Bulgaria 
Greece 
Turkey 
Romania 
Serbia 
N. Macedonia 
🎸 Hills of Rock 2026 has come to an end, and we'll be talking about the seventh edition of Bulgaria's largest heavy music festival for a long time. The third day was exceptionally emotional, brought us together with legendary bands and „closed“ the festival metal cycle that began with Be4 Hills. And although the headliners by program were the German wild „grasshoppers“ Electric Callboy, you'll also encounter many opinions that Lamb of God were the main band of the evening.
The main stage was brutally „unlocked“ by the Americans Deafheaven, and a few minutes later Unbaptised took the „Na T'mno“ stage. The beloved Velian were the first band on the Power Stage for the day.
Despite a slight delay, the monumental Paradise Lost took the main stage. Older, but with no less fire, the Britons, considered pioneers of gothic metal, presented us with beloved classics and new recordings.
Shortly after, the Turks from Black Tooth took the Power Stage – though „took“ is a mild word, as their vocalist Tuna Vural preferred to be down among the people. Thrash metal with punk and hardcore construction, lots of circle pits, enough walls of death, blazing sun and endless energy – Black Tooth glued us to the second largest stage.
As the sunlight faded, things got more serious. Nevermore took the main stage to kick off their European tour in front of an increasingly enthusiastic audience.
And speaking of historic shows – it was time for the long-awaited first concert of Lamb of God in Bulgaria.
Well, they came, and they crushed us. From „Ruin“, „Laid to Rest“, „Into Oblivion“ (dedicated to the recently deceased frontman of Sick Of It All – Lou Koller), through „Walk With Me In Hell“ and „Parasocial Christ“, Lamb of God gave us an exceptional concert, considered by many to be so strong and valuable that it could easily be a headlining performance.
Meanwhile, on the Power Stage, one of Bulgaria's fastest-rising bands – Tsar Plah – was crushing it. With songs that many already know and sing word for word, the band filled the hearts of their loyal fans and won many new admirers.
By 11 PM, the audience in front of the main stage had changed its „physiognomy“. People were lightly bouncing, anticipating the disco metal party that awaited us. At the appointed hour, the Germans from Electric Callboy came out with „TANZNEID“ and kicked off the most brutal metal disco.
We heard hits like „Hypa Hypa“, „Pump It“, „Hypercharged“, „Let The Good Times Roll“ (their new track with The Offspring), „Elevator Operator“ and, of course, the obligatory finale with „We Got the Moves“.
Smiling, fresh and with ironic sparkle in their eyes, Electric Callboy delivered a killer concert, without trying to convince anyone how cool or deep they are. They just gave us the party, and those of us who knew what to expect enjoyed it to the fullest.
The evening ended with performances by Front Line Assembly and Kontrol, but also with the familiar sadness. That happy melancholy after several festival days where you've heard your favorite music, discovered new bands, met people dear to your heart, made new friendships and gathered stories to tell. But the finale has come.
Hills of Rock 2026 showed improvement over its previous editions in every component. Organization, enhancement of the overall fan experience, band selection, etc. It's no coincidence that this is one of the most beloved festivals of the local audience, as well as fans in this part of Europe and other distant countries.
🎟️ Hills of Rock 2027 – the first batch of promo tickets sold out in just one hour! Watch for the next ticket category via Ticket Station. The first names for the new festival year are expected very soon.
📸 Photo: Tsvetan Uzunov / Fest Team