Necrosonic Festival returns to Mansfield Tavern on Saturday, August 22 2026, and the full lineup has been revealed to the masses! With dual headliners Rivers of Nihil (USA) and our very own Psycroptic, alongside exclusive reunions, one-off performances and long-awaited resurrections ~ this year’s ritual is the most formidable yet.
With a massive deference to Australian talent, this year’s line-up is: Rivers of Nihil, Psycroptic, Gravemind, Lynchmada (Exclusive ‘One Last Time’), Segression (30 Year Reunion), Minus Life (Resurrected – Exclusive), Pestilential Shadows, Five Star Prison Cell (Resurrected), Wxrldfxcker, Witchskull, Dreamkillers (Special EP Set), Helm (Resurrected – One-Off Show), M.S.B.I. (Resurrected – One-Off Show), Barriers, Meth Leppard, Permafog, Destruktor, Gutless, F.U.C, RUN, John Lee Spider, The Matador, Body Prison, Growth, Grotesque Bliss, Vyrion, Neomantra, Nembutolik, Slaughtercult and Bruxa.
HEAVY has thrown down the challenge and sent a Q & A sheet out to all bands, with any that don’t return one completed having to buy us a beer at Necrosonic. So while we are quietly hoping we get minimal replies, a couple have gotten back to us already and today we feature Minus Life.
Tickets and more information: https://necrosonicfestival.com/
Minus Life is a pioneering melodic death and groove metal band originating from Brisbane, Australia. Formed in 2002, they became a powerhouse in the mid-2000s Australian heavy music scene before abruptly disbanding in 2007. After an 11-year hiatus, the band triumphantly reformed in 2018, bringing back their signature wall-of-sound intensity and complex musicianship.
The Sound: A blistering, multi-layered fusion of industrial grit, symphonic orchestration, brutal death metal riffs, and technical grooves. They pull inspiration from heavyweights like Fear Factory, Strapping Young Lad, and Meshuggah.
Q & A
HEAVY: NECROSONIC 2026 is almost upon us. How far out from August 22 will you allow yourself to get excited?
ML: As soon as all members agreed to the show, I was pumped, and I know the lads were pumped too!
H: What does it mean to your band to be playing NECROSONIC?
ML: It’s awesome to be part of this event, especially playing alongside some bands. We’ve played with over the years, and some new bands we’ve never heard before.
H: How important are festivals like NECROSONIC for the Australian music scene?
ML: Festivals like these are what build local music and help maintain a healthy scene.
H: It’s a long day of music. What will you be doing to make sure you will still be standing come your set time?
ML: I’m older now, so I’ll pace myself. Not like the old days when you’d rip a few too many brews before hitting the stage.
H: Give me your Top 3 Festival survival tips.
ML: Pace your drinking
Plan your day
Don’t wear heavy boots
H: Which band – other than yourself – do you think will get up to the most mischief on the day?
ML: Hahaha, I’m too old to play up now. But I’d say for the younger bands, it’s a rite of passage to play at the festivals.
H: What one song would you tell festival goers to listen to of yours if they haven’t heard you play before?
ML: Contorted Reality, I think it showcases our varied style the most.
H: Will you be taking requests on the day?
ML: Yes – if im requested to have a free beer with someone, I won’t decline haha.
H: Run us through your typical live show and what punters can expect.
ML: It’s Minus Life, u never know what to expect. But we’ve put together and neck breaking set!
H: What’s your latest release?
ML: Contorted Reality – 2021
H: Finally, what plans does your band have for the rest of 2026 into 2027?
ML: None – we are retired. This is a one-off show!
