The first ever all-Japanese metal festival outside of Japan is coming to London!

From Loudersound.

Metal Matsuri  will see the very best up-and-coming acts take over Islington’s O2 Academy for two whole days of Japanese heavy metal action, with many of these artists making their first UK live appearances.

It will function as a platform to give these new artists, over half of whom are women, some much deserved exposure and support – and who knows, you might be witnessing the next Babymetal or X Japan at their very first UK show!

The event will be hosted by Ladybeard of Ladybaby fame, who will also be performing his very own, exclusive DJ set at the Metal Matsuri pre-party on October 3.

The Line-Up

Metal Matsuri boasts a line-up of premiere J-metal acts that fans of the genre will no doubt be excited to catch. A whopping 10 bands will play across the two days, with five acts storming the stage each day.

The first day, will be headed up by power metal quartet Mary’s Blood. Formed in 2009 by four former members of Girls Metal Band Boom pioneers Destrose, Mary’s Blood already have five studio albums to their name as well as opening for the likes of DragonForce.

Also taking the stage on day one is Mardelas, who made their debut in 2014, and while they have appeared in both the US and Germany, Metal Matsuri will mark their first ever UK show.

Day two headliners are Unlucky Morpheus, who describe themselves as “technical melodic speed metal” and have racked up a staggering discography of 14 albums within the 11 years since their inception.

Also playing on day two are the feirce all-female five piece power metal outfit Bridear – who are no strangers to Europe and have previously played London’s Underworld back in 2017.

Also performing Friday Oct 4 alongside Mary’s Blood and Mardelas are Rie a.k.a. Suzaku, Lipstick, Zeroshiki.

While October 5 will also see Fate Gear, Blood Stain Child, Aya1000RR alongside Unlucky Morpheus and Bridear.

Where and When?

Metal Matsuri will be taking place at The O2 Academy, Islington on Friday October 4 and Saturday October 5.

2-day tickets and single day tickets are available from eventbrite and ticketmaster. For more information check out metalmatsuri.com