Top 100 Metal Festivals 2022

Metal festivals are the music meccas where solo guitars, screamo vocals, and non-stop head-banging reign supreme. From the mighty Hellfest to the alternative Aftershock, these are the festivals you can’t miss.

Here’s your ultimate chart of the best metal festivals in 2022.

Hellfest

Northwest France

Hellfest has made its mark as the godfather of metal festivals, with head-banging performances from renowned artists such as Iron Maiden. Thanks to its wild atmosphere, raw and industrial aesthetics, and an array of things to do on-site, this mammoth event brings in more than 400,000 music fans each year.

Blue Ridge Rock Festival

USA, North Carolina

Although Blue Ridge Rock Festival has been on the market for a few years, the American event is already big on booking talent. Its lineups cover everything from alternative rock to heavy metal with names like Slipknot, Evanescence, Asking Alexandria and Disturbed.

Graspop Metal Meeting

Belgium, Antwerp

Graspop is more than just an international gathering of metalheads – it’s a musical celebration that gives way to both the past and future, bringing together established worldwide acts as well as up-and-coming talent. This festival isn’t your typical rock show – it’s something far bigger.

Wacken Open Air

North Germany

Wacken Open Air is anything but a rookie in the festival game. Held annually since 1990, the music event stands tall as one of the world’s biggest heavy metal festivals. Beyond its 150 acts and eight stages, Wacken Open Air serves some impressive stage designs and aesthetics.

Louder Than Life

USA, Kentucky

Striking a balance between hardcore metal bands and laid-back alternative rock artists is no easy feat, but Louder Than Life makes it look like a piece of cake. Self-proclaimed as the “world’s largest Rock ‘N’ Roll Whiskey Festival,” the event is loyal to its name with over 50 artists and 120,000 attendees.

Aftershock Festival

USA, California

Aftershock is no average music festival. Created by a music industry veteran in a time where metal festivals weren’t a common sight, the Cali festival aims for legendary acts only.

With alumni like Nine Inch Nails and System of a Down – not to mention live tarot readings and guitar shops – Aftershock dedicates itself to creating unforgettable experiences.

Summer Breeze Open Air

South Germany

Heavy metal? Check. Deathcore? Check. Hard rock? Check. Summer Breeze Open Air Festival is the ultimate destination for Germany’s metalheads, boasting dozens of musical performers and lush camping grounds.

Download Festival

Central UK

Nothing is more stalwart in rock and metal culture than Download, a veteran music festival boasting years of event planning knowledge. It exalts the greatest alternative punk, metal, and rock tunes with mind-blowing guitar riffs and stunning vocal performances that will make your jaw drop.

Rockville

USA, Florida

Welcome to Rockville brings the perfect combination of an intense, hardcore music experience and a more relaxed rock festival atmosphere. With powerful names like Korn and Metallica headlining year after year, it’s no surprise this Florida fest consistently draws in over 160,000 passionate music fans each summer.

Brutal Assault

North of Czech Republic

While most metal festivals showcase industrial and raw aesthetics, Brutal Assault takes things up a notch with its quirky location. Taking over an 18th-century military fortress with 150 artists, the festival transforms the humble Jaroměř village into a heavy metal mecca.

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