Hellfest 2026: a photo gallery from Friday, June 19

No one could miss France’s biggest metal festival, featuring more than 180 bands to discover over four days and just under a three-hour train ride from Paris! So we step outside the capital to bring you the 19th edition of Hellfest as if you were there. A photo recap of 10 standout moments from Friday, June 19, 2026.

Extreme music fans are in seventh heaven! The Hellfest is back in Clisson for four more days, launching its latest, 19th edition and running through June 21. A photo recap of Friday, June 19, 2026 highlights an eclectic lineup, featuring Killus, Sinsaenum, Møl, as well as Sepultura and Rotting Christ.

1/10

Not easy to play Hellfest before noon. But the members of Esodic rose to the challenge with flying colors! This Jordanian group managed to grab the attention of the early birds with a hypnotic style powered by thunderous death metal, sprinkled with oriental influences. To top it off, the quartet even delivered a stellar rendition of Metallica’s iconic “Battery.”

2/10

At noon this Friday, the Spaniards from Killus woke up the few festival-goers still drowsy. While their universe reminded us at times of the French act Shaârghot, their industrial metal sound brought to mind Lord of the Lost. In short, Killus truly blew us away with their high‑octane, infectious energy and a explosive set with a shock-rock cabaret vibe!

3/10

This year as well, the Guardian of Darkness is present on the Hellfest site and wakes from its slumber several times a day, bringing great joy to festival-goers strolling through Hellcity Square. A small novelty this year, however, is that the famous half-woman, half-scorpion creature now emits sounds, delivering an even more immersive experience for the crowd.

4/10

As France’s premier festival, Hellfest boasts six main stages on its sprawling site. It also features two smaller stages, including the Hellstage, offering a chance to catch rising bands right in the heart of Hellcity Square.

5/10

What a show! This Friday, Sinsaenum tore up the Altar stage. The supergroup, with a rotating lineup, was built for the occasion around, among others, Frédéric Leclercq (Kreator) and drummer André Joyzi. Not surprisingly, the band had festival-goers drenched in sweat with its powerful blackened death and groove metal tracks, sparking several wild pogos and a cracking wall of death! It was simply powerful and explosive!

6/10

This was truly our standout moment of Day 2! Møl, three letters for a discreet Danish outfit that absolutely deserves to be seen live at least once. On the Temple stage, the band stood out in their patterned shirts. But don’t be fooled by appearances—Møl delivered a breathtaking, euphoric set, powered by a supremely dynamic frontman who masterfully alternates whispers and roars in a dreamy shoegaze atmosphere!

7/10

Second summer season for Hellcity! Located at the entrance to the site, the brasserie du Hellfest is the perfect spot to give your ears a rest for a few minutes while you hydrate or grab a bite. New this year: acoustic concerts by rising talents to discover several times a day.

8/10

As the Cavalera brothers were set to revive the iconic Chaos A.D. (1993) this Saturday at Hellfest, Sepultura beat them to the punch. On Friday, the legendary Brazilian group, led since 1997 by vocalist Derrick Green, delivered a powerful and impeccably tight set, switching between newer material and classic hits, such as Refuse/Resist, Ratamahatta, and Roots Bloody Roots.

9/10

Sepultura also delivered a standout moment for Hellfest fans. During the traditional percussion session on “Kaiowas,” the Brazilian metal giants invited a slate of on-stage guests, including Alissa White-Gluz, former vocalist of Arch Enemy, and Frédéric Leclercq of Sinsaenum and Kreator.

10/10

This Friday, Rotting Christ unquestionably lit up the Temple! And the fans were there in force to catch a glimpse of this iconic figure of melodic black metal. Still fronted by vocalist and guitarist Sakis Tolis and drummer Themis Tolis, Rotting Christ used the moment to delve into its rich discography and reminded everyone that they still count after nearly 40 years on the road!

We won’t forget Iron Maiden’s impeccably executed, electrifying set and Sabaton’s formidable show, which—as always—delivers an ultra-polished stage production.

The program continues this Saturday, June 20, 2026, with gigs from Megadeth, Anthrax, Cavalera, and also Limp Bizkit and Cult of Luna!

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