Fortress Festival 2026
Fortress Festival 2026
Scarborough, North Yorkshire, England
30-31st May 2026
Words by Oli Gonzalez
Photos by Necroshorns (used and shared with permission)
It’s that time of year again. The last weekend of May is now becoming an annual migration to the North Yorkshire seaside for hundreds of black devotees. The town of Scarborough is the place for this ritual, and this year featured a lineup littered with world-exclusive sets, incredibly rare sets, and worldwide debuts! Whether it was Akercocke performing “Choronzon” in full, Mesarthim playing a very rare show, Old Man’s Child returning to the island for the first time in decades, or the almost-impossible booking of Gallowbraid for their maiden live performance!
On a personal note, this would be my third visit to the festival, though this time I would be on 4 legs! A fractured foot a few weeks prior meant I’d be attending with the aid of crutches, though it would take a lot to make me miss this! Whilst the festival began at the festival’s pre-show on the Friday night for some, we chose to take it easy and bask in some good local ales provided by the rather brilliant Craft Bar. As did many others. The buzz was palpable as many metalheads from across the globe gathered and compared thoughts on the festivals. After a reasonably early finish and bedtime, our festival thus began on the Saturday morning…
Saturday
Whilst taking the pilgrimage down to the Scarborough Spa, there was time to take in the views of the beach and clifftops that basked in the glorious sunshine. How can such a beautiful place be host to such grotesque black metal music?
We arrived at the Scarborough Spa just as the sounds of a Groza sound check could be heard. We hadn’t taken advantage of the wristband exchange available the day prior, hence a queue and frantic dart into the Grand Hall to secure a prime viewing spot as soon as the fabric was around our wrists. It’s the small things, but with extra screens and lighting, it was clear Reaper Agency had invested in the production. Though there wasn’t much time to take this in, nor time to ponder whether the band would benefit from this. It was time for one of the standouts in Germany’s black metal scene…
Groza
12 pm. The place was packed. You’d expect no less from the devoted Fortress Festival collective. Sunken and Nemorous had set the bar high in years prior as festival opening acts. Groza would more than rise to the challenge, though! Their exciting brand of black metal that fuses intricate melodic harmonies and a primitive hardcore edge flooded the Grand Hall in a relentless deluge and feast for the senses (pun intended as their hit ‘Deluge’ provided a set highlight!). Talk about setting a standard! How would anybody top that?
Quickly over to the Ocean Room, and despite being on crutches, the venue’s lift and accessibility saved me a potentially painful ordeal with the stairs. Some grumblings over the new one-way system could be heard (though organiser Gary Stephenson later dealt with this).
Black Cilice would open the Ocean Room stage and came in highly rated. Though a combination of poor red lighting and excess smoke eliminated any visibility of the band. Alongside sound issues and relentless heat, this meant it was better to cut my losses and secure a good spot in the balcony for Mesarthim.
Mesarthim
One of many MANY rare sets this weekend, the elusive band’s sound was characterised by the opulent and oddly relaxing melodic soundscapes juxtaposed elegantly against the sheer piercing shrieks of the vocalist (check ‘Osteopenia’ for evidence)! How can evil emerge from such beauty? Also, how can a band only performing for the third time ever be so ridiculously tight and play with such a clean, flawless sound? Questions without answers. A band that has clearly played the long game and is reaping the benefits now as one of the genre’s most elusive and prized assets. A genuine honour and privilege to see such a seldom-witnessed act!
Fortress Festival can be intense, especially with the sheer quantity of music to indulge in. As well as the unfortunate byproduct of the heat that comes with hosting a summer festival. Fortunately, the Spa offers plenty of places to escape, including the Sun Court and its many food vendors. After some refuelling and a catch-up with friends, it’s time to get to the balcony again for another rare and elusive set…
Ossaert
Another act that was never really designed to leave the studio, the band’s one and only live appearance at Roadburn left many salivating at the prospect of a return to the stage. It was time. From the soundcheck, we knew this would be intense. The infernal hellish atmosphere conjured up by the instrumentation engulfed the Grand Hall in a wave of darkness! The intensity of which could only be matched by the voice of the band. Blending cavernous shrieks that evolved into blood-curdling screams of agony as the set progressed, this portrayed a man descending further and further into realms of insanity! Or at least that’s how one could interpret this. Pure theatre!
Akercocke
Suited and booted, they looked suitably ready for the occasion. After 2 and a half years on the shelf, this was going to be either epic or awful. No middle ground. Well, the shelf had been well-maintained and kept clean, as their sound was polished and pristine!! We had waited so long to hear this, with the roars of approval for ‘Leviathan’ deafening! Their finest song, and an absolute behemoth at that. The band’s utterly complex sound could be the stuff of nightmares for engineers, but no note ever felt out of place, and the band seemed as well-oiled and as gargantuan as ever!
“We celebrate life“.
Frontman Jason Mendonça – who had been a phenom behind the mic – could not contain his genuine gratitude for the opportunity nor his emotion as he paid homage to fallen musician and friend Federico Benini with the fitting track ‘Valley Of Death’.
One of the must-sees of the weekend for me and one I genuinely never thought I’d ever see again! It did not disappoint.
Dodheimsgard
Having played it at Roadburn a year prior, it was Fortress’ turn to experience a full play-through of “Black Medium Current”. The Norwegian avant-garde black metallers weren’t just going through the motions, though. They invested in a three-piece choir to make this feel even more special, in addition to offering a high-end production that would be difficult to match this weekend. This isn’t just a black metal set. This was a journey to the psychedelic, spiced, and progressive edges of the genre. A voyage to a seldom-considered realm that challenges what black metal can be. As well as the theatrical antics and performances by the band, spearheaded by frontman Yusaf, with his flamboyance and refusal to take himself too seriously, a breath of fresh air in a genre full of pretentiousness. A highlight for many this weekend, especially if social media was to be used as a gauge.
Whilst Whoredom Rife were headlining the Ocean Stage, we opted to take a pew by the sea front for a bit of respite from the heat and noise. Not many festivals can offer this unique experience, making Fortress a true destination and bucket list festival. After comparing thoughts on the day, we made our way to the Grand Hall for the final time today…
Old Man’s Child
A band I discovered as a teenager, the Norwegian act had been inactive by then after having torn apart venues across Europe and further in the 1990s. To be truthful, I was sceptical as to whether they deserved a headline spot. The ridiculously high standard of bands today reinforced this. Though once Galder and his troops had taken position on stage, the anticipation was palpable and the band’s star power undeniable. From the very first note, they laid down the gauntlet and upheld the fierce reputation they had rebuilt after performances at Inferno and Maryland Deathfest festivals! Whether it’s the nightmare-inducing voice of Galder, the sheer depth of the synths, or blistering gravity of the guitar leads, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts, and Old Man’s Child closed the main stage in a headline set that will be spoken of for years to come!
Sunday
Despite the glorious sunshine, there was a sense of melancholy upon waking up in the knowledge that this would be the second and final day of the festival. Time flies when you’re having relentless fun!
It seems to be a Fortress tradition with an unfathomably long line for at least one band’s merch stand. In the past, it’s been Blackbraid and Aggaloch. Today, it was Gallowbraid, after the warning of a limited edition festival shirt which sold out before the opening act of the day! The band would make their long-awaited debut that was never considered to be a reality! The day would also give birth to the live debut of Old Sorcery playing on a new look dungeon synth stage in the theatre, with the festival operating with 3 stages. Though the day would begin on the main stage, with one of many heart-stopping returns!
A Forest Of Stars (AFOS)
There was sadness when the band went on a temporary hiatus. There was joy when AFOS announced their return to the live arena. Every festival needs a band to break the mould and offer something fresh. AFOS achieved this with a blend of darkened progressive metal spiced with woodwind-led folk melodies (think Opeth meets Ne Obliviscaris). Whilst some showed their appreciation through waves and waves of headbanging, this was one you could equally just sit back and thoroughly indulge in. How to judge how well a band was received? By the size of the merch queue at the end of the set. Their queue was HUGE! Need I say more?
Leaving the Grand Hall early meant missing the announcement for next year’s headliner. It was only a matter of when, not if.
Emperor.
The Norwegian metal legends who need very little introduction. Whilst many were left salivating after having just learned of this, we took our places in the Theatre, the third stage for the day and an all new dungeon synth bill.
Portcullis
Time to go in completely blind into an entirely new genre to me, with Portcullis being my guide to the world of dungeon synth. A direct juxtaposition to the blistering, intense acts from the main stage and a wonderful change of pace. This is tranquil, ambient. Just one man and his synths. Reminiscent of a Final Fantasy soundtrack, this was caressing and a wonderful introduction to this new world. Getting to enjoy this in the comfort of the all-seated theatre stage provided respite for aching feet and backs in a very welcome change of pace.
Abigail Williams
A must-see for many. They come out of the blocks sprinting and engulf the Spa in a shroud of atmospheric splendour! This was jaw-dropping good and one of the most anticipated acts of the weekend. Especially considering it was nearly a decade since the band’s last appearance on the island and possibly the last. The stakes couldn’t be higher. It’s a shame that technical difficulties hampered the momentum of the set, with some leaving the room to either get a good spot in another stage or to seek refuge from the heat. Though they recovered the momentum and despite being dealt with this body blow, they took the standing 8 count, recovered, and finished suitably strong.
There’s no secret. I love my food. This is why the range of food options needs to be outlined! With the infamous Goth Burger or the Farrers café that is exclusive to Fortress attendees, there are more than enough choices for anybody. I indulged in a portion of sweet and sour chicken at this point from a vendor whose name I embarrassingly cannot remember the name of, but cannot forget the ridiculously good value for money and the sustenance it provided for the rest of the day! Whilst I watched a very small portion of Fluisteraars’ set, I felt obliged to get to the barrier of the Ocean Room for a very special set indeed…
Antrisch
Black metal is filled with gimmicks. Some good, some bad. Some downright incredible. Like that of Antrisch. See, their sets aren’t just a collection of musical sounds. No, they’re a story, a journey. Today, the journey of Sir John Franklin’s doomed 1845 Arctic expedition! Though the story was told in their native German, hence a lack of connection you may have felt. Though the theatrics and costumes were on point, as was the melodic edge and intense atmosphere emerging from the Ocean Room Stage.
Vinterland
Time for one of the seminal melodic black metal bands and albums, Vinterland and “Welcome My Last Chapter”. Sometimes you don’t need many words to describe how incredible a band’s set was! This felt so simple yet devastatingly effective. The lush melodic tones of the guitars provided several earworms to take residence in your subconscious mind. Close your eyes, and you could just imagine being transported through the vast Norwegian forests.
Mispyrming
Returning to the festival after tearing apart the Ocean Room two years prior, the Icelandic force of nature would take its rightful spot on the main stage. Some were ready for what was to come, some blissfully unaware. They sounded monstrous on that main stage, where even a slightly bad mix can turn the sound into atmospheric gloop. The pits opened and the carnage ensued. My only regret? Leaving early to get in on time for the Ocean Room headliner…
Darkened Nocturn Slaughtercult (DNS)
“SLAUGHTER CULT! SLAUGHTER CULT! SLAUGHTER CULT!”
The roar of the crowd filled the Ocean Room as DNS would close this in style. Fronted by the psychotic and twisted Onielar with one of the more distinct and downright savage voices in the world of metal! Genuinely, there’s nothing quite like it, and words fail to describe this sheer force and otherworldly sounds that mortals should not be able to make!
In retrospect, leaving the main stage early was a mistake, as the headline of Mortiis in the third stage helped to ease crowding. Though no regrets could be made for venturing over to witness this. Though some mental and physical fatigue was setting in, the 30 minutes or so here were well spent.
Gallowbraid
Gallowbraid’s worldwide live debut.
Yes, you read that right. The elusive act that was never intended to be played in the live arena was about to be unveiled in a historic moment for metal!
The set began with ‘Ashen Eidolon’. The start was nervous with some notable mistakes. Though the crowd didn’t care and we saw more movement than we had seen all weekend. It was really with the injection of new music that the group spearheaded by Jake Rodgers began to find its footing and groove. Music characterised by the full warm tones of the guitars and the lush interplay of the woodwind and synths. The momentum was growing, and the set was getting stronger. Whereas Old Man’s Child levelled the venue with unmitigated ferocity 24 hours prior, Gallowbraid simply lulled and serenaded us here. You may question whether a band should headline such a prestigious festival on their very first appearance. Especially as some of the musicians had never even performed live! Though you could look around the arena as the sounds of ‘Stone of Remembrance’ filled the room. Listen to those singing along with arms stretched out for full emotional output. Any early hiccups had well and truly evaporated now. Gallowbraid more than deserved this. They touched many hearts and souls tonight. This was special. A major coup for the festival.
Final Thoughts?
Time for some unstructured thoughts as I’m still processing the incredible scenes from this weekend as I write this.
Fortress has outdone itself! Yeah, there were still some teething issues, whether it’s access platform issues, or the one-way system to the Ocean Room, which makes sense despite some complaining. Whilst Gary and his crew are devoted to continuous improvement and will address these, some issues are largely out of his control. Like the heat, and the size of the Ocean Room relative to the Grand Hall. The introduction of the third stage seemed to ease some congestion. Maybe this could be a permanent fixture? I hope so. Speaking of congestion, rumours are rife that a pre-show will take place in the Ocean Room on the Friday evening next year. Let’s see if this materialises and provides more opportunities for attendees to get their black metal fix.
Emperor are headlining next year. Early bird tickets sold out in minutes and the festival is allegedly 50% sold out as I write this. Who else will be booked?
What other gems will be unearthed?
Genuinely, if you want to go next year, don’t delay!
Fortress Festival fills a gap in the blackened hearts of many that we didn’t know we needed. Once considered a niche festival is now a permanent fixture in the festival season calendar.
See you next year!
Links
https://www.fortressfestival.co.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/fortressfestival/
(https://www.facebook.com/necroshorns )
Disclaimer: This review is solely the property of Oli Gonzalez and Ever Metal, with photos used with kind permission of Necroshons. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this review, 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.
