The Rock Imperium Festival, one of Europe’s premier gatherings for rock and heavy metal enthusiasts, is gearing up for its most monumental edition yet. Returning to Parque El Batel in Cartagena (Spain) from July 3–5, 2026, the festival will feature over 70 bands across three days, blending iconic legends, long-awaited returns, and fresh forces into an unparalleled lineup.
A Legendary Trio of Headliners
Leading the charge are three colossal acts that define generations of heavy music. On Saturday, July 4, British heavy metal titans Iron Maiden will take the stage as headliners, delivering their signature high-energy performance filled with timeless classics like The Number of the Beast and Fear of the Dark. This exclusive Spanish stop on their European tour makes Rock Imperium a must-attend event for fans worldwide.
On Friday, July 3, Dutch symphonic metal giants Within Temptation will captivate audiences with their ethereal soundscapes and powerful vocals, while Swedish power metallers Sabaton close the festival on Sunday, July 5, bringing their epic war-themed anthems to the main stage.
Beyond the headliners, Rock Imperium 2026 boasts a diverse array of talent spanning multiple subgenres of rock and metal. Thrash metal pioneers Anthrax and Testament join forces with progressive sludge masters Mastodon (not long after the death of their former lead guitarist), creating a trifecta of unmissable sets. Fans of melodic hard rock can look forward to performances by H.E.A.T and Crazy Lixx, while atmospheric acts like The Gathering and Lacuna Coil offer hauntingly beautiful melodies.
Other highlights include Scandinavian folk-metal heroes Grand Magus, blues-infused rockers Blues Pills, and blackened death metallers Uada. The festival also shines a spotlight on local talent, with bands like Avulsed, Estrella Negra, and Rockin’ Ladies representing Spain’s thriving metal scene.
Three Days of Unrelenting Energy
Each day at Rock Imperium offers a unique experience, catering to every shade of the metal spectrum:
Friday, July 3: Within Temptation, Mastodon, The Gathering, Lacuna Coil, Crimson Glory, Grand Magus, Avulsed, Triskel, Rockin’ Ladies, Heleven, EvilacT
Saturday, July 4: Iron Maiden, Anthrax, H.E.A.T, Blues Pills, Wings Of Steel, 4 Bajo Zero, Presa
Sunday, July 5: Sabaton, Testament, Trivium, Queensrÿche, Crazy Lixx, Dogma, Uada, Hagane, Latzen, Doble Esfera, Estrella Negra
From thrash and death metal to symphonic and hard rock, the festival ensures there’s something for everyone.
Ticket Information
Single-day tickets go on sale starting November 13, 2025, at 12:00 PM CET via the official website (www.rockimperiumfestival.es ) and partner platform (www.madnesslive.es ). Weekend passes are already available for those eager to secure their spot at this historic event.
Conclusion
As countdown begins for Rock Imperium 2026, anticipation builds for what promises to be a landmark chapter in the festival’s history. Whether you’re drawn to Iron Maiden’s thunderous riffs, Within Temptation’s cinematic grandeur, or Sabaton’s battlefield epics, this year’s edition offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the past, present, and future of metal collide under the Cartagena sun.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this legendary gathering—mark your calendars and prepare for three days of unforgettable music and camaraderie.
Full Lineup Announced So Far (by Day):
Friday, July 3:
Within Temptation, Mastodon, The Gathering, Lacuna Coil, Crimson Glory, Grand Magus, Avulsed, Triskel, Rockin’ Ladies, Heleven, EvilacT
Saturday, July 4:
Iron Maiden, Anthrax, H.E.A.T, Blues Pills, Wings Of Steel, 4 Bajo Zero, Presa
Sunday, July 5:
Sabaton, Testament, Trivium, Queensrÿche, Crazy Lixx, Dogma, Uada, Hagane, Latzen, Doble Esfera, Estrella Negra
Rock Imperium Festival 2026 promises an unforgettable celebration of heavy metal with legendary acts like Iron Maiden, Anthrax, Mastodon, and Testament alongside rising stars across three days of electrifying performances.