Wacken festival has announced the first wave of bands for 2026

Before this year's Wacken festival in northern Germany was even wrapped up this weekend, the organisers announced – via video messages and a bonkers drone show – the first load of bands for its 35th edition in 2026.

Lamb Of God, In Flames, Powerwolf and Emperor are among returning heroes, while Def Leppard will be making their debut at the legendary metal bash. It'll also see Sepultura playing their final show in Germany before splitting, and the last bow for German metal legends Running Wild.

The full list of bands so far is (deep breath): Def Leppard, In Flames, Powerwolf, Savatage, Allt, Airbourne, Any Given Day, Blood Command, Blood Fire Death - A Tribute To Bathory, Broken By The Scream, Einherjer, Emperor, Europe, Faun, Future Palace, Gutalax, Grand Magus, Insanity Alert, H-Blockx, Kupfergold, Lamb Of God, Luna Kills, Mantar, Nevermore, Orbit Culture, Paleface Swiss, Pig Destroyer, Running Wild, Sepultura, Ten56., The Gathering, The Hardkiss, Thundermother, Thrown and Tryptikon.

And remember, that's just the opening throw. This weekend's event saw incredible sets from Mastodon, Guns N' Roses, Gojira, Papa Roach, Mimi Barks, King Diamond, Machine Head, Hellbutcher, Midnight, The Hellacopters, Windrose, Within Temptation and over 100 others. So, expect some more very special stuff to come.

Wacken 2026 will take place July 29 – August 1. Get your tickets here.

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