Inkcarceration 2025 proved once again why it’s one of the top heavy music festivals in the country. Held at the historic Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield, Ohio, from July 18 to 20, the festival brought in around 30,000 people each day. With over 60 bands, an indoor tattoo convention, and the chance to explore one of the most iconic prisons in film history, this year felt bigger and more organized than ever.
Things kicked off Friday with some early rain, but it didn’t dampen the mood. Crowds were already filling the fields by the afternoon, and the energy didn’t let up. Sets from Alpha Wolf, I Prevail, The Devil Wears Prada, and The Amity Affliction got the pits moving early, with Knocked Loose delivering one of the most aggressive sets of the day. Beartooth followed with a great mix of melody and heaviness, keeping the energy high. Falling In Reverse closed the night with a full production, visuals, pyro, and a tight setlist that had the crowd fully engaged from start to finish.
Saturday was a scorcher, both in temperature and in sound. Bands like Slaughter to Prevail and Dayseeker brought serious heat to the stage early on. Acid Bath made a rare live appearance that drew in longtime fans, and The Dillinger Escape Plan delivered a chaotic, precision-driven set that reminded everyone why their legacy holds up. Marilyn Manson leaned into his dark, theatrical side, performing a slow-burning set that ended strong with “The Beautiful People.” The night belonged to Slipknot, though. This was their only US appearance this year, and they came out swinging with a set that celebrated 25 years of chaos. They tore through fan favorites like “People = Shit,” “Psychosocial,” and “Duality,” while also working in newer tracks like “Yen.” No brand-new songs were debuted, but fans were buzzing about the band teasing a release from their long-rumored Look Outside Your Window project.
By Sunday, the tone shifted a bit. There was still plenty of heaviness, but also more emotional moments and nostalgic sets. Three Days Grace, now reunited with original vocalist Adam Gontier, pulled a huge crowd and gave a heartfelt performance. Architects and In This Moment added their own flavor to the afternoon, while Taproot, Currents, and Catch Your Breath showed up strong on the side stages. Lamb of God followed with one of the tightest, most intense sets of the weekend, and Five Finger Death Punch closed things out with a high-energy, crowd-pleasing set filled with pyro, sing-alongs, and solid pacing. They leaned into fan favorites but also played material from their latest Afterlife deluxe release, which got a strong response.
Aside from the music, Inkcarceration stands out for what happens off the stages too. Inside the prison, the Monster Energy Tattoo X convention featured over 100 tattoo artists, many of whom were booked solid all weekend. People lined up for walk-ins and touch-ups, and plenty left the grounds with new ink. The prison was also open for self-guided tours. Walking through the crumbling corridors of the same building where The Shawshank Redemption was filmed added something special to the entire experience.
This year’s festival layout was improved compared to previous editions. The two main stages were placed side by side for faster transitions, and the spacing of vendors, water stations, and merch tents helped reduce wait times. Sound was consistent across all areas, and large LED screens helped those in the back still feel part of the action. The biggest challenge was the lack of shade, especially during Saturday’s heat, but misting zones and free water helped keep people safe and comfortable.
Camping was well-organized, and fans created a solid community atmosphere throughout the weekend. From late-night acoustic jams to shared shade tents, it felt like a welcoming environment. Festival staff and security were visible and helpful without being overbearing, and amenities like charging stations, accessible restrooms, and sober lounges added to the overall positive experience.
Inkcarceration 2025 delivered everything you’d expect from a top-tier festival. Big headliners like Slipknot, Falling In Reverse, Lamb of God, and Five Finger Death Punch lived up to the hype, but there was also space for deep cuts, reunions, and rising talent. Bands like Crossfade, Acid Bath, The Dillinger Escape Plan, and Three Days Grace gave fans rare opportunities to see acts they hadn’t caught in years. Add to that the tattoo culture, historic venue, and tight logistics, and it’s clear this festival isn’t just about music; it’s about the full experience.
Three days of sweat, sound, ink, and connection left a serious impact. Whether you came for the breakdowns, the nostalgia, the tattoos, or just to be in a crowd of people who get it, Inkcarceration 2025 was something special. From where I stood, it didn’t just live up to expectations, it raised the bar.
Photos courtesy of the DWP Presents media team
