The French town of Clisson is bracing for an earthquake of epic proportions as the organisers of Hellfest Open Air have finally dropped their full, colossal lineup for June 2026, and it’s an absolute game-changer. Following a tradition of blending genre legends with the new guard, the four-day heavy music gathering is set to be one for the history books. Unsurprisingly, the limited 4-day weekend passes vanished instantly, proving yet again that the hunger for world-class metal, hard rock, and punk is insatiable. This year’s bill is stacked with over 180 bands, showcasing the incredible depth and diversity of the extreme music scene.
Headliners: A Feast of Metal Titans and Modern Icons
Leading the charge across the two main stages are a quartet of bands that perfectly embody Hellfest’s commitment to varied sonic brutality. Opening the main stage proceedings on Thursday are the UK’s own BRING ME THE HORIZON, who will bring their stadium-conquering sound and genre-bending artistry to Clisson. Friday sees the undisputed legends IRON MAIDEN take the top spot, riding the wave of their massive ‘Run For Your Lives’ tour focused on their early classics—a must-see spectacle for any genuine metalhead. Saturday is set for an explosive nu-metal comeback as heavyweights LIMP BIZKIT headline, promising a riotous performance. Finally, bringing the house down on Sunday is the legendary punk rock outfit, THE OFFSPRING, ensuring the festival closes with a high-octane punk-fuelled party. The sheer magnitude of these four Hellfest headliners guarantees an unforgettable weekend for festival-goers.
Main Stage Mayhem: The Must-See Support Acts
Beyond the main attractions, the support bill on Mainstages 1 and 2 is pure gold. Thursday’s Mainstage 2 is a dream for classic rock aficionados, featuring the incomparable DEEP PURPLE and the theatrical brilliance of ALICE COOPER, proving that the founders of the scene are still as vital as ever. Over on Mainstage 1, PAPA ROACH and the fantastic BREAKING BENJAMIN offer a hard-hitting mix of modern rock and metal. Friday is equally immense; while Iron Maiden headline, Mainstage 2 is topped by the epic power metal thunder of SABATON and the progressive genius of OPETH, making for a seriously heavy one-two punch. The weekend ramps up further with Saturday’s main stages featuring the brooding rarity of A PERFECT CIRCLE, the unmistakable sound of VOLBEAT, and thrash royalty MEGADETH and ANTHRAX, the latter of whom are a festival staple and always deliver a crushing set. Sunday, as THE OFFSPRING close out Mainstage 1, Mainstage 2 is counter-programmed with the new sensations BAD OMENS and fellow UK metalcore giants ARCHITECTS, ensuring the festival goes out with a bang across all corners of the site.
The full line-up is an intricate tapestry of heavy sounds, spanning everything from doom and stoner on The Valley to black and death metal on The Temple and Altar stages. With tickets selling out before the Hellfest 2026 lineup was even announced, those who secured their spot are in for a true masterclass in rock and metal festival programming.
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