In episode 54 of the Music Festivals Podcast, I recap all the chaotic energy and unforgettable moments from the 2025 INKCARCERATION Music and Tattoo Festival in Mansfield, Ohio.
INK is hosted each year at the historic Ohio State Reformatory, a fitting backdrop for one of the country’s top heavy metal and dark arts gatherings. More than 60 bands took over two stages from July 18-20, drawing in somewhere between 50,000 and 90,000 attendees with headliners like Slipknot, Five Finger Death Punch, Lamb of God, Falling in Reverse, and Three Days Grace.
What made this festival extra special is that I attended with my oldest son Kaden, who not only braved the fest for his very first time but also helped shoot the documentary that’s now on our YouTube channel.
Security and amenities were a standout this year, with plenty of shower access, good food, and a strong visible-but-chill presence from festival staff and law enforcement. The atmosphere was surprisingly friendly for a fest with so much intensity. “People took care of each other for the most part… It was impressive,” I observed, highlighting the community aspect that makes these gatherings memorable even for families.
INKCARCERATION isn’t just about music—the prison tours and onsite tattoo artists are a huge draw, and I offer advice about booking these experiences ahead of time as they sell out fast. We also got to interview longtime fans, staff, and even band members from Archon Theory, all of which you can catch in the full documentary episode.
You don’t want to miss the behind-the-scenes perspective, exclusive festival footage, and plenty of tips for making the most out of your metal festival experience. Whether you’re a die-hard metalhead or just curious about what a music festival inside a haunted prison looks and feels like, this recap brings it all to life. Watch the documentary or listen to the podcast now on our channel, and see for yourself why I would go back again in a heartbeat.
Ready to take your festival mornings (or any morning) up a notch? Meet DLaw Coffee Company—the official fuel behind our early starts and late-night memories. Crafted by Drury Anderson (yep, the powerhouse vocalist and mandolin shredder behind Mountain Grass Unit), DLaw’s small-batch, high-octane blends are tailored for music lovers, festival wanderers, and anyone who lives for a little extra kick in their cup.
Start with the Heady Breakfast blend—smooth, bold, and festival-ready. Need more oomph for those sunrise sets? Level up with Heady Breakfast Plus for a serious caffeine boost. And if a touch of flavor sets the mood, Mr. Charlie’s Cinnabon flavor is a must-add to your lineup.
Sip what the musicians sip and savor the spirit of community, adventure, and pure musical energy with every bag. Ready to try it? Grab yours now at dlawcoffeecompany.com and make your next cup a festival experience—wherever you are. DLaw Coffee Company: Fuel the Music.
Next week, look for a recap of Grassfire 2025 that took place at Nelson Ledges Quarry Park over the 4th of July weekend.
If you've been there, you know that festivals at NLQP have become one of Ohio’s most unique summer traditions.
From sunlit swims in the crystal-clear water to nights lit up by blazing campfire jams, rogue campsite EDM shows and a fireworks display for the ages, this year’s festival delivered a perfect holiday weekend. I’ll share stories from some regular shakedown vendors and highlight sets from Kyle Tuttle, The Del McCoury Band, Molly Tuttle and a few more — all to give you a taste of the insane vibes that make Grassfire and The Ledges so special.
Catch the full recap in next week’s episode and get ready to relive every moment (or plan your trip for 2026).
As a high school kid growing up in Massillon Ohio back in the 90's, Marylin Manson's The Beautiful People became an anthem for my friends and I before football games. It's ironic that Manson, born Brian Hugh Warner, was born and raised in Canton, Ohio — the long standing rival city of my Northeast Ohio hometown.
Manson rose to fame in the 1990s with his provocative image and super controversial performances, and the his 1996 hit from the album Antichrist Superstar still holds it's ground as one of the most recognizable and defining metal songs in history today. I never would have imagined that I would get to see him do it live as a mid-40's adult. Check out this short clip from Marylin Manson at INKCARCERATION 2025.
Video Credit: @AllOneProductionsMedia — Fireside Collective - Live at 4848 Festival - Snowshoe Mountain 7/18/25