| Event: | Summer Breeze 2026 | |
| Date: | 12th – 15th August | |
| Location: | Dinkelsbühl, Bavaria |
New year, new luck – er, I mean: new Summer Breeze! And once again this year, the Summer Breeze Open Air has some real treats in store. As in previous years, I’ve put together a few personal recommendations of my own, away from the really big names – although, of course, there are bound to be one or two exceptions.
What I find particularly exciting is that the line-up has plenty to offer even in the smaller and less prominent slots. From gritty stoner rock through psychedelic and progressive sounds right through to black metal, deathgrind and crossover thrash, there’s once again plenty on offer that deserves a closer look. Perhaps some of you will even find a band here that hasn’t been on your personal festival radar until now. There is one slight fly in the ointment for me, though: although Amenra are on the road this year as part of their festival tour, their route unfortunately doesn’t take them to Dinkelsbühl. It’s a shame, because for me, the Belgian band in particular would have been an absolute highlight of this year’s festival.
But enough of that – here are my recommendations for Summer Breeze 2026.
Wednesday 12th
16:50 – 17:30 – Neckbreakker (T-Stage)
Two years ago, I recommended these five lads from Denmark; back then, they were still called ‘Nakkeknækker’. The band continues to be known for their edgy yet modern death metal and are making a name for themselves in the scene. Highly recommended for any death metal fan, not least because the atmosphere was brilliant last time.
20:00 – 20:45 – Green Lung (T-Stage)
With The Heathen Land, the psychedelic rockers released a cracking album in 2023 that made it into most of the year’s top 10 metal albums. For me, it’s an absolute must-listen. Their heavy, melodic guitar riffs, set against an occult atmosphere and nature-inspired themes, are a welcome change of pace in the line-up.
20:50 – 21:30 Urne (Tool Rebel Stage)
Urne’s sound lies somewhere between modern and post-metal. I only discovered these lads through a band announcement. Have a listen first to see if it’s your thing, but you’ll definitely find me right at the front of the stage. I’m particularly keen to see whether their complex song structures are just as impressive live as they are on record.
00:30 – 01:10 – Cãn Bardd (Tool Rebel Stage)
Behind the Welsh band name lies a true-blue Swiss musician who plays all the instruments himself in the studio. An interesting blend of atmospheric black metal and folk has really stuck in my mind. This bard is a must-see.
Thursday 13th
11:30 – 12:15 – Fulci (T-Stage)
Max highly recommends these Italians. The death metal band draw inspiration from director Fulci, whom some of you may recognise from old-school zombie films. If you’re already awake and raring to go at this time of night, you should definitely check them out. Above all, Max Transcended can also highly recommend the band.
16:35 – 17:05 – Rectal Smegma (Tool Rebel Stage)
The name says it all. If you’re looking for off-the-wall, extreme grindcore, you’ll find it here – the band has been around for 23 years now. It’s fun and accessible, but not to everyone’s taste. The splatter and toilet humour are hammered home through genre-typical blast beats and guttural vocals.
21:35 – 22:20 – Cryptopsy (Tool Rebel Stage)
Strictly speaking, given how well-known they are, they might not be a typical choice for this list, but I simply have to make an exception for Cryptopsy. One of the most important technical death metal bands of all time is celebrating the 30th anniversary of their groundbreaking album None So Vile this year. As a fan, I’d always recommend Cryptopsy – but with an anniversary like this to mark the occasion, that goes without saying. None So Vile in particular is still regarded today as a milestone in technical and brutal death metal and is sure to make for a very special live experience.
Friday 14th
12:20 – 12:50 – Zerre (Tool Rebel Stage)
Zerre are right at the top of my ‘must-watch’ list. Classic trash rock with a modern twist. In my opinion, these lads are definitely flying under the radar. If you fancy a beer or two in the infield at midday, you should do so in the shade in front of the Tool Stage whilst the lads are rocking out.
14:20 – 15:05 – Misery Index (T-Stage)
Misery Index combine brutal death metal with the speed and aggression of grindcore. Frantic blast beats, deep growls, heavy riffs and groovy breakdowns characterise the sound of this US band, whose lyrics often tackle socially critical and political themes.
22:25 – 23:25 – Der Weg einer Freiheit (T-Stage)
The black metal band from Würzburg were one of my most eagerly anticipated acts this year. Their last two albums weren’t just in my top 10 for their respective years. Modern influences and philosophical lyrics, topped off with frenzied blast beats, provide the perfect musical backdrop for this time of day.
00:20 – 01:20 – Deafheaven (T-Stage)
Another of my highlights for Breeze. They’re regarded as one of the most influential bands in the blackgaze scene, but they’re also not above experimenting with different genres. You can occasionally find them somewhere between shoegaze, post-rock and black metal. It’s their distinctive guitar sounds in particular that have really won me over.
01:25 – 02:10 – Bizarrekult (Tool Rebel Stage)
Bizarrekult are known for their atmospheric black metal, enriched with elements of post-black metal and doom metal. Intense walls of guitar, melancholic passages and the contrast between aggressive and calmer moments characterise the Norwegian band’s emotional and atmospheric sound. So it’s right up my street – I’m really looking forward to it.
02:15 – 03:00 – Wolves in the Throne Room (T-Stage)
If I’m still up for it physically, I’ll finally head over to see Wolves in the Throne Room. Long, hypnotic song structures, powerful guitars and blast beats contrast with extended, quiet passages, creating a sweeping, intense sound. A perfect way to round off the festival day.
Saturday 15th
15:10 – 15:40 – Wucan (Tool Rebel Stage)
Unfortunately, the band from Dresden are playing at the same time as Kadavar, which I really can’t understand because the two bands are so similar. Wucan blend psychedelic and progressive rock with influences from Krautrock and 1970s hard rock. Heavy riffs, extended jams, Hammond organ and distinctive flute passages define Wucans band’s characteristic, retro-inspired sound. So they’re a wonderful alternative, especially for those who’ve already seen Kadavar.
15:35 – 16:30 – Municipal Waste (T-Stage)
Municipal Waste are known for their fast-paced crossover thrash, which combines the aggression of thrash metal with the directness of hardcore punk. And at half past three in the afternoon, that just sounds like a brilliant idea. Fast-paced riffs, short songs, gang shouts and a deliberately humorous, party-oriented attitude characterise the sound of this US band. I’d particularly recommend a visit to those with day tickets.
21:45 – 22:45 Haeresis (Campussite Circus Stage)
Haeresis are known for their dark and atmospheric black metal. Driving drums, raw guitars and dense soundscapes combine to create an intense and sinister sound that shifts between aggressive and more atmospheric passages. I only got to know the band in the run-up to the gig – and I really like them.
23:30 – 00:15 – Slomosa (Tool Rebel Stage)
I first fell in love with them two years ago at the Keep It Low festival, alongside Steven Transcended. The band blends fuzz-laden stoner rock with influences from desert rock, grunge and alternative. Heavy guitar riffs meet catchy melodies and a groovy, driving sound that positions the band somewhere between classic stoner rock and more modern alternative rock. In my view, they’re still far too overlooked – I’m also convinced that the band will be securing much higher spots in the line-up in a few years’ time.
01:25 – 02:10 – Møl (Tool Rebel Stage)
If I still have the energy after four days of Breeze and continuously staying awake for way too long, I’ll head towards this band. Møl connect Black Metal with atmospheric and melodic sonical spheres of Shoegaze. Harsh vocals, blast beats and distorted walls of guitars hit on catchy melodies and dreamy passages, which construct a sound with both an aggressive and melancholic note.
From: Lake Constance (Germany)
Favorite Artists: Russian Circles – Skalmöld – Kettcar
Best Show: Skalmöld@Club Vaudeville, Lindau (2017)
