Reload Festival 2026: Judas Priest Lead One of Germany's Greatest Metal Weekends
Reload Festival 2026 runs from 13th to 15th August and is shaping up to be one of the strongest lineups the festival has ever assembled. Headlined by the mighty Judas Priest, with In Flames and Arch Enemy in direct support, and a bill that includes Lamb of God, Godsmack, Airbourne, The Ghost Inside, Imminence, Amorphis, Nothing More, Orbitculture, Perturbator, and more — this is a weekend that covers the full spectrum of heavy music.
Whether you're making the trip to Germany or following the action from home, here's your complete guide to Reload Festival 2026 — the headliners, the highlights, and the official band merch to represent your favourite acts.
The Headliner: Judas Priest
There are few bands in heavy metal history that carry the weight and legacy of Judas Priest. Formed in Birmingham in 1969, they are one of the defining acts of the genre — the band that codified the twin-guitar attack, the leather-and-studs aesthetic, and the operatic metal vocal style that Rob Halford made his own. Albums like British Steel (1980), Screaming for Vengeance (1982), and Painkiller (1990) are not just great metal records — they are foundational documents of the genre itself.
The band's 2024 album Invincible Shield was received as one of the strongest of their career — a record that demonstrated, definitively, that Judas Priest at their best remain untouchable. A Reload Festival headline set from the Metal Gods is not just a concert. It's a masterclass.
Expect a career-spanning setlist, Rob Halford arriving on a motorcycle, and the kind of twin-guitar interplay between Glenn Tipton and Richie Faulkner that has defined heavy metal for five decades.
The Main Support: In Flames & Arch Enemy
In Flames
Swedish melodic death metal pioneers In Flames have been one of the most influential bands in European heavy music since the mid-1990s. Albums like The Jester Race (1996), Whoracle (1997), and Clayman (2000) defined the Gothenburg sound and inspired an entire generation of bands. Their more recent output has moved in a more accessible direction, which has divided the fanbase but expanded their reach considerably. A Reload set will be a chance to hear both eras in one place.
Arch Enemy
Fronted by the extraordinary Alissa White-Gluz since 2014, Arch Enemy are one of the most complete live acts in modern metal. Their combination of crushing riffs, melodic leads, and White-Gluz's vocal range — capable of both brutal growls and soaring clean vocals — makes every performance a statement. Their recent albums have been among the strongest of their career, and a Reload set will be a highlight of the weekend.
The Highlights: Who Else to Watch at Reload 2026
Lamb of God
One of the most important American metal bands of the past two decades, Lamb of God bring their crushing groove metal to Reload 2026. Their 2022 album Omens was one of the strongest of their career, and Randy Blythe's vocals combined with the interlocking guitar work of Mark Morton and Willie Adler make them one of the most formidable live acts in heavy music. Do not miss this set.
Godsmack
Boston hard rock heavyweights Godsmack have been one of the most commercially successful American rock bands of the past 25 years. Fronted by Sully Erna, the band's combination of heavy riffs, melodic hooks, and Erna's powerful vocals has produced a string of arena-filling albums. Their most recent record, Lighting Up the Sky (2023), was presented as their final studio album — making every live performance from here on a farewell of sorts. A Reload set from Godsmack in 2026 is a genuinely significant moment.
Airbourne
Australian hard rock warriors Airbourne are one of the most reliably entertaining live acts on the festival circuit. Their AC/DC-influenced brand of high-energy rock — loud, fast, and completely unpretentious — is perfectly suited to a festival afternoon slot. Frontman Joel O'Keeffe is one of the great showmen of modern rock, and the band's ability to get a crowd moving is second to none.
The Ghost Inside
Los Angeles metalcore band The Ghost Inside have one of the most remarkable stories in modern heavy music. In 2015, the band were involved in a catastrophic tour bus accident that left several members with life-changing injuries. Their return — documented in the film Get What You Give — is one of the most inspiring stories in rock, and their music carries the weight of that experience. A Reload set from The Ghost Inside is not to be missed.
Amorphis
Finnish progressive death metal masters Amorphis are one of the most consistently excellent bands in European metal. Their ability to move between crushing heaviness and delicate melody within a single song is unmatched, and their live performances are among the most atmospheric in heavy music.
Nothing More
Texas progressive rock/metal band Nothing More are one of the most inventive acts on the modern rock circuit. Their use of custom instruments, theatrical staging, and genuinely ambitious songwriting sets them apart from the pack. A Reload set from Nothing More will be one of the weekend's most talked-about performances.
Perturbator
French synthwave/darksynth artist Perturbator brings something genuinely different to the Reload lineup — a dark, cinematic electronic sound that sits at the intersection of metal and industrial. For fans of the heavier end of electronic music, this is a must-see.
Reload Festival 2026: Practical Information
- Dates: 13–15 August 2026
- Tickets & info: reload-festival.de
Gear Up: Official Band Merch for Reload Festival Acts
We stock officially licensed merchandise for several acts on the Reload 2026 bill. All officially licensed, fast UK delivery.
Judas Priest Merch UK
Judas Priest: Screaming for Vengeance Ladies Mesh Crop Top (Black)
Representing one of the greatest metal albums ever made. The Judas Priest Screaming for Vengeance Mesh Crop Top is officially licensed, fashion-forward, and a statement piece for any Priest fan.
Official Judas Priest Logo Black Beanie Hat
Represent the Metal Gods. The Judas Priest Logo Beanie Hat is officially licensed and the perfect way to show your allegiance at Reload and beyond.
Godsmack Merch UK
Godsmack: Lighting Up the Sky World Tour Unisex T-Shirt (Black)
From what may be Godsmack's final studio album. The Godsmack Lighting Up the Sky Tour T-shirt is officially licensed — a piece of history for fans of one of America's greatest hard rock bands.
Godsmack: Boston Skull Unisex T-Shirt (Black)
A nod to the band's Boston roots. The Godsmack Boston Skull T-shirt is officially licensed — bold, graphic, and built for the pit.
Godsmack: Celtic Unisex T-Shirt (Forest Green)
A distinctive forest green colourway with Celtic-inspired artwork. The Godsmack Celtic T-shirt is officially licensed and one of the most striking pieces in the range.
Lamb of God Merch UK
Lamb of God: Logo Ladies Mesh Crop Top (Black)
The Lamb of God Logo Mesh Crop Top — officially licensed, a premium ladies piece for one of Reload's most anticipated acts.
Lamb of God: Into Oblivion Number Plate
Premium metal wall art for the home. The Lamb of God Into Oblivion Number Plate is officially licensed — a standout piece for any man cave or home bar.
Lamb of God: Omens Bar Set
The Lamb of God Omens Bar Set — officially licensed, perfect for any home bar setup.
Lamb of God: Logo Keychain
The Lamb of God Logo Keychain — shiny nickel-plated, officially licensed.
More Metal Merch for Festival Season
- Megadeth Merch UK — T-shirts, wall art, bar sets and more
- Slipknot Merch UK — T-shirts, crop tops, bandanas
- Linkin Park Merch UK — T-shirts, caps, socks, pin badges
- Browse All Official Band T-Shirts
- Rock & Metal Bar Sets & Bar Stools
- Official Rock & Metal Bandanas