Beyond The Black

Beyond The Black Live at O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, London

About the Event

Prepare for an unforgettable evening as the titans of symphonic metal, Beyond The Black, descend upon London for a spectacular headline performance at the iconic O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire on Friday, 16 January 2026. This highly anticipated show promises to be a captivating journey through their extensive catalogue, delivering a potent blend of soaring operatic vocals, powerful guitar riffs, and anthemic choruses that have captivated audiences worldwide. For fans of dramatic, high-energy metal with a touch of gothic grandeur, this is a date etched in stone. Beyond The Black are renowned for their electrifying live shows, and their return to London is set to be a defining moment in their celebrated career, offering a chance to experience their potent musical prowess in one of the capital’s most revered live music venues.

About Beyond The Black

Emerging from the vibrant German metal scene, Beyond The Black have rapidly ascended to become one of the leading forces in modern symphonic metal. Founded in 2014 by charismatic frontwoman Jennifer Haben, the band quickly distinguished themselves with a sound that expertly melds the epic scope of symphonic metal with a modern, accessible edge. Haben’s powerful, classically trained vocals are the undeniable centrepiece, effortlessly soaring over intricate orchestral arrangements and driving guitar work. Their debut album, “Songs of Love and Death” (2015), immediately showcased their potential, featuring tracks that balanced vulnerability with raw power.

Their sophomore release, “Lost in Forever” (2016), further solidified their reputation, delving deeper into lyrical themes of struggle, hope, and redemption. This album boasted fan favourites like the title track and the anthemic “Forget.” With each subsequent release, Beyond The Black have refined their sound, pushing boundaries and exploring new sonic territories while remaining true to their symphonic metal roots. “Heart of the Hurricane” (2018) delivered anthems like “Million Lightyears,” and “Horizons” (2020) continued their upward trajectory with compelling tracks such as “You’re Not Alone.” Their most recent offering, “Beyond the Black” (2023), has been met with critical acclaim, showcasing their continued evolution and featuring powerful tracks that are sure to resonate live. Known for their dynamic stage presence and unwavering commitment to delivering a powerful, emotional performance, Beyond The Black have garnered a loyal global fanbase, and their London date promises to be a testament to their enduring appeal.

Venue Information

The O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire is a historic and renowned venue located in West London. Originally built as a cinema, it has since been transformed into one of the city’s premier locations for live music, hosting a diverse array of acclaimed artists across numerous genres. Its distinctive architecture and intimate yet substantial capacity create a unique atmosphere, offering excellent acoustics and a fantastic viewing experience for concert-goers. Situated in the bustling Shepherd’s Bush area, the venue is easily accessible by public transport, making it a convenient destination for music fans from across the capital and beyond. For complete venue details, see our venue guide.

What to Expect

Attendees can anticipate a truly electrifying performance from Beyond The Black. Their live shows are celebrated for their high energy and emotional resonance, with Jennifer Haben commanding the stage with her exceptional vocal prowess and captivating presence. Expect a meticulously crafted setlist that spans their acclaimed discography, featuring a potent mix of their most beloved anthems and potentially some newer material that has quickly become fan favourites.

You can expect to hear crowd-pleasing hits such as the powerful “Heart of the Hurricane,” the soaring “Million Lightyears,” and the anthemic “You’re Not Alone.” Tracks like “When Darkness Falls” often showcase the band’s more dramatic and intense side, while songs like “Lost in Forever” highlight their knack for infectious, singalong choruses. Beyond The Black are known for seamlessly blending orchestral elements with heavy guitar riffs and driving rhythms, creating a sound that is both grand and accessible. Their performance style is dynamic and engaging; expect a stage show that is visually impressive, with powerful lighting and a clear focus on the raw emotion and musicality of the band. The synergy between Haben and the rest of the band is palpable, creating a compelling connection with the audience. While the exact duration of the set can vary, Beyond The Black typically deliver a full-length concert experience, lasting approximately 90 minutes to two hours, ensuring ample time to immerse yourself in their symphonic metal universe.

FAQs

Q1: Will Jennifer Haben be performing with Beyond The Black at this event?

Yes, Jennifer Haben is the lead singer and a founding member of Beyond The Black. She is renowned for her powerful vocals and dynamic stage presence, and will undoubtedly be a central figure in their performance at the O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire.

Q2: What kind of music can I expect Beyond The Black to play?

Beyond The Black are a symphonic metal band. Their music is characterised by operatic female vocals, heavy guitar riffs, orchestral arrangements, and often dramatic, emotionally charged lyrics. Their sound is both epic and accessible, making it appealing to a wide range of rock and metal fans.

Q3: Will Beyond The Black play songs from their latest album?

It is highly probable that Beyond The Black will perform tracks from their latest album, “Beyond the Black” (2023), along with a selection of their most popular hits from previous releases. Bands typically use headline tours to showcase their most current material.

Q4: Can I expect any special guest appearances from Beyond The Black?

While Beyond The Black are a strong, cohesive unit, they do occasionally collaborate with guest musicians on their albums and sometimes in live settings. However, specific guest appearances are rarely announced in advance and should not be expected as a standard part of their performances.

Q5: How long does a typical Beyond The Black concert last?

A standard headline set from Beyond The Black usually lasts between 90 minutes and two hours, providing a comprehensive and satisfying concert experience for their fans.

Q6: Are there any specific songs that Beyond The Black are known for playing live?

Beyond The Black consistently perform their most popular hits live. Tracks that are almost guaranteed to be in their setlist include anthems like “Heart of the Hurricane,” “Million Lightyears,” “You’re Not Alone,” and “Lost in Forever.” They also often include fan favourites from across their album catalogue.