Australia’s heavy metal festival on a ship will return from Sunday January 17 to Thursday January 21, 2027, once again taking over the Carnival Splendor.
Departing Sydney Harbour and stopping at Tangalooma on Moreton Island, Hellbound leans fully into the idea of a boutique destination festival, where the setting is as much a drawcard as the bands.
At the top of the bill, Parkway Drive return as headliners, joined by The Amity Affliction, Alpha Wolf, I Killed The Prom Queen and Thy Art Is Murder. Parkway headlining again feels less like repetition and more like practicality, particularly following the cancellation of Park Waves. In a scene that has just lost a major festival, dependable anchors matter, and Parkway remain the safest bet at this scale.
Beyond the headliners, the Hellbound Cruise 2027 lineup spreads across modern metal, metalcore, alternative crossover and scene staples. Ocean Grove, RedHook, Gravemind, Heavensgate, Mammal and Banks Arcade give the bill momentum without leaning on nostalgia. It feels contemporary, local-focused and realistic about what works in a confined, high-energy environment.
The undercard reinforces that approach. These are bands built for close rooms, constant crowd turnover and repeat exposure rather than spectacle or oversized production. Hellbound is not trying to overwhelm. It is trying to sustain energy across four days where the audience never really leaves the venue.
There are also smart choices around the edges. Hei’An adds international presence, Rocky’s Pride & Joy bring a wildcard element, Taking Back Saturday DJs handle the late nights, and MANOV steps in as stage host, reinforcing the idea that this is a continuous experience rather than a strict set-by-set festival.
Following a 2026 debut that sold out in under ten minutes, Hellbound now feels less like a novelty and more like a test of longevity. This lineup does not position itself as a comeback moment or a scene-defining statement, but the limited number of tickets available due to the boutique location mean sales a quick sell out if probably on the cards again.
Hellbound is not trying to be Soundwave. It is trying to be sustainable. Whether that approach pays off will become clear once the ship leaves the harbour this year. Blunt will be on the ship for the 2026 version to make sure those of you who missed won’t miss anything while we smash out content with a bunch of bands stuck on a boat.
Hellbound Cruise 2027 Lineup
Parkway Drive
The Amity Affliction
Alpha Wolf
I Killed the Prom Queen
Thy Art Is Murder
Banks Arcade
Closure
Dead City Ruins
Down and Out
Elm Street
Future Static
Gravemind
Heavensgate
Hei’An
Major Arcana
Mammal
Maple’s Pet Dinosaur
Mirrors
No Apologies
Ocean Grove
RedHook
Rocky’s Pride & Joy
Starve
Taking Back Saturday DJs
MANOV (stage host)
Hellbound Cruise 2027 FAQ
When is Hellbound Cruise 2027?
Hellbound Cruise 2027 runs from Sunday January 17 to Thursday January 21, 2027.
Where does Hellbound Cruise depart from?
The cruise departs from Sydney Harbour and includes a stop at Tangalooma on Moreton Island.
Which ship is Hellbound Cruise on?
Hellbound Cruise 2027 takes place aboard the Carnival Splendor.
Who is headlining Hellbound Cruise 2027?
Parkway Drive headline the 2027 edition, alongside The Amity Affliction, Alpha Wolf, I Killed The Prom Queen and Thy Art Is Murder.
Is Hellbound Cruise an all-ages event?
As a cruise-based festival, age restrictions and booking conditions apply. Attendees should check official ticketing information before purchasing.
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