If you’ve been keeping an eye on the new wave of death metal, Neckbreakker have almost certainly crossed your radar already. The young Danish outfit have wasted little time making a name for themselves, combining old-school brutality with a modern edge and the kind of confidence that many bands only find years into their career. They’re still at the beginning of their journey, but all the signs point towards a very bright future. If you enjoy discovering tomorrow’s heavy hitters before they start climbing festival posters, this is a set you won’t want to miss. Two years ago, they arrived at Tuska under the name Nakkeknaekker with not a single song released and a growing live reputation. They packed the KVLT stage with one of the most talked-about pits of the weekend that filled the whole venue. Fast forward to 2026 and they’re back as Neckbreakker, armed with a debut album, a major label deal and a well-earned promotion to one of the festival’s bigger stages. If there was ever proof that Tuska has an eye for tomorrow’s stars, this is it.

Not every recommendation has to be about maximum heaviness, and Return to Dust are a perfect example of why. Their blend of alternative rock, grunge and modern hard rock brings a welcome change of pace to the day without sacrificing intensity or emotion. Their sound feels both nostalgic and contemporary, making them an intriguing addition to the Tuska line-up and a great option if you’re looking to catch something a little different. If you want to talk about something of a grunge revival going on, these guys are easily one of the leaders of the pack.

Some recommendations aren’t about discovering the heaviest band of the day, but perhaps the most captivating. We first experienced Kajos at a Viking and medieval re-enactment event in Finland last year, and it was impossible not to be drawn in by the haunting vocals, expressive cello and deep connection to Finnish mythology and folklore. Their music feels ancient, cinematic and strangely timeless, making them one of the most unique acts on the entire Tuska bill. If you’re willing to step outside the traditional metal framework for a while, this is an experience we wholeheartedly recommend.

We’ve been keeping an eye on Atlas for years now, and every time we’ve seen them, we’ve walked away feeling they’re destined for bigger things. Their melancholic take on modern metal feels unmistakably Finnish, combining crushing heaviness with an emotional depth that sets them apart from many of their contemporaries. Over the past year, they’ve continued that upward trajectory by taking their music across Europe alongside Orbit Culture and Gaerea, introducing their unique brand of “northcore” to ever-growing audiences. Seeing them on the Tuska bill feels less like a surprise and more like another well-earned milestone in a journey we’ve been enjoying from close by.

By the time Sunday evening rolls around, most festivalgoers have one last big decision to make before another edition of Tuska comes to an end. If your destination is the Nordic Energy stage, you really can’t go wrong with The Browning. Few bands blend crushing metalcore riffs with electronic music as effortlessly as Jonny McBee and company, creating a sound that’s equal parts mosh pit and dance floor. It’s chaotic, ridiculously energetic and, above all, a lot of fun. We honestly can’t think of a much better way to close out the stage—and if you’re still carrying a bit of energy after three festival days, this is probably where you’ll want to spend it.