The first time Vended came to Alcatraz, they showed they weren’t just another young band benefiting from a famous family name. They won people over the old-fashioned way: by delivering one hell of a live show.

Since then they’ve continued to grow into one of the most talked-about young names in modern metal, and we’re expecting an even bigger performance this time around. Their sound sits somewhere between groove metal, hardcore and modern metal, with plenty of aggression but also enough groove to get the whole crowd moving.

If you’re looking for circle pits, crowdsurfers and a crowd that’s impossible to stand still in, this is probably where you’ll find it. We certainly wouldn’t be surprised if this ends up being one of the most chaotic shows on the Prison Stage all weekend.

Insanity Alert live up to their name with a wild mix of beer, humor and chaos. Since their formation in 2011, this Austrian quartet has been thrashing harder than any skier on the slopes.

Their latest album Moshemian Thrashody (2024) blends old-school thrash with outrageously funny parodies of bands like Iron Maiden and Guns N’ Roses. Even George Michael gets a mosh pit makeover in their track Beerless Fiesta. Fueled by Suicidal Tendencies and Municipal Waste, they deliver riffs packed with speed, fun and total madness. On stage, they go all in: beer showers, stage dives and circle pits guaranteed. Anyone who’s seen them live knows – there’s no party like an Insanity Alert party!

Sometimes you don’t need a band to be serious. Sometimes you just want to grab a beer, throw yourself into the pit and have an absolute blast. That’s exactly what Insanity Alert is all about.

It’s been a while since we’ve had the chance to catch Combichrist at a festival or anywhere for that matter, so this is one we’re genuinely looking forward to.

Over the years the band has evolved from its industrial and aggrotech roots into a much heavier live machine, while still keeping those infectious electronic beats that made so many people fall in love with them in the first place. With a brand-new album under their belt there’s plenty of fresh material to expect, but we’ll admit we’re secretly hoping classics like Blut Royale still make the setlist.

If you like your riffs heavy, your beats pounding and your shows loud enough to rattle your ribs, Combichrist should definitely be on your Friday schedule.

Some bands are impossible to ignore, and Witch Club Satan are definitely one of them.

Their combination of black metal, theatrical performance and striking visuals has sparked plenty of discussion wherever they’ve played. Whether you end up loving it or not, chances are you’ll still be talking about it afterwards.

One of the things we appreciate most is that they dare to do something different. Festival line-ups are packed with technically impressive bands, but it’s not every day you come across a performance that feels this uncompromising and this memorable. They don’t simply play songs; they create an atmosphere that pulls you in from the moment they walk on stage.

We always like to include at least one recommendation that’s a little outside the obvious choices, and this is ours for Friday. Go in with an open mind, forget any expectations and simply experience it for yourself. We have a feeling this could end up being one of those sets people are still talking about long after the festival is over.

HEALTH are one of those bands that don’t really sound like anyone else on the bill.

Their mix of industrial rock, electronics, noise and haunting melodies creates an atmosphere that’s both hypnotic and surprisingly heavy. It’s music that slowly pulls you in rather than immediately hitting you over the head.
Their collaborations with artists from across the metal and electronic world have introduced plenty of people to the band over the years, but it’s on stage where everything really comes together. The combination of the music, lighting and overall atmosphere makes for a show that’s easy to get completely absorbed in.

Sometimes it’s nice to take a small detour from all the blastbeats and breakdowns, and that’s exactly why HEALTH made our list. We have a feeling they’ll leave quite a few people pleasantly surprised.

Known for organised chaos, an experimental combination of genres and unique breakdowns. Did you know they made their own instruments? And Patrick: the housepet chicken who picks grain from a mini piano and inspires the band to work with those rythms. Be overwhelmed. Goosebumps assured (pun intended)!

Honestly, we’re not even going to try and explain Igorrr, because whatever description we come up with probably still won’t prepare you for what you’re about to witness. One moment you’re hearing blastbeats, the next it’s opera, then breakcore, then something that shouldn’t work at all… yet somehow it does.

If you’re the kind of person who enjoys walking away from a show thinking “what on earth just happened?”, make sure you’re there. Trust us on this one.