody its storied past and enduring influence. The Austin quartet’s return for an exclusive UK performance marks their first appearance on British soil in over a decade – a drought that ends in spectacular fashion at the Roundhouse.
These are the architects of modern stoner metal, the band whose debut Age of Winters helped reshape the genre’s DNA. Their mystical lyricism and crushing groove work have influenced countless bands, and their career-spanning set promises to be an education in heavy metal excellence. Expect deep cuts alongside the classics that made them legends.
CAPRICORNS
Perhaps the most surprising announcement comes in the form of Capricorns‘ reunion. After disbanding in 2008, these instrumental doom pioneers are breaking an 18-year silence for what promises to be one of the festival’s most emotionally charged performances. For those unfamiliar with their legacy, Capricorns helped define the progressive doom underground of the early 2000s, crafting sprawling compositions that merged crushing weight with intricate musicianship.
How many opportunities do you get to see a band perform their first show in nearly two decades? For the doom faithful, this is nothing short of a religious experience waiting to happen.
EARTHLESS AND TRUCKFIGHTERS
Rounding out this announcement are two acts that need no introduction to the Desertfest faithful. Earthless, San Diego’s psychedelic power trio, return for another exclusive UK showing that promises to melt minds. Their improvisational approach to heavy rock creates unique experiences every time they take the stage – no two Earthless shows are alike.
Swedish fuzz masters Truckfighters complete the announced lineup, bringing their signature blend of Scandinavian heaviness back to where it all began for them in 2012. As original Desertfest performers, their return feels like welcoming family back home.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Desertfest London is a celebration of community, a gathering of the faithful, a pilgrimage site for disciples of the riff. The 2026 edition, set for May 15-17 at the Roundhouse, promises to be the most significant yet.
Mark your calendars, empty your bank accounts, and prepare your necks for a serious workout. This is going to be special.
Tickets are on sale now via www.desertfest.co.uk and https://link.dice.fm/Desertfest2026
