UK grime infused metal unit Hacktivist drop biting new single 'Masquerade' • GRIMM Gent

UK grime-metal pioneers HACKTIVIST have shared a new taste of their brand new era in “Masquerade”, alongside a vibe-laden video. The track, mixed and mastered by Justin Hill (SikTh), was also co-written and produced by James Hewitt (ex-HACKTIVIST).

A biting, urgent and emotive track, “Masquerade” questions loyalty and expresses disillusionment in corporatism and profit motives, as vocalists J Hurley and Jordan ‘jj’ Olifent chant the track’s mantra: “Tell me where the profit it // Tell me who the prophet is.”

As explosive and biting in theme as it is in its composition, “Masquerade” features not only a world-class exploration of vibe-laden djent, but further one of the most blistering breakdowns HACKTIVIST have composed to date.

he release of “Masquerade” follows the blisteringly heavy “Bones“, the band’s first track in their new era released earlier this year, after the addition of Alex Hek (guitar) and Ste Cole (drums) earlier this year, joining vocal duo J Hurley and Jordan ‘jj’ Olifent to complete the strongest and most passionate line-up the band has seen to date.

HACKTIVIST are set to embark on their third UK mini tour of the year this December, hitting Bournemouth, Sheffield and Newcastle to close out the year, with supports TBA. The band also recently announced their scheduled appearance at 2026’s RADAR Festival in Manchester, alongside acts such as Animals As Leaders, Northlane and Heart of a Coward. You can find a poster for their upcoming tour, and a full list of the band’s announced live dates below.

With their third full-length LP underway and plenty of live opportunities to come, 2026 is looking to be HACKTIVIST‘s biggest year yet, with this new incarnation of the band proving to be their most foundationally strong and synergistic yet.

Live Dates:
12/12/25: Bournemouth, The Anvil (TICKETS)
13/12/25: Sheffield, Corporation (TICKETS)
14/12/25: Newcastle, Cluny 2 (TICKETS)
15/08/26: Birmingham, Sanctum Festival (TICKETS)
31/07/25 – 02/08/25: Manchester, RADAR Festival (TICKETS)
TBC: Budapest, Stenk (TICKETS TBC)

Question everything. Consider your sources. Be wary of ulterior motives, insidious media narratives and even your own unconscious bias. Trust sparingly and try to make smart, informed choices. As the world descends further into chaos, it’s more crucial than ever to remain vigilant and stand your ground.

Fortunately, HACKTIVIST are here to help slice through the deception and misinformation, armed and prepared to strike with renewed intensity and strengthened formation. With J Hurley and Jordan ‘jj’ Olifent sharing vocal responsibilities, drummer Ste Cole providing the percussive foundation, and Alex Hek delivering both guitar work and clean vocals, the group returns with a sound that transcends genres and arrives not as a simple statement but as an incendiary musical declaration of all-out resistance.