Mantis Defeats Jaguar

Openers of Bloodstock 2026! Formed in 2009 in the heart of the Black Country, the historical birthplace of heavy metal, Mantis Defeats Jaguar (MDJ) spent two years building a reputation for chaotic, high-energy live shows. After a lengthy hiatus that began in 2011, the global pandemic unexpectedly brought the four-piece back together in 2020 to reignite their “special brand of nonsense.

*MDJ blends aggressive, groove-heavy nu-metal riffs with funk baselines and rapid-fire hip-hop vocal delivery. However, their true calling card is their interactive, theatrical live presence. Shunning traditional metal stoicism, their riotous sets feature a barrage of costumes, props, and unpredictable stage antics designed to force audiences to bounce and smile. After conquering the grassroots circuit and winning the Birmingham Metal 2 The Masses tournament, the band has transitioned from underground outliers to major festival mainstays.