TUSKA FESTIVAL
Helsinki, Finland – 26-28/6/2026
Once again, Tuska Festival proved why it remains one of Europe’s premier metal festivals. Held in Helsinki’s iconic Suvilahti district, the three-day event delivered an outstanding blend of legendary acts, modern metal heavyweights and exciting newcomers, drawing one of the largest crowds in the festival’s history.
Friday kicked off the weekend in explosive fashion. Welsh ragga-metal veterans Skindred had the audience bouncing from the very first song, with crowd favourites including Nobody turning the festival grounds into one giant party. Danish rock legends D-A-D followed with their trademark mix of melodic hard rock, infectious hooks and tongue-in-cheek humour, proving that they have lost none of their charisma after more than four decades on the road.
The evening belonged to thrash metal giants Megadeth. Fronted by the ever-charismatic Dave Mustaine, the band delivered a crushing set packed with classics such as Symphony of Destruction, Hangar 18, Peace Sells and Holy Wars… The Punishment Due. A particular point of pride for the Finnish audience was guitarist Teemu Mäntysaari, now an official member of Megadeth, whose technically flawless playing and effortless stage presence showed exactly why he has become an integral part of one of metal’s most influential bands.
Saturday leaned towards darker and more contemporary sounds. One of the day’s most memorable performances came from Dogma, the theatrical all-female band dressed as nuns, whose blend of melodic metal and provocative imagery captivated the audience. Headliners Bad Omens demonstrated why they have become one of the biggest names in modern metal, effortlessly combining crushing riffs, atmospheric electronics and emotionally charged vocals into one of the festival’s standout performances.
Sunday celebrated both the legacy and future of heavy music. Finnish legends Tarot and Amorphis reminded fans why they remain pillars of the Nordic metal scene, delivering powerful performances packed with timeless classics. Bringing the festival to a spectacular close, Britain’s Bring Me The Horizon presented a visually stunning production filled with dazzling lights, cinematic visuals and boundless energy. Their genre-defying blend of metalcore, electronic influences and arena-sized anthems provided the perfect finale to an unforgettable weekend.
Overall, Tuska Festival 2026 was once again exceptionally well organised, offering excellent facilities, a welcoming atmosphere and a crowd that ranged from die-hard metalheads to younger fans discovering heavy music for the first time. By successfully balancing legendary names with today’s biggest artists and tomorrow’s rising stars, Tuska continues to cement its reputation as one of Europe’s finest metal festivals. If this year’s edition is any indication, the future of Tuska looks brighter—and heavier—than ever.
Word: Kati Brugnoli/Photos: Tuomas Hautamaki
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