Kaaos Festival reveals final six artist additions for summer 2026 – festival lineup now complete

Kaaos Festival, set to take place at Vaskiluoto in Vaasa on July 24–25, 2026, has announced the final six artist additions to its summer 2026 lineup. With these confirmations, the festival’s program is now essentially complete. One additional band will still be selected via a band competition, which will launch in February on the Chaoszine website.

The final artist additions confirmed for Kaaos Festival 2026 are What Lies Beneath, Thyrargo, Nicole, Misantropia, Warmen, and Anette Olzon sings Nightwish from albums “Dark Passion Play” & “Imaginaerum.”

Misantropia – a Vaasa pioneer of Finnish-language metal returns after 30 years

One of the most legendary cult names in Vaasa’s metal history, Misantropia will perform its first live show in over 30 years at Kaaos Festival. Active between 1993 and 1996, the band was a true pioneer of Finnish-language metal at a time when the combination was still rare.

Misantropia released the demo “Hartaus, riivaus ja raskasmetalli” (1993) and the five-track release “Kielletyt kuvajaiset” (Rymypop, 1995). Both historically and at the upcoming Kaaos Festival show, the band features drummer Kai Hahto, known from Nightwish and Wintersun. This performance marks a unique and historic return to the Vaasa stage.

What Lies Beneath – Southern Ostrobothnia’s new death metal threat

Formed in 2024, What Lies Beneath is a new metal act from Southern Ostrobothnia blending old-school death metal with a more modern and distinctive approach. The band delivers heavy riffs, raw growls and uncompromising brutality.

Despite their short history, the lineup consists of experienced musicians, including members known from Nicole. The band is currently working on its debut album. Kaaos Festival will host What Lies Beneath’s very first festival appearance.

Thyrargo – new era, raw intensity

Finnish death metal outfit Thyrargo is known for brutal riffing, intense rhythm work and extreme live energy. The band features guitarist Alexander Kuoppala (ex-Children of Bodom) alongside seasoned metal musicians Mika Sundvall, Kari Olli, Iiro Juntunen and Filip Gäddnäs.

Thyrargo’s debut EP “Impulses” was released in 2022 and received praise from both Finnish and international metal media. New material is expected ahead of summer 2026, and Kaaos Festival will showcase the band in peak form.

Warmen – melodic death metal at the highest level

One of Finland’s leading melodic death metal bands, Warmen released their latest album “Band of Brothers” in August via Reaper Entertainment. At Kaaos Festival, the band promises fast, tight and technically sharp metal delivered with even greater live intensity.

Anette Olzon – Nightwish classics return to Finland after more than a decade

Anette Olzon will make her only Finnish appearance of 2026 at Kaaos Festival, performing material from her era as Nightwish’s vocalist, focusing on the albums “Dark Passion Play” and “Imaginaerum.” This will also mark the first time since 2012 that Olzon performs Nightwish material live in Finland.

Olzon fronted Nightwish from spring 2007 to autumn 2012, and songs from her era remain an essential part of the band’s legacy. The Kaaos Festival performance offers fans a rare chance to revisit that period live.

Nicole – rare festival appearance in Vaasa

Founded in Seinäjoki in 1997, Finnish metal powerhouse Nicole has spent recent years working on their upcoming album “Entropia.” Singles released from the album so far include “Saturaatio,” “Viha,” and “Draama.”

It has been five years since Nicole last performed in Vaasa, making Kaaos Festival a prime opportunity to experience the band’s powerful live energy once again.

One final slot still open – band competition launching in February

One remaining performance slot at Kaaos Festival 2026 will be filled via a band competition launching in February on the Kaaoszine website. The winning band will earn a spot on the festival lineup.

Kaaos Festival 2026 – full lineup (alphabetical)

Anette Olzon sings Nightwish from albums “Dark Passion Play” & “Imaginaerum” – only Finnish show 2026
Beast In Black – Headliner (only appearance in Ostrobothnia in 2026)
Dead By April (SWE) – only Finnish summer appearance
Diabolisher
Illdisposed (DK) – only Finnish summer appearance
Insomnium
Machinae Supremacy (SWE) – only Finnish summer appearance
Misantropia
Nicole
Rotten Sound – “Murderworks” & “Exit” set
Ryoji Shinomoto: Samurai Metal Tribute to Alexi Laiho (JP) – only Finnish summer appearance
Ryujin (JP) – Exclusive
The Crown (SWE) – final festival appearance in Finland
The Halo Effect (SWE) – only Finnish summer appearance (Headliner)
Thyrargo
Warmen
What Lies Beneath
• Band competition winner

Tickets

Prices as of January 19, 2026:
2-day ticket: €119
2-day VIP ticket: €219 (limited availability)

VIP ticket includes dedicated viewing areas, private toilets, VIP bar, seating and light refreshments.

Age limit: 18+
More information and tickets: kaaosfestival.fi