Metal 2 the Masses Northern Ireland 2026 - Heat Three. Fri 20th Feb

Event information

**VOTING INFO AND STAGE TIMES AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS!!**

The Distortion Project proudly presents Heat THREE of the 2026 Metal 2 the Masses competition Northern Ireland. Bands will be competing to secure a coveted slot on the New Blood Stage at Bloodstock 2026 this year alongside such heavyweights as Judas Priest, Lamb of God, Sepultura, Testament, Body Count, Cryptopsy, Castle Rat and more. In addition, the winning band will have their travel expenses covered up to the value of £400.

Competing in Heat Three we have.

4CORE
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/4corepunk
"Super Hero" Audio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9NQOSfkQRRo

ARC DAKOTA
FB: https://www.facebook.com/ArcDakotaBand
"Breathe" video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNFZWNCxesM

FINAL THIRTEEN
FB: https://www.facebook.com/finalthirteen
"Wide Eyed Lullabies" Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQUzOCkzTVI

MUTED TWEED
FB: https://www.facebook.com/mutedtweed
"Wilder Seas" Audio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_T0eXp7i68

Friday 20th February 2026
Voodoo Belfast
Doors 8.00pm
Admission: £7.00 + bf (includes 1 voting slip - tickets and pay on the door - cash and card accepted)

Stage times will be:

Band 1: 8.45 - 9.15
Band 2: 9.30 - 10.00
Band 3: 10.15 - 10.45
Band 4: 11.00 - 11.30

Running order will be drawn at random on the day of the show.
Voting will close at 11.45 and the results will be announced between 12.15 and 12.30..

VOTING AND JUDGES

**THIS IS A POINTS BASED SYSTEM**
2 bands from each heat will qualify for the semi-finals, and the judging will be 50% audience vote and 50% judges vote. There will be a panel of between 3 and 5 judges comprised of local journalists/sound engineers/other promoters and/or other music industry folk in Northern Ireland. Punters will be given voting slips as they enter the venue and asked to score points to the bands in descending order, by writing in the boxes on the voting slip.

4 points for the band you want to finish in FIRST PLACE,
3 points for the band you want to finish in SECOND PLACE
2 points for the band you want to finish in THIRD PLACE
1 point for the band you want to finish in FOURTH PLACE

An x or tick beside the band you want to win to will NOT be accepted and these votes will NOT be counted!!

Good luck to all involved and let battle commence!!