The epic four-day metal event will take place once again in the heart of Bergen (NO) from July 29 – August 1, 2026

bill! The festival now welcomes U.S. thrash veterans Testament to the fold. The Bay Area pioneers have just released a powerhouse of an album, the critically acclaimed ‘Para Bellum.’ In addition to this legacy act, Greek metal legends Rotting Christ are considered innovators of the black metal scene; they will compile a very exclusive old school set for Beyond the Gates, performing songs from the period 1989 – 1995. French post-metal icons Alcest have steadfastly continued their ascent to the stars, with last years mindblowing ‘Les Chants de l’aurore’ album and their mesmerizing live shows as stepping stones. Beyond the Gates is very pleased to have them back. Vafurlogi from Iceland released their debut album ‘Í vökulli áþján’ last year. The band helmed by former Svartidauden guitarist, Þórir Garðarsson, will be a most welcome treat to festival-goers. 

In addition, Beyond the Gates will present a very special collaboration between Behemoth frontman Nergal and Icelandic black metal visionaries Misþyrming. Marking the 30th anniversary of its original release, Nergal will revisit the dark origins of his musical legacy, performing Behemoth’s seminal debut, ‘Sventevith (Storming Near the Baltic),’ in its entirety.

He will be joined by Misþyrming, whose raw energy and uncompromising intensity have reshaped the modern black metal landscape. Together, they will summon the primal spirit of the 1995 release — an album that laid the foundation for Behemoth’s evolution from underground obscurity to global extremity. Performed live for the first time as a full conceptual work, Sventevith will return as both a tribute and a transformation: a rare convergence of heritage and renewal, honoring Behemoth’s roots while embracing the ferocity of a new generation.

The current lineup is now as follows with many more TBA!

• Emperor ft. Mortiis and Faust
• Testament
• Beherit (First ever Norwegian show)
• Alcest
• 1349
• Rotting Christ
• Nergal + Misþyrming perform Behemoth’s ‘Sventevith (Storming Near the Baltic)’
• Arcturus
• Bölzer
• The Ruins of Beverast
• Spectral Wound
• Warning
• Castle Rat
• Forteresse
• Misotheis
• Imha Tarikat
• Sulphur Aeon
• Dold Vorde Ens Navn
• Vafurlogi
• Concrete Winds
• Saturnalia Temple

The epic four-day metal event will take place once again across several venues in the heart of Bergen (NO) from July 29 – August 1, 2026 Tickets and passes are now available HERE.

Since the inception of the Beyond the Gates festival, fans have been coming to Bergen to see performances of their favorite Norwegian artists in their home environment. As most visitors know, nature and local culture has always been a poignant source of inspiration for the bands emerging from the Bergen scene. Yet again, Beyond the Gates will give all of the traveling fans the opportunity to get an unique insight into all aspects of the Norwegian Metal scene and the local culture in general. In that regard, we’re putting together a series of events before and during the festival so that all of you can discover what inspired – and still does – the Norwegian metal scene.

More special events will be announced, including exclusive listening parties, music and culture panels, in-depth live interviews, and a wealth of of events and activities that will give you a Beyond the Gates Experience that will last for a lifetime. Stay tuned for more…