Finland has long been a breeding ground for heavy music in all its forms, and 2026 is shaping up to be another strong year for the scene. From established names making notable returns to newer forces preparing major next steps, these ten Finnish bands have plenty lined up for the coming year. Whether it’s new albums, long-awaited comebacks, or special live events, these are 10 Finnish bands to look out for in 2026.
Metal De Facto
Finnish power metal warriors METAL DE FACTO have recently signed a record deal with Reaper Entertainment and unleashed the first single, “Across the Milky Way,” from their upcoming album “Land of the Rising Sun – Part II.” The previous installment in this saga was a strong success, and expectations are high for what comes next. Luckily, the wait will not be long, as the album is set for release on March 6th, 2026.
For My Pain…
After releasing a handful of singles over the past two years, gothic metal cult favorites FOR MY PAIN… appear to be back for good. The band will release their long-awaited new album “Buried Blue” on January 9th, 2026, marking a major return for the Finnish melancholic heavyweights.
Moon Shot
Finnish alternative rock outfit MOON SHOT have recently teased studio activity, hinting at new material that we hope will see a 2026 release. In the meantime, the band will be hitting the road with DIE HAPPY, giving fans a chance to catch them live in March 2026.
Gladenfold
Melodic death metal force GLADENFOLD are back with a new full-length album. Set for release on February 27th, 2026, via Reaper Entertainment, their fourth album “Soulbound” is described as the band’s most ambitious and expansive effort to date.
Children of Bodom
Although CHILDREN OF BODOM officially disbanded in 2019 and legendary guitarist Alexi Laiho tragically passed away five years ago, the band’s legacy lives on. Two special shows have been announced at Tavastia in Helsinki, honoring the memory of Alexi Laiho, with Alexander Kuoppala and Samy Elbanna joining the lineup. The concerts sold out within minutes and are shaping up to be one of the biggest highlights of Finland’s metal scene in 2026. Whether more shows will follow remains to be seen, but we will gladly take what we can get.
Atlas
Northcore outfit ATLAS have just returned from tour with ORBIT CULTURE. Following the release of several singles over the past months, the band are now ready to unveil their new album “Sunder,” due out on February 20th, 2026. Judging by the singles alone, this one promises to be a relentless ride.
Fear Of Domination
FEAR OF DOMINATION will release their seventh studio album “Katharsis” on January 9th, 2026, through Inverse Records. The album continues the band’s signature blend of industrial aggression and melodic metal hooks.
HOKKA
A few months ago, it was announced that former BLIND CHANNEL vocalist Joel Hokka had teamed up with ex-THE RASMUS guitarist Pauli Rantasalmi to form HOKKA. The collaboration has resulted in a debut album scheduled for release in spring 2026, and the first two singles already suggest a very promising start.
Marianas Rest
MARIANAS REST will release their upcoming album “The Bereaved” on January 16th, 2026, via Noble Demon. The album follows 2023’s “Auer” and continues the band’s journey through atmospheric and emotionally charged metal landscapes.
Stam1na
Finnish metal stalwarts STAM1NA are set to release their 11th studio album “Apnea” on February 20th, 2026. The first single, “Golem,” dropped a few weeks ago and proves the band are still pushing forward with full force.
Written by Laureline Tilkin
