Erste Headliner stehen fest

The South of Heaven Festival is set to return from June 4 to 6, 2027, with a lineup featuring some of metal’s most notable acts. Confirmed headliners include Epica, Children of Bodom, and Kreator, each commanding their own day during the three-day event.

Epica’s involvement is particularly significant this year as the band marks its 25th anniversary by curating the festival’s Friday lineup. This move revives their long-standing tradition of the “Epic Metal Fest,” which has been dormant for over a decade. In addition to headlining, Epica has personally selected the supporting acts for their day, with Lacuna Coil and Ad Infinitum announced as opening performances.

The festival’s location in a city park adjacent to a historic gas storage facility in Maastricht adds a unique atmosphere, blending metal culture with the city’s industrial heritage. Maastricht, situated near the Limburg region where Epica originated, offers a meaningful homecoming for the symphonic metal veterans who have risen to become one of the Netherlands’ most successful metal bands.

Children of Bodom’s presence at South of Heaven marks a poignant return for the Finnish melodic death metal group. The band disbanded in 2019 following the death of frontman Alexi Laiho in 2020, making their February 2026 comeback performance their first in several years. Plans for additional festival appearances in 2027, including slots at Wacken Open Air and the Brutal Assault Festival in the Czech Republic, were also announced, signaling a renewed chapter for the band’s legacy.

German thrash metal pioneers Kreator complete the trio of headliners. Their latest album, "Krushers Of The World," released in January 2026, continues to cement their influential status within the metal community. Their inclusion underscores South of Heaven’s commitment to showcasing prominent acts across metal subgenres.

Ticketing options for South of Heaven range from full weekend passes priced at 255 euros to more flexible day and two-day tickets available from 90 and 180 euros respectively. This tiered pricing offers accessibility for fans wishing to experience select performances or the entire festival.

While the announced lineup establishes a strong foundation, further additions to the bill remain undisclosed, leaving fans anticipating additional confirmations. The festival's blend of celebrated headliners and thoughtfully curated supporting acts positions it as a notable event within the European metal festival circuit for 2027.

Overall, South of Heaven continues its tradition of delivering major metal names while integrating local cultural elements. With Epica’s curated day and the reunion of Children of Bodom, alongside Kreator’s enduring presence, the festival appears poised to attract a diverse and enthusiastic audience to Maastricht next summer.