Hellfest 2026. Clisson, France. Pigs, Pigs, Pigs, Pigs, Pigs, Pigs, Pigs (aka Pigs x7) come on to AC/DC’s For Those About to Rock (We Salute You). More than usual, this is a deserved salute.
It is scorchingly hot, dust in the air and even Mad Dogs have made for the shade.
Their backdrop is a stairway of Pigs x7 to which the 5-piece walk on casually dressed, not hinting at the sonic assault to come. Come it does though, the pits open and the band pulse into their opening number.
Contrasting styles of performance stand out. The lead guitar, Adame Ian Sykes, with a ’70s Angus Young reminiscent style, the barefoot bassist, John-Michael Joseph Headley, a Malcolm Young and lead singer and keyboard player, Matthew Baty, a punk Freddie Mercury.
Then you have the more conventional act of Sam Grant, guitar and Ewan Mackenzie on drums.
The sound is Hawkwindesque but heavier more punk, more attitude. Full power Stoner Metal with mesmeric pace, but no bong head will be in the fevered pit. It is fun, but there are no quarters asked for or given.
“What a time to be alive,” screams Baty. “We know it’s hot as hell, but keep moving.” The pit obeys.
Baty screams, “We are from Newcastle, England. We’re not built for this heat.” Still, the band gives back all the energy from the fans with full-body moshing on every pounding beat, of which there are so many.
It has been a manic, loud, beast of a set that the crowd have loved, all overseen by the famous statue of Lemmy, who would have fully approved of the balls-to-the-wall nature of this must-see act.
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:
Photography:
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For Hellfest 2023, visit https://www.metaltalk.net/tag/hellfest-2023.
For Hellfest 2022, visit https://www.metaltalk.net/tag/hellfest-2022.
