Slammer 2025; A Preview
Slammer 2025; A Preview
Rebellion, Manchester
18-19th October 2025
Preview by Oli Gonzalez
Let’s face it. Not many festivals reach the 5-year mark, with financial constraints or promoter burnout often being cited as reasons for making the decision to pull the plug. Though Slammer, in its various incarnations, is now coming to us for the 5th edition. In that time, we’ve seen some remarkable sets, including headline slots from Footprints In The Custard and Prognosis, as well as the final appearance for local legends Amethyst. Who could forget the chaos caused by Repulsive Vision in 2022, or Waterlines’ blistering headline set 2023? To mark the occasion, this year’s will feature a blockbuster 20 bands spread across a special two-day slot at one of the central hubs for underground music, Rebellion Manchester. So, who’s playing this year and why should you mark a place on your calendar for 18-19th October?
(Note; information accurate as of 28/09/2025)
Local Scene Standouts
The best of Manchester’s underground is always well represented at Slammer, and this year will be no exception. Highly-regarded Hellbearer have only been around for a short period but have already made a huge name for themselves, and will look to whip up a frenzy with their hig- tempo Thrash Metal! Crescent Halo grab a Saturday slot with their new-look line-up, whilst local favourites Apparitia will bring their Progressive Rock stylings to proceedings.
…And on the 8th day, there was Dwingle! Always guaranteed to be an entertaining show, don’t miss them! 40,000 Leagues are an ever-present in Manchester’s underground and will add some firepower with their Progressive Metal sound. And of course, the reason why all of this can take place, host band 4GEN7 and their Alternative Metal blend!
Out Of Town Talent
Rather than taking the easy route and filling the line-up with local acts, Slammer pulls in talent from other regions of the country! Pulverise are no strangers to these parts, having headlined multiple Manchester shows and played larger festivals in their many years on the scene. Their Nu-Metal-inspired Rap-Metal is always a crowd pleaser, and they take a slot on Saturday’s card. Likewise, Midlands act Recall The Remains are well regarded in Manchester, largely for their intense live shows, and will be looking to make a statement on the Sunday. Relative newcomers to the scene, Dark Winter made a hell of an entrance by storming to the final of North Wales Metal To The Masses earlier in the year, narrowly missing out on a place at the prestigious Bloodstock Open Air. Dystopian Sun went one step further in 2023, being crowned as North Wales champions, and will bring some big festival experience to Slammer.
Blockbuster Headliners and Huge Returns
Waterlines seem to be doing no wrong at present and are ascending the ranks of the UK’s Metal scene, with appearances at this summer’s Bloodstock and Radar festivals being amongst many accolades in an impressive career. They return to the top of Saturday’s card this year, and look to cause the same carnage they did in 2023 with their Modern Metalcore masterclass.
Slammer has been the place for return acts, including local standouts, Daywalkers, who returned to the scene in 2022. Similarly, local Metalcore heavyweights Clashmute return to Slammer and to the stage as a whole after a lengthy absence. After appearances at Revive Festival and supporting the likes of InVisions, Clashmute will be looking to quickly regain that momentum as they take Sunday’s headline slot.
Head to Slammer’s Facebook page for more information, or better yet, get your tickets at Fatsoma!
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