Show Recap and Photos: Inkcarceration Festival in Mansfield, OH on July 18-20, 2025
Earlier this month, we had extremely focused individuals offer to cover this year’s Inkcarceration Festival for the site. Since we rarely get the opportunity to do something like that, of course we took ’em up on their offer — hence why the photos you’ll see below are marked as made by Sean Matthews and Steve Thrasher (very unlikely that’s their government name…).
In anddition to the photos, we got some written recaps of each day. You can see those below as well. In fact, they’re all starting right… now.
Despite unpredictable weather and some frustrating logistics, this year’s Inkcarceration Festival delivered a nonstop barrage of unforgettable moments, emotionally charged performances, and pyrotechnic-fueled chaos. From heartfelt tributes to jaw-dropping guest appearances, here’s how Inkcarceration tested fans’ endurance but rewarded their loyalty with some of the strongest sets of the season.
Day 1 – Friday
Photos by Sean Matthews
The weekend opened under gloomy skies and early downpours that quickly turned the grounds into a muddy battleground. Fortunately, the rain cleared by midday, revealing pleasant temperatures and even a touch of sun—ideal conditions for the chaos that followed.
The day started with frustration, as traffic and shuttle issues delayed entry for many fans, causing them to miss early sets. But the new venue layout proved to be a major upgrade, offering improved sightlines and more breathing room across the grounds, even with more fans in attendance than in previous years.
Friday marked a unique stop for The Summer of Loud Tour in Ohio. I Prevail opened this chapter with emotional weight, performing for the first time since officially announcing the departure of clean vocalist Brian Burkheiser. Their pyro-heavy set balanced anthemic hits with a moving tribute to late music agent Dave Shapiro, visibly affecting frontman Eric Vanlerberghe.
Parkway Drive brought a sheer inferno to the stage with their signature wall of flames and rotating fire drumkit, delivering a performance that screamed headliner material, even under daylight.
Beartooth, closing the Summer Loud segment, felt like a homecoming for Columbus fans. Caleb Shomo, spotted earlier supporting The Devil Wears Prada, fronted a set packed with fan-favorites from across their discography—pyro, energy, and Ohio pride on full display.
The day also marked a long-awaited return from Chiodos, whose reunion performance felt like they’d never left. Knocked Loose unleashed raw aggression with their trademark mosh-heavy chaos, igniting a massive wall of death.
The evening reached its explosive climax with Falling in Reverse. Walking out to “Highway to Hell,” the band made a cinematic entrance from the artist area, shown live on screen. With a stunning video backdrop, fire from every direction—including the ceiling—and razor-sharp production, Ronnie Radke was in top form. The surprise of the night came when Alex Terrible of Slaughter to Prevail joined the band onstage for “Ronald,” setting social media ablaze.
While musically outstanding, the day ended on a sour note for many, as lingering transportation and parking issues left fans stranded for hours.
The Amity Affliction
Beartooth
Chiodos
The Devil Wears Prada
Knocked Loose
Parkway Drive
Day 2 – Saturday
Photos by Steve Thrasher (@whoiscoop)
Saturday defied weather warnings with a bright, sunny start that matched the early energy. August Burns Red ignited the main stage with a cover of System of a Down’s “Chop Suey,” setting the tone for a high-energy day. Kublai Khan TX followed, whipping the crowd into frenzies with pummeling hits like “Darwinism” and “Theory of Mind.” Their set was a masterclass in controlled chaos, as crowd-surfers poured over the barricades in waves.
Dayseeker delivered a surprisingly polished set, sounding nearly indistinguishable from their studio work. Paired with sleek pyro and tight crowd engagement, their set was a sleeper highlight.
Then came the rain—and with it, Slaughter to Prevail unleashed hell. Arguably one of the weekend’s most brutal walls of death erupted mid-set, so intense that even SiriusXM host Jose Mangin had to crowd-surf his way out. Ever the showman, Alex Terrible capped off the experience with a fan meet-and-greet alongside a life-size grizzly bear statue.
Marilyn Manson returned to the festival circuit with a 12-song set heavy on classics, closing with “Sweet Dreams” and “The Beautiful People.” His performance was tight, theatrical, and well-received, with most fans saying they love the new improved Manson.
Slipknot weathered the literal storm to deliver a set rich in nostalgia. Though fans hoping for a “throwback” set were left wanting, older tracks like “Spit It Out” and “Wait and Bleed” balanced well with hits like “Unsainted” and “Nero Forte.” The band performed through a relentless downpour as only true icons can, filling the local hospital in the interim as though they had the emergency room on payroll.
Post concert, leaving the grounds after proved nearly impossible. The grass parking lot had transformed into a swamp of deep mud and tire-eating potholes.
August Burns Red
Kublai Khan TX
Slipknot
Day 3 – Sunday
Photos by Sean Matthews
Architects
Bilmuri
In This Moment
Lamb of God
Three Days Grace
We Came As Romans
Final Thoughts
Despite transportation snags and a muddy war zone of a parking lot, this festival showcased the resilience of both artists and fans. The performances were emotional, ferocious, and diverse—blending nostalgic reunions, breakout sets, and pyro-drenched showmanship. From the wreckage of the rain rose one of the most memorable weekends of the year in heavy music at a prison in rural Ohio.
To keep up to date on announcement for next years head over to Inkcarceration’s official website www.inkcarceration.com.
