During this year’s Summer Breeze Open Air, the sun-blazed fields around Dinkelsbühl turn into an inferno, both literally and figuratively. It is a testament to the unwavering spirit of metalheads. Against the constant and unrelenting 35°C and in the company of 45,000 fellow fans, the phenomenal lineup delivers a scorching assault on all senses. Four days of pure, unadulterated metal, where the only thing hotter than the mosh pit is the sun above.

As the sun sets, the Campsite Circus Stage comes to life with the first musical acts of the festival. Defiance HC, Seasons in Black, The Narrator, Space Chaser, and the inimitable Tragedy – the metal tribute to the Bee Gees – kick off the evening’s entertainment. The night culminates in a special show from Baest, a powerful performance followed by the “Ficken Disco,” a DJ party that keeps the early arrivals celebrating long into the night.

Wednesday

Blasmusik Illenschwang

The festival’s main program starts, and the honor of kicking things off as always falls to the Blasmusik Illenschwang. The traditional brass and woodwind ensemble, hailing from a nearby village, has become a quirky but beloved fixture of Summer Breeze, a delightful and openly welcomed anomaly in a sea of extreme sound.

As the infield fills with visitors eager for the 3 PM opener, the band’s performance is met with great enthusiasm. As the oldest member joins the conductor on vocals, his traditional vest is ceremonially exchanged for a metal battle vest, complete with Summer Breeze patches. Their unique appeal is further solidified by the fact that they had already sold out of their merch, including a promised run of pink shirts by Wednesday. The set even managed to incite the first circle pit and the first instance of “floor rowing,” proving that regardless of genre, a great performance can spectacularly unite a crowd.

Gutalax

After the last brass note fades, the mood shifts dramatically with the arrival of Gutalax. The Czech grindcore band delivers a set that is reliably stupid and ridiculously fun, a chaotic celebration of all things scatological. The crowd goes wild for the band’s signature brand of fecal-themed lyrics and the frontman’s guttural, frog-like vocals. Rolls of toilet paper fly through the air in a blizzard of white. Amidst the chaos, people dressed in cleaning crew jumpsuits run around both in the crowd and on stage. A few brave souls even manage to crowdsurf while sitting in trash cans. It’s a glorious, messy spectacle that cements their hallmark absurdity.

To The Grave

Following the anarchic fun of Gutalax, a different kind of intensity takes over at the Wera Tool Rebel stage. While melodic death metal stars The Halo Effect take the main stage, the deathcore faithful make their way to To The Grave, seeking refuge from the relentless sun in the stage’s shadow. The Australian band delivers a crushing set of brutal deathcore, and the stage is set with a striking visual statement. The backdrop, a stark canvas of defiance, reads only, “Kill your local animal abuser.” The frontman, clad in a butcher’s apron and an ornate, gory pig mask, delivers his guttural vocals, securing their reputation for both musical ferocity and a stark, uncompromising message.

Crystal Lake

Moving from the brutal to the melodic, the crowd migrates to the T-Stage for Crystal Lake. The Japanese metalcore outfit, known for their captivating blend of crushing breakdowns and emotional melodies, takes the stage. Their performance is a display of technical precision and raw energy. The band’s passionate delivery and the emotional weight of their songs resonate deeply with the audience, creating an immersive and powerful atmosphere that solidifies their reputation as a force to be reckoned with.

In Extremo

With the Summer Breeze 2026 band announcement right before the second headliner, the stage is set for a true celebration. Fittingly, In Extremo, the German medieval rock giants, take their rightful place as the second headliner. After 30 years on stage this year, their performance is not falling short on their masterful blend of musical storytelling and pure spectacle. As the last of the day’s heat finally begins to subside, the band ignites the stage with an endless array of pyro, a literal wall of fire that complements the intensity of their music.

The setlist draws heavily from their storied career, with their latest album also well-represented. The single “Katzengold” stands out as a powerful and grim commentary on societal stupidity and the spread of misinformation, a statement that resonates deeply with the audience. In Extremo’s ability to combine touching lyrics and compelling narratives with a bombastic, fire-fueled live show solidifies their status as a festival institution and the perfect act to close out the main stage on this first full day of music.

Dimmu Borgir

As darkness falls and the flames subside, the stage is prepared for a final descent into darkness. The atmosphere grows thick, and so does a toxic-looking green mist, bubbling up as if from the sulfurous depths of hell itself. Dimmu Borgir takes the stage, and their performance is, as always, a masterclass in symphonic black metal. The Norwegian legends deliver a powerful, visually stunning set that proves why they remain one of the genre’s most respected acts.

End of the night

The night doesn’t end there, though. For the most dedicated fans, the music continues. ASP captivates the audience with their signature gothic novel rock, followed by the medieval folk rock of Kupfergold. The final act of the day, stretching well into the early morning hours until 3 am, is Sunken, a treat for the hardcore fans who endure until the very end.