Act 1: Kicking Off Martyr Fest 

Act 1 is where Martyr Fest 2026 finds its footing and begins its climb. The day opens with the explosive metalcore energy of Deceitful Past before shifting into the seasoned rock-and-roll grooves of The Diminishing Returns and the punk-fueled attitude of El Radness. As the afternoon gains momentum, Rabid Assassin delivers a crushing dose of pure heavy metal before The Turning Hand closes the opening act with hypnotic doom-laden grooves and haunting vocals. Together, these five bands showcase the range, talent, and creativity that make York County’s heavy music scene one of the region’s best-kept secrets. 

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TL;DR: Metalcore opens the day, rock and punk carry the afternoon, heavy metal peaks the intensity, and doom closes Act 1 in unforgettable fashion. 

MARTYR FEST 2026 LINEUP

To spotlight all 15 bands performing at Martyr Fest 2026, we’re breaking the lineup into three Acts of five bands each. These Acts are simply a way to preview the full festival in manageable pieces and do not reflect separate events or stages. This first installment focuses on Act 1, the opening chapter of a day dedicated to celebrating the musicians, artists, fans, and venues that keep York County’s rock scene thriving. Beyond the music, Martyr Fest will feature an Art Market showcasing the work of local creators from across the region. Festival organizers have paired each of the 15 performing bands with a featured artist, creating a unique Music & Artist Spotlight series that will be highlighted throughout our social media coverage and included in these festival previews.

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Deceitful Past – Music

Opening the festival is Deceitful Past, an active South-Central Pennsylvania metalcore trio known for blending aggression with melody. Their music seamlessly shifts from crushing doom-inspired passages into uplifting, hook-filled choruses before diving back into heavy territory.  

As the first band of the day, they are perfectly positioned to ignite the crowd. With thunderous drums, powerful riffs, and dynamic vocals that move between gritty intensity and melodic storytelling, Deceitful Past promises to get Martyr Fest off to a fast and energetic start. 

Martyr Fest has paired Deceitful Past with Mad Mags Art 

Mad Mags – Artist

Mad Mags is a York based artist who creates unique pyrography art inspired by music and media. Check out her work

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The Diminishing Returns – Music

Following the opening barrage comes The Diminishing Returns, an underground York-based music project active since the early 2000s. Built on a DIY spirit and a genuine love of making music, the band delivers solid rock rhythms, memorable songwriting, and a healthy sense of humor.  

Their sound feels like a welcome nod to classic rock and roll—seasoned, confident, and unpretentious. As the noon sun settles over the festival grounds, The Diminishing Returns provide the perfect bridge between early-day intensity and the long afternoon ahead. 

Click album image for music

Martyr Fest has paired The Diminishing Returns with Godahavom Gourds 

Godahavom Gourds – Artist

“From the Garden to the Gallery: Transforming Nature into Art” – Godahavom Gourds

Reagan Bitler’s work stems from an appetency for nature and cultivates his attraction to shape, color and texture. Simplistic forms become transformed through his use of dark line pyrography, the intricate cut-out of negative space and the application of vibrant colors, leaving the admirer with a tribute to nature’s beauty. 

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El Radness – Music

If there is a band’s personality reflected perfectly in its name, it’s El Radness. This Gettysburg-area punk and rock-and-roll outfit proudly describes itself as a “steaming pile of rock and roll,” and they fully embrace the attitude that comes with it.  

Fueled by driving grooves, punk energy, and an unmistakable sense of sarcasm, El Radness brings a fun and unpredictable element to Act 1. Their tongue-in-cheek song titles and power-punk swagger offer a reminder that great rock music doesn’t always have to take itself seriously. Expect laughs, singalongs, and plenty of movement in front of the stage. 

Martyr Fest has paired El Radness with J J Comics LLC 

JJ Comics – Artist

JJ Comics is the epitome of hard work and dedication. After years of planning, SinYstr #1 is finally here and we are stoked to have it at the festival! Meet the creators of the comic book and grab your copy at MartyrFest! 

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Rabid Assassin – Music

If Act 1 needs a shot of pure adrenaline, Rabid Assassin is ready to deliver it. This South Central Pennsylvania heavy metal outfit doesn’t ease listeners into their music. They hit hard from the opening riff and never let up. Built on massive drop-tuned guitars, crushing rhythms, and authoritative vocals, Rabid Assassin creates the kind of sonic assault that feels less like a concert and more like a controlled collision. 

Founded in 2013 by veteran guitarist and vocalist Thane Farace, alongside Chad Bedsaul, Dan Delaney, and Todd Stansfield, Rabid Assassin has spent more than a decade carving out a reputation for uncompromising heavy metal. Their resume includes sharing stages with nationally recognized metal acts and earning sponsorship from Coldcock Whiskey while signing with HighVolMusic Records. 

Rabid Assassin’s music is driven by brute-force riffs and a rhythm section that moves with the inevitability of a landslide. The guitars grind and chug with purpose while the vocals ride directly in the current of the music, creating a relentless wall of sound that refuses to let the audience stand still. There is no pretense here. No gimmicks. Just heavy metal delivered with conviction and precision. 

As the fourth set of Act 1, Rabid Assassin raises the intensity level and delivers what may be the heaviest performance of the opening block, ensuring the afternoon crowd is fully energized. 

Martyr Fest has paired Rabid Assassin with Silver Sapper Jewelry

Silver Sapper Jewelry – Artist

Ian creates unique mixed media jewelry and specializes in custom gemstone jewelry. Check out Silver Sapper Jewelry

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The Turning Hand 

Closing Act 1 is The Turning Hand, a band that takes a very different path to heaviness. Rather than overwhelming the listener with speed and aggression, they pull audiences into a slow-moving, hypnotic atmosphere built on thick riffs, deep grooves, and haunting vocals. 

A staple of the Central Pennsylvania stoner and doom scene, The Turning Hand excels at creating musical landscapes that feel patient, deliberate, and immersive. The rhythm section lays down a massive foundation while the guitars churn through sludgy, deliberate riffs. Floating above it all is vocalist Rachel, whose mysterious and ethereal delivery adds an almost dreamlike quality to the band’s dark sound. 

After the assault of Rabid Assassin, The Turning Hand provides the perfect closing statement for Act 1. Their music allows the audience to sink into the groove, absorb the day’s experience, and prepare for the next chapter of Martyr Fest. It’sless of a finale and more of a slow-burning descent into the deeper, darker corners of the festival’s musical universe. 

Martyr Fest has paired The Turning Hand with Kate Rush

Kate Rush – Artist

Kate is a York based artist who creates unique gothcore jewelry and quirky giftables in her home studio. You can find her work on Kate Rush Facebook and Kate Rush Art Instagram

Stay tuned as we continue our Martyr Fest preview series with Act 2, where five more outstanding local bands prepare to take the stage and keep the momentum rolling. 

*content assisted by Copilot.