Hellfest 2026: Five bands to catch this summer on Warzone

Hellfest returns to Clisson, just a few kilometres from Nantes, from Thursday, June 18 to Sunday, June 21, 2026 for a new and 19th edition. This year again, festival-goers are set to light up the metal festival with a meticulously curated lineup. While many plan to stake out in front of the Mainstages, others prefer to explore the other stages. So, if you’re a fan of punk and hardcore, head to the Warzone where a host of talented artists are on the bill. Here are 5 bands to catch this summer on the Warzone at Hellfest!

This is the festival that every metalhead eagerly pins on their calendar each summer. This year, the Hellfest returns to Clisson on Thursday 18, Friday 19, Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 June 2026, set to jolt you with the sounds of hard rock, thrash metal, black metal, heavy metal, doom, classic rock, punk, and even alternative rock across four fresh days and nights of music.

This year again, Hellfest is lining up a serious dose of extreme music for festival-goers, with big names like Iron Maiden, Behemoth, Cavalera, Megadeth, Anthrax, Alice Cooper, The Offspring and Pennywise taking the stage. These globally renowned acts will be headlining the Mainstages (1 & 2) this summer. But Hellfest isn’t limited to the Mainstages—there are four other stages as well, including the Warzone, dedicated to punk and hardcore. It sits just a short distance from the enormous sculpture erected in tribute to Lemmy Kilmister.

If you're a fan of these different musical styles, then you're likely to spend a good part of Hellfest in front of the Warzone. That's why we've selected 5 bands and artists for you to see this summer in the Warzone at this new edition of Hellfest.

Hellfest 2026: 5 acts not to miss on the Warzone

Social Distortion – Thursday, June 18, 2026, from 12:30 AM to 1:30 AM
Punk Rock – USA

Having been in the saddle since 1978, Social Distortion hasn't lost an ounce of its fire and fury. The American outfit will prove it on June 18 with a show billed for the Warzone. Hailing from California, Social Distortion serves up a deft blend of country, punk, and rock 'n' roll. Still fronted by singer-guitarist Mike Ness, Social Distortion should treat festival-goers to a few blistering pogos for this opening night of Hellfest, 2026 edition.

Die Spitz - Friday, June 19, 2026, from 1:35 PM to 2:15 PM
Punk Rock - USA

A young band formed in 2022 in Austin, Texas, Die Spitz has been generating buzz ever since releasing their debut album "Something to Consume" in 2025. This summer, the Americans head to Hellfest to unleash a ferocious blend of punk rock, grunge and heavy metal. Curious to discover this rising phenomenon? Make your way to the Warzone on Friday at 1:35 PM.

Hatebreed - Saturday, June 20, 2026 from 12:55 AM to 2:00 AM
Hardcore - USA

Regulars at Hellfest and Warzone, the Connecticut hardcore veterans Hatebreed are once again set to spark some wild moshing and circle pits this summer in Clisson. This year, the band will close Warzone’s lineup on Saturday night with a performance that promises to be nothing short of thunderous. So, ready to reunite with the Connecticut crew?

Buzzcocks - Sunday 21 June 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.
Punk - United Kingdom

Often cited as pioneers of the British punk scene, Buzzcocks roll into Clisson this summer to show that English punk remains as explosive and cathartic as ever. With their boundless energy, razor-sharp riffs and high-octane tracks, the Buzzcocks are set to electrify Warzone and have the festival crowd sweating.

The Adicts - Sunday, June 21, 2026 from 9:55 PM to 11:10 PM
United Kingdom - Punk

Edgy riffs, electrifying choirs and a cabaret vibe: that’s what awaits you outside the Warzone if you decide to catch The Adicts, the famous British punk band active since the late 70s. For this show scheduled Sunday night starting at 9:55 p.m., the group intends to prove that you can age without really growing up and keep playing punk the way it’s meant to be heard!

Of course, this list isn’t exhaustive, and many other bands and artists are slated to perform on the Warzone from June 18 to 21, 2026 at the Hellfest. And you, what acts do you plan to catch on the Warzone this year in Clisson?

Hellfest 2026: full lineup and concert times
Hellfest announces its return with four new days of shows dedicated to extreme music. Mark your calendars—the festival runs from Thursday, June 18 to Sunday, June 21, 2026. What’s on the bill for this edition? A stellar slate of talented francophone and international acts, including Iron Maiden, Alice Cooper, Limp Bizkit, The Offspring, Deep Purple, Megadeth, Behemoth, Papa Roach, Bad Omens, Mastodon, and more. Here is the complete day-by-day, stage-by-stage lineup for Hellfest 2026, with concert times. [Read more]