FIVE BANDS. ONE STAGE. ZERO COST.
If you love heavy music, you'll know that the best new bands don’t always get noticed on playlists or social feeds. They get noticed on stage, in sweaty rooms, by metalheads who care about the music.
That’s what TOCstock Fresh Blood is all about.
On Friday 20 March, we’re taking over Also Known As (AKA), Banbury, for a night of loud, brutal, competitive live music. We’ll be shining a light on the next wave of UK metal and hardcore – all in aid of Music Minds Matter, supporting mental health in the music community.
It’s free, heavy as hell, and one band will walk away with a coveted slot at TOCstock 2026.
INTRODUCING TOCSTOCK FRESH BLOOD
Fresh Blood is a new battle of the bands, built to spotlight emerging metal and hardcore acts who deserve to be heard more widely.
No gimmicks. No marketing fluff. Just proper bands playing as hard as they can, in front of a crowd and a judging panel who actually care about the music.
If you love discovering bands before they blow up, this is your chance. We're stoked to bring you five formidable acts, each bringing their own heavy flavour.
- Nvmeral
- Our Fate
- Sacravia
- Temple
- Maleficus
The winning band will join the lineup for TOCstock 2026 – returning this October, bigger, longer, and louder than ever.
EXPERT JUDGING PANEL
We’ve assembled a panel who really know what works on stage:
- Charles Bishop, guitarist, MSRY
- Will Hagan, lead vocalist, Severed Tongues
- Greg Brown, co-founder/technical director, Rabidfest (Oxford)
- Daniel Weathers, lead vocalist, Shoot to Kill, and organiser/promoter, Phoenix Fest (High Wycombe)
They know what lasts beyond one good set. And they know what it takes to earn a bigger platform.
SUPPORTING MENTAL HEALTH IN MUSIC
Fresh Blood isn’t just about competition; it’s also about looking after the people who make the music happen.
We’re proud to be raising money for Music Minds Matter, the charity providing 24/7 mental health support for everyone in music — artists, crew, promoters, techs, and beyond.
Entry to Fresh Blood is free, but please chip in and make a donation if you can. Every penny goes directly to the charity to support its vital work.
EVENT DETAILS
- Venue: Also Known As (AKA), Banbury
- Date: Friday 20 March 2026
- Doors: 7:00pm / live music from 7:30pm
- Entry: Free (tickets recommended — space is limited)
Huge thanks to AKA for hosting us again. If you were at TOCstock 2025, you know they did us proud. Sound and lighting were on point. Shout out to sound tech Dan for pulling out all the stops.
If you care about UK metal, live music, or just want a sweat-drenched and quality night out, come join us for Fresh Blood. We'll see you down the front.
Grab your free ticket now for guaranteed entry.
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