Bands we’re keeping an eye on in 2026
We’re only in March of 2026, and there is already much to look forward to, with festival lineups, tours and album announcements all over the place! In the chaos of all this, we like to take time to look into our smaller bands, for if we don’t support them now, then how do we keep pushing alternative music into the future?
So without further ado, here are some bands on Fracture’s radar that we think should be on yours too!
Juliet’s Not Dead
From the heart of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, four piece Juliet’s Not Dead last year successfully released their album THIS WORLD IS OURS, which reached #1 in the official UK download charts, as well as appearing in. multiple other charts. They’ve done a few dates in the US as well as a stint in Spain, and we are eager to see what they release next!
For fans of Biffy Clyro, You Me at Six, and 30 Seconds to Mars.
2. TAILGUNNER
Taking us on a heavy metal nostalgia trip, TAILGUNNER are reminiscent of the 80’s metal scene; loud and fast paced. Being recently scooped up by Napalm Records, and with the noted K.K. Downing helping produce their most recent album, fear not! Classic British heavy metal is here to stay!
For fans of Iron Maiden, King Diamond and Judas Priest.
3. Fangslinger
Hailing from Sheffield, Fangslinger are a refreshing taste of outlaw country, making us want to grab the whiskey and boots! With hard hitting riffs and the two vocalists laying atop another, it’s a damn groove!
For fans of Black Stone Cherry, Mammoth and Dorothy.
4. Untamed Silence
Fresh off their debut album launch and opening for the mighty Saxon just this gone November, Untamed Silence, a four piece female led paragon wake the sleepy moors of North Yorkshire with sounds of hard rock and traces of prog. They’re set to open the second stage on Saturday 18th July at Maid of Stone Festival, and rustling rumours that that’s so much more to come.
For fans of Led Zeppelin, Halestorm and Leprous.
5. Ghosts Of Atlantis
Looking for something heavier, with a doom/fantastical vibe? Look no further. They’ve previously toured with the likes of Fear Factory and Butcher Babies, after their recent single Melkin’s Tale and their solid set at Bloodstock 2025, Ghost’s Of Atlantis are solidifying their place in heavier places of the metal music landscape.
For fans of Sabaton, Meshuggah. and Fear Factory.
6. Skarlett Riot
Lincolnshire quartet Skarlett Riot bring a sharp, thudding sound to your playlist. Being in the scene since 2010, I’m surprised not as many people have heard of them! Fresh of supporting German band Lord Of The Lost, we’re looking forward to what they release next!
For fans of Halestorm, As Everything Unfolds and New Year’s Day
7. South Of Salem
Rising hard-rock powerhouses South Of Sale, with gothic elements released their last album in 2024, which reached No. 14 in the Official UK Albums Charts. They’re hitting up a bunch of UK festivals this year, including Mayhem Festival, Nozfest and Takedown!
For fans of Avenged Sevenfold, Massive Wagons and Wednesday 13.
8. Flatline
Flatine are are a 5 piece from Middlesbrough, and although on the fresh side, carry a heavy swingin prescence that can only be described as brutal! Mosh pits and stank faces, incoming!
For fans of ERRA, August Burns Red and Trivium.
9. DEAD PONY
Glaswegian head-bangers Dead Pony are back after their debut album IGNORE THIS, with a fiery punchy new single Eat My Dust! and going across the UK in their headline tour later this year. To contradict their last album, these are NOT to be ignored!
For fans of Vukovi, Paramore and PVRIS
10. Pheonix Lake
Formed originally as Descending Angels in 2018, this Nottingham melodic group are lasting their way through the ranks. They’ve just released their album Seraphina: The Fall From Eden, and it sure is marvellous.
For fans of Within Temptation, As Everything Unfolds and Beyond The Black