An Explosive Start to the Metal Weekend!

January 16th, 2026, is a date that metalheads should mark in red on their calendars! The Ruhr area is about to be hit by an impressive wave of various metal genres, offering something for every taste.

Death Metal at Dortmund's Junkyard

The legendary Junkyard in Dortmund hosts two crushing acts: Technical death metal pioneers Cryptopsy share the stage with rising brutal death metal force 200 Stab Wounds. This combination will shake the Junkyard to its foundations! Cryptopsy, known for their technical precision and brutal intensity, meet the raw power of 200 Stab Wounds - a must-see for any death metal fan.

Symphonic Metal Double Strike at Palladium

In Cologne, the Palladium presents a special highlight for fans of more melodic metal: Epica and Amaranthe join forces for an evening of symphonic grandeur and modern metal influences. Epica, the Dutch symphonic metal giants, bring their epic arrangements and Simone Simons' incomparable voice. Amaranthe perfectly complement the evening with their unique mix of modern metal and electronic elements.

German Dark Wave Legends at Turbinenhalle

Fans of Neue Deutsche Härte are in for a treat at Oberhausen's Turbinenhalle: Unheilig bring their dark romantic sounds to the Ruhr area. The band led by Der Graf presents their unique mixture of NDH, gothic, and pop elements.

Your Guide Through the Metal Scene

With so many top events on a single evening, deciding where to go might be tough. The KRACH app has all the details about the shows, from start times and support acts to ticket information. Download the app and stay up to date with everything happening in the Ruhr area's metal scene!

Remember: Getting there early is worth it, as these shows will be packed! 🤘