Northlane have pulled out of Hellbound 2026, with Sunk Loto joining the lineup in their place.
The Sydney metalcore heavyweights announced the change as preparations ramp up for the live introduction of their forthcoming album Anemoia and their approaching Australian headline tour.
“Since joining the lineup over a year ago, the plans surrounding our forthcoming album have changed significantly. We want the live introduction of Anemoia to be a defining moment for Northlane.
With our Australian headline tour fast approaching, we need to prioritise the time and preparation required to deliver those shows, and the next chapter of Northlane, at a new standard. We’re sorry to everyone who was looking forward to seeing us onboard, and we appreciate your understanding.”
Northlane were part of the original Hellbound 2026 announcement alongside Parkway Drive, Polaris, The Butterfly Effect, Make Them Suffer and In Hearts Wake. The cruise, which departs Sydney on 22 October and returns on 25 October, sold out in just seven minutes when tickets went on sale last year.
Sunk Loto join Hellbound 2026
Replacing Northlane are Gold Coast heavy veterans Sunk Loto, who have been back in full force since reuniting in 2022 after a 15-year absence.
Formed in 1997 while still teenagers, Sunk Loto became one of the defining Australian heavy bands of their era, signing with Epic Records/Sony Music in 1999 before releasing the Society Anxiety EP, Big Picture Lies and their cult 2003 album Between Birth and Death.
The addition gives Hellbound another established Australian heavy act following a run of lineup changes. The Beautiful Monument and Diamond Construct have also previously withdrawn from the inaugural voyage, with DREGG and LATE 90s added to the bill.
Hellbound’s inaugural cruise is still stacked
Hellbound was announced as Australia’s first dedicated heavy metal cruise, taking over Carnival Splendor for three nights with thousands of fans and a lineup built almost entirely around Australian heavy music.
Parkway Drive remain at the top of the bill, with Polaris, The Butterfly Effect, Make Them Suffer, In Hearts Wake, Belle Haven, Bloom, Future Static, Ocean Sleeper, Reliqa, The Gloom In The Corner, To The Grave, Windwaker and others also set to sail.
Northlane’s exit now makes them the third act from the original Hellbound announcement to withdraw, but Sunk Loto’s late addition gives the cruise a very different kind of Australian heavy history heading into its first voyage.
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