TOCSTOCK: FRESH BLOOD

The annual showcase for the loudest, most relentless, and chaotic creators of metal, hardcore, and all things heavy, Fresh Blood is where the heaviest bands go head to head.

  • When: Friday 20 March 2026
  • Where: Banbury’s legendary live music den Also Known As
  • What’s at stake: A coveted slot at the epic alt shindig TOCstock: The Revenge in October

Applications have now closed. The chosen bands will be posted here very soon. Stay tuned.

HOW IT WORKS

  • You’ll play a 15–20 minute set live at Also Known As, Banbury, on Friday, 20 March 2026.
  • Bring at least three original tracks - no covers-only bands, sorry.
  • Our panel of judges from the heavy music community (TBA) will score you on composition, musicality, and stage presence - up to 10 points each.
  • The crowd will also cast their vote - worth a chunky 20 points.
  • Highest total out of 50 wins the night.
  • If there’s a tie, the band with the stronger crowd vote takes the crown.
MSRY vocalist Kial Churcher performing at TOCstock: the TEN OF CLUBS alternative shindig
Moshing at TOCstock, the TEN OF CLUBS alternative shindig
Sleemo bassist Jack Andrews MSRY performing at TOCstock: the TEN OF CLUBS alternative shindig
Severed Tongues vocalist Will Hagan performing at TOCstock: the TEN OF CLUBS alternative shindig
MSRY guitarist Charles Bishop performing at TOCstock: the TEN OF CLUBS alternative shindig
Moshing at TOCstock: the TEN OF CLUBS alternative shindig

WHAT'S AT STAKE

Claim the Fresh Blood crown and walk away with:

  • A 30–40 minute slot at TOCstock: The Revenge - Friday, 9 October 2026 at Also Known As.
  • A full promo push across all TEN OF CLUBS channels, including a feature interview in The Winchester.
  • Photo and video assets from your Fresh Blood set.
  • Bonus promo opportunities in the run-up to TOCstock: The Revenge.
  • A stash of free TEN OF CLUBS garms - so you can rock out with your TOC out!

Do you have what it takes? Step up or step aside.

Band Chats & Backstage Stories

THE WINCHESTER

View all

Bleeding by Sleemo single cover art by @stitching_a_laugh_to_darkness

SLEEMO: CATHARSIS IN CHAOS

The sludgy, alt metal power trio reveal all about new single ‘Bleeding’, mental health, TOCstock, and what's coming next. 

Read more

Severed Tongues metalcore band

SEVERED TONGUES: PRE-TOCSTOCK PLAYLIST

Discover the perfect playlist to gear up for TOCstock as Severed Tongues reveal the songs that fuel their fire.

Read more

MSRY: IT WAS NEVER SUPPOSED TO BE FOREVER

MSRY: IT WAS NEVER SUPPOSED TO BE FOREVER

The destructive hardcore quadruplet talk history, highlights, and hiatus, and tell us why they're back for one night only for TOCstock.

Read more