News: UPDATED – Breaking Darkness Music Festival 2026 Returns with Heavy Music and a Mission of Outreach
Breaking Darkness Music Festival returns for 2026, bringing a full day of heavy music, fellowship, and purpose to The Hickory Premier in Hickory, North Carolina, on Saturday, August 1, 2026.
Positioned as both a music festival and a benefit event, Breaking Darkness continues to unite artists and fans around themes of unity, hope, and redemption. The 2026 lineup spans multiple styles of heavy and alternative music, creating a diverse experience that reflects the wide reach of today’s Christian rock and metal scene.
Headlining this year’s festival is Convictions, leading a lineup that showcases everything from metalcore and hard rock to pop punk, hip hop, and spoken word.
Featured Artists and Styles
Convictions
Metalcore. A Dove Award-winning band known for emotionally charged songwriting, crushing breakdowns, and a passionate message of faith and perseverance.
Relentless Flood
Hard rock and alternative metal. A modern heavy sound that blends driving guitar work with strong melodic hooks.
XIII Minutes
Alternative metal. Anthem-driven heavy rock built around emotional intensity and contemporary production.
Tricord
Nu-metal and hard rock. Groove-based heaviness paired with polished arrangements and commanding choruses.
Irae
Modern metal. A heavy, aggressive sound that adds another hard-hitting element to this year’s festival while continuing the event’s Christ-centered mission.
Matt Sassano
Hard rock and hip hop. High-energy performances combining modern rock, rap, and spoken-word influences.
Billy James
Spoken word and hip hop. An energetic communicator whose performances blend rhythmic delivery, testimony, and evangelism.
Counter
Female-fronted original modern rock. A dynamic sound built on strong vocals, polished songwriting, and modern rock sensibilities.
Autumn Eve
Metal and hard rock. Atmospheric heaviness balanced by dynamic arrangements and expressive songwriting.
Splitcast
Pop punk. Energetic, melodic punk rooted in hook-driven songwriting and upbeat tempos.
Event Details
Date
Saturday, August 1, 2026
Doors
12:00 Noon
Venue
The Hickory Premier
109 11th Street N.W.
Hickory, NC 28601
MC
Glenn Remsen of Lithoscry
Ticket Information
Advance tickets are available for $15 plus fees when purchased by May 1, 2026.
Day of show tickets will be $30 at the door.
A four-pack advance ticket option is available for groups.
Early entry advance tickets are also available and include early venue access plus a swag bag.
Tickets and event information
https://www.breakingdarkness.com/
Eventbrite ticket page
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/breaking-darkness-music-festival-2026-tickets-1977786723330
A Festival With a Purpose
Breaking Darkness Music Festival 2026 is a benefit event, with all ticket proceeds supporting the following non-profit organizations:
Bethel Colony of Mercy
Foundry House
Recovery NC
These organizations provide recovery services, outreach programs, and long-term support for individuals and families in need.
Official Links
Website
https://www.breakingdarkness.com/
Spotify playlist
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4JEmEpT6PPyAW6jPARE6mO
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/breakingdarknessfest
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/breakingdarknessfest
HipRockSoul Network
https://linktr.ee/hiprocksoulnetwork
Heaven’s Metal Staff writer Stephanie Jordan discusses the third annual Breaking Darkness Fest in NC with Seth Olsen. 100% of profits go to local organizations provide recovery services, outreach programs, and long-term support for individuals and families in need.
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