The first names have been announced for the 2006 Damnation Festival.

UK Hardcore legends Stampin' Ground, no-frills bastards Murder One and black metallers The Axis of Perdition will bolster the British contingent ripping up Damnation Festival 2006 this October 15, in Manchester.

They will be joined by three of the UK's finest rising acts; muscle-bound groove metallers Head-On, extreme metalcore from London in the shape of Kingsize Blues and exciting thrash upstarts Evil.

"Damnation has the reputation of being THE alternative UK metal festival," says Head-On frontman Mark Logan, "so when we were asked to play it was an absolute no-brainer. We are pretty damn stoked about playing and you can be sure we will be bringing the meat, the beer, the suplexes, the beards and the fucking RIFFS. Roll on
October!"

Having persisted for over a decade, Stampin' Ground's aggressive, no-nonsense metal has earned them a loyal following and a reputation for packing one of the most explosive live shows around. They and Murder One will join a Jagermeister sponsored stage already boasting metal warriors Biomechanical and Send More Paramedics.

Last year's event was a complete sell-out, and featured Raging Speedhorn, Entombed, Sikth and Gorerotted.

This year the event will again take place across two stages in Manchester, Jilly's Rockworld and Music Box.

Festival spokesman Gavin McInally: "The bands on board so far are a pick of the best the UK has to offer and we are confident of adding more prestigious names. By the time tickets go on sale we expect to have announced an extreme and diverse bill of talent which won't be matched in the UK scene."

Tickets for Damnation Festival 2006 are priced £15 and will be on sale in
April. For further information about the event visit their
Official website.