Outbreak Fest Manchester & London 2025 – The 19 Artists You Cannot Miss

Outbreak Fest returns this summer and with an additional date in London, this is the hottest ticket in not one but two locations. Welcoming some of the best musical acts celebrating counterculture from hardcore to hip-hop. We preview 19 of the must-see sets of the weekend.

From the new royalty in heavy music with the likes of Turnstile & Knocked Loose, to the undefeated champions in Glassjaw, to the weird and wonderful sounds of the likes of Model/Actriz and more, this is what we think you should be watching at Outbreak Fest.
Our preview is written by Chris Earl, Andy Calderbank, Bea Lynx & Amy Bowles.

Turnstile

You can count very few bands in hardcore history that followed the trajectory that Turnstile is having. It could sound like a cliché to say that you cannot miss the headliner of London Outbreak Festival, but they truly deserve the high spot right there. They’ve been due a London show for a few years now, fans have been waiting, and it’s also going to be exciting to see them with their new addition Meg Mills on guitar. All UKHC, and especially the women in the scene, have all been buzzing for her since she joined.

From the recent viral show in Baltimore playing for free to more than 10,000 people, to the new album “Never Enough” which looks like it’s going to have the same, if not bigger, impact than their latest masterpiece “Glow On”,Turnstile are just unstoppable. Clear vision, modern aesthetic, unique sound, without ever losing their hardcore ethics and most of all, without ever not bringing the energy on stage. We can all rest assured that they’re 100% going to deliver a knock-out performance. Honestly, if you’re going to London Outbreak not to see Turnstile, what are you even doing? (BL)

Where, When? –  London – Friday Main Stage, Time TBC 

Have a Nice Life

If we were to single out one band from this bill that is truly unmissable due to the rarity of their performance in this part of the world is experimental shoegaze band Have a Nice Life. This duo has been going on since 2000 but only in recent years started playing live with a band and has produced one of the most niche shoegaze cult classic albums Deathconsciousness. They could work as the perfect break moment to catch a breather, fully enjoy some challenging noise and let your mind and body just assimilate the sound, a little bit the same way Nothing had their moment during last year’s edition of the festival. Have a Nice Life is a true-hidden gem, a perfect treat that will for sure make fans very happy, many of whom probably never had a chance to see them live before, and will surely intrigue a whole new crowd.

Where, When? –  London – Friday Stage/Time TBC. Manchester – Saturday 7pm, Second Stage (BL)

Kumo 99

Electronic music meets punk more often than people think, and this is especially the case for jungle/drum and bass duo Kumo 99. The LA artists Ami Komai and Nate Donmoyer both have a long history of being in punk bands, and it’s not their first rodeo as the “odd-band-out” at a hardcore show, as they also performed at the last edition of Sound of Fury. Their cyber-punk performance, with Japanese shouted lyrics, will work as a breath of fresh air among the rest of the bands, bringing the punk rave to the hardcore crowd. A mixed bill is always a great idea, and Kumo 99 is an excellent choice. Everyone needs a bit of EDM in their life among all the heavy music to be a balanced person. (BL)

Where, When? –  London – Friday Stage/Time TBC. Manchester – Saturday 6:40pm, Third Stage 

Drug Church

Drug Church is one of those bands that is instantly recognisable as soon as one of their catchy tracks infiltrates your shuffle mode. Their unique blend of post-hardcore is a perfect balance of grit and emotion, and the vocals just have that unmistakable tone. With powerful instrumental and great lyrics, they just kept producing front to back great albums for the past 10 years, with Cheer becoming a true classic of the genre. This band is the perfect example that not sticking to any boxes is the key to success, and established themselves as one of the key bands that you’ve got to know if you listen to modern hardcore. Drug Church are just consistently good and would deserve to get even more credit and get up there with the bigger names. (BL)

Where, When? –  London – Friday Stage/Time TBC. Manchester – Saturday 2:30pm, Main Stage 

Sunny Day Real Estate

Whether you know them because they inspired your favourite band or you just recognise the name from the “Real Emo Copypasta”, there is no doubt that Sunny Day Real Estate are the band that many emo fans thought they would’ve never had a chance to see live. Although originally from Seattle, they are probably the first and most important band established in the Midwest Emo scene, they are that iconic. Their soft but grungy post-hardcore sound is so timeless that is still so relevant to the work of so many modern bands. Jeremy Enigk has probably one of the best voices in the emo genre, and it’s going to be so dreamy to experience them together with those authentic 90s guitar sounds. Adding Sunny Day Real Estate to the bill was a true gift, and we’re so here for the band’s fourth reunion. (BL)

Where, When? –  London – Friday Stage/Time TBC. Manchester – Saturday 6:10pm, Main Stage 

Long Goodbye

Representing the North East of England, chaotic metalcore hellraisers Long Goodbye are one of the many bands making their Outbreak bow. Recent sets have teased new material which looks to add to the madness from their debut I used to dream of drowning EP. With a sound that blends the unbridled chaos of On Broken Wings and Remembering Never, it is music made for battering your friends to and similarly to Killing Me Softly last year, they’re one of the new generation of British bands that can make a real name for themselves in the BEC. (CE)

Where, When? –  Manchester – Sunday 5:30pm, Third Stage 

God’s Hate

It’s been a long time coming, but God’s Hate, a veritable hardcore force of nature, are making their UK debut at Outbreak. Fronted by a genuine mountain of a man in AEW superstar Brody King and with Hardlore‘s Colin Young on drums, they’re a force to be reckoned with. Bludgeoning hardcore mixed with passionate, powerful and often bluntly political (Good politics about smashing racists into obscurity) lyrics is the bands brand of chaos, sure to invite some of the most ridiculous scenes in the pit of the entire weekend, particularly to the song ‘God’s Hate’, from the album God’s Hate by the band God’s Hate. (CE)
With some of the most lizard brain tickling, caveman music of modern times at their disposal, Final Resting Place are bringing the most infamous snare sound in the game to Outbreak. After pretty much levelling Northern Unfest, they find themselves positioned as undoubtedly the heaviest band of the Saturday. Expect to have your ears blown off and your fight or flight instincts activated throughout by insane levels of heaviness and brutality, standing out on their own on the ‘lighter’ day of the weekend. (CE)
One of the most exciting, most anticipated bands at the festival are Contention. Making their UK debut, they’re one of the names that garnered the most excitement when the announcement dropped. Bringing some H8000 violence with their sound, so expect one of the most intense, ridiculous crowds of the festival when they make their appearance on the Sunday. A blistering blend of frantic riffs and lyrics inspired by an environmentally aware and straight edge lifestyle, songs like ‘I.C.B.M’ and ‘Inflict My Will’ could undoubtedly produce some of the most devastating moments of the festival. (CE)

Knocked Loose

Returning to the top of the bill for a second time (after headlining the Friday in 2022) are perhaps the biggest, most exciting heavy band in music right now. After a stellar UK and Europe headlining run in the Spring, the Kentuckians are taking to the stage on Sunday night without a barrier in Manchester after their Friday performance in the capital. Likely to mix up their set with deep cuts and crowd favourites from their entire discography, this has the potential to go down in history for the festival, as Knocked Loose represent hardcore in a way that no others do on both a commercial and critical level. Expect the biggest crowd of the entire weekend and some of the most insane pit action that you’ll ever see in the outdoors arena. (CE)
Where, When? –  London – Friday Stage/Time TBC. Manchester – Sunday 9:20pm, Main Stage

Model/Actriz

Flamboyant and fiercely unique, Brooklyn’s Model/Actriz bring a multi-layered, complex sound to Outbreak this year. Blending elements of industrial rock, dance and noise, their style is far from the quintessential hardcore additions to this year’s line-up. They do, however, offer a refreshing, electrifying experience that is far from just music. Instead, it’s a full show packed with raw energy, intensity, and theatrical flair, conjuring an atmosphere that will be sure to captivate the crowd from the first note. Expect a performance rammed full of charisma, that excites the senses, and leaves a lasting impression. (AB)
Where, When? –  London – Friday Stage/Time TBC. Manchester – Saturday 4:30pm, Second Stage 

Glassjaw 

Deafheaven

A firm favourite among Outbreak fans and organisers alike, Speed have become a must-see, especially after their standout Outbreak performance in 2023 and the one-off October 2024 show. With a reputation for tight musicianship and exhilarating live performances, the Australian 5-piece have redefined aggressive hardcore, fusing it with funk and flutes. Under the June sunshine (hopefully), any track from their series of stellar releases is sure to go down a storm. And, the moment Jem lifts the flute to his lips, you know the crowd will erupt. (AB)

Fleshwater

Returning after a memorable 2023 Outbreak performance, Freshwater are at the heart of the ‘90s resurgence, blending shoegaze, grunge, and jolty rock to create a nostalgic yet fresh sound. Making a huge statement with their 2022 LP We’re Not Here To Be Loved, Freshwater have become well known for their infectious melodies, upbeat rhythms and the ability to perfectly capture the ambiance of a bygone era. Marisa Shirar’s vocals melting into layers of instruments and shrieks creates an emotional depth that is as cathartic as it is captivating. There’s no better setting than Victoria Park, bathed in the warmth of June, to dance about and soak in this sonic throwback (and then a car park in Manchester!).

Superheaven

After 10 years, we welcomed Superheaven back with open arms as they released their self-titled comeback in April this year. Continuing their reign as one of the most influential modern grunge bands, they will be graced by a wave of love as they take the stage at Outbreak. Cut from the same cloth as some other acts on the bill, Superheaven lean further into grunge and alt-rock territory. Think less melody, more dark hazy tones. The raw intensity from venomous riffs, angsty delivery and emotionally charged energy, gives each track a weight that hits hard and lingers. For fans of the darker, heavier side of the 90s’, Superheaven’s set will be a must-see moment of catharsis in the summer sun.
Where, When? –  London – Friday Stage/Time TBC. Manchester – Sunday 5:50pm, Main Stage
  • # Contention, Deafheaven, Drug Church, Festival, Final Resting Place, Fleshwater, Glassjaw, God's Hate, Have A Nice Life, Knocked Loose, Kumo 99, Long Goodbye, Model/Actriz, Momma, Music, Noizze, Outbreak, Outbreak Fest, Oversize, Speed, splitknuckle, Sunny Day Real Estate, Superheaven, Turnstile