Granted I’m not cool enough to call it Mutants Fest, but if I was, I’d surely say something like, “Gosh, I sure am looking forward to seeing who’s playing Mutants Fest next year,” or something like that. Mutants of the Monster — us poor plebes stuck with all those extra syllables as compared to those in the know — will take place from June 4-6 next year in its ceremonial home of Little Rock, Arkansas. Put together at the behest of CT, best known as the frontman of Rwake, the fest not only regularly features that band — a draw in itself; did you hear the album they put out this year? — but a well-curated selection drawn from across the underground spectrum of genres.

The beginnings of the 2026 lineup bear that out as well. From the extremist sludge of Chained to the Bottom of the Ocean to the dirt-coated atmospheric heavy wrought by Deadbird to metalcore pioneers Coalesce, who’ll also be undertaking a European tour next Spring. It’s three bands confirmed — I think; there was a fourth but it’s not in the social post below so I’m leaving them out to play it safe — but each one of them bringing something different to the bill. Expect that theme to continue as Mutants of the Monster continues to flesh out the lineup from here. I’ve heard a few of the names CT is working to get, and you can take my word that it’s going to be a party.

They had tickets up for sale over this past weekend for Black Friday and such. I assume it’ll sell out but I’m paranoid like that about everything, so take it as you will. The website and social links will have more info, and when I see the next round of names out I’ll do my best to keep up too.

From social media:

We are completely over the moon to welcome Coalesce, CTTBOTO, and Deadbird to 2026 Mutants. Black Friday Early Access over at the Last Chance Records home site.

https://www.lastchancerecords.com/
https://www.instagram.com/mutantsofthemonsterfest/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057305925445

Deadbird, The Head and the Heart (2005)