Embodiment – Beneath The Skin
Suffer UK – Soul From Flesh
Space Pistol – I Can’t Sleep
Nameless – Obliterate
| FESTIVAL SEASON |
| Mangata Festival 2026 |
| Mangata Festival 2026 took place on Saturday, September 5, 2026, bringing a massive multi-stage showcase of heavy, alt, and progressive music to Nottingham. We proudly ran press for the festival.We’d like to thank all our friends in press and photography that helped make the day memorable! On the bill, French nu-metalcore giants ten56. closed out the festival with a packed-out, high-octane set, while audio-visual post-rock duo Nordic Giants headlined the Beta stage. Red Method offered one of the undisputed highlights of the day, delivering an intensely chaotic and visually spectacular industrial-death performance, with members spending half the set in the mosh pit. Raised By Owls also brought their signature comedy grindcore energy, complete with game-show antics, t-shirt giveaways, and crowd participation. Our very own Ward XVI also delivered their trademark theatrical set complete with props, straightjackets, and fake blood at Rock City Beta. Ofnus entertained with their atmospheric black metal ritual, and Aei-Ferlen stepped in as a late-stage replacement for Hundred Year Old Man and blew their audience away with folk-infused black metal.‘From the get-go, there’s a real sense that the organisers have created a labour of love. This is a grassroots event run and attended by people who care deeply about the local heavy scene, and that comes through in every interaction’ – Moshville Times‘Deer, double-ended dildos, headbanging to club Metal and doing the robot to grindcore, and paint. Lots of paint. Some of it demonic, some of it clown, some of it staying on the bands, and some of it rubbing off on eager moshers. This is Mangata 2026, a festival full of surprises, the good, the mad, and the emotional.’ – MetalTalk‘What’s better than spending a day bouncing between stages, discovering new bands and catching some familiar faces along the way? Not much, and Mangata Festival 2026 delivered exactly that.’ – Femetalism‘If you managed to make it over to Nottingham for Mangata Festival last Saturday, you already know what an amazing day it was.’ – Rampage Magazine‘You know you’re in for a good day when you arrive at Mangata Festival and immediately realise there are far too many bands you want to see. Spread across five stages and three venues in Nottingham, Mangata is the kind of festival where having a plan is essential, but sticking to it is almost impossible.’ – TotalRock |
| Uprising X announces first wave of bands |
| In July we announced the first bands for Uprising X, the event’s epic tenth edition with a new home but the same values and same great vibes! Taking place at KK’s Steel Mill, Wolverhampton, on 9-10 April 2027, first up to join the lineup are Lithuania’s own modern metal heavyweights, Black Spikes. Renowned for seamlessly blending their love for all metal subgenres, the band is set to deliver an intense, intricate, and powerful live experience. UK crowds already got a taste of their ferocious stage presence during last year’s tour with Infected Rain and Butcher Babies, and they’re ready for more. |
Also joining the lineup are Hippotraktor, the Belgian post-metal quintet renowned for delivering deeply emotional performances driven by heavy, polyrhythmic grooves and soaring atmospheric melodies. Making their festival debut are Copenhagen’s very own progressive metal outfit Cold Night For Alligators. The band has rapidly built a formidable UK reputation following a standout tour with MØL this past February and a highly regarded set at Radar Festival in 2022.
Joining the bill are fellow Belgian heavyweights Cobra The Impaler. If you were lucky enough to grab a ticket last year, you likely caught them tearing up the UK alongside Hippotraktor. The band seamlessly fuses raw aggression and thrash-like grooves with enchanting vocal melodies and intense screams. Also making their highly anticipated debut are our very own Brummie rockers Straight For The Sun. This energetic quintet has built a fierce reputation for delivering massive choruses and lively, unpredictable stage antics. The final band completing this announcement is Leicester’s own post-hardcore quintet, Reckoner. A must-see for fans of Underoath and Every Time I Die, the band has made massive waves in a relatively short amount of time.
| Bloodstock Festival 2026 |
| At Bloodstock Festival, we represented Mantis Defeats Jaguar, Atarka, Imperial Demonic, Regicide, Inscape, Alunah and Chekhov’s Gun across each day of the festival on the Sophie Lancaster and New Blood Stages.We’d like to thank everyone who reviewed, interviewed, took photos, or simply checked out any of our super seven this year!Formed in 2009 in the heart of the Black Country – the historical birthplace of heavy metal – Mantis Defeats Jaguar (MDJ) spent two years building a reputation for chaotic, high-energy live shows. After a lengthy hiatus that began in 2011, the global pandemic unexpectedly brought the four-piece back together in 2020 to reignite their “special brand of nonsense”.‘On this occasion, Mantis Defeats Jaguar just seemed to catch a vibe with the crowd early on that produced a real feel-good factor in the SOPHIE tent. Great choice of band to kick off the festival!’ – Moshville Times‘The group’s mix of funk, hip-hop and nu-metal certainly got a party atmosphere going, and deservedly made the step-up from the New Blood Stage in the 2025 edition’ – Devolution‘Taking a flamethrower to the Sophie Lancaster stage, they tore into their set with a ferocious hunger, instantly commanding the tent with an unbridled wave of noise.’ – Overdrive.ie‘Kick the Wrecking Off feels ideal suited to the situation, inflatables are released and the whole things feels like we’re about to welcome the millennium all over again.’ – The Razor’s Edge‘They trade in a brand of nu-metal that knows its onions when it comes to hip-hop. Slick, triumphant and a blur of kinetic energy, they get the party started in an explosive fashion.’ – RockfleshRegicide are a four-piece Thrash/Groove Metal band from Chelmsford, Essex, delivering a relentless blend of crushing riffs, thunderous drums, guttural vocals and bone-breaking grooves.‘Regicide were another top choice on the New Blood, thrash and groove and smiles on their faces.’ – Moshville Times‘Regicide took their bow and made it count with a storming set under the shade of the tent. With a thrashy sound sprinkled with melodicism, the band were rewarded for their tenacious performance with a strong following and excellent interaction from those gathered to witness their Catton Hall debut’ – DevolutionBirmingham M2TM winners Atarka conjure up their own blend of modern melodic death metal, which draws from their crucible of diverse influences, modernises it and layers it with a signature sound that has drawn critical acclaim and left audiences demanding more across the UK.‘Atarka present as high-energy modern metal with plenty of riffs to go around’ – Moshville Times‘A triumph by one of the winners of Metal 2 The Masses and example of the brilliance of the competition’ – Devolution‘Atarka proved that the future of heavy music is in incredibly safe, violently capable hands.’ – Overdrive.ieImperial Demonic are a melodic black metal force from Belfast, Northern Ireland, forging a sound rooted in the golden era of late-’90s and early-2000s Scandinavian extremity. Formed in 2021-2022 by musicians with extensive experience in established acts including Alestorm, Darkest Era, Overoth and Celtachor, Imperial Demonic rapidly established themselves as one of the most promising new names in UK and Irish black metal.‘It is shocking to realise that Imperial Demonic have only been a band for about four years. Their performance on the New Blood Stage has the precision of a band that have been doing this for decades.’ – Distorted Sound‘A bit of theatrics with your black metal? Oh, go on then… Elements of melody wove through the pandemonium, giving the crowd a touch of respite at times, but the set ended triumphantly with the warped “For Those To Serve”.’ – DevolutionInscape are an electronic/alternative rock band from Swansea, South Wales. Formed over 14 years ago, the band’s sound has evolved massively, with each member bringing in personal inspirations that form a truly unique sound.‘There is a particular energy to a New Blood set that lands the sense of a band visibly levelling up in real time, playing what may be the biggest show of their career to date and rising to meet it. Inscape had that quality in droves’ – Musipedia of Metal‘They delivered on their promise as winners of the South Wales Metal 2 The Masses regional with commendable professionalism’ – Devolution“Heavy Rock on their own terms, NO compromise”. Alunah have always been very clear on this message over their 20 year history. Winter 2024 saw vocalist Daisy Savage enter the fold in time for a year of touring and building new dynamics as the band joined the Heavy Psych Sounds Festival across Italy, Switzerland, Greece & the UK alongside playing further headline shows.‘With their new vocalist Daisy Savage, the band perform with new found vigor and assuredness in their performance. The riffs sound massive and no doubt many sore necks from all the headbanging.’ – Distorted Sound‘Their set under the lights of the Sophie Lancaster Stage was groove-laden… Alunah more than hit the mark. Here’s to twenty more years.’ – Devolution‘The sound is still Alunah’s trademark fuzzy doom, part Wizard, part Sabbath, with Daisy’s pipes being an inspired choice. She gives a shout out to Sophie Lancaster herself as the band is now sound in a great place to explore all manner of new musical avenues.’ – The Razor’s Edge‘Their melodic doom can only be described as soothing on a Sunday lunchtime. An impressive crowd nods along enjoying the melodic refrains.’ – Rockflesh‘For something a bit more psych-tinged for when you need something more vibey, Alunah were on hand with their dreamy ’70s heaviness.’ – Kerrang!Contorting many forms of metal with their classical & romantic influences, Chekhov’s Gun have managed to form their own unique progressive resonance. Their striking sound is matched by a visceral live show, fronted by a flamboyant Lithuanian ballroom dancer, creating an energy that is both aggressive and theatrically creepy.‘Diverse, progressive, at times densely complex, and overtly avant-garde.’ – Moshville Times‘Quite possibly one of the most unique bands at Bloodstock this year, the music is dark, the aesthetic unnerving and the atmosphere is palpable.’ – Distorted Sound‘The word “eclectic” almost does not do them justice – a striking performance, for sure’ – Devolution |
| TOURS AND RELEASES |
| King Parrot UK Tour |
| In September, we welcomed Aussie extreme metal/grind titans King Parrot to the UK, bringing their no holds barred, off kilter live experience in support of their new album ‘A Young Person’s Guide To King Parrot’.‘The intensity and showmanship plunged the venue into chaos’ – Down In Front Media‘Nothing is quite as feral as being baptised with water from the mouth of King Parrot… we couldn’t get enough of it’ – Spooky Spots‘They are exceptionally tight on stage, but still with a wild, raw energy that makes you feel like you need to scrub dirt off your body when it’s done’ – The Razor’s EdgeThe last time the quietus quartet were on our shores, they were decimating stadiums nationwide and all over Europe opening for Pantera and Power Trip in 2025.The new album has received a rousing reception by the metal community with tracks like ‘Fuck You and the Horse You Rode In On’ and ‘It’s A Rort’ and their accompanying videos being lapped up by old and new fans alike.SEP 10TH – COBBLESTONES – BRIDGWATERSEP 11TH – THE BUNKHOUSE – SWANSEASEP 12TH – VICTORIA INN – DERBY SEP 13TH – CASTLE AND FALCON – BIRMINGHAM SEP 14TH – DISTRICT – LIVERPOOL SEP 15TH – 1865 – SOUTHAMPTON SEP 16TH – NAMBUCCA – LONDONSEP 17TH – BRICKMAKERS – NORWICH SEP 18TH – IVORY BLACKS – GLASGOW SEP 19TH – LIMELIGHT – BELFASTSEP 20TH – ACADEMY 2 – DUBLIN |
| Embodiment – Cryptomorph |
| Bristol extreme metallers Embodiment returned with their first EP since 2020, ‘Cryptomorph’, in late July. Introducing guitarist Sam Godding and drummer Will Pearson to the line-up to signal a new chapter for the band, the EP brings fresh influences and renewed energy to the group’s creative process.‘10/10 from me’ – Matt Heafy‘The EP feels like a clear statement from a band stepping into a new phase with confidence’ – UK Thrashers‘A brilliant EP that proves unequivocally that the world is that little bit better, and nastier sounding, when Embodiment are around’ – Grave Noise Media‘All in all, this record is an absolute ripper from start to finish’ – Metal Noise‘Cryptomorph is enough to convince all who listen that Embodiment is back’ – The Razor’s Edge‘It’s probably some of the most exhilarating metal that’s come out this year. 4 perfectly built tracks’ – Musipedia Of MetalFormed in Bristol in 2012, Embodiment have spent over a decade forging a distinct identity within the UK technical metal scene. Combining the precision and intensity of technical death metal with groove, melody, and memorable songwriting, the band have developed a sound that balances technical complexity with lasting impact.Named after the concept of hidden transformation, ‘Cryptomorph’ explores themes of deception, fractured perception, psychological struggle, and resistance. Musically, it expands upon Embodiment’s established technical foundations while introducing stronger melodic hooks, dynamic vocal arrangements, and some of the heaviest and fastest material in the band’s catalogue to date.To support the release, Embodiment launched a four-day tour around the UK with Kill All The Gentlemen in Exeter, London, Norwich and Bristol. You can catch them on the following dates this autumn:24/10/26 – Swansea, Hangar 18 Music Venue21/11/26 – Bristol, The Croft22/11/26 – Manchester, Grand Central |
| Suffer – Soul From Flesh |
| Wolverhampton’s groove-laden slamming deathcore heavyweights, Suffer UK, dropped their new EP, ‘Soul From Flesh‘, in early August through Arson Theory. Bringing in a definitive new era for the five-piece, the EP showcases a fresh, revitalised lineup and serves as a brutal statement of intent for the year ahead.‘Soul From Flesh sits above the anonymous middle of the genre. Severe, focused and distinct…’ – Heavy Metal Darkness‘When it comes to deathcore, you can count on a bunch of lads from the Black Country to navigate new hallowed ground’ – Hard Beat‘Soul From Flesh gives a bite size easy-to-ingest sample of their undeniable potential’ – The Razor’s Edge‘If blood and guts is what you want, you won’t be left disappointed by the entire EP’ – Grave Noise Media‘This taste of flesh has us licking our chops…’ – Revolver Mag‘It seems there is nothing that Suffer can not achieve when they put their collective minds to it, as by the end of the record it feels like Suffer have transcended Deathcore and been reborn into a world of Extreme Metal’ – Metal NoiseFormed in late 2018, Suffer UK quickly established themselves as a force in the UK metal scene, making their live debut in 2019 supporting Annotations of an Autopsy. Following the addition of vocalist Greg Hevican and guitarist Klaudiusz Trzebuniak, the band signed with DC Sound Attack for all bookings and hit the ground running with a series of successful live shows.Following a seven-day jaunt around the EU and a main support slot for Aussie grind legends King Parrot, Suffer have announced four ‘Scottish(ish)’ dates for October with From Tyranny and Datura:15/10/26 – Hidden, Dundee16/10/26 – Upstairs, Inverness17/10/26 – Downcast, Newcastle18/10/26 – Audio, Glasgow |
| Nameless – Obliterate |
| Birmingham genre-benders Nameless returned with their brand new single, ‘Obliterate’, released on 25th September. The track serves as the first glimpse into the band’s forthcoming sophomore album, Floor Noise, due for release in early 2027. Fusing the raw aggression of nu-metal and hardcore with the atmospheric weight of shoegaze, Nameless have built a sound where chaos and beauty collide. ‘Obliterate’ pushes that formula into darker territory, exploring emotional manipulation, destructive relationships and the gradual erosion of identity.“‘Obliterate’ was, in many ways, one of the easiest songs for me to write because, at the time, I was genuinely living in the headspace I was trying to convey through the lyrics,” says vocalist Jordan Ebanks. “Everything was still incredibly fresh, and putting those thoughts into words and seeing them in black and white was an incredibly cathartic experience.”At its core, ‘Obliterate’ is a song about the destruction of identity: the point where prolonged emotional manipulation leaves a person questioning who they have become and how much of themselves they have lost. |
| Space Pistol – Headlocker |
| Milton Keynes alt-rock band Space Pistol released their second full-length album, ‘Headlocker’, in early September.’It’s plain and simple, really – Space Pistol knocked it out the park with this one’ – The Jaily ReviewThe band also confirmed an accompanying tour running throughout September and October, which began on release day with a launch show at The Craufurd Arms in Milton Keynes. Following their 2024 debut album, ‘Leave With Everything’, Headlocker represents a significant expansion of what Space Pistol can be. Across 11 tracks, the band push further in every direction: heavier, softer, denser, more dynamic and more technically ambitious than anything they have previously released.It is also the first Space Pistol album recorded with their new drummer, Tom Darby, capturing the band’s current line-up at full force. ‘Headlocker is a clear level up for us,’ the band explain. ‘The songs are more challenging to play, more intense to listen to and much broader in terms of style. We’ve gone heavier than we ever have before, but we’ve also gone softer and more vulnerable than we ever have before. It pushes the walls of what people might expect Space Pistol to sound like.’ Space Pistol are currently touring the album with Arid Wave as main support on several dates. 4th September – The Craufurd Arms – Milton Keynes 11th September – The Hobbit – Southampton18th September – Bear’s Bar – Bournemouth26th September – The Dragonffli – Pontypool2nd October – Tap N Tumbler – Nottingham3rd October – Saturnalia – Favisham9th October – The Castle – Luton10th October – The Alma Inn – Bolton16th October – Olde England – Wellingborough31st The Craufurd Arms – Milton Keynes (supporting Evil Scarecrow) |
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