Metal, Hardcore, Indie, Rock
The 2026 edition of Kaaos Festival, set to take place on July 24–25 in Vaskiluoto, Vaasa, Finland has unveiled six new additions to its lineup. Newly confirmed for the event are The Halo Effect, The Crown, Ryoji Shinomoto: Samurai Metal Tribute to Alexi Laiho, Ryujin, Insomnium, and Diabolisher. The first announcement already included Dead By April, Rotten Sound (performing “Murderworks” & “Exit” set), Illdisposed, and Machinae Supremacy.
Swedish melodic death metal supergroup The Halo Effect, featuring former members of In Flames as well as musicians from Dark Tranquillity, has been named as one of the headliners. The band’s Göteborg-rooted sound, massive riffing and commanding live presence make them one of the most in-demand acts of the genre.
The Halo Effect recently released a five-track cover EP titled “We Are Shadows”, which you can listen to here:
Finnish melodeath giants Insomnium join the bill with their signature blend of melancholy, cinematic atmosphere and towering heaviness. Active since 1997, the band has become one of Finland’s most critically acclaimed metal exports.
Listen to Insomnium’s latest album “Anno 1696” here:
Long-running Swedish death/thrash veterans The Crown have announced they will end all touring activities in 2026. Their performance at Kaaos Festival will mark their last-ever Finnish festival appearance. The band’s most recent album, “Crown of Thorns” (2024), can be revisited here:
Japanese songwriter/guitarist Ryoji Shinomoto (Ryujin) will perform an exclusive Samurai Metal Tribute to Alexi Laiho, based on his album “Children of Bushido: A Samurai Metal Tribute to Alexi Laiho”.
Shinomoto will be joined on stage by:
• Teppo Ristola (Where’s My Bible, Paara, Lost In Grey) – drums
• Petri Sara (Pahan Ikoni, MyGrain) – bass
• Timo Tonteri (Falling From Grace) – guitar
The Vaasa show will be a unique opportunity to witness Japanese metal aesthetics fused with the legacy of Children of Bodom.
Listen to “Children of Bushido“ here:
Formerly known as Gyze, the Japanese melodic death metal band Ryujin will also play a full set of their own. Led by Ryoji Shinomoto, the group released their self-titled album in 2024 via Napalm Records.
The Kaaos Festival performance will mark Ryujin’s first-ever show in Finland. Listen to the album here:
Kouvola-based Diabolisher will release their debut album in 2026. The band features drummer Joonatan Hahto, son of Nightwish / Wintersun drummer Kai Hahto, and delivers a modern, punishing take on extreme metal.
Check out the single “Ways To Mutilation” here:
Dead By April (SWE)
Rotten Sound (Murderworks & Exit Set)
Illdisposed (DK)
Machinae Supremacy (SWE)
The Halo Effect (SWE) (Exclusive)
The Crown (SWE) (Final festival show in Finland)
Ryoji Shinomoto: Samurai Metal Tribute to Alexi Laiho (JP) (Exclusive)
Ryujin (JP) (Exclusive)
Diabolisher (FI)
Insomnium (FI)
More announcements for the festival will follow in January.
Early bird 2-day passes are now on sale via festival’s official website. Other ticket categories will be available in spring 2026.
Prices as of Dec 1, 2025:
• 2-day ticket: €109
• 2-day VIP: €209 (limited availability)
VIP includes:
• Access to a dedicated viewing area for both stages
• Private restrooms
• VIP bar
• Seating areas
• Complimentary snacks
Age limit: 18+
More info & tickets:
Kaaosfestival.fi
Facebook.com/KaaosFestival
Instagram.com/KaaosFestival
