Anthems of Steel
The essential metal gathering in Chauvigny
About Anthems of Steel
Anthems of Steel: Metal Roars in Chauvigny
Since its creation, the Anthems of Steel festival has forged a solid reputation in the hexagonal metal landscape. Located at the Théâtre Charles Trénet in Chauvigny, in the Vienne region, this event brings together lovers of extreme music from all over France and Europe every May. The atypical setting of this performance hall, nestled in a town famous for its medieval castles, gives the festival a unique atmosphere where historical heritage and electric fury meet.
A Precise and Uncompromising Lineup
The strength of Anthems of Steel lies in its demanding lineup, which skillfully blends underground metal legends with the most promising emerging bands. From classic heavy metal to Nordic black metal, including thrash, death metal, and speed metal, each edition offers a complete panorama of the heaviest and most incisive sounds. The festival has notably hosted bands such as Tankard, Mercyless, Gehennah, Kawir, Misþyrming, Herzel, and ADX, demonstrating a precise and eclectic curation within the extreme genres.
A Festival Rooted in its Territory
Supported by the Anthems of Steel association and a team of dedicated volunteers, the festival contributes to the cultural dynamism of Chauvigny and the Vienne region. The event attracts a passionate audience that invests the city for a weekend, generating positive impacts for local businesses and accommodations. The conviviality and community spirit that prevail on site make Anthems of Steel more than just a festival: it is a true gathering of the metal tribe.
Three Days of Pure Intensity
Over three days, the festival offers a succession of intense concerts in a human-sized venue that guarantees exceptional proximity between artists and the audience. The electric atmosphere, the sound quality, and the commitment of the organizers make each edition a memorable moment for festival-goers. Anthems of Steel embodies the very essence of underground metal: authentic, passionate, and resolutely independent.
Anthems of Steel — edition 2026
The 8th edition of Anthems of Steel was held from Thursday, May 7 to Saturday, May 9, 2026 at the Théâtre Charles Trénet in Chauvigny. Three 100% metal evenings (heavy, thrash, death, black, grindcore, speed metal) with 18 French and international bands: Melechesh, Hellbutcher, ADX, Schirenc Plays Pungent Stench, Sordide, Speed Queen, The Coffinshakers and many others.
Anthems of Steel VIII — May 7, 8 and 9, 2026
The 8th edition of the festival took place from Thursday, May 7 to Saturday, May 9, 2026 at the Théâtre Charles Trénet in Chauvigny (Vienne). Three days of concerts from 4 PM to 2 AM, faithful to the underground spirit of the festival.
A 100% metal lineup with 18 bands
The 2026 edition brought together 18 bands representing all facets of extreme metal: black, thrash, death, heavy, grindcore, speed metal and goth rock. International headliners and French acts alternated on the stage of the Théâtre Charles Trénet:
- Melechesh — oriental black metal (Jerusalem / Amsterdam)
- Hellbutcher — black/thrash, project of the ex-singer of Nifelheim (Sweden)
- ADX — French heavy metal legend (Paris)
- Schirenc Plays Pungent Stench — Austrian death metal (Vienna)
- The Coffinshakers — gothic country (Sweden)
- Sordide — modern black metal (Rouen)
- Speed Queen — heavy/speed metal (France)
- Hexecutor — speed/thrash metal (France)
- Mortal Scepter — thrash metal (France)
- Hemlock — black metal (France)
- Kamra — progressive death metal
- Crimson Storm — heavy metal
- Disfuneral — death metal (France)
- Gurkkhas — thrash/grindcore (France)
- Siderean — progressive death metal
- Pulmonary Fibrosis — grindcore (France)
- Insulter — black/thrash metal
- The Last Oath — black metal
A festival that has become unmissable
With its 8th edition, Anthems of Steel confirmed its status as a major event for underground metal in France. Every May, the festival attracts a passionate audience from all over France and Europe, drawn by the quality of the programming, the fraternal atmosphere of the Théâtre Charles Trénet, and the sharp curation that blends genre legends with emerging acts.
Programme Anthems of Steel 2026
2026 Edition — 18 bands spread over 3 evenings
Concerts took place from Thursday, May 7 to Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 4 PM to 2 AM. The complete lineup of the 18 announced bands:
- Melechesh — oriental black metal (Jerusalem / Amsterdam)
- Hellbutcher — black/thrash (Sweden)
- ADX — French heavy metal, legend (Paris)
- Schirenc Plays Pungent Stench — death metal (Austria)
- The Coffinshakers — gothic country (Sweden)
- Sordide — modern black metal (Rouen)
- Speed Queen — heavy/speed metal
- Hexecutor — speed/thrash metal
- Mortal Scepter — thrash metal
- Hemlock — black metal
- Kamra — progressive death metal
- Crimson Storm — heavy metal
- Disfuneral — death metal
- Gurkkhas — thrash/grindcore
- Siderean — progressive death metal
- Pulmonary Fibrosis — grindcore
- Insulter — black/thrash metal
- The Last Oath — black metal
Official lineup published by the association. The day-by-day schedule details were not publicly released by the organization.
Highlights Anthems of Steel 2026
- 8th edition of the festival, from May 7 to 9, 2026
- 18 extreme metal bands over 3 evenings
- Melechesh (Jerusalem / Amsterdam), international headliner
- Hellbutcher (ex-Nifelheim, Sweden) headlining
- ADX, French heavy metal legend
- Schirenc Plays Pungent Stench (Austria)
- The Coffinshakers, Swedish gothic country
- All shades of metal: black, thrash, death, heavy, grindcore, speed, goth rock
- Concerts from 4 PM to 2 AM daily
- Théâtre Charles Trénet, a human-sized venue in the heart of the medieval city of Chauvigny
Prices Anthems of Steel 2026
Practical information — Anthems of Steel
Practical Information
Access
By car: Chauvigny is located 23 km east of Poitiers via the D749. The Théâtre Charles Trénet is on Avenue de la Vienne, in the city center. Parking nearby.
By train: Poitiers station (TGV), then bus or car to Chauvigny (approximately 30 minutes).
Ticketing
3-day pass available for pre-sale on HelloAsso and on the festival's official Facebook page. Preferential rates for pre-sales.
On-site
Bar and food services offered on site. Merchandising stands and record stores present throughout the weekend.
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Where does it take place — Anthems of Steel
Théâtre Charles Trénet
7 avenue de la Vienne, 86300 Chauvigny