Metal gigs in Bristol — Headfirst Bristol

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Bristol's Metal Scene

The wealth of metal events in Bristol is drawn from a rich metal heritage in the city, classic local bands include: Onslaught, Gonga, Jaguar and Evita. A lot of the best events are in underground pubs like the Gryphon and Mother's Ruin where you can hear big riffs and roared vocals most nights of the week - with strong support from the metal scene elsewhere in the West of England.

As well as older cover-style bands at German boozer Bierkeller, you can see larger international acts at Bristol's bigger venues like O2 Academy and Colston Hall. The city's Old Market area is full of old biker-gang hangouts like the Packhorse - with various shops selling metal memorabilia and records - perfect for the morning after a big gig.

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Our recent metal recommendations

Sell out warning! Fishstock's 15 band miss-at-your-peril annual gathering. Running red on scuzzy DIY power with local queercore heroes the Menstrual Cramps, 2 tone street punk legends Faintest Idea, Redeemon’s singular ska-metal supergroup antics + way way more. Fishstock 2025 at Exchange.

Kenyan speedcore deity Lord Spikeheart rides the seismic waves he created with Duma, detonating a DIY explosive packed with digital hardcore vamps, feral black metal growls and industrialized post-trap trills. This isn’t just an anti-imperialist bludgeon to extreme metal consciousness, it’s the hardest music on the planet, period. Unbelievable opportunity FFO: Backxwash, Godflesh, Scarlxrd, Bela, the Body. Lord Spikeheart + feeo at Strange Brew.

Let gruff post-metal gloom wash over your seats as the Cube gets flooded with Wren’s grandiose dissonance and glacial sludge sagas. Plus, Host Body’s super-promising barrage of chaotic mathcore horror mark them as a serious one-to-watch for all local disciples of: Isis, Absent In Body, Godflesh, Dillinger Escape Plan, Cult Leader, Botch. WREN / HOST BODY / JAKE HEALY

Nothing says ‘I love you darling’ like a four-headed barrage of caustic sludge. Row of Ashes and Gnasch smooch your ears with a piledriving noisecore fusion that could give Indian or Will Haven nightmares. Plus Urzah’s post-stoner punishment has reached such epic proportions that we’re now just going to call them Bristol’s Neurosis. ROW OF ASHES+ GNASCH+ URZAH+ TENDRILS

What our editors say

“Symphonic metal pioneers Epica and modern metal powerhouse Amaranthe unite for the Arcane Dimensions Tour, with rotating co-headline slots, hitting Bristol Beacon in early 2026.”
From: Arcane Dimensions Tour 2026

“Saxon’s groundbreaking album Wheels of Steel has been heavily cited by numerous journalists as one of those classic albums that every metal fan should own. Jam-packed with seminal songs and chunky riffs from the opening high octane belting riff of “Motorcycle Man”, Wheels of Steel packs a punch from start to finish. From the infectious and arguably the biggest riff of hit single “747 (Strangers in the Night)” through to the more stripped-down crunchy tour de force of title track “Wheels of Steel”. This is a one-off not to be missed opportunity to see one of metal’s best albums played from start to finish in all its glory for the very last time.”
From: Saxon - Hell, Fire And Steel Tour

“They mix between electronica and metal, as well as many other music styles, with blasphemy on top! They definitely stand out from everything else and you're never quite sure what to label PA although they often say "A dark, heavy Satan-Rave in hell!"”
From: Pretty Addicted

“BFR Division return to Bristol on Friday 4th of July following a near sell-out show last year. The UK's only live band tribute to the iconic DOOM video game soundtracks. Expect a night of local metal, demon slaying, face-melting riffs, and plenty of opportunities to play some DOOM.”
From: Video Game Tribute Band

“Deafheaven is an American black metal band formed in 2010. Originally based in San Francisco, the group began as a two-piece with singer George Clarke and guitarist Kerry McCoy, who recorded and self-released a demo album together. Following its release, Deafheaven recruited three new members and began to tour.”
From: Deafheaven