Hellfest 2026 / Breaking Benjamin Bring the Anthems, Igorrr Bring the Madness

Hellfest 2026, Clisson, France. Thursday. Breaking Benjamin take the stage in riffy fashion, showing that melody and attitude will get you pretty much everywhere.

Is this writer a BB fan? No. Is this impressive? Fuck yeah. It is riffy and emotional and, overall, a good show, even if all you get in terms of visuals is a backdrop on the LED screen and a bit of dry ice.

Breaking Benjamin - Hellfest 2026. Photo: Luke Vaughan/MetalTalk
Breaking Benjamin – Hellfest 2026. Photo: Luke Vaughan/MetalTalk

The crowd that is here for them, standing at the front, loves it. The rest are pretty much unfazed. Still, a massive crowd. Hellfest, after all.

And then, the second part brings the sing-alongs. And Awaken sounds impeccable.

Also, could they not finish on Diary Of Jane? Of course, they could not.

Was it perfect for the time of day? Absolutely.

Breaking Benjamin - Hellfest 2026. Photo: Luke Vaughan/MetalTalk
Breaking Benjamin – Hellfest 2026. Photo: Luke Vaughan/MetalTalk

Igorrr – A Truly Special Performance 

Last year at Hellfest, a tradition was started. I did not start it, but I sure as hell did not stop it. Our guys started asking in the morning: “What’s Bogdan’s weird band of the day?”

I was surprised to hear that question today, but I can safely say that title would have to go to Igorrr, in the best possible way. I have been meaning to see Igorrr for ages, and I was extremely happy to see them on the lineup this year. 

Igorr - Hellfest 2026. Photo: Luke Vaughan/MetalTalk
Igorr – Hellfest 2026. Photo: Bogdan/MetalTalk

Inevitably, one thinks about whether something that combines so many styles of music is even possible to perform well in a live setting. There is so much going on there, but it does work great live. The two voices, soprano and harsh, complement each other in the tastefully done light show. The atmosphere is just amazing, the audience reacting to something truly special.

Gautier Serre’s project is an eclectic combination of Metal, classical, opera, electronic and who knows what else. Blastbeats over opera? Check. A massive moshpit to go with that? You know it!

Igorr - Hellfest 2026. Photo: Luke Vaughan/MetalTalk
Igorr – Hellfest 2026. Photo: Bogdan Bele/MetalTalk

It is surreal, powerful, melodic and harsh, all at the same time. And it is impossible to not pay attention to.

With the monk-like giant figure they have on stage, the whole thing has almost ritualistic power to it. If rituals had kickass riffs, I mean.

Why this combination works together is probably beyond anyone’s guess. But it does.

Hellfest 2026. Photo: Luke Vaughan/MetalTalk
Hellfest 2026. Photo: Luke Vaughan/MetalTalk

HELLFEST 2026

Prepare to be consumed by the relentless energy of the most influential bands in Heavy Metal as they ignite the Hellfest stages with blistering performances. The immersive atmosphere of Clisson will immerse you in a dark, captivating experience like no other.

With its unparalleled lineup and unwavering commitment to the spirit of metal, Hellfest 2026 promises an unforgettable journey into the depths of sonic mayhem. Read all the Heavy Metal News at MetalTalk.

MetalTalk Hellfest 2026 coverage can be found at https://www.metaltalk.net/tag/hellfest-2026.

This year’s MetalTalk team is:

Bogdan Bele

Sean Titley

Photography: 

Luke Vaughan

For Hellfest 2025, visit https://www.metaltalk.net/tag/hellfest-2025.

For Hellfest 2024, visit https://www.metaltalk.net/tag/hellfest-2024.

For Hellfest 2023, visit https://www.metaltalk.net/tag/hellfest-2023.

For Hellfest 2022, visit https://www.metaltalk.net/tag/hellfest-2022.

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