The UK’s Damnation Festival Confirms Napalm Death and Corrosion of Conformity as Headliners

Pig Destroyer

Manchester’s Damnation Festival will mark its 20th anniversary this November with a heavy-hitting weekend featuring headliners Napalm Death and Corrosion of Conformity. The two-day event, held November 8–9 at the Bowlers Exhibition Centre, continues Damnation’s tradition of curating one of the UK’s most forward-thinking extreme music festivals.

Napalm Death’s closing set on Sunday will be their largest-ever UK headlining show. Meanwhile, Corrosion of Conformity’s appearance is billed as a European exclusive. “We’ve often referred to Manchester as a home away from home,” CoC said in a statement. “So we’re beyond stoked to be returning for the 20th anniversary of Damnation Festival.”

Founded in 2005, Damnation has steadily grown from a single-day event in Leeds into a sprawling, multi-stage celebration of heavy music, known for its diverse and often risk-taking lineups. This year’s bill continues that legacy, mixing genre pioneers with underground favourites.

Also confirmed for 2025 are Belgian post-metal stalwarts Amenra, synthwave juggernaut Perturbator, and American sludge icons High on Fire. Sunday’s lineup will include Pig Destroyer, The Haunted, and Castle Rat—an emerging fantasy doom outfit from the U.S. generating buzz for their theatrical live shows.

There’s also a nod to the past with a one-off reunion set from UK metal eccentrics Ted Maul. “When Damnation approached us with the idea of reforming Ted Maul for one gig, I laughed so hard I shit myself,” the band joked in a statement. “But it was just ridiculous enough to become a reality.”

Festival director Gavin McInally says the anniversary edition was built to reflect both the fest’s roots and its ambition. “Corrosion of Conformity and Napalm Death have helped shape metal for four decades,” he said. “It’s a privilege to have legends close each night as we celebrate 20 years in the extreme metal world.”

With more than 40 acts already announced—including Deafheaven, Orbit Culture, Warning, Wiegedood, and Stampin’ Ground—Damnation’s 20th birthday is shaping up to be a defining chapter in the festival’s history.

Tickets and full lineup details are available at damnationfestival.co.uk.

Read our review of the 2022 edition.

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