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Breaking Darkness Music Festival returns in 2026 with a full day of music, community, and outreach at The Hickory Premier in Hickory, North Carolina on Saturday, August 1, 2026.

Known for showcasing a wide spectrum of faith-driven heavy and alternative music, Breaking Darkness has grown into a regional festival that blends artistic expression with purpose. The 2026 lineup brings together nationally recognized acts and emerging artists across metalcore, alternative metal, modern rock, pop punk, and hip hop. Organizers have also confirmed that a special surprise band will be announced later in the year.

2026 Lineup and Musical Styles

War of Ages
Metalcore. A nationally recognized band whose career has been defined by technical precision, relentless energy, and message-driven songwriting.

Relentless Flood
Hard rock and alternative metal. Modern heaviness supported by driving rhythms and strong melodic structure.

XIII Minutes
Alternative metal. Emotionally charged heavy rock with a contemporary edge and anthemic appeal.

Tricord
Nu-metal and hard rock. Groove-oriented riffs combined with polished production and commanding choruses.

Matt Sassano
Hard rock. Modern rock built around melody, energy, and an engaging live presence.

Billy James
Hip hop. Lyric-centered music driven by rhythm, flow, and modern production, adding a crossover element to the festival.

Counter
Female-fronted original modern rock. Strong vocal presence paired with contemporary rock songwriting and polished arrangements.

Autumn Eve
Metal and hard rock. Dynamic compositions that move between atmospheric moments and full-force intensity.

Splitcast
Pop punk. High-energy, melodic punk rooted in catchy hooks and upbeat tempos.

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

Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/breakingdarknessfest

Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/breakingdarknessfest

Second Annual Breaking Darkness Music Festival

By Jimmy Sorrells – Stage Manager
Second Annual Breaking Darkness Music Festival

On August 2nd, The Premier in Hickory, NC hosted something far greater than a concert—it hosted a movement. The second annual Breaking Darkness Music Festival brought together faith, hard rock, heavy metal, and a mission to break chains and lift up the name of Jesus. As the stage manager, I had the privilege of experiencing it all—up close, behind the scenes, and sometimes right in the thick of the mosh pit.

This all-day event featured nine powerful performances, hundreds of attendees, food trucks, passionate volunteers, and most importantly—purpose. With every ticket sold and every piece of merch moved, we raised over $4,000 to support three addiction recovery nonprofits:

• Bethel Colony of Mercy
• Safe Harbor NC
• Recovery NC

All three are doing vital, gospel-centered work to help men and women break free from the bondage of addiction.

Special Thanks

A heartfelt thank you goes to Seth Olsen, guitarist for the band Counter, and the driving force behind this entire festival. His dedication, organizational effort, and commitment to Christ made Breaking Darkness a reality. From coordinating the lineup to working out the logistics, Seth worked tirelessly behind the scenes. Without him, this event simply would not have happened. And looking ahead, he’s already praying for the right people to come alongside him to take Breaking Darkness 2026 even further.

Band Performances (Official Set Order)

Jennifer Alvarado
Kicking off the day with authenticity and worship, Jennifer Alvarado delivered a heartfelt set that brought peace and reflection. Her vulnerability and vocal strength were the perfect start, offering a powerful contrast to the heavier acts that followed.

Tricord
This was my first time seeing Tricord, and they exceeded all expectations. Lead vocalist Jermaine was a standout—not only fronting the band with energy and conviction, but also joining other artists on stage throughout the day. Whether in the crowd or sharing vocals with Cleansing of the Temple and Ignescent, his presence was magnetic. Their set was tight, worshipful, and left a lasting impression.

Igniting the Sky
With a high-energy post-hardcore set, Igniting the Sky brought the volume and chaos in the best way. Their performance was engaging, relentless, and full of fun. This was a set that got faces melted and fists in the air.

Saving Darkness
These guys came in swinging with their own brand of heavy hard rock. The chemistry on stage was clear, and their connection with the crowd was undeniable. Their set was one of the most interactive and entertaining of the day.

Counter
Female-fronted and full of grit, Counter offered something unique and refreshing. The vocals were strong and captivating, and their sound hit with a perfect blend of melody and edge. Seeing Seth Olsen rip it on guitar, knowing he organized the whole event, added an extra layer of respect to their set.

Cleansing of the Temple
Undoubtedly the heaviest band of the day, Cleansing of the Temple brought crushing death metal riffs and deep growls that rumbled through the floor. Frontman Gavin hit the stage in his trademark look: overalls, no shirt, no shoes. Their intensity was unmatched and brought raw, unfiltered energy that pushed the boundaries of Christian heavy music—in all the right ways.

Set For The Fall
A crowd favorite from start to finish, Set For The Fall delivered a set full of powerful hooks, emotional lyrics, and undeniable presence. Their performance was heartfelt and hard-hitting, creating one of the most memorable moments of the day.

Ignescent
This was not just a show—it was an experience. Theatrics and power collided as frontwoman Jennifer emerged from a coffin during their opening song, immediately captivating the crowd. Their fusion of metal, hard rock, and melody was polished and immersive. Ignescent knows how to build an atmosphere and deliver impact.

Disciple
The headliner and veterans of the genre, Disciple closed the night with exactly what we all expected—pure, passionate, purpose-driven rock and roll. Their set was relentless, their message bold, and their performance nothing short of professional. They shouted the name of Jesus from the stage while delivering hit after hit. Disciple continues to be one of the most consistent and inspiring bands in Christian music today.

Spoken Word Moment

At one point during a longer changeover, Billy James performed a spoken word piece that completely shifted the atmosphere. What could have been an awkward pause became a sacred moment. Billy reminded everyone that this wasn’t just a festival. It was an altar.

Behind the Curtain

As stage manager, I saw the day unfold from a different angle. The team effort was incredible—techs, volunteers, artists, vendors, and the venue all worked together with clarity, purpose, and unity. From the first soundcheck to the final load-out, it felt like more than just good planning—it felt like divine coordination.

Final Thoughts

Breaking Darkness Festival 2025 was more than music. It was mission. It was ministry. It was a gathering of the remnant—a bold, loud, passionate expression of faith through hard rock and heavy metal. Chains were broken. Lives were touched. Jesus was glorified.

• 9 bands
• 1 mission
• Over $4,000 raised for recovery and hope

And this is only year two.

I’d do it all again tomorrow. Let’s go even bigger in 2026.