IHSAHN and more Confirmed for DAMNATION FESTIVAL 2018

Norwegian metal royalty, Ihsahn and Polish black metal pilgrims, Batushka are the first acts announced for this year’s Damnation Festival. Both bands will play exclusive UK shows at the 14th edition of the event, hosted over four stages at Leeds University Union, on Saturday, November 3.

Berlin-based post-metal collective The Ocean will return to Damnation Festival, while Birmingham’s necropunk grind misfits Fukpig will unleash hell for the first time in seven years with a rare live outing.

Ihsahn comments: “I’m very excited to be playing the Damnation Festival for the first time! I’ve always had a very strong connection to the UK scene, and always enjoy playing there.”

Fukpig said: “Since 2011 the world has turned to such absolute shit that we can no longer keep quiet. Damnation is the first show we will be playing and it will get all of our fucking anger poured over it.”

The announcement of the first four bands follows back-to-back sell outs of the UK’s premier metal showcase, with 23 more bands to follow.

Festival Director Gavin McInally said: “Tickets went on sale this year before a single band was announced and we were stunned by the swell of loyal fans who put their faith in us.

“It has, however, added extra pressure to deliver, so we’re delighted that the first flavour of the 14th Damnation Festival includes debut and exclusive performances from Ihsahn and Batushka, the return of The Ocean and the much-missed chaos of Fukpig.

“The next 23 bands to come will feature the best death, grind, doom, sludge, prog and post rock we can possibly get our hands on.

“Following the resounding success of our two most previous sell outs, capacity will also remain capped at 3,000 to allow easier flow between venues, so we fully expect to hang another Sold Out sign over the door in 2018.”

Tickets priced £43 are on sale now from damnationfestival.co.uk.