Headbangers Open Air

A Festival for Metal Purists

While the major German metal festivals (Wacken, Summer Breeze) incorporate mainstream bands and cross-over acts, Headbangers Open Air remains uncompromisingly true to a classic understanding of metal: Heavy Metal from the 70s and 80s, Thrash, Speed, Doom, Power Metal, underground acts, and reunion shows of former greats. The festival has thus built a loyal fan base that makes a pilgrimage to Brande-Hörnerkirchen annually.

Brande-Hörnerkirchen — A Village Becomes Metal Capital

Brande-Hörnerkirchen is a municipality with just under 1,700 inhabitants in the north of the Pinneberg district, in the Holstein Marsch. For four days in July, the HOA backstage area at Schierenhöh transforms into a metal capital: camping, stage, stalls, merchandise, beer — a festival microcosm that, despite its specialized focus and around 1,500-2,000 visitors, maintains an intimate atmosphere.

2026 Lineup — A Remarkable Selection

The 2026 program brings some heavyweights of classic metal to Hörnerkirchen. Confirmed acts: Death Angel as Thursday headliner, Bullet (first appearance since 2017), Marc Storace (Krokus singer with solo set), Voivod (best-of set of older songs), Manos, Praying Mantis, Agent Steel, Atlantean Kodex, Bangalore Choir, Bronze, Emerald Rage, Fatal Embrace, Loanshark, Mindwars, Sinister Realm, Sortilège, Threshold, Hellripper, Traitor, Witchkiller, Titan, Destructor, Surgical Strike, Wings of Steel, Toranaga, Rezet, Strike Master, Blizzard Hunter, Ambush.

Atmosphere and Community

The HOA is small but intense. Those who come here often know each other — bands, fans, organizers cross paths year after year. With its manageable size, stage and audience merge, and no artist remains unreachable. This makes the festival an insider tip for everyone who loves metal festivals without the mainstream aspect of large events.