Bahrain's only true metal festival
Metal Fest Bahrain has been bringing together metalheads, musicians, and fans since 2010. What started as a platform for local bands has grown into the most significant metal event in the Kingdom, bringing international acts to Bahrain while always keeping local bands at the center of the bill.
Next Event
METAL FEST BAHRAIN - OCTOBER 1 2026
After the incredible turnout at the last Metal Fest, we’re doing it again.
Metal Fest Bahrain returns to Diggers on Thursday, October 1, bringing together metal from Japan and Bahrain for another heavy night in Manama.
Coming all the way from Osaka, Japan, SUBCONSCIOUS TERROR will headline the night. Formed in 1994, they’re veterans of Japan’s underground death metal scene, combining old-school death metal brutality with technical dissonance and the raw intensity of Japanese extreme metal. They’ve shared stages with Cryptopsy, Defeated Sanity, Sinister, Massacre, Pestilence and Incantation.
And we have to give Subconscious Terror some serious respect. With everything going on in the region, there aren’t many international bands with the balls to come to Bahrain right now. These guys are coming all the way from Japan to play for us. Let’s show up, give them the support they deserve and show them what the Bahrain metal scene is all about.
Joining them are Bahrain thrash veterans MOTÖR MILITIA. Formed in 2001, they’re one of the pioneering bands of the Bahrain metal scene and among the first metal bands in the Arabian Gulf to release a full-length album of original material. More than two decades later, they’re still bringing Bahrain thrash to the stage.
KOLAHAL bring a completely different sound to the night. Featuring members of Bloodshel and Zvindiyar, they’re a Bahrain nu metal band heavily inspired by the ’90s nu metal era, with influences including Korn, Slipknot, System of a Down and Deftones. Heavy, groovy and energetic, Kolahal are a band built for the live stage.
Opening the night are ROCK UNITED, Diggers’ powerhouse house band from Davao City, Philippines. After a killer performance at the last Metal Fest, they’re back to kick things off with a set of metal classics.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2026
📍 Diggers — Delmon International Hotel, Manama
🚪 Doors open: 6 PM
🎟️ Entry: 3 BD at the door
The last Metal Fest showed once again just how strong the Bahrain metal scene is. Let’s pack Diggers again on October 1 and give Subconscious Terror a Bahrain welcome they won’t forget.
Coming from outside Bahrain or just want to stay at the hotel after the show? Delmon International Hotel is offering special Metal Fest room rates:
23 BD – Single Room
27 BD – Double Room
📞 Hotel bookings: +973 1722 4000
For event info:
📱 WhatsApp: +973 3452 9593
📧 Email: metalfestbahrain@gmail.com
Come down, support the bands and support the Bahrain metal scene.
Brought to you by Cynical Sounds and Studio 77 Bahrain.
See you at Diggers. Come ready for a seriously deafening night. 🤘🔥
Metal Fest Bahrain - Live
Watch selected live performances from Metal Fest Bahrain over the years, featuring international acts alongside bands from Bahrain and the region.
This YouTube playlist is just a selection of performances captured at Metal Fest, with more videos available throughout our Event Archive.
The Legacy
Since 2010, Metal Fest Bahrain has proudly welcomed internationally acclaimed metal bands from around the world, sharing the stage with Bahrain's finest artists while helping strengthen and grow the Kingdom's heavy metal scene.
Metal Fest Bahrain was built to support local and regional heavy metal. The poster above celebrates every Bahrain and regional band that has performed at the festival since 2010, showcasing the musicians who continue to keep heavy metal alive in the Kingdom and across the Middle East.
Think Your Band Has What It Takes?
Metal Fest Bahrain is always looking for local, regional, and international bands to support. Get in touch and tell us about your music. Click Here.