Absolution Fest, one of the top synthpop and darkwave music festivals in the U.S., has announced its 2025 lineup. This year’s bill is stacked with longtime legends and rising stars in the modern dark electronic scene.
Canadian post-punk outfit ACTORS headlines opening night, bringing their energetic live show to Ybor City. Their third album is on the horizon, and last year’s single “In Real Life” pushed them deeper into sleek, high-gloss synthpop territory, thanks to the dense, intricate production of frontman Jason Corbett.
Closing the event: Leæther Strip, an icon in electro-industrial music. The Danish project led by beloved frontman Claus Larsen has released dozens of albums, compilations, and covers over the years. Their live set usually includes club classics like “Strap Me Down” and “Adrenalin Rush.”
And while they may be on the bottom line, Sleek Teeth is the band I’m most excited to see. I named the LA-based duo the best new synthpop artist of 2024, thanks to a run of stunning singles and a self-titled EP that includes the unforgettable track “Endless.” If you missed it, check out my interview with Sleek Teeth here.
Other standouts include California duo Die Sexual, who have been steadily building buzz for sexually charged tracks like “Lights Down Low,” and Oregon’s Dancing Plague, whose confrontational vocal style should make for an intense live performance.
One of the best things about this event is the lively after-parties at The Catacombs and the world-famous goth club, The Castle.
Absolution Fest 2025 takes place October 2 to 4 at Crowbar in Tampa, Florida. Weekend passes and single-day tickets are on sale now.
Absolution Fest 2025 lineup
ACTORS
Leæther Strip
Qual
Then Comes Silence
House Of Harm
Cathedral Bells
Haunt Me
Dancing Plague
Ruined Conflict
WINGTIPS
Die Sexual
Sculpture Club
Dark Chisme
AL1CE
Dead Cool
Dildox
Deep Red
Amulet
Sleek Teeth
The Neuro Farm
