Deadbolt 2026: Fifteen Years of Heavy Energy
There’s something about a day festival that either drifts by in a blur or sticks in memory, and Deadbolt Festival did the latter with ease. Set against rare sunshine in Manchester, it felt less like a typical lineup and more like a snapshot of a scene in motion, one where the next wave isn’t just forming, it’s already here. What stood out was the consistency across genres and sets, with a shared urgency from bands who had something to prove and something real to say. It made the day feel cohesive without becoming predictable, each set adding to a bigger picture. Under clear skies and a constant hum of anticipation, Deadbolt didn’t just showcase a lineup, it captured a moment you later realise was the groundwork being laid in real time.
Dwelled
The first band I caught were Dwelled, opening up the day inside Rebellion. Early slots at festivals can be unforgiving, and this one was no exception, but to their credit, they didn’t let that dull their energy for a second. From the jump, they sounded tight and well-rehearsed, with a punchy, no-frills delivery that cut cleanly through the room. More than that, they looked like a band ready for bigger rooms: confident, engaged and clearly comfortable on stage. The only thing missing was the crowd. Turnout was thin, which gave the set a slightly surreal edge especially when the call went out for a circle pit and, after a brief pause, three people stepped up. It was less a circle, more a dot. Still, it was one of those moments that summed up early festival sets perfectly: a band giving it everything, regardless of who’s watching. If anything, it worked in their favour. There’s something telling about how a band handles a near-empty room, and Dwelled passed that test easily. No drop in intensity, no visible frustration, just a solid opening set that deserved more eyes on it than it got.
MANAHOUSE
Next up were Manahouse on the Lion’s Den stage, bringing a more melodic, pop-leaning sound that felt refreshing in the context of the day. Their set centred on strong, memorable riffs that still carried enough weight, while the lighter, more accessible edge helped them stand out. Everything felt tight and well put together, with a clear sense of structure that made the set easy to sink into. The crowd responded in kind, less chaotic than earlier, but full of movement, with people bopping along and locked into the groove. It wasn’t the most aggressive performance of the day, but it didn’t need to be; Manahouse carved out their own lane and delivered a polished, genuinely enjoyable set.
Alchemize
Alchemize followed with a set I’d been looking forward to all day, and they didn’t just meet expectations, they surpassed them. From the moment they stepped on stage, there was a clear shift in energy; where earlier bands were still building momentum, Alchemize took full control with a presence that felt confident and natural. Their interaction with the crowd was effortless, striking a balance between tight performance and real connection. Sonically, they were just as strong, polished without losing weight, with crisp production that still hit hard. What set them apart was their genre fusion, blending R&B influences into a metal framework to give their sound a distinct edge. The contrast between smooth, melodic passages and heavier sections made each moment land harder, with transitions that felt seamless. It’s that uniqueness, combined with their execution, that makes it feel inevitable they’ll be moving on to much bigger stages soon.
Blythe
Blythe took the stage after at Lion’s Den, delivering a powerful grunge-gaze sound that immediately grabbed attention. Their set felt jagged and atmospheric, hinting at something special brewing in the hardcore scene. Having opened last year for USA legends Dry Socket (still gutted I missed that) — they’re clearly building momentum. Manchester continues to prove it’s full of hidden gems and Blythe are without doubt one of the most exciting rising acts to keep an eye on right now.
Ruena
Next up was Ruena, who summed up her set perfectly by describing it as “entertaining but also group therapy” and it genuinely felt like both. There was an immediacy to her performance that pulled people in straight away, balancing high energy with a level of openness that made everything feel personal and relatable. She had a natural way of connecting with the crowd, turning the space into something more intimate without losing that live-show momentum. She sounded incredible: confident, controlled, and full of emotion and her songs carried that same weight, blending catchy, engaging moments with lyrics that clearly resonated with the audience. For someone who hasn’t been a solo artist for long, there’s already a strong sense of identity in what she’s doing, both musically and on stage. It’s that combination of presence, relatability, and genuinely strong songwriting that makes it easy to see why Ruena feels like one to watch, this set didn’t just impress, it hinted at something much bigger still to come.
Mallavora
Mallavora hit the stage at exactly the right moment in their trajectory and it showed. With an album dropping the week after their set, there was a real sense of momentum behind them, and they used it to full effect. From the start, the crowd felt bigger, louder, and far more involved, with plenty of people already singing along, a clear sign that the band’s reach is growing fast. They brought that same balance of heaviness and melody, with big, punchy riffs landing alongside more anthemic moments that made those crowd responses feel earned rather than forced. There was a confidence to the whole performance, like a band fully aware they’re on the verge of something bigger. It ended up feeling like a statement set, Mallavora not just playing Deadbolt, but taking it by storm at exactly the right time.
Waterlines
Waterlines followed, and after a fairly chaotic interview with them earlier in the day, expectations were… unpredictable, to say the least. What followed, though, completely blew past any of that, this was easily the standout set of the entire festival. From the moment they hit the stage, everything felt unhinged in the best possible way: chaotic, cheeky, and bursting with energy that never once dipped. The crowd responded instantly, with mosh pits breaking out and a constant sense of movement that carried through the whole set. They were just as impressive musically, tight, dynamic, and packed with moments that hit just as hard live as they did in spirit. Frontman Ben Mars was a force of nature, completely commanding the stage with a presence that felt larger than the room itself. One of the most memorable moments came when they had the entire crowd link arms and jump side to side in unison, one of those rare, perfectly executed live moments that sticks with you long after the set ends. It wasn’t just fun, it was unforgettable, and a clear reminder of how powerful a live performance can be when everything clicks.
Going Off
Closing the Lion’s Den stage were Going Off, who powered through a minor sound setback without losing an ounce of intensity. What followed was a seriously killer set – fast, chaotic and completely unrelenting. A true local hardcore gem and a personal favourite from our team, they didn’t let the issues slow them down. The crowd was kicking off right alongside them, feeding the energy. Sadly, we only managed to catch the beginning of their set, but we’ll definitely be hoping to see them in London soon.
Trashboat
Lastly, we caught headliners Trash Boat, who closed out Deadbolt Festival with the kind of set you’d expect from a band well-accustomed to bigger stages. From the outset, they brought a level of polish and control that set them apart, without losing the raw energy that made them such a fitting choice to headline. The crowd was fully locked in, every chorus hitting harder with voices shouting back, every heavier moment sparking movement across the room. There was a real sense of payoff to their performance too, like everything the day had been building towards landed here. They balanced that emotional weight with plenty of punch, moving seamlessly between more melodic moments and heavier, driving sections. As a closing set, it did exactly what it needed to: tied the day together, sent the crowd out on a high, and reinforced why Trash Boat are operating at the level they are.
