Ante Up: Tied Down 2025

Ante Up is a metal/hardcore outfit founded in the one and only Detroit, Michigan back in 2005. These dudes have been a pinnacle part of Detroit Hardcore for two decades, with it’s members forming many other bands over the years including D-Bloc and Doubt It.

In Detroit and the scenes surrounding it, you’ll be hard pressed to find a band who hasn’t played alongside these guys over the years. With their obvious death metal influence mixed with hardcore skank beats and vocals that resemble a yelling Kratos from God of War, Ante Up is a great introduction to the heavy scene that has existed in Southeast Michigan for a while. Their lyrics are angry, their pits are violent, and your neck will be sore from head banging after seeing one of their sets.

Ante Up will be returning to Tied Down for the second time (first time they played the fest was 2023), and based on the Saturday lineup, it seems like the crowd should be plenty warmed up for Ante Up after Lyuda, Steamroll, and Exit Strategy.

Find them on Instagram.

Album I listened to: T.I.M.E.
Favorite track: Disgust

No paid promotion. This series is not endorsed by any of the bands or festivals being written about. Doing this for the love of the game.