Brutal Assault unveils a massive lineup update – Body Count, Primus, synthwave icons, and Cradle of Filth head to the fortress
The lineup of the 29th edition of Brutal Assault is gaining serious momentum. The current roster expands by more than thirty names, underlining the festival's genre openness. Among the newly confirmed acts are key figures of the extreme scene, pioneers of electronic music, and long-awaited returns of legends.
One of the most striking attractions of this year's edition is undoubtedly the Californian trio PRIMUS. Les Claypool and his crew, who have spent decades defining their own category of "weirdness," will bring their unmistakable fusion of funk, alternative metal, and instrumental virtuosity to Josefov. Their performance promises a surreal experience that will gain an entirely new dimension within the historic fortress. Primus are not just a band—they are storytellers whose musical eccentricity fits perfectly into a festival dramaturgy unafraid to tear down boundaries.
Another major highlight set to unleash genuine mayhem in the Josefov fortress is the legendary BODY COUNT. Fronted by the charismatic and tireless Ice-T, the band stands as an unshakable icon of crossover, uncompromisingly merging hardcore-punk ferocity with metal punch. In recent years, Body Count have experienced an incredible renaissance, confirmed by a Grammy Award and their current album Merciless. They will arrive in Josefov to reaffirm their reputation as one of today's most gripping and socially critical live acts. Fans can expect a no-holds-barred show where street energy collides with precise riffs and an unwavering attitude.
Modern progressive metal will be represented by one of the most influential formations of our time—PERIPHERY. The djent architects led by Misha Mansoor return with material balancing crushing technical precision and infectious melodicism. If you're looking for a definition of the modern guitar sound of the 21st century, Periphery will deliver it with surgical accuracy.
Dark electronics and synthesizers will receive unprecedented space in Josefov this year. The lineup features two giants of the synthwave/darksynth genre — PERTURBATOR and CARPENTER BRUT. Both French projects are renowned for transforming 1980s aesthetics into an aggressive, almost metal-like form that works live with the force of a runaway steamroller. They will be joined by industrial veterans KMFDM and DIE KRUPPS, who defined the term "Ultra Heavy Beat" long before electronics became a standard part of the metal world.
Fans of classic extreme metal will also be well served. The vampiric pack CRADLE OF FILTH returns to the fortress. Dani Filth and his crew have enjoyed a strong renaissance in recent years, and their symphonic black metal holds an irreplaceable place on Brutal Assault stages. From darker corners of the scene will emerge Switzerland's BÖLZER, who as a duo can create a sound wall more massive than many five-piece bands, as well as Poland's BATUSHKA with their orthodox liturgy. Genre diversity is further enriched by Icelandic melancholy courtesy of SÓLSTAFIR, Swedish masters of depression KATATONIA, and stoner/fuzz legends FU MANCHU, bringing Californian sunshine wrapped in thick riffs. The hardcore and deathcore scenes are strongly represented by THY ART IS MURDER, FIT FOR AN AUTOPSY, and CHELSEA GRIN. The fortress is filling up and the roster is beginning to take its final shape. Don't wait until the last minute.
📍 Jaroměř – Josefov Fortress
📅 August 5–8, 2026
🎟️ Tickets available on the Brutal Assault website
Complete lineup:
