Two weeks before the 2026 edition of the UK’s premier indoor Metal festival, and there are few tickets left. If you are still undecided, then it is last chance saloon time. Following our Damnation Festival preview, which we ran a few weeks ago, let us have a look at six bands that sit on the top of our list of ‘must-sees.’
The cavernous main stage drew huge crowds last year for both the opening acts, Overhead The Albatross and Conjurer. This year the emotive sounds of Arizona’s Holy Fawn, who blend Shoegaze with post-Metal and ambient texture, will be the main stage openers. One I have heard much about, this band’s music straddles so many genres they must be worth a watch with a pint of Holy Goat to start your weekend.
Although there are a huge number of bands to watch, it is back to the Pins & Knuckles stage for choice two. The granddaddy of Grind and Death Metal, Carcass. Headliners at the last Leeds show, they return in superb form. I saw them win the day in Lisbon as part of the Kreator European tour in March, and they sit high on my list once more.
Closing out Damnation Festival on Saturday, it is a toss-up. One of the worst clashes of the weekend, Australian Industrial Death Metalled The Bezerker will surely level the Holy Goat stage whilst the post-rock of Americans Pelican finish things off on Eyesore Merch. A tough choice for sure.
Day two is no less stacked. I am a shoo-in for Hippotraktor on Lou’s Brews to start the day, especially since their recent album Annihilist was so good. The Belgians are reported to be great live, so front and centre is the place to be.
Many said Groza were band of the weekend at Fortress Festival, so they take the second slot of unmissable bands. An early evening slot on Cvlt Never Dies, so be prepared for some crushing German Black Metal.
With so many brilliant bands on offer, it is almost impossible to pick just three per day, but let’s finish with the teatime slot on the main stage and the punishing Metalcore of Walls Of Jericho. Expect carnage in the main arena as the US outfit set weapons to destroy.
Whatever your tastes, Damnation 2026 should be incredible. Fewer than 200 tickets remain. We will see you there. It promises to be something else. Ticket Link and more information at https://www.damnationfestival.co.uk/
