THE HARD CIRCLE festival series continues to expand its 2026 lineup with the addition of Finnish power metal heavyweights BATTLE BEAST. The announcement follows earlier confirmations of W.A.S.P. and WARKINGS, further solidifying what promises to be a formidable program across four indoor events in December.THE HARD CIRCLE festival series is growing in both scale and ambition for 2026, and the latest lineup addition makes a strong statement. Finnish power metal act BATTLE BEAST has been confirmed to perform across the four indoor festival events taking place in Germany this December, joining previously announced headliners W.A.S.P. and WARKINGS on the bill.
BATTLE BEAST have spent the better part of the last decade cementing their reputation as one of the most consistent and commercially successful acts in the European melodic and power metal scene. Known for combining classic heavy metal foundations with modern production, infectious choruses, and prominent keyboard melodies, the band has built a devoted international following. With albums such as ‚Bringer of Pain‘, ‚Circus of Doom‘, and the more recent ‚Steelbound‘ in their catalogue, BATTLE BEAST have consistently demonstrated an ability to craft anthemic material that resonates both on record and on stage. The band now fronted by Marina La Torraca brings considerable live energy to any festival setting.
The 2026 edition of THE HARD CIRCLE marks the first time the series spans four venues, following a sold-out event in Karlsruhe in the previous year. The four festivals are Storm Out Festival in Lichtenfels on 4 December, Pott Out Festival in Bochum on 5 December, Rock Out Festival in Augsburg on 11 December, and Knock Out Festival in Karlsruhe on 12 December. Each event promises a full festival experience including food courts, merchandise areas, and a strong sense of community for the German metal scene.