EPIC BATTLE OF THE BANDS
Five of the heaviest emerging metal bands came together for one unforgettable night at Fresh Blood '26. On Friday 20 March, Nvmeral, Our Fate, Sacravia, Maleficus, and Temple went head to head at Banbury's legendary Also Known As in a riot of sound and fury.
Loud, brutal, and fiercely competitive, Fresh Blood '26 was in aid of Music Minds Matter － providing 24/7 mental health support for everyone working in music. Massive thanks to everyone who donated.
In the end, Sacravia took the win and the trophy, topping both the judges' vote and the crowd vote to secure their place at TOCstock: The Revenge on 9 October 2026. Full details and tickets drop soon. Don't miss a thing — join us on Instagram.
OUR FATE
Powered by driving riffs and hard-hitting melodies with a darker edge, Our Fate is an uncompromising four-piece alt-rock band from Reading.
Since emerging in 2020, they’ve shared stages with THECITYISOURS, RXPTRS, and As Everything Unfolds, while gaining radio support from BBC Introducing and US station Rock Rage Radio.
MALEFICUS
Hailing from London, Maleficus are a four-piece metalcore band balancing dark atmosphere, heavy melody, and relentless aggression.
Influenced by the likes of Periphery, Ice Nine Kills, and Linkin Park, their sound moves effortlessly from haunting ambience to full-force brutality. The band’s debut EP Restful Reveries was unleashed in August 2025.
Band Chats & Backstage Stories
THE WINCHESTER
Shop with us this April to be automatically entered into the draw — no forms, no faff. It could be you in the Rabidfest pit this October.
Rabidfest co-founder Greg Brown and MSRY guitarist Charles Bishop on what makes a great performance.
TOC @ THE WHEATSHEAF: MONTHLY LIVE MUSIC
Louder together, we've teamed up with Banbury's legendary alt music venue for monthly live shows not to be missed.