The legendary underground gathering Emissions from the Monolith is preparing to shake Ohio again. The long-running heavy music celebration has announced the second wave of artists for its upcoming tenth edition, set to take place October 8–11, 2026 at Westside Bowl in Youngstown, Ohio.
Since its founding in 1999, the festival has carved out a reputation as one of the most authentic gatherings for the heavy underground—bringing together sludge, doom, stoner rock, experimental metal, and everything crawling in between. And true to its roots, the 2026 edition keeps the same philosophy: one stage, full sets, no overlaps, and zero filler.
Second Wave of Bands Announced
The newest round of artists joining the lineup includes a formidable mix of sludge legends, noise-rock disruptors, and psychedelic heaviness:
CAVITY
EDHOCHULI
GREAT FALLS
HIGH DESERT QUEEN
HORSEBURNER
HOWLING GIANT
KOWLOON WALLED CITY
LAKE LAKE
RWAKE
SHUN
THUNDERCHIEF
TODAY IS THE DAY
WINDS OF NEPTUNE
These acts join the previously announced lineup, which already includes:
DEADBIRD
DISENGAGE
GENERATION OF VIPERS
REBREATHER
SOLACE
STINKING LIZAVETA
SUNROT
TELEKINETIC YETI
THE BROUGHT LOW
WEEDEATER
More artists are expected to be announced soon.
A Festival Built on DIY Principles
What separates Emissions from the Monolith from many modern festivals is its fiercely independent philosophy. The event is organized without corporate influence, keeping control of the lineup and creative direction firmly in the hands of the people who actually live this music.
The organizers emphasize several core principles:
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DIY and independent — no sponsor influence on lineup or programming
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Artist-friendly — no pay-to-play and no merch cuts
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Community over hierarchy — no VIP tiers or exclusive sections
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One stage, no overlaps — every band plays a full set
The festival is intentionally not sold to maximum capacity, prioritizing comfort and experience over packing the room.
The Venue: Westside Bowl
The entire four-day gathering will unfold inside Westside Bowl in Youngstown, Ohio, one of the region’s most respected live music spaces.
The venue features:
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A full professional PA system designed for heavy music
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Excellent sightlines and a comfortable layout
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Full bar and kitchen with food available all weekend
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All-ages entry (with ID required for alcohol)
By limiting ticket sales, organizers aim to create a spacious, breathable environment where fans can settle in and experience the music without the chaos often associated with large festivals.
A Legacy of Heavy Music
Founded by Greg Barratt, Emissions from the Monolith originally ran from 2000–2007, hosting nine festivals across Youngstown, Chicago, and Austin while building a reputation as a cornerstone of the heavy underground.
After a long hiatus, Barratt teamed up with Nate Offerdahl of Westside Bowl to revive the event in 2025—bringing the festival back with the same philosophy that built its legacy:
All killer. No filler.
The Experience
At its core, Emissions from the Monolith is not just a festival—it’s a gathering of the underground community.
No rushing between stages.
No overlapping sets.
No industry nonsense.
Just four days of loud, immersive heavy music shared by bands, fans, and volunteers who believe in the same thing.
One stage. Full focus. Total heaviness. 🎸
