LIVE FROM THE PIT: Manchester Metal To The Masses Final 2025

This year’s M2TM Manchester Finals was nothing short of legendary. Held at the iconic Rebellion venue, the night brought together a stunning mix of local talent, past champions, and guest bands to celebrate the very best of the underground metal scene. With pits erupting, bodies flying, and riffs shaking the walls, the spirit of Manchester metal was alive and thriving. The competition was fierce, the vibes were electric, and one band rose above the rest.

Rhum Knuckles

Kicking off the day in true rock ’n’ roll fashion, Rhum Knuckles brought their signature blend of classic rock covers to the stage, instantly setting the tone for a day of high-energy performances. With tight musicianship and a clear love for the genre, they had the early crowd singing along and moving from the first chord. A perfect opener, their set felt like a warm embrace from rock’s golden era.

Rupcha Farms

Rupcha Farms came in swinging with a genre-bending mash of political rap, pure energy, and heavy riffs. Imagine The Prodigy being filtered through a metal lens, and you’re still only halfway there. With razor-sharp lyrics, pounding beats, and hooks you’ll hum for days, they had the room bouncing and thinking in equal measure. Their ability to mix catchy choruses with a pointed message makes them not just entertaining, but important. Easily one of the most unique acts of the night.

Higher State

Higher State didn’t just perform, they purged. With overwhelming heaviness and unflinching intensity, their set was a visceral, emotional release that hit like a punch to the chest. Blending crushing breakdowns with beautifully chaotic instrumentation, they delivered a set that was as cathartic as it was technically brilliant. Every scream, every riff, every beat felt purposeful. Higher State are a force of reckoning for anyone needing to feel something raw and real. A stunning, standout performance.

Pulverise

Flying the flag for the Nu metal revival, Pulverise took to the stage with relentless energy and total command. Their fusion of chunky riffs, big hooks, and infectious swagger brought serious early 2000s energy, reimagined with a fresh, modern twist. The band had the crowd moving from the get-go, channelling a frenetic mix of all our favourite bands. Pulverise didn’t just revive Nu metal, they reminded us why it ever ruled in the first place.

Beyond Extinction

Beyond Extinction came to destroy, and destroy they did. Their set was a masterclass in relentless heaviness, featuring earth-shattering breakdowns, monstrous vocals, and a sound so dense it could crumble walls. The pit action spoke volumes, these guys know exactly how to whip a crowd into a frenzy. Combining aggression with precision and flair, they left the crowd in a state of beautiful destruction. Pure, unfiltered filth, and we loved every minute of it.

Competion Finalists: Technologist

Returning veterans Technologist opened the competition side of the night with brute strength and groove-laden aggression. Having previously reached the 2022 semi-finals, they hit the stage this year sounding more refined, more confident, and heavier than ever. Their unique blend of groove and death had the audience moving, heads banging, and fists pumping. With razor-sharp execution and undeniable stage presence, Technologist reminded everyone that they’re not just here to compete, they’re here to conquer. A ferocious opening shot for the finals.

Competition Finalists: VMBRA

VMBRA’s set was nothing short of spectacular. With not one, not two, but three powerhouse vocalists at the helm, they delivered a genre-defying performance that seamlessly fused melody, brutality, and atmosphere. Every member brought something unique, and the chemistry between them was electric. Their new material added depth to an already impressive repertoire, and their command of the stage was unmatched. VMBRA delivered a set that felt huge, cohesive, and fearless, taking the energy in Rebellion to another level entirely.

Competition Finalists: Covert

One of the youngest bands on the bill, Covert proved that age is nothing when you’ve got talent and presence in spades. With a gripping blend of hardcore and deathcore, their sound was tight, punishing, and surprisingly mature. Their stage show had all the energy and polish of seasoned veterans, and the crowd reacted accordingly. If Covert are this good now, it’s frightening to think what they’ll be in five years. Manchester metal has a bright future, and it might be wearing Covert’s name.

Competiton Finalists: DWINGLE

DWINGLE brought chaos, colour, and charisma in a set that felt like a metal gig fused with a fever dream. Shirtless, sparkling, and constantly in motion, they turned Rebellion into a disco-metal playground with pits, stage dives, and crowd chants aplenty. Their theatrical flair was balanced by tight musicianship and clever songwriting that proved they’re so much more than just a party band, they’re serious entertainers. The most fun set of the night by a mile, and one no one will forget them anytime soon.

Square Wild

2023 winners Square Wild returned to Rebellion with a set that reaffirmed why they’re one of Manchester’s most celebrated prog rock outfits. Funky basslines, tight drumming, and soaring vocals all blended seamlessly into a sound that was both polished and pleasantly off-kilter. With their mix of prog, punk, and pure fun, they delivered a vibrant, energetic set that had the crowd grinning from ear to ear. If Square Wild were a victory lap, they ran it with flair and style.

Hellbearer

Fresh off their 2024 win, Hellbearer returned to last year's stomping ground and didn’t hold back. Despite battling technical issues, they powered through with a vengeance that reminded everyone exactly why they took the title last year. With blistering speed, snarling vocals, and enough energy to level the building, they left nothing behind. Hellbearer’s resilience and power under pressure made for a compelling, triumphant set, and further cemented their status as one of Manchester’s most formidable metal acts.

The Crawling

As headliners, The Crawling delivered a crushing finale that combined death metal brutality with doom-laden atmosphere. Their sound was suffocating in the best way; dark, slow-burning, and endlessly heavy. From the first ominous riff to the final note, they held the room in a trance-like grip, proving they belong on much bigger stages. A perfect closer for a night that celebrated every shade of heaviness the underground has to offer.

M2TM Manchester has proved once again that this city’s underground metal scene is thriving with creativity, energy, and pure fire. Every band brought their A-game, but it was VMBRA who rose to the top, earning a well-deserved slot at Bloodstock Open Air. With a stacked lineup, a packed venue, and a crowd that brought relentless passion, this year’s finals weren’t just a competition, they were a celebration of everything we love about metal. Until next year, we can’t wait to see what you have in store!

Catch VMBRA at this years Bloodstock Festival, taking place 7-10 August 2025. Headliners are Trivium, Machine Head and Gojira.

Words: Vee Richardson

Photos: Ace Cheng