Top Heavy Metal Shops London: The Brutal Guide for Metalheads
Raven Records
Searching for the best heavy metal shops in London? You’ve summoned the right incantation. Whether you're clawing through crates for obscure blackened death LPs or hunting the perfect battle vest covered in blood-red patches, London delivers the riff-soaked goods like a hammer to the face.
This city bleeds metal from its ancient sewers to its vinyl-clad rooftops. Welcome to your full-blast, corpse-painted guide to the top heavy metal shops in London, packed with guttural recommendations, underground lore, and voice-search-ready riffs for anyone ready to stalk the capital like a leather-clad hellbeast.
Why London is the UK’s Metal Necropolis
From the ashes of Sabbath to the high screams of Maiden, London is a cathedral of heavy metal history. But don’t get it twisted—this isn’t just about nostalgia. The city’s underground is still pulsing, screaming, and vomiting out new riffs every night.
The shops here? They’re not boutiques. They’re shrines. They don’t just sell music—they serve it raw, LOUD, and wrapped in shrink-wrapped darkness. London’s record stores and metal havens cater to every dark taste: from death and doom to grindcore, thrash, and obscure cassette-only black metal from frozen forests you’ve never heard of.
Top Heavy Metal Shops in London (Updated for 2025)
1. Crypt of the Wizard – Hackney
Crypt of the Wizard
If Behemoth had a record store, this would be it. Crypt of the Wizard is London’s most sinister music den. Specializing in black metal, dungeon synth, death-doom, and occult oddities, this place reeks of realness. Vinyl, tapes, rare pressings, and merch straight from the abyss.
Brutal Tip: Follow them online for exclusive preorders, they sell out fast, and some releases never come back.
2. Raven Records – Camden
Ah, Raven Records in Camden Town, London, a place where the spirits of metal and caffeine intertwine in a symphony of dark delight. Chernoglav and I visited it as we heard it was a place where echoes of heavy metal resonate through the air, and the coffee is as black and potent as the heart of Hades. This is a dry place as well, so you’ll be able to get low/no alcohol pints and Behemoth coffee!
3. Sounds of the Universe – Soho
This one’s for the eclectic metalhead. While Sounds of the Universe isn’t a traditional metal store, it serves heavy industrial, ambient black, and avant-garde doom fans like a sacrificial altar. Labels like Southern Lord and Profound Lore haunt these shelves.
4. Sister Ray – Soho
A metal pilgrimage must-stop, Sister Ray offers original pressings, killer reissues, and the occasional ultra-rare NWOBHM release. The death metal section isn’t massive, but it’s deadly. Think early Earache, Combat, and a few buried treasures from the late '80s.
5. Rough Trade East – Brick Lane
Mainstream? Maybe. Still metal-friendly? Hell yes. Rough Trade East gives you a decent array of metal LPs from top-tier labels like Season of Mist, Century Media, and Peaceville. They host signings and in-store events, too—sometimes even extreme metal royalty.
Where to Score Metal Merch and Gear in London
Camden Market – The Metalhead’s Bazaar
There’s no cleaner kill than Camden Market when it comes to shopping for metal clothes, boots, and accessories. It's a multi-level maze of:
Band shirts that haven’t seen the light of day since '92
Patch walls taller than your last stack of amps
DIY jacket artists ready to stud your soul
Bullet belts, leather gauntlets, and enough black denim to cloak a cathedral
Deep Cut Metal Record Stores in London
Already hit the big five? Dig deeper, dig darker:
Flashback Records – Islington
Laid-back, sneaky-good metal section, and one of the better places to grab rarities at reasonable prices. Look for promo copies, live bootlegs, and Eastern European imports.
Reckless Records – Soho
A true grind. You’ll dig. You’ll curse. You’ll walk out with something unholy. First-press Death LPs? They’ve surfaced here.
Tips from the Metal Shopping Pit
The Underworld - Camden
Time it right: Most of these shops open late, don’t expect a 9am power browse.
Ask the staff: These aren’t part-timers. They live this music. Show respect, and you’ll get killer recommendations.
Travel light, leave heavy: You will buy more than you expected. Bring a sturdy bag—and maybe a portable back brace.
Social media stalk: Follow your favorite shops for drops, signings, and obscure label collabs.
Must-Visit Metal Venues and Bars in London
The Black Heart – Camden
This place is a temple of underground metal. Great beer, savage sound, and weekly shows that keep London’s local scene molten. Don’t be surprised if you bump into a touring band at the bar.
The Underworld – Camden
Where legends are born and pits are made. If your favorite band hasn’t played here, they probably will. Sound is tight, crowd is wild, and the sweat never leaves the floor.
Electric Ballroom & O2 Academy Islington
Bigger venues. Bigger names. Still brutal.
FAQ: Heavy Metal Shops London
Where are the best heavy metal shops in London?
Crypt of the Wizard, Raven Records, All Ages Records, Sister Ray, and Rough Trade East top the list.
Where can I buy metal clothing and patches in London?
Camden Market. Bring cash and be ready to search
What’s the best place to find underground metal releases?
Crypt of the Wizard, Flashback Records, and Raven Records—no questions asked.
Where can I see live metal in London?
The Black Heart and The Underworld are where true metalheads gather to sweat and scream.
Hails!
Written by: Chort the Crop Infestor
“Hi, I’m Chort I infest crops and listen to Black Metal!”
