Damnation Festival 2025: A Preview
Damnation Festival 2025: A Preview
BEC Arena, Manchester
8th-9th November 2025
Preview by Oli Gonzalez
That time of year is fast approaching. That time of year when the lifeless shell of concrete and steel that is the Bowlers Exhibition Centre (BEC) becomes home to Europe’s biggest indoor Extreme Metal festival. Though this year is not like any other, as it will be the 20th anniversary of this fantastic festival, with the occasion being marked by a huge 2-day offering. Saturday will centre on the theme of new blood and festival debuts, whilst Sunday is packed full of fan favourites and blasts from the past. So, who exactly is amongst the line-up and who should you look out for?
(Note: Lineup and other information is accurate as of 14/09/2025)
Heart Stopping Returns
Damnation has earned a reputation for bringing bands back from the dead. Afterall, the mighty Carcass made their long-awaited return after years of absence. This year will feature not 1, or 2, but 3 long-awaited returns! Patrick Walker brings back British Doom Metal legends Warning in what will be a tear-jerking, emotional affair. Those of us young enough to be in attendance at Damnation 2007 will be delighted to hear of Ted Maul’s return to action, whilst Stampin’ Ground will tear up any stage they’re allocated to.
Damnation New Blood
Gavin McInally and the team have provided their fans with a number of blistering debuts. Deafheaven are riding a huge wave of momentum after the critically acclaimed “Lonely People With Power” was released earlier this year, and make their Damnation debut here. Hotly-tipped Orbit Culture and Gaerea provide much welcome firepower to the lineup, whilst we can get our dancing shoes on to rave to French Dark Synthwave outfit Perturbator.
Extreme Metal Giants
Looking for grotesque and punishing Extreme Metal to snap your neck to? Brodequin have you covered as they make their UK debut this autumn. Wormrot and Necrot ensure your Grind and old school Death Metal needs are met, too.
Post Rock Heavyweights
For those looking to escape the carnage and to enjoy the more melodic and aesthetic side of music, you’ll be catered for! Nordic Giants are back after opening the main stage of 2023 in some style with an emotionally gripping performance, along with Ireland’s Overhead, The Albatross, who did the same at Arctangent festival this summer. Both aim to make a similar statement this autumn, whereas Damnation Forum favourites Din Of Celestial Birds make their main festival debut. EF add extra prestige to this Post-Rock offering with a playthrough of the seminal album “Give Me Beauty…Or Give Me Death”.
Damnation Favourites
The Sunday mainstage is looking like a wet dream for Damnations fans at present! Pig Destroyer pulled one of the largest crowds in festival history in 2022 and will return this autumn. Anaal Nathrakh laid waste to the Holy Goat Brewing stage in 2023, and have demolished every stage they have ever played. How much carnage will they cause on that Pins And Knuckles main stage? That’s if Sweden’s thrashers The Haunted haven’t already pounded you into submission! In one of the most expected yet welcome additions to the lineup, Belgium’s Amenra will deliver a Post-Metal clinic in what’s to be an emotionally-charged affair.
Doom, Stoner, and All Things Slow And Low
Damnation never fails in booking bands that specialise in providing densely weighted riffs. High On Fire, Messa, and Oryx at all ends of the card will ensure this requirement is met for those who prefer this side of Metal.
Post-Metal And Left Field Bands
Some bands just don’t neatly fit into a genre! Tristan Shome brings his inventions and one man band Author & Punisher to the BEC in what is to be one of the most left-field and loudest bands of the weekend! Gost are playing Damnation! Not THAT Ghost, but rather the Industrial, Rave-inspired project from the USA’s James Lollar. Germany’s Mantar will aim to turn heads for the right reasons with their blend of Industrial and Blackened Death Metal.
Black Metal Offerings
Fans of all things KVLT have certainly not been forgotten about here! Head booker Gavin McInally expressed great interest in Panzerfaust, which made it less surprising but still a delight when they were announced. Spectral Wound are one of the most in-demand Black Metal bands on the planet, and are also a quality booking. And Belgium’s Wiegedood will play the entirety of the “De Doden Heben Het Goed” album trilogy in a set that’s surely caused some timetable headaches.
Headliners
The burning question is “How do you find fitting talent to play above this immensely stacked line-up, whilst wading deeper and deeper into the list of available bands after others have been inevitably snatched by other festivals and tours?” Corrosion Of Conformity will headline Saturday’s proceedings in a European exclusive show, whereas British Grind legends Napalm Death will headline the Sunday, in a fitting tribute to the festival’s history. They certainly aren’t here to make up the numbers, or being booked only because everybody else was unavailable, however!
Of course, this preview can only cover a small sample of the huge 48 bands on this year’s festival! A sample that also includes festival favourites Devil Sold His Soul, and Raging Speedhorn! If you’re looking to get in on the action, don’t waste any time as tickets are running low!
LINKS:
Disclaimer: This preview is solely the property of Oli Gonzalez and Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this preview, unless you have the strict permission of both parties. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.
