Under The Black Sun Festival

Black and Death Metal Festival with Tradition

Under The Black Sun (UTBS) has been held as a specialized open-air for Black Metal and Death Metal since the mid-2000s. In 2026, the series will celebrate its 27th edition — a remarkable achievement in a rather uncompromising genre niche. The festival is organized by the Berlin-based labels and promoters Folter Records and Triple Six Concerts, whose experience in the international metal scene shapes the character of the program.

Friesack Open-Air Stage

The venue is the Friesack Open-Air Stage in the Havelland district, about 50 kilometers west of Berlin. The facility is located on the outskirts of the small town of Friesack, nestled in the Havelland region, and offers a compact festival atmosphere with camping facilities, without the mainstream festival buzz of the very large open airs. Sanitary infrastructure (package and individual usage model) is organized on-site.

Line-up and Genre Spectrum

The 2026 program features 26 bands from 13 countries and covers the entire spectrum from classic Black Metal to uncompromising Death Metal. Confirmed acts include performances by Aegrus (Finland), Helheim (Norway), Nunslaughter (USA), Darkened Nocturn Slaughtercult (Germany), and Ancient — the latter replacing Uada (tour cancellation) with a special show celebrating their 1994 debut album. Infernal Execrator was replaced by Krater (Germany) due to increased flight costs.

Tickets and Travel

3-day tickets are available via folter666shop.de; further advance sales channels include eventim.de and folter666.de. Travel is via the A24 (Berlin–Hamburg, Friesack exit) or by train to Friesack (RB55 from Berlin Hbf). Camping is possible on the festival grounds; accommodation options in Friesack and the surrounding area are limited.

Underground Character

Despite its long tradition, UTBS is not a mainstream festival. The atmosphere is genre-specific, the audience travels from all over Europe and sometimes from overseas, and the bands often come from the underground scenes of their home countries. Those who want to experience Brandenburg beyond traditional Volksfests will find a very unique, international metal world here in the heart of Havelland.