Sound & Fury 2026: Hardcore’s biggest weekend Has It's 20th anniversary

Ever since I was 14 years old, I’ve always been a punk/hardcore kid with Carry On, Misfits, and Black Flag being my gateway into the genre after being involved in the alternative side of Tumblr in 2013. Ever since I moved back to SoCal in 2021 I’ve made it my goal to go to the illustrious Sound and Fury since its made such a lasting impact in the scene since its inception yet for one reason or another, it stayed as a goal until last year when I finally had my chance to go for Day 2. Although I only had half of the experience, I felt right at home like at any other punk and hardcore show from my days as a teen until now and for 2026 it became one of my New Years resolutions to provide coverage of the festival. Fast forward and I am beyond privileged to say that I got press accreditation to do coverage for Musik Mirage at the festival with such a legendary lineup being announced for this year. During the daytime, Day 1 saw some amazing sets from Start Today, Guilt Trip, and Warthog just to name a few. The weather while hot was bearable enough to enjoy everyone’s sets and for the crowd to get up on stage, two step, and dive. Just like last year, it honestly felt comforting seeing people come in from all over the world, from all walks of life, all races, and all ages come through the gates and flood the stage. Merch booths, and food stands have the idea that they’re in for an unforgettable weekend. While the festival is primarily a hardcore festival, Sound and Fury also has the tendency to add in other non hardcore acts, and in the case of Day 1 we got Oakwood (Midwest Emo), Nuovo Testamento (Italo Disco), Train Breaks Down (Emo), No Pressure (pop punk) plus the legendary death metal band Obituary. The energy behind every set was still out of this world and it was incredible seeing fans be so accepting of all of the groups on the card!

As dusk got closer, we got amazing sets from melodic hardcore band Koyo as well as Peeling Flesh’s third Sound and Fury in a row, both sets which were greeted with a swarm of fans jumping left and right and pile-ons happening every other second. As night fell, Incendiary, Obituary, and No Pressure put on an amazing back to back roll of performances and most attendees were ecstatic to see everyone. To close off the day came a very special reunion set from Boston hardcore legends The Rival Mob which undoubtedly led to the rowdiest performance of the night with fans (including myself) swarming the stage and flying off. The set felt out of this world and breathtaking as it was truly surreal seeing these straight edge giants crash the stage again and play some of their greatest hits. As Day 2 began, I was able to load up on coffee before starting the day to help get me energized as this day was sure to be action packed. Right off the bat as the second set of the day, Hereditary came to the stage one more time to play a farewell set right before breaking up, thus causing the crowd to get pumped up early. Other hardcore bands such as Clique, No Cure, and Big Ass Truck continued to energize those in attendance with their chaotic yet amazing performances. It was truly amazing seeing Beton Arme make it here all the way from Montreal. As with every Sound and Fury Day 2 tradition, we were greeted with a secret set at dusk with Twitching Tongues giving a heartfelt showing with a sign reading “FOR BO FOREVER” as a touching tribute to the passing of Harm’s Way guitarist and Hardlore co-host Bo Leuders. Shortly after, God’s Hate came to surprise everyone as well by ending their hiatus and performing as the second half of the surprise set.

Following up came one of the biggest reunions in hardcore history with Carry On playing their first full gig since 2005 and fulfilling my lifelong dream of seeing them live. At night, electro-rock band Sextile performed an unforgettable set with them announcing that new music is on the way with Angel Du$t and Saves the Day following suit. To close out the event, Boston heavy hitters Haywire hit the stage to wrap up the night after announcing their signing to Roadrunner Records. While the festival may be over, I’m already counting down the days for next year’s Sound and Fury. It has truly been the biggest honor of my career so far to be able to take part in this and hang out with some of my closest friends as I help document this amazing festival. For those that weren't able to attend this years festival or want to relive the magic, look further to our exclusive photo gallery just below. Lastly, make sure to follow Sound and Fury on Instagram @soundandfuryfest to stay up to date on any updates and to see what is in store for next year's event!