Hellsinki Metal Festival announces first bands for 2027 edition

Hellsinki Metal Festival has revealed the first 13 names for its 2027 edition, bringing together legendary metal acts, long-awaited returns, and some particularly interesting special performances. The first announcement features Edguy, Venom (Mantas & Abaddon), Ensiferum “The Early Years feat. Jari Mäenpää”, Dark Funeral, Perturbator, Rotting Christ, Nile, Arcturus, Bloodred Hourglass, Akercocke, Norther, Havukruunu, and Noiduin.

One of the highlights for Finnish metal fans will undoubtedly be Ensiferum – The Early Years feat. Jari Mäenpää. The Wintersun frontman was part of Ensiferum during its formative years, providing vocals and guitars on the band’s first two full-length albums, Ensiferum (2001) and Iron (2004). Both records remain highly regarded by fans, making this a special opportunity to revisit that era with one of its key creative figures.

Another major highlight is the return of Norther, who are making their way back to the live stage after approximately 15 years away. Their comeback is particularly exciting for fans who followed the Finnish melodic death metal band during its active years.

The announcement also features Mantas & Abaddon Venom, bringing together two founding members of the legendary band. Following the recent passing of Conrad “Cronos” Lant on 25 September 2026, this performance will undoubtedly carry additional significance as a celebration of Venom‘s legacy.

German power metal favourites Edguy add another major name to the bill, while the extreme metal selection is particularly strong with Swedish black metal institution Dark Funeral, Greek veterans Rotting Christ, American technical death metal powerhouse Nile, Norwegian avant-garde outfit Arcturus, and British extreme metal act Akercocke. French dark electronic artist Perturbator brings something different to the mix, while Finnish favourites Bloodred Hourglass and Havukruunu,ensure that homegrown metal is well represented and Noiduin provides the pagan folk touch rooted in Finnish folklore and nature!

This is only the first announcement, but Hellsinki Metal Festival is already shaping up for another diverse celebration of heavy music.

Hellsinki Metal Festival 2027 takes place on 6–7 August at Nordis in Helsinki, Finland.

Ticket price reminder: prices will increase on Friday, 13 November, at 10:00 Finnish time. Those looking to secure their tickets at the current price should do so before the deadline right here.