Bosphorus Open Air Metal Fest 2026

September 25, 2026

Last weekend, I went to Bosphorus Open Air Metal Fest at UNIQ İstanbul. Over two days, I saw familiar bands, discovered a few new ones, and took plenty of photos.

On the first day, I watched Fleshless, Kampfar, and I Am Morbid. I especially liked Fleshless. Their performance was one of the highlights of the weekend for me.

Fleshless performing in front of their banner on the open air stage

Kampfar was atmospheric, and their show was great too.

Kampfar on stage in green light and smoke, with the crowd in front

I Am Morbid was amazing too. I took quite a few photos during their set.

I Am Morbid's singer playing a green guitar amid smoke and white lights

I Am Morbid performing under purple lights with the crowd in front

On the second day, I watched Terrorizer, Tankard, Kataklysm, and Satyricon.

Terrorizer performing in front of their stage banner

Tankard was one of the most enjoyable shows of the weekend.

Tankard's singer with his arms raised beneath yellow lights

Tankard on stage beneath green and blue lights, viewed from the crowd

I had not listened to Kataklysm before, but their sound and groove were powerful. They made me headbang and move.

Kataklysm performing beneath blue and purple lights

Kataklysm performing amid red and white stage lights

Kataklysm's singer facing a crowd of raised hands beneath orange lights

Satyricon was great as well, although I was very tired by then and did not watch their entire set.

Satyricon performing beneath red and white stage lights

Satyricon performing amid colored lights and smoke

Flames rising beside Satyricon's singer during their set

The open air setting worked really well at this time of year. The weather was good, and the logistics inside the festival area were great. There were food stands, plenty of bars with different drinks, good WCs, and places to sit when I needed a break between shows.

I think Bosphorus Open Air Metal Fest is one of the greatest festival organizations I have attended in Turkey. It is on my must-attend list now.