The Dark River Festival lineup is complete – new additions include Scar Symmetry, Sara, Stoned Statues and Ikinä
20.5.2026 | The Dark River Festival, just the right size and Finland’s most independent, distinctive and characterful “small big” metal festival, returns once again to Kotka on 10–11 July, offering two days full of heavy music, strong community spirit and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Year after year, the event—now celebrating its 22nd anniversary—delights audiences with its warm atmosphere and vibrant artist lineup, inviting fans of heavy music back to the forests of Honkala for one of the most welcoming metal festivals in the country.
The lineup is further strengthened with the addition of Swedish melodic death metal pioneer Scar Symmetry, Turku-based alternative rock band Sara, one of the most exciting rising names in the Finnish rock scene Stoned Statues, and modern metal frontrunner Ikinä.
The Swedish band Scar Symmetry is one of the key pioneers of modern melodic death metal. The band is known for its unique ability to combine heavy riffs, progressive structures and catchy melodies into a seamless whole. Over the course of its 22-year career, the band has built a strong and dedicated fan base and has earned well-deserved cult status within the genre. Its influence can be widely heard among a new generation of melodic death metal bands.
Sara has experienced a clear resurgence in recent years. Founded in the late 1990s, the band originally gained recognition for its dark, melancholic and distinctive sound. With its latest releases, Sara has successfully reinvented itself without losing its identity. The band’s newer material has been very well received by both critics and audiences, bringing Sara back to the forefront of Finnish alternative rock. The newer releases feature more modern production, while retaining the band’s characteristic dark atmosphere, catchy melodies and thoughtful lyrics.
The Finnish band Stoned Statues represents the best of new-generation rock energy. The band has quickly risen to become one of the most interesting names in Finland’s rock scene, impressing both critics and audiences with its intense live performances and strong songwriting. Their sound blends classic rock tradition, catchy melodies and a bold modern approach, making every performance an explosive experience.
Led by two female vocalists, Ikinä is one of the most exciting names in Finnish modern metal, having built its own recognizable sound from the outset by boldly combining different genres. Their music features modern metal and metalcore alongside pop and rock influences and punk energy. This combination has made Ikinä both accessible and powerfully hard-hitting.
Previously announced performers include the Portuguese band Moonspell, known for their dark, atmospheric and artistically ambitious expression; Finnish thrash metal cornerstone Mokoma; Finnish heavy rock and metal mainstay Kotiteollisuus making its first appearance at the festival; one of the brightest stars of melodic death metal Bloodred Hourglass; Finnish melodic death metal frontrunner Before The Dawn; cult-status gothic metal band Sinamore from Hamina playing a special one-off show; Havukruunu, whose black metal is inspired by nature and mythology; Whispered, returning with melodic death metal enriched with traditional Japanese instruments and themes; melodic and melancholic death metal favorites Marianas Rest and Kaunis Kuolematon, who performed strongly on the Finnish Official Charts in December and January; symphonic industrial death metal powerhouse …And Oceans; modern deathcore and symphonic fusion act Assemble The Chariots; industrial metal pioneer Fear Of Domination; promising Finnish metal and hardcore crossover Heathen Hearts; thrash-influenced melodic death metal group Blood Red Delusion; and energetic, straightforward rock band High School Dropouts, delivering the biggest pop-punk hits from the mid-1990s to the late 2010s.
A comprehensive and diverse food offering
The festival experience extends beyond music, with a wide and varied food world built on site. Vendors include The Van and Poppamies, offering a broad range of flavors. The drinks selection is also partly provided by Masis Brewery, known for its band-themed beers, which has brewed a special Czech Pilsner for the festival.
Additional festival services and side activities enhance the experience, including festival glitter, corpse paint face painting and a wide range of products tailored to the audience. A fan-favorite item is also making a return: the previously sold-out and highly popular festival basketball jerseys will be back for summer 2026.
Year after year, the Dark River Festival earns praise for its warm atmosphere, idyllic location, interesting lineup and audience-friendly setting. “Rivers” has become an annual tradition for several thousand dedicated metal fans.
The event is strictly 18+.