Sabaton confirmed as additional headliner for the 35th W:O:A, Running order for the metal event of the year is set
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The 35th edition of Wacken Open Air is approaching, and anticipation for the anniversary is growing - and it’s about to get even stronger. Joining the already packed lineup is another heavyweight of today’s metal scene: Sabaton will return to the Holy Ground seven years after their last visit!
Sabaton states: "It’s with massive excitement and deep respect that we’re returning to the hallowed grounds of Wacken Open Air in Germany, where we last unleashed our legendary two-stage show in 2019 - an absolutely crazy night! 7 years later we are back and we can't wait to end our summer season by headlining and closing the biggest heavy metal festival in the world, together with the loudest, wildest and most dedicated fans on the planet.
Let's make it another legendary night to remember!"
Sabaton last performed at W:O:A in 2019. The Swedish group has long been counted among the most successful metal acts internationally and enjoys an outstanding reputation as a live band. Last year, they released their latest studio album, Legends, followed by an arena tour across Europe, featuring one of the most elaborate stage productions in metal history. In 2020, Sabaton also took part in the pandemic-era livestream event Wacken World Wide.
“Wacken and Sabaton share a long history,” says festival founder Holger Hübner. “Seven years ago, the band celebrated their 20th anniversary with us - now it’s our turn! 35th edition of Wacken and Sabaton tare joining us on our anniversary!”
Festival founder Thomas Jensen adds: “Sabaton were a band that many fans wanted to see at Wacken Open Air again. We’re thrilled to be able to make that wish come true - for them, and for ourselves. It’s going to be legendary!”
Who will set the Holy Ground ablaze at the 35th edition of Wacken Open Air – and at what time? A large part of the running order has now been revealed! Four days packed with headliners, promising newcomers, and fan favorites await, accompanied by a diverse supporting program that allows metalheads from all over the world to fully experience the many facets of the scene and beyond.
“Music in general - and for us especially our favorite genre, metal - is something deeply emotional. It connects people around the world who share the same passion, creates unforgettable moments for everyone in front of, on and behind the stages, and builds close friendships across borders. The fact that we are now able to contribute to this for the 35th time with Wacken Open Air fills us with humility and gratitude,” say founders and promoters Thomas Jensen and Holger Hübner.
For this major anniversary, W:O:A is presenting a line-up packed with premieres, exclusive festival sets, and farewell performances. One of this year’s highlights will be the appearance of British hard rock giants Def Leppard on Thursday. The band will perform on the Holy Ground for the very first time after recently completing their Las Vegas residency.
Before that, Faster Stage will be opened on Wednesday with “Gagamania”: Hämatom will crown the biggest tour in the band’s history with a performance at Wacken, while members of Electric Callboy will party on with their project Electric Bassboy, joined by The Butcher Sisters and Japan’s Lovebites.
On the Louder Stage, The Gathering, together with former singer Anneke van Giersbergen, will play their only German show of 2026 to celebrate their breakthrough album “Mandylion.”
Fans are also eagerly awaiting the first-ever W:O:A performance by Arch Enemy featuring their new singer Lauren Hart, who joined the band in February. Michael Amott and company are opening a brand-new chapter in the band’s history - and the W:O:A community will be there to witness it.
Other must-see performances on the running order include Savatage on Thursday, In Flames and Judas Priest on Friday, as well as Sabaton and Powerwolf on Saturday - bands that have accompanied the festival and its founders Holger Hübner and Thomas Jensen for many years while helping shape and define their respective genres.
The 35th edition of Wacken Open Air will also bring emotional farewell moments: not only has Brazilian metal powerhouse Sepultura announced their final German performance for Friday night, but Running Wild, the legendary band led by Rock’n’Rolf, will play their final show ever on the very same night.
The Metal Battle competition, now held across six continents, will once again provide a stage for more than 30 international acts during its annual final rounds on Wednesday and Thursday at Wacken Open Air - delivering unforgettable concerts and highly emotional moments for the community.
From classic heavy metal and black metal masses to modern core sounds and wild surprises, W:O:A 2026 once again proves why the Holy Ground remains the center of the global metal community.
