Preparations for the 26th edition of the KILKIM ŽAIBU festival, set to take place next June, begin with a thunderous announcement. It is now confirmed that the iconic, rule-breaking British death metal band CARCASS will perform at the festival.
After a decade of negotiations and attempts to bring these titans of metal to Lithuania, we can finally state with confidence: CARCASS will perform in our country for the first time – and nowhere else but at KILKIM ŽAIBU, a festival that continues to grow in the strength of its main programme, the variety of its activities and the quality of its experience.
The name CARCASS holds a singular place in metal history. These boundary-shattering Brits reshaped the understanding of extreme music as early as the late 1980s. Their early albums became milestones of grindcore and goregrind, while their later shift toward a more technical form of death metal laid the groundwork for what would become melodic death metal. CARCASS’ work has always intertwined surgical precision, brutal aesthetics and an unmistakable thematic identity – medical terminology, anatomical imagery and conceptual darkness became the band’s trademark.
At the height of their popularity, the band sank into a decade-long hiatus, only to return in 2007 with renewed force. Their comeback proved that CARCASS remained relevant, inventive and fully capable of producing albums equal in influence to their early classics. From melodic twists to grind-infused riffing, from chaotic yet meticulously structured compositions to a sound that never loses its signature backbone, CARCASS have consistently inspired generations of musicians and listeners alike.
Joining the British legends on the KILKIM ŽAIBU stage next summer are two other acts known for their distinctive sonic character.
From the Scottish Highlands comes HELLRIPPER, bringing raw, no-frills black/speed metal energy. What began as James McBain’s solo project is now a full live band renowned for its fast, aggressive and wickedly melodic sound. HELLRIPPER always perform loud and without compromise – precisely the way KILKIM ŽAIBU audiences like it.
The programme will also feature Ukrainian heavyweights HELL:ON – one of the country’s most acclaimed death metal acts. Nearly two decades of activity, seven albums and constant sonic exploration have made them one of Eastern Europe’s most interesting extreme metal forces. By blending traditional death metal with modern forms, atmospheric keyboards and even folk instruments, they create a massive, dark and culturally rich sound that fits the festival’s atmosphere perfectly.
These first announced names represent only a fraction of what awaits next summer’s visitors of KILKIM ŽAIBU.
After 26 years, the festival grows ever more mature, gaining strength and wisdom that we want to share with our guests. We still have countless ambitions waiting to be fulfilled, and we believe their realisation will help enrich the Lithuanian metal community.
The festival will take place on 25–27 June 2026 at the Presidential Antanas Smetona Manor in the Ukmergė district. Visitors will enjoy three days and three nights of music, tradition and the unique community spirit of the heavy scene. The programme will already begin on Thursday, so it’s worth planning holidays in advance.
