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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! Come get schooled by the dance music innovator who’s been floating above acid house, hardcore, dnb and jungle weaving a magical influence on all. Gerald’s showcasing a new live set that breathes new energy into his Black Secret Technology – for our money the greatest dnb/jungle longplayer ever produced. A Guy Called Gerald + The Jungle Drummer at Strange Brew.

Sell out warning! Prolific 21st century giants of doom-laden dronegaze incoming! Stick your head into the feedback hurricane without leaving your lightly cushioned Cube seat. Nadja will tear your bloody head off alongside Urzah’s pulverizing post-metal genius and Victim Unit x sevenyearwaitinglist’s crushing queer cyber-grind rage. Serious line-up goals FFO: Sunn O))), Earth, Boris, Neurosis, Agoraphobic Nosebleed. A fever dream come to life

Legendary improviser and percussionist Eddie Prévost locks into a raucous tussle with Swiss trumpet player Silvan Schmid and London-based double bassist Tom Wheatley. This'll be unmissable OTO-level display of technical aplomb, ecstasy, and explosiveness FFO: Jim O’Rourke, Chris Corsano, Sachiko M, Accidental Meetings. Jazz & free improvisation

Enter the Noid brings us another belter to bless The Croft’s mighty return with unearthly noise provocateur Dis Fig at the helm. Further warped experimentalism comes via Regina Collage’s psychedelic no-wave dreamscapes, lurching jazz-mathtronica improv from David/David + Spell Press’ crushing industrial-ambient. 100% essential FFO: Puce Mary, Evicshen, Carla dal Forno, Moin. NYC's Dis Fig returns with a new live show of foreboding & unruly noise

What our editors say

“Machine Girl have always operated as an inimitable, inventive, and individual sonic phenomenon. The newly trio’d—Matt Stephenson [vocals, producer], Sean Kelly [drums], and Lucy Caputi [guitar]—fortify a punk exoskeleton with electronic alchemy and cinematic ambition outfitted for an uncompromisingly heavy attack. Rave, metal, punk, and pummeling electronic (and real) drums collide and splinter like shrapnel into kaleidoscopic blasts of vibrant color and visceral sound.”
From: MACHINE GIRL

“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

“FURY are challenging the barriers of hard rock and metal genres once again with their exciting new album “Interceptor”. From the reassuringly old-school fast riffing and anthemic vocals the long lasting fans know from Fury, to the carefully composed, introspective auditory treats that might surprise listeners who expect metal bands to sit neatly in their box.”
From: Fury

“hot off their run in the metal to the masses bristol run of which they made it to the semi finals. the bristol doom and death metal trio headline the thunderbolt stage for the first time and promise to be a show you dont want to miss”
From: Wicked World Presents Doom Before Christmas OSKARIA + epimetheus + foulerah

“‘ABSOLVA’ is a uniquely explosive British Hard Rock / Melodic Metal band, fronted by ‘CHRISTOPHER APPLETON’, an incredibly charismatic performer & singer/guitarist carrying the spirit of ‘GARY MOORE / JOE SATRIANI’ into the metal arena, whilst projecting his melodic vocals and stage presence as a masterful & energetic frontman carrying the torch of ‘RONNIE JAMES DIO’. Charm & humor is also something that ‘APPLETON’ certainly brings to the show making the show always engaging and entertaining, an art of frontman that is not seen very often anymore…”
From: ABSOLVA