2024

Vocalist Martin Kanja AKA Lord Spikeheart is a figurehead of the flourishing African metal scene. Drawing on a distinctive blend of guttural growls, screeching screams and graveling rap verses seeping through menacing headbanging instrumentals, his music is as intense as his performances.

Political themes run through his solo debut album, The Adept, which comes as a tribute to his great grandmother the legendary MAU MAU freedom Fighter, Muthoni wa Kirima – the only woman to ever hold the rank of Field Marshal for her contribution to the uprising against the British colonialists. Using heavily distorted lyrics and sounds, Kanja expresses anger over the everyday oppression he sees across the continent, such as inequalities and all forms of exploitations originating from the colonial era.

For Insomnia Festival 2024 we are excited to invite Lord Spikeheart to conclude the Isbjørn stage with a highly intense and cathartic performance.

Photo Credit: Salvatore Delle Femmine