WE NEED BANDS Present:THE UNDERDOG 2026
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THE UNDERDOG 2026 · Heat D (Hard Rock/Metal)
The Underdog Is Back for 2026!
After a record-breaking 2025, Bristol’s most electrifying battle of the bands returns — bigger, louder, and wilder than ever!
The Heats will see hundreds of local musicians go head-to-head for one of just eighteen golden spots at the Thekla Semi-Finals. From there, our finalists will fight for glory — and a massive prize haul, including:
£1,000 cash — no strings attached
Two full days in a professional recording studio
50 custom-printed band t-shirts
A killer promo photoshoot
A mini South West tour
Since launching in 2015, The Underdog has become a Bristol institution — the go-to series for up-and-coming talent and a true alternative to the big-name competitions. Past events have rocked legendary venues like O2 Academy, Thekla, The Fleece, Exchange, The Thunderbolt, and Zed Alley.
This year, 72 bands from across the South West and Wales will throw down in our biggest showdown yet. But when the dust settles… There can only be one Underdog Champion.
Follow the action and join the hype: #UnderdogBristol
Please Note: Only one ticket can be claimed per person (you cannot buy multiple tickets for the extra votes).
The BANDS:
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Please note – the line-up will be determined on the night; bands are listed here in alphabetical order and do not reflect the running order.
✪ ALIBI
Alt Rock
https://linktr.ee/weareyouralibi.band
LISTEN: https://spotify.link/YEbg6ogPOXb
WATCH: https://youtu.be/xA5LokSWCUw
FOR FANS OF: Soundgarden, Mammoth, Halestorm
✪ INSINCERE
Dark Metal
https://www.allmylinks.com/insincereband
LISTEN: https://open.spotify.com/track/4VoFwP6fwhFv9mLxZrfelE
WATCH: https://youtu.be/sCEup_Y2mh4
FOR FANS OF: Lacuna Coil, Evanescence, Within Temptation
✪ MARTYRS SAINT
Crossover Thrash · Hardcore
https://linktr.ee/martyrthrash
LISTEN: https://spotify.link/MKOhl5tNSXb
WATCH: https://youtu.be/b3GAzD-dyZo
FOR FANS OF: Gojira, Megadeth, Power Trip
✪ POST VITA
Grunge · Metal
https://linktr.ee/postvitabanduk
FOR FANS OF: Deftones, Pantera, Type O Negative
✪ RIZEN
Rock
https://www.rizen-rock.com/
LISTEN: https://spotify.link/5i4Nv2N8RXb
WATCH: https://youtu.be/hU1s7CZ1gaI
FOR FANS OF: Def Leppard, Mötley Crue, Royal Blood
✪ SHADOW OF ICARUS
Progressive Metal
https://linktr.ee/shadowoficarus
LISTEN: https://open.spotify.com/album/6yqEDQeS7nyH6WuIH88vvN
WATCH: https://youtu.be/kEqW8xw9xmA
FOR FANS OF: Trivium, Metallica, Twelve Foot Ninja
The INFO:
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WHERE? ⇾ The Thunderbolt
124 Bath Rd, Bristol, BS4 3ED
WHEN? ⇾ Saturday 17th January
WHAT TIME? ⇾ 7:00pm-11:00pm
HOW MUCH? ⇾
Super Early Bird (4X Votes): SOLD OUT!
Early Bird (3X Votes): SOLD OUT!
General Release (2X Votes): £9.00 + BF
Final Release (1X Vote): £9.00 + BF
Please Note: Only one ticket can be claimed per person (you cannot buy multiple tickets for the extra votes).
Follow All The Action:
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Search #UnderdogBristol on Facebook and Instagram to keep up to date with all The Underdog 2026 news, or follow us on social media via:
www.instagram.com/UnderdogBristol
www.facebook.com/UnderdogBristol
Please double-check the heat you're buying tickets for! We have twelve similar-looking events, so please ensure you buy tickets for the correct heat.