10 bands you should definitely see at Incineration Festival

Incineration festival specializes in extreme metal yet this year’s lineup has a very eclectic mix of bands to check out. From some old school goth vibes to proggy weirdness to some of the most beautiful stage shows in metal theres a lot to check out, this list aims to give you a starting point of 10 bands you should check out playing this year.

NAUT

Naut aren’t exactly a metal band they share more musical DNA with 80s goth bands. Their danceable gothic songs make them a perfect band to check out between the heavier sets of the festival while remaining dark and atmospheric. The perfect band to check out for a brief goth interlude at the festival.

DECAPITATED

One of the many legendary bands playing the festival are Decapitated. Known for their iconic brand of death metal they are beloved by many in the scene. They are sure to bring a brutal set to the festival. They have a legion of dedicated fans who will be sure to bring some craziest energy of the weekend. The perfect band to check out to see living legends still playing.

BLOOD INCANTATION

Blood Incantation dropped one of the greatest albums of 2024. This will be their first set in the UK after they dropped the monumental ‘Absolute Elsewhere’. The buzz about them in the scene has been nothing short of electric so that energy will definitely translate into the crowd when they play. Their unique take on progressive metal is unlike anyone else around currently. The perfect band to watch for proggy goodness.

CRYPTOPSY

Cryptopsy are death metal legends hailing from Canada. Their music is classic brutal death metal, perfect for head banging so hard your hair flies everywhere. They are iconic and always bring the perfect vibe to go crazy to, pure heavy catharsis. Being just over 30 years since their debut studio album this set will be a celebration of the band. The perfect band to head bang to.

BEDSORE

Italian prog metallers Bedsore are a fairly new band, their sound reflects this but also has elements of 70s prog. They are a blend of old-school prog with more modern metal. They aren’t the heaviest band playing but pack a punch. They are in a similar vein to Blood Incantation. This set is their UK debut, so it truly is a set not to be missed as you won’t be able to see this set anywhere else. The perfect band for people looking for more prog at the festival.

TRIPTYKON

Celtic Frost are one of the founding pillars of black metal. What better way to celebrate this legendary band by seeing the founding member’s new band Triptykon play a set of Celtic Frost material. The influence of Celtic Frost on the wider extreme metal is not to be underestimated, the band’s stylings will be seen reflected in many of the acts playing the festival. There hasn’t been a chance like this to celebrate Celtic Frost in the UK so it’s sure to be an emotional set. The perfect band to see where extreme metal started and celebrate what it led to.

WARBRINGER

Bringing some thrash into the festival American band Warbringer will bring a truly mosh filled set. Thrash fans are known for going crazy in pits, and Warbringer’s fans are no exception. The band has great riffs and great energy which will be a different kind of energy compared to black and death metal bands playing. This is sure to be a fun set to just let loose. The perfect band for getting your 10,000 steps in the pit.

DEATH COLLECTOR

Founded in 2021 by the original drummer of Bolt Thrower DeathCollector are very old-school death metal. Expect everything you love about the genre pure intensity, heavy riffs and brutal vocals. With only one EP and one album out the band don’t have loads of material but what they do have is great. The perfect band for those looking for new death metal that harkens back to the genre’s past.

COFFIN MULCH

Another one of the newer bands on the lineup with their debut album coming out in 2023, Coffin Mulch are a modern death metal band. Hailing from Scotland they will be bringing a truly brutal set of their music to the festival. Causing buzz in the scene it will be a chance to see the band play to a crowd hungry for new music in the genres they live for. The perfect band to see for a new taste of death metal.

BATUSHKA

Batushka are one of the most beautiful bands live in metal. Their sets are inspired by the orthodox church so feature heavy usage of candles and incense. The amount of candles they use on stage is truly like nothing else in metal, being faced with this brutal black metal while the band are encased with candle light is something special. These religious undertones also feature in the band’s music creating a very unique atmosphere when played live. If you haven’t had the chance to see them live go see them at the festival. The perfect band to see perform a beautiful stage show.

Words: Will Freeman