Breaking Darkness Music Festival 2026 Brings Diverse Heavy Sounds to Hickory, North Carolina (UPDATED)
The third annual Breaking Darkness Music Festival returns to The Premier in Hickory, North Carolina, on Saturday, August 1, 2026, bringing together a full day of music, community, and outreach.
Known for showcasing a wide spectrum of faith-driven heavy and alternative music, Breaking Darkness has quickly become one of the Southeast’s premier Christian rock and metal festivals. Beyond the music, the festival exists to make a difference, with all ticket proceeds benefiting Christian outreach organizations that serve individuals battling addiction, including Bethel Colony of Mercy, Foundry House, and Recovery NC.
This year’s lineup spans everything from crushing metalcore and hard rock to alternative rock, punk, hip hop, and worship, offering something for nearly every fan of heavy music.
2026 Lineup and Musical Styles
Convictions (Headliner)
Metalcore. The Ohio-based band has built a reputation for emotionally charged songwriting, crushing breakdowns, and passionate live performances. Their blend of heaviness and worship has earned them a dedicated following around the world.
Relentless Flood
Hard rock and alternative metal. Known for memorable choruses and faith-centered lyrics, Relentless Flood continues to deliver modern rock with both power and purpose.
XIII Minutes
Modern hard rock with soaring melodies and driving guitars. XIII Minutes combines polished musicianship with uplifting messages and arena-ready hooks.
Tricord
Heavy alternative rock with energetic live performances and Christ-centered lyrics. After making a strong impression at last year’s festival, Tricord returns for another appearance.
Irae
One of the newest additions to the lineup, Irae brings an aggressive modern metal sound that expands the festival’s heavier offerings while continuing the event’s mission of glorifying Christ through music.
Matt Sassano
A solo artist blending hip hop, rock, and spoken word into an energetic live performance centered on faith, hope, and redemption.
Billy James
More than an emcee, Billy James is known for his spoken word presentations, testimony, and evangelistic ministry that connect with audiences between performances.
Counter
One of the festival’s hometown favorites, Counter delivers female-fronted hard rock with powerful vocals, memorable melodies, and energetic performances.
Autumn Eve
Based in Nashville, Autumn Eve blends hard rock, alternative metal, and modern metalcore while writing songs that encourage healing and hope for those overcoming trauma and abuse.
Splitcast
Fast-paced punk rock inspired by late ’90s skate punk, delivering energetic songs filled with thoughtful lyrics and infectious hooks.
An additional surprise band will be revealed as the event approaches.
Event Information
Date
Saturday, August 1, 2026
Doors
12:00 Noon
Location
The Hickory Premier
109 11th Street N.W.
Hickory, NC 28601
MC
Glenn Remsen of Lithoscry
Ticket Options
Advance tickets are available for $15 plus fees through May 1, 2026.
A four-pack advance ticket option is available for discounted group entry.
Early entry advance tickets include early access to the venue and a swag bag.
Tickets purchased on the day of the event will be $30 at the door.
Event details and tickets
https://www.breakingdarkness.com/
Eventbrite ticket page
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/breaking-darkness-music-festival-2026-tickets-1977786723330
Supporting Outreach and How to Give
Breaking Darkness Music Festival 2026 is a benefit event, with 100 percent of ticket revenue going directly to the supported non-profit organizations:
Bethel Colony of Mercy
Foundry House
Recovery NC
The festival itself is made possible through donations and sponsorship support, which help cover event production, logistics, and operational costs.
For those who would like to support the festival and its mission beyond ticket purchases, tax-deductible donations can be made at the following link:
www.tinyurl.com/breakingdarknessdonate
Online and Social Links
Website
https://www.breakingdarkness.com/
Spotify playlist
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4JEmEpT6PPyAW6jPARE6mO
Leave a Reply