Inferno Metal Festival 2026 – Ten Sets You Shouldn’t Miss | Pulse Records News

Among the many standout performances at Inferno Metal Festival 2026, four bands rise above as defining pillars of the lineup, each carrying deep historical weight and renewed relevance.

DEICIDE

Formed in Tampa, Florida in the late 1980s, Deicide remain one of the most uncompromising and recognisable forces in death metal history. Albums such as "Deicide", "Legion" and "Once Upon the Cross" helped define the genre’s anti-religious ferocity and relentless sonic aggression, setting a standard that still resonates decades later.

Despite their long history, Deicide have never slowed down. Their most recent album, "Banished by Sin" (2024), reaffirmed their relevance with sharp songwriting, brutal pacing and Glen Benton’s unmistakable vocal presence. Closing Inferno 2026 on Sunday night, their rare Oslo appearance brings both finality and sheer destructive force to the festival.





INCANTATION

Incantation are among the most influential architects of American death metal’s darker, more cavernous strain. Since their formation in 1989, the band has cultivated a sound rooted in doom-laden tempos, suffocating atmosphere and ritualistic brutality, with their 1992 debut "Onward to Golgotha" standing as a genre cornerstone.

At Inferno 2026, Incantation will perform an exclusive set centred on "Onward to Golgotha", marking both their first appearance at the festival and the only European performance of this material in 2026. Even after recent releases such as "Unholy Deification" (2023), the band’s early legacy remains as powerful and essential as ever.






OLD MAN'S CHILD

Old Man’s Child emerged in the mid-1990s as one of Norway’s most formidable black metal projects, spearheaded by Galder. Albums such as "Born of the Flickering", "The Pagan Prosperity" and "Ill-Natured Spiritual Invasion" remain revered for their sharp riffing, melodic darkness and commanding presence.

After years of inactivity and studio-only existence, Old Man’s Child have returned to the stage with renewed intensity and a powerful live lineup. Their long-awaited Inferno debut in 2026 represents a milestone moment, especially as the band continues work on new material, signalling that this return is far from symbolic.






TORMENTOR

Hungarian pioneers Tormentor stand among the earliest architects of black metal’s raw and hostile foundation. Formed in 1985, their cult demo "Anno Domini" exerted massive influence on the Norwegian scene, most notably leading to Attila Csihar’s recruitment into Mayhem.

Despite their long history, Tormentor have never performed in Oslo until now. Their Inferno 2026 appearance marks a historic first for the city, bringing an essential piece of black metal history to Rockefeller. Decades on, their stark minimalism and confrontational presence remain undiluted.






MAYHEM

Mayhem remain one of the most influential and controversial bands in extreme metal history. Since their formation in 1984, the Norwegian pioneers have stood at the epicentre of black metal’s emergence, shaping both its sound and mythology through albums such as "De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas".

Their Friday night headline performance reinforces Inferno’s deep roots in Norwegian black metal heritage. With a catalogue spanning four decades and a live reputation that remains fiercely unpredictable, Mayhem’s presence continues to define Inferno’s core identity.






ENSLAVED

Enslaved have consistently expanded the boundaries of black metal since the early 1990s, merging progressive structures, Norse themes and forward-thinking composition into a sound entirely their own. Few bands have evolved as organically while retaining their core spirit.

Returning to Inferno after a decade-long absence, Enslaved arrive with "Heimdal" still resonating strongly. Their Saturday headline slot promises a performance that bridges their raw beginnings with their expansive modern vision.






THE KOVENANT

Originally formed as Covenant in the early 1990s, The Kovenant carved out a unique place within Norwegian black metal by embracing futuristic and industrial elements. Albums such as "Nexus Polaris" remain landmarks of late-90s experimentation.

Their return to Inferno after years of inactivity carries both nostalgia and intrigue. With few recent live appearances, the band’s Friday set stands as one of the festival’s most unpredictable and eagerly anticipated moments.






KANONENFIEBER

Kanonenfieber has rapidly established itself as one of the most compelling projects in contemporary extreme metal. Built around themes of World War I and historical devastation, the project blends blackened death metal with stark narrative focus.

Following a highly praised Oslo performance in 2025, Kanonenfieber’s return to Inferno signals both momentum and growing stature. Their Saturday evening slot is poised to deliver one of the festival’s most intense modern performances.






PRIMORDIAL

Ireland’s Primordial have long stood apart from the black metal pack, weaving Celtic identity, folk inflection and epic songwriting into a deeply personal and political sound. Since the 1990s, they have built a catalogue defined by integrity and atmosphere.

Their return to Inferno marks a welcome reappearance in Oslo after several years away. With "How It Ends" (2023) still fresh, Primordial’s Sunday performance adds emotional depth and gravitas to the festival’s closing stretch.






CULT OF LUNA

Cult of Luna have become synonymous with post-metal’s most punishing and immersive extremes. Across two decades, the Swedish collective has crafted monumental compositions balancing crushing heaviness with stark beauty.

Headlining Thursday night, their return to Inferno after nearly two decades carries symbolic weight. Now occupying the festival’s largest stage, Cult of Luna represent the evolution of heavy music beyond traditional genre borders.






Together, these ten performances encapsulate the spirit of Inferno Metal Festival 2026 — a convergence of legacy, exclusivity and enduring artistic force that continues to define the festival’s global reputation.

Official Links:
Inferno Metal Festival Official Website · Inferno Metal Festival Facebook · Inferno Metal Festival Instagram

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