Deadbolt Festival Ones To Watch

There’s something special about what Deadbolt Festival represents. It’s not your typical multi-stage, stand-in-a-field-all-day event, it captures the spirit of the alternative club night that’s become a cornerstone of Manchester’s heavier scene.

As a local who’s spent countless nights on those dancefloors, I’ve seen how much Deadbolt means to the people who show up month after month. That’s what makes this 15-year milestone feel so significant. Bringing together so many talented homegrown and up-and-coming artists feels both exciting and refreshing, it’s a proper community moment.

With that in mind, here are a few of my personal picks to catch while you’re there.

Alchemize

First up, I have to talk about Alchemize. The Manchester-based R&B metal fusion outfit are genuinely carving out a lane that feels entirely their own right now. While plenty of bands flirt with genre-bending, Alchemize are properly pioneering it, blending smooth, soulful textures with crushing heaviness in a way that somehow feels both chaotic and completely controlled. It’s fresh, it’s fearless, and, honestly, it’s something not many others are mastering at this level yet. On stage, that ambition translates into pure presence. There’s an intensity to their performance that’s hard to look away from, the kind that turns casual observers into instant converts. Last year saw them making serious moves too, heading out on tour alongside fellow rising names like Call Me Amour and Chaos Bay, sharpening their live show and steadily building momentum beyond Manchester. I genuinely can see Alchemize becoming huge. So take this as your warning: catch them now while they’re still lower down a festival lineup because it won’t be long before they’re headlining it.

Say It Anyway

Next up is Say It Anyway, bringing a burst of South Wales sunshine with them. Their sound is bright, hooky pop punk bottled up and served in the most irresistible way, the kind of tracks that feel tailor-made for shouting back in a packed room. There’s a warmth and immediacy to what they do that’s impossible not to get swept up in. An added bonus, and something the alternative scene still doesn’t see enough of on bigger lineups, is that they’re female-fronted, bringing a perspective and presence that too many festivals still find themselves lacking. The vocals are soaring and confident, and the guitars tap straight into those nostalgic Paramore-esque vibes without ever feeling like a copy. It’s familiar in the best way, but still completely their own. They’re absolutely worth heading down early for, trust me, you’ll want to say you were there before everyone else catches on.

Ruena

Another name you need on your radar is Ruena, yet another female force on the lineup, and proof that the next wave is arriving loud and unapologetic. On first glance you might expect straight-up rock, but Ruena leans heavier than anticipated, delivering riffs and punch that hit harder than you’re ready for in the best way. What’s even more impressive is the pace. Having only recently released her debut single in the last year, the momentum hasn’t slowed for a second. New music has followed quickly, but this isn’t a case of rushing things out, it’s quality and quantity. With a debut EP landing just a few months ago, it already feels like the foundations are firmly set. There’s a sense of inevitability about Ruena right now. The trajectory is upward, the sound is tightening with every release, and it genuinely feels like we’re watching the early chapters of something much bigger. Catch her at Deadbolt while you can because this won’t be the last time you see that name climbing a lineup.

Two Year Break

I’ve got to mention Two Year Break next, a band I’ve personally been a fan of for a long time and am so excited to finally see live. There’s something about Two Year Break that just sticks with you. Their sound feels unique without trying too hard, weaving in clever pop culture references that make each track instantly relatable and, honestly, impossible to dislike. What really sets them apart though is that effortless likeability. It’s intoxicating. The hooks land, the lyrics feel knowing and self-aware and there’s a charm to their delivery that pulls you in from the first listen. They’ve mastered that balance between fun and heartfelt, which is no easy feat. If their live show carries even half the energy and character of their recorded tracks, we’re in for a treat. I’m 100% confident they’re going to put on a good show and I cannot wait to finally experience those songs in a room full of people singing every word back. 

Going Off

Another heavier addition to the lineup comes from Going Off, who are set to bring some serious bite to the Deadbolt stage. They lean fully into the weightier end of the spectrum, delivering punchy riffs and driving rhythms that feel built for packed rooms and no-holds-barred energy. There’s a grit to their sound that doesn’t feel forced, it’s natural, loud and completely unapologetic. They’re the kind of band that shifts the atmosphere the second they start playing. Heads will move, pits will open and that unmistakable Deadbolt chaos will kick in properly. If you’re looking to tap into the heavier side of the night and experience a set that hits as hard live as it does through your headphones, Going Off are absolutely one to make time for.

Mallavora

Rounding off my picks are Mallavora and I’m genuinely not being dramatic when I say I love Mallavora and everything they stand for. They’re fearless, both in their sound and in their message. Beyond the music, they consistently advocate for better accessibility within live spaces, speaking up for marginalised groups, particularly people with disabilities and pushing for a scene that truly welcomes everyone. That alone makes them vital. They strike that perfect balance between melody and heaviness. The songs soar and then hit like a punch to the chest, packed with emotion, power and intent. It’s the kind of sound that feels cathartic as much as it does commanding. With their debut album on the horizon, the timing couldn’t feel more perfect for them to hit a Manchester stage like this. The momentum is building, the message is resonating and Deadbolt feels exactly like the right place to witness what comes next.