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Sonic Rites 2026: extreme metal festival in Helsinki

Sonic Rites is a festival specialising in extreme music, held at Ääniwalli in Helsinki, Finland. It has established itself as a reference point for underground metal fans, from post-metal to hardcore punk, in an intimate venue that amplifies the intensity of each performance.

The 2026 edition gathers 5 high-calibre artists. Headlining are Russian Circles — masters of instrumental post-metal — alongside DISCHARGE, pioneers of hardcore punk, and Pelican.

The programme delves deep into heavy music: atmospheric sludge metal, traditional doom metal, drone, thrash metal and d-beat all feature. Fans of math rock, shoegaze and post-rock will also find plenty to appreciate in this demanding selection.

22 and 23 May 2026 in Helsinki. Tickets available via Songkick; find the full lineup at sonicrites.com.