Bring Me The Horizon frontman Oli Sykes invited Lorna Shore vocalist Will Ramos to perform the 2013 track ‘Antivist’ during the band’s headline set at Hellfest in France on June 18, 2026. The collaboration marked a departure from the band’s standard practice of inviting audience members on stage, highlighting a growing trend of cross-genre support within the modern metal scene.
Why are metal bands prioritizing on-stage collaborations?
On-stage collaborations serve as a tool for genre-blending and community building, according to recent performance trends. By inviting Will Ramos—a prominent figure in deathcore—to join a metalcore-rooted act like Bring Me The Horizon, the band bridges the gap between different sub-genres. Oli Sykes has previously stated, via NME, that the tradition of bringing fans on stage was inspired by his own experiences watching Funeral For A Friend as a teenager. By replacing a fan with a peer like Ramos, the band elevates the performance while maintaining the high-energy, inclusive atmosphere that has become a staple of their live shows.
Bring Me The Horizon has headlined Hellfest four times since 2009, with their 2026 appearance cementing their status as a mainstay in the European festival circuit.
How does the ‘re-recording’ trend impact legacy acts?
Revisiting early discography allows bands to modernize their sound while celebrating historical milestones, a strategy Bring Me The Horizon is employing for the 20th anniversary of their debut album, Count Your Blessings. According to the band’s official announcements, this “reactivated” re-recording process involves reworking original tracks to make them “sharper, heavier, and more vital.” This approach provides a comparative value for fans: it contrasts the raw, unpolished energy of the 2006 original with the technical proficiency and production standards the band has developed over two decades.
Legacy vs. Evolution: A comparison of approaches
| Strategy | Objective |
|---|---|
| Re-recording | Updating production and reclaiming creative ownership. |
| Guest Features | Cross-pollinating fanbases and generating live excitement. |
What is the future of metal festival lineups?
Major European festivals like Hellfest are increasingly diversifying their headliners to include bands that bridge the gap between classic metal and modern heavy music. As reported by NME, the 2026 Hellfest lineup featured a mix of legacy acts like Iron Maiden alongside contemporary heavyweights like Bring Me The Horizon, Limp Bizkit, and The Offspring. This programming suggests that festival organizers are betting on a multi-generational audience, requiring artists to lean into their history—such as full-album anniversary sets—while simultaneously collaborating with the current “new guard” of heavy music.
When attending anniversary shows, check for limited-edition merchandise drops, as bands like Bring Me The Horizon are increasingly using these events to release exclusive tour-specific items.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who performed ‘Antivist’ with Bring Me The Horizon at Hellfest?
Lorna Shore frontman Will Ramos joined the band on stage to provide lead vocals for the track.
Are Bring Me The Horizon re-recording their debut album?
Yes, the band is releasing a “reactivated” re-recording of Count Your Blessings on July 10, 2026, to celebrate its 20th anniversary.
Why does Oli Sykes invite guests to perform on stage?
Sykes has stated that the practice is an homage to his own youth, having been inspired by similar opportunities provided by bands like Funeral For A Friend when he was a teenager.
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