Ghostfest is a metal/hardcore festival that first took place in the Leeds Cockpit across 2 days in August 2005, returning in 2006. It brought together the best of the UK’s underground hardcore and metal crop along with metal and hardcore bands from Europe and America.
There was no Ghostfest in 2007, but it has returned every year since 2008, and has now become a household name on the European indoor metal & hardcore scene growing to ten times its original capacity since its inception in 2005.

Ghostfest 2005

The first Ghostfest took place on Saturday 13 August and Sunday 14 August at the Leeds Cockpit on its smaller stage due to the main stage being unavailable. 18 of the underground metal and hardcore acts played. It was priced at £15 for a 2 day pass and the festival sold out in advance. The whole festival was shot and released as a DVD.

Saturday 13 August

Sunday 14 August

Hondo Maclean Hondo Maclean Hondo Maclean was a post-hardcore/metalcore outfit from Bridgend, Wales. On February 16, 2007 they announced that they had stopped the band but would start a new project called The Future, who have also since split up... Eden Maine Eden Maine Eden Maine were a metalcore/avant garde metal band from Saint Albans, Hertfordshire, England, formed in 1999. As of September 2005, they are on an indefinite hiatus.-Biography:Eden Maine was formed in 1999 by vocalist Adam Symonds and bassist Nick Brown... Love That Kills Azriel Penknifelovelife Test Switch Isolator Everette Her Words Kill Son Of A Fiend

Sikth SikTh Sikth were a progressive metal band from Watford, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom.-Early days:SikTh formed in late 1999, but consolidated their line-up in March 2001... Johnny Truant Johnny Truant Johnny Truant was a British, Brighton-based metalcore band, formed in 2000 under the name Severance. The band recorded 3 demos under this moniker before renaming themselves after the lead character of Mark Z. Danielewski's novel House of Leaves... November Coming Fire Bring Me The Horizon Bring Me the Horizon Bring Me the Horizon are a British metalcore band from Sheffield, Yorkshire, who formed in 2004. Bring Me the Horizon constits of Oliver Sykes as the lead vocalist, lead guitarist Lee Malia, rhythm guitarist Jona Weinhofen, bassist Matt Kean and drummer Matt Nicholls... The Legacy Shaped by Fate Shaped by Fate Shaped By Fate are a 5 piece metalcore band from South Wales , formed in late 2001 and lauded as "the future of British Metalcore" by Kerrang! magazine which described the band's music as "some of the tastiest, heaviest, most shredding metal this island's seen in a long time".-History:Shaped By... Architects Architects (British band) Architects are an English Metalcore band from Brighton, England, formed in 2004. The band went through several name changes before they decided upon Architects. Their first name was Inharmonic, which was swiftly changed to Counting the Days... Carbine Spasticated Razor Masturbator

Ghostfest 2006

The second Ghostfest took place on Saturday 12 August and Sunday 13 August. It was once again held in the Cockpit, but on both stages. Once again Ghostfest brought together the best underground bands the UK had to offer but it also showcased some heavyweight bands such as Canadian Death Metal legends, Cryptopsy

Cryptopsy

Cryptopsy is a Canadian technical death metal band from Montreal, Quebec, formed in 1988. The band has sold over 300,000 records.-Necrosis :...

 and the increasingly popular Bring Me The Horizon

Bring Me the Horizon

Bring Me the Horizon are a British metalcore band from Sheffield, Yorkshire, who formed in 2004. Bring Me the Horizon constits of Oliver Sykes as the lead vocalist, lead guitarist Lee Malia, rhythm guitarist Jona Weinhofen, bassist Matt Kean and drummer Matt Nicholls...

. There were also popular post hardcore screamo bands in the form of The Blackout

The Blackout (band)

The Blackout is a post-hardcore band from Merthyr Tydfil, Wales, formed in 2003. After some time backing Lostprophets on their Liberation Transmission Tour, along with Dopamine, Covergirl, Kids In Glass Houses, The Guns and Men, Women and Children, they released their first mini-album The Blackout!...

.

In a bid to let people see as many bands as possible without any potential clashes, stage times were alternated between the two stages so one band would play on the main stage while another would set-up on the second stage.

A day ticket cost £19, whilst a weekend pass cost £25. Ghostfest again sold out in advance. Some bands pulled out in the course of the weekend.

Main Stage

Saturday 12 August

Sunday 13 August

Cryptopsy Cryptopsy Cryptopsy is a Canadian technical death metal band from Montreal, Quebec, formed in 1988. The band has sold over 300,000 records.-Necrosis :... Knuckledust Knuckledust Knuckledust are a London-based hardcore band. The band was formed in 1996 when Nic, Ray and Wema contacted Pelbu to start a band. As the groups popularity grew, the band played with Agnostic Front, Warzone, Madball, The Misfits among others.... * Job For A Cowboy Job for a Cowboy Job for a Cowboy is a American death metal band from Glendale, Arizona. Formed in 2003, the band's debut album Genesis was released in 2007, peaking at #54 on the US Billboard 200 and selling 13,000 copies in its first week of release. The second album, 2009's Ruination, sold 10,600 copies in... Azriel Broken Oath Clone The Fragile Viatrophy The Murder Obsession Submerged

Bring Me The Horizon Bring Me the Horizon Bring Me the Horizon are a British metalcore band from Sheffield, Yorkshire, who formed in 2004. Bring Me the Horizon constits of Oliver Sykes as the lead vocalist, lead guitarist Lee Malia, rhythm guitarist Jona Weinhofen, bassist Matt Kean and drummer Matt Nicholls... Devil Sold His Soul Devil Sold His Soul Devil Sold His Soul are an ambient influenced progressive metal/post-hardcore band from the South of England signed to Century Media. Three of the band joined from Mahumodo, thought to be a pioneer of the British hardcore scene... Architects Architects (British band) Architects are an English Metalcore band from Brighton, England, formed in 2004. The band went through several name changes before they decided upon Architects. Their first name was Inharmonic, which was swiftly changed to Counting the Days... Penknifelovelife Flood Of Red Baysix From The Carnival Of Horrors So Red The Rose April Dead

Second Stage

Saturday 12 August

Sunday 13 August

Gorerotted Gorerotted Gorerotted was a British death metal band formed in 1997 which split up in January 2008 and reformed with new members as The Rotted. Gorerotted's lyrics and song titles were largely inspired by horror films, and dealt with subjects such as death, mutilation, necrophilia, and later alcohol and drug... The Seventh Cross Burning Skies Raise The Dead Eternal Lord Eternal Lord -History:Eternal Lord was formed in 2005 by the remaining band members of The Hunt for Ida Wave. In 2006, the band released their self-titled EP through Thirty Days of Night Records, followed shortly by a split EP with Glasgow group Azriel. Shortly after the release of the split, vocalist Sam... Everette Test Switch Isolator* Soon To Be September* The New Jonny Saville Mystery Project

Send More Paramedics Send More Paramedics Send More Paramedics were a horror film-influenced crossover thrash band from Leeds in the north of England.-Biography:The name is a reference to the 1985 horror/comedy Return of the Living Dead... The Blackout The Blackout (band) The Blackout is a post-hardcore band from Merthyr Tydfil, Wales, formed in 2003. After some time backing Lostprophets on their Liberation Transmission Tour, along with Dopamine, Covergirl, Kids In Glass Houses, The Guns and Men, Women and Children, they released their first mini-album The Blackout!... Cry For Silence D-Rail 8control Camorra From Grace A Thousand Battles Lost Buried Between The Cross*

• Pulled out*

Ghostfest 2008

The third Ghostfest took place on Saturday 28th of June and Sunday 29th of June and was this time held at Rios Leeds. A day ticket cost £20 and a weekend ticket cost £30. Some bands pulled out of their slots including Consort With Romeo who were replaced by Clone The Fragile for their last ever show and Annotations Of An Autopsy who were replaced by The Rotted

The Rotted

-History:The band was formed from the ashes of death metal / grindcore ensemble Gorerotted by ex-members Ben McCrow, Tim Carley, and Phil Wilson, along with Gian Pyres and Nate Gould due to a musical progression and a desire for less limiting lyrical themes: the band themselves say that The...

. This was the first Ghostfest not to sell out.

Turbog Stage

Saturday 28 June

Sunday 29 June

Cult Of Luna Cult of Luna Cult of Luna is a Swedish post-metal band from Umeå. They formed from the remnants of a Umeå hardcore punk band called Eclipse in 1998. They slowly garnered critical appreciation and underground popularity with early releases Cult of Luna and The Beyond ; however, it is 2004's Salvation that can... Architects Architects (British band) Architects are an English Metalcore band from Brighton, England, formed in 2004. The band went through several name changes before they decided upon Architects. Their first name was Inharmonic, which was swiftly changed to Counting the Days... Devil Sold His Soul Devil Sold His Soul Devil Sold His Soul are an ambient influenced progressive metal/post-hardcore band from the South of England signed to Century Media. Three of the band joined from Mahumodo, thought to be a pioneer of the British hardcore scene... Azriel Dead Swans Dead Swans Dead Swans are a hardcore punk band from Brighton, England. They have released two EPs, Southern Blue, in 2008, and It's Starting, in 2009. Their split EP with Architects was also released in 2008. That same year, the band were nominated in the Best British Newcomer category at the Kerrang! Awards... Your Demise Your Demise Your Demise is a five-piece band from St Albans, Brighton and Salisbury in the United Kingdom. They began in 2003 and have shared stages and tours with Biohazard, Comeback Kid, Bury Your Dead, Enter Shikari, The Devil Wears Prada, Miss May I, Parkway Drive and A Day to Remember. On 22 September... * Blackhole Blackhole (band) Blackhole were an English hardcore punk band from Hemel Hempstead/Berkhamsted. The band was formed in 2007 by singer Richard Carter and guitarist Andreas Yiasoumi when their previous bands fell apart. They have toured across the UK with Cancer Bats, Every Time I Die, The Ghost of a Thousand and... The Rotted The Rotted -History:The band was formed from the ashes of death metal / grindcore ensemble Gorerotted by ex-members Ben McCrow, Tim Carley, and Phil Wilson, along with Gian Pyres and Nate Gould due to a musical progression and a desire for less limiting lyrical themes: the band themselves say that The... Martyr Defiled The Eyes Of A Traitor

Johnny Truant Johnny Truant Johnny Truant was a British, Brighton-based metalcore band, formed in 2000 under the name Severance. The band recorded 3 demos under this moniker before renaming themselves after the lead character of Mark Z. Danielewski's novel House of Leaves... The Berzerker The Berzerker The Berzerker was an extreme metal band from Melbourne, Australia and was formed in 1995. The band's music, heavily influenced by older death metal and grindcore, can be characterized as a fusion of these with speedcore, and gabber... Exit Ten Exit Ten Exit Ten is a British Rock/Metal band. Their debut full-length album, Remember The Day, was released in 2008. Their second studio album was released in October 2011.-Biography:Exit Ten are a post-hardcore/progressive rock band from Reading, Berkshire... Raging Speedhorn Raging Speedhorn Raging Speedhorn were a British metal band, founded in Corby, Northamptonshire.-Career:Raging Speedhorn were formed in 1998 from the merging of the bands Soulcellar and Box... Glamour Of The Kill Glamour of the Kill Glamour of the Kill are an English pop-rock band from York, United Kingdom. Also styled as 'GOTK' they have also had Kerrang! video of the week with the track 'Feeling Alive'.- History :"Glamour of the Kill" were formed in January 2007... Burn Down Rome Clone The Fragile Cry For Silence Miss Conduct Dividing The Line

Jagermeister Stage

Saturday 28 June

Sunday 29 June

Trigger The Bloodshed Trigger the Bloodshed Trigger the Bloodshed are a British death metal band from Bath, England, formed in 2006. The band comprises guitarists and founders Rob Purnell and Martyn Evans, as well as vocalist Jonny Burgan, bassist Dave Purnell and drummer Dan Wilding... Shaped by Fate Shaped by Fate Shaped By Fate are a 5 piece metalcore band from South Wales , formed in late 2001 and lauded as "the future of British Metalcore" by Kerrang! magazine which described the band's music as "some of the tastiest, heaviest, most shredding metal this island's seen in a long time".-History:Shaped By... Postmortem Promises* The Ocean Collective The Ocean Collective The Ocean is an experimental metal band from Berlin, Germany. Their work combines elements of progressive metal and electronic soundscapes, occasionally incorporating strings to create their aggressive post-metal sound. The band often describes its sound as "ambient soundtrack doomrock".- History... Gold Kids* Many Things Untold The Arusha Accord Ingested Lower Than Atlantis Lower Than Atlantis Lower Than Atlantis are a four-piece Melodic hardcore/Rock band based in Watford, United Kingdom. The band was started in 2007. They have since released their debut EP, Bretton via Thirty Days of Night Records in January 2009... The Torture Of Comacine

The Ghost of a Thousand The Ghost of a Thousand The Ghost Of A Thousand was an English five-piece punk rock band from Brighton, UK.-Career:The Ghost Of A Thousand confirmed on 31 March 2011 that they were as a band after 7 years together. After signing with Undergroove Records in 2007 the band toured extensively, playing alongside Gallows,... The Plight Malefice Malefice Malefice are a British heavy metal band from Reading, Berkshire, England, formed in 2003.-Band history:They were formed by friends at college and started to write their songs straight away. Their first major break was to open a four band bill charity gig at the Rivermead Centre in Reading... The Legacy Ted Maul Anterior Anterior (band) Anterior is a American metal band from Tredegar, Wales. They are currently signed to Metal Blade Records, although they were also approached by Manowar's Joey DeMaio. They have released one album through Metal Blade called This Age of Silence.-History:... The Secret* Bury Tomorrow Fei Comodo The Vehicle Field

• Pulled out*

Ghostfest 2009

Ghostfest 2009 took place on Saturday 27th of June and Sunday 28th of June and was again held at Rios Leeds.
The ticket prices dropped to £17.50 per day and £25 for the weekend, with the festival sold out in advance.

Front Stage

Saturday 27 June

Sunday 28 June

Whitechapel Whitechapel (band) Whitechapel is an American deathcore band from Knoxville, Tennessee. The group comprises vocalist Phil Bozeman, guitarists Ben Savage, Alex Wade, Zach Householder; bassist Gabe Crisp and drummer Ben Harclerode. Their band name is derived from a district in the built-up inner city of London, known... Annotations of an Autopsy* Azriel The Eyes of a Traitor The Eyes of a Traitor The Eyes of a Traitor are a British metalcore band from Harpenden in Hertfordshire, UK, who formed in the summer of 2006. They have released two extended plays, and two full-length studio albums. The band consists of vocalist Jack Delany, guitarists Tim George and Matthew Pugh, bassist Jack... Trigger The Bloodshed Trigger the Bloodshed Trigger the Bloodshed are a British death metal band from Bath, England, formed in 2006. The band comprises guitarists and founders Rob Purnell and Martyn Evans, as well as vocalist Jonny Burgan, bassist Dave Purnell and drummer Dan Wilding... * Evita Evita (band) -History:Evita started off with Aaron [Beider, vocals] and Jack [Sims, former guitarist] messing around making some acoustic songs back in August, 2006... Postmortem Promises* Lower Than Atlantis Lower Than Atlantis Lower Than Atlantis are a four-piece Melodic hardcore/Rock band based in Watford, United Kingdom. The band was started in 2007. They have since released their debut EP, Bretton via Thirty Days of Night Records in January 2009... Martyr Defiled

Despised Icon Despised Icon Despised Icon was a Canadian deathcore band from Montreal, Quebec. Formed in 2002, the band is notable for the use of two vocalists; Alexandre Erian, takes use of a mid-range screaming technique, and Steve Marois for the low growling vocals, and high pitched screamed vocals... Sylosis Sylosis Sylosis is a British metal band from Reading, Berkshire. In 2008 the band released their debut full-length studio album, the critically acclaimed Conclusion of an Age... Your Demise Your Demise Your Demise is a five-piece band from St Albans, Brighton and Salisbury in the United Kingdom. They began in 2003 and have shared stages and tours with Biohazard, Comeback Kid, Bury Your Dead, Enter Shikari, The Devil Wears Prada, Miss May I, Parkway Drive and A Day to Remember. On 22 September... Viatrophy More Than Life Traces Brutality Will Prevail Project Metropolis

Monster Energy / Honour Over Glory Stage

Saturday 27 June

Sunday 28 June

Ted Maul The Arusha Accord Ignominious Incarceration Ignominious Incarceration The Soulless, formerly known as Ignominious Incarceration, is a melodic death metal band based in Bath in the south west of England.-Formation :... Yashin Bury Tomorrow Ingested Heart In Hand This Is Colour

Dead Swans Dead Swans Dead Swans are a hardcore punk band from Brighton, England. They have released two EPs, Southern Blue, in 2008, and It's Starting, in 2009. Their split EP with Architects was also released in 2008. That same year, the band were nominated in the Best British Newcomer category at the Kerrang! Awards... Flood Of Red Failsafe Failsafe (UK band) Failsafe are a melodic rock band whose current line up has been together since 2005, although the foundations of the band were laid in 2000. They are based in and around Preston, UK... The Argent Dawn Chaos Days Veils Throne Of Decia

• Pulled out*

Ghostfest 2010

Ghostfest 2010 took place at the Leeds University on the 26th and 27th of June.

Monster Energy Stage

Saturday 26 June

Sunday 27 June

The Acacia Strain The Acacia Strain The Acacia Strain is an American deathcore band from Chicopee, Massachusetts. Originally founded in 2001, the band itself has undergone numerous changes in the member line-up... Clone The Fragile Azriel The Arusha Accord The Arusha Accord (band) The Arusha Accord are a mathcore-technical metal band from Reading, Berkshire, who took their name from an agreement aimed at ending the Rwandan Civil War. They play in a modern mathcore sound, with technical guitar work as well as cyclical, progressive, Tool-inspired melodies... Bleed From Within More Than Life TRC TRC band TRC are a hardcore punk band hailing from London.- History :TRC were formed in spring 2003 and shortly after their formation they released their much discussed split demo with fellow North London Hardcore outfit 'Prowler' and instantly became one of the most talked about bands in the London... Desolated

Gallows Gallows (band) Gallows are a hardcore punk band from Watford, England. The band was formed in 2005 after the disbandment of founding member Laurent Barnard's previous band, My Dad Joe. Gallows' debut album, Orchestra of Wolves, was distributed in the United States by Epitaph Records, and they were subsequently... Devil Sold His Soul Devil Sold His Soul Devil Sold His Soul are an ambient influenced progressive metal/post-hardcore band from the South of England signed to Century Media. Three of the band joined from Mahumodo, thought to be a pioneer of the British hardcore scene... Evergreen Terrace Evergreen Terrace (band) Evergreen Terrace is a five-piece melodic hardcore/metalcore band from Jacksonville, Florida. Formed in 1999, they are named after the street on which The Simpsons claim residence... The Seventh Cross The Eyes of a Traitor The Eyes of a Traitor The Eyes of a Traitor are a British metalcore band from Harpenden in Hertfordshire, UK, who formed in the summer of 2006. They have released two extended plays, and two full-length studio albums. The band consists of vocalist Jack Delany, guitarists Tim George and Matthew Pugh, bassist Jack... Lower Than Atlantis Lower Than Atlantis Lower Than Atlantis are a four-piece Melodic hardcore/Rock band based in Watford, United Kingdom. The band was started in 2007. They have since released their debut EP, Bretton via Thirty Days of Night Records in January 2009... Ingested Brutality Will Prevail

Honour Over Glory Stage / Thirty Days Of Night Records Stage

Saturday 26 June

Sunday 27 June

Knuckledust Knuckledust Knuckledust are a London-based hardcore band. The band was formed in 1996 when Nic, Ray and Wema contacted Pelbu to start a band. As the groups popularity grew, the band played with Agnostic Front, Warzone, Madball, The Misfits among others.... Trigger The Bloodshed Trigger the Bloodshed Trigger the Bloodshed are a British death metal band from Bath, England, formed in 2006. The band comprises guitarists and founders Rob Purnell and Martyn Evans, as well as vocalist Jonny Burgan, bassist Dave Purnell and drummer Dan Wilding... Martyr Defiled Ignominious Incarceration Ignominious Incarceration The Soulless, formerly known as Ignominious Incarceration, is a melodic death metal band based in Bath in the south west of England.-Formation :...  * This Is Colour Throats Throats Throats were a band that formed in Spalding, England, in 2007. Starting out, their music was very raw, fast and straightforward Hardcore. Over the years their musical ideas developed and they began to incorporate elements of doom, crust, d-beat and sludge metal which resulted in a very dissonant... Monuments Curses

Dead Swans Dead Swans Dead Swans are a hardcore punk band from Brighton, England. They have released two EPs, Southern Blue, in 2008, and It's Starting, in 2009. Their split EP with Architects was also released in 2008. That same year, the band were nominated in the Best British Newcomer category at the Kerrang! Awards... Evita Evita (band) -History:Evita started off with Aaron [Beider, vocals] and Jack [Sims, former guitarist] messing around making some acoustic songs back in August, 2006... The Boy Will Drown Last Witness The Argent Dawn The Torture Of Comacine While She Sleeps With One Last Breath

• Pulled out*

Ghostfest 2011

Ghostfest 2011 will take place at the Leeds University on the 25th and 26th of June. The festival sold out in advance.

Monster Energy Stage

Saturday 25 June

Sunday 26 June

Bury Your Dead Bury Your Dead Bury Your Dead is an American metalcore band from Boston, Massachusetts, United States, formed in 2001. To date they have had eight releases; one EP: Bury Your Dead, one live DVD: Alive, and six studio albums: You Had Me at Hello, Cover Your Tracks, Beauty and the Breakdown, Bury Your Dead, It's... Your Demise Your Demise Your Demise is a five-piece band from St Albans, Brighton and Salisbury in the United Kingdom. They began in 2003 and have shared stages and tours with Biohazard, Comeback Kid, Bury Your Dead, Enter Shikari, The Devil Wears Prada, Miss May I, Parkway Drive and A Day to Remember. On 22 September... Bury Tomorrow Viatrophy Annotations Of An Autopsy Ingested Martyr Defiled Demoraliser

Suicide Silence Suicide Silence Suicide Silence is an American extreme metal band from Riverside, California. The group consists of vocalist Mitch Lucker, guitarists Chris Garza and Mark Heylmun, drummer Alex Lopez and bassist Dan Kenny. Formed in 2002, the band has released three full-length studio albums, one EP and seven music... Bleed From Within After The Burial After the Burial After the Burial is an American heavy metal band from Twin Cities, Minnesota. The group is currently signed to Sumerian Records and have released two of their three full-length albums through the label... TRC TRC band TRC are a hardcore punk band hailing from London.- History :TRC were formed in spring 2003 and shortly after their formation they released their much discussed split demo with fellow North London Hardcore outfit 'Prowler' and instantly became one of the most talked about bands in the London... Evita Evita (band) -History:Evita started off with Aaron [Beider, vocals] and Jack [Sims, former guitarist] messing around making some acoustic songs back in August, 2006... Against The Flood Silent Screams With One Last Breath

Honour Over Glory Stage

Saturday 25 June	Sunday 26 June
While She Sleeps Brutality Will Prevail Last Witness Heart Of A Coward Hero In Error Breaking Point Bays Broken Teeth	Deez Nuts Deez Nuts Deez Nuts is an Australian hardcore band that formed in Melbourne, Australia in 2007. Currently comprising vocalist J. J. Peters, Guitarist Matt Rogers, Drummer Ty Alexander and various live Bassists, the band has released one EP and Two Studio Albums.... More Than Life Heights Heart In Hand Basement Polar Crossbreaker The Ocean Between Us

• All Shall Perish
  All Shall Perish
  All Shall Perish is an American deathcore band from Oakland, California, formed in 2002. Currently, the band is signed to Nuclear Blast and have released four full-length albums through the label. Their latest record, This Is Where It Ends was released on July 26, 2011...
  
  pulled out due to problems with the release date of their album.