Divided by Design

+ Support from Arknsaw + Heartstrung

Friday 13th February 2026

Doors: 19:00

Divided by Design

Progressive metal pioneers Divided by Design bring their mind-bending, instrumental soundscapes to Lincoln this Friday the 13th, fresh from storming the stage at Bloodstock Open Air Festival after winning the Leeds Metal 2 the Masses competition. Critics have hailed their live shows as “nothing short of a masterclass in progressive metal” (RockFlesh), and their albums as groundbreaking works of art that redefine what instrumental music can achieve.

Drawing inspiration from Dream Theater, Animals as Leaders, and Periphery, Divided by Design combine intricate riffs, soaring melodies, and thunderous rhythm to create music that feels limitless. Their critically acclaimed catalogue — including Stages to Osiris (2020), Irretraceable Steps (2022), The Fear of Being Forgotten (2023), and their latest release A Canvas for the Universe (2024) — has been praised as nothing less than masterpieces in progressive metal. With each performance, they craft an otherworldly journey that both challenges and exhilarates, offering fans an experience that is as heavy as it is transcendent. If you want to hear the future of metal, this is it.

Arknsaw

Arknsaw deliver balls-to-the-wall grooves and straight-to-the-point riffs with a perfect balance of high energy, aggression, and melody. Founded in Lincolnshire, the band grew from a solo project into a powerhouse full lineup featuring veterans of the local metal scene. With roots in groups like Kallous, Deliverance, and Arkiva, Arknsaw bring raw passion and unapologetic heaviness to every stage.

Heartstrung

Hailing from Lincoln, Heartstrung are a five-piece band blending early metalcore, hardcore, and shoegaze into a crushing yet atmospheric sound. With their dynamic live shows and unwavering support for the grassroots scene, they’ve already shared stages with icons like Earthtone9 - and they’re just getting started.

Celebrate Friday the 13th the right way: with a night of riffs, energy, and metal mayhem at The Drill.