PHOTO GALLERY DAY 2 – Photos by Patrik Zubaj / copyright dipARTicle / it is forbidden to download and use photos without permission.
After a bombastic first day that set the bar impossibly high, Day 2 of Tolminator 2026 had big shoes to fill. Luckily, the energy in Tolmin didn’t miss a beat. The crowd was back early, recharged and ready for another round of heavy riffs, river hangs, and pure metal madness. The second day is shaping up to be just as incredible as the first!
Elder took the stage and delivered their signature blend of heavy psych, progressive grooves, and sprawling soundscapes. Their hypnotic set was a great transition into the evening, pulling the audience into a sonic journey filled with crushing riffs and beautiful, soaring melodies. It was a masterclass in atmospheric heavy rock.
Then came Sacred Reich, and they completely brought the house down! Soon enough, they will be celebrating their 40th anniversary, which is significant information, indeed. Regarding the public, a massive, dedicated crowd gathered, eager for some classic thrash, and the energy was electric from the very first chord. The stage presence was beautiful. Beyond the sheer power of their set, the band radiated charisma. They were genuinely warm, engaging, and super likable on stage, sharing infectious smiles with the crowd while crushing through their setlist. It was an energetic, heavy, and undeniably fun performance that left everyone buzzing. Near the end, they started playing War Pigs, which took an emotional turn given that the anniversary of Ozzy’s death was just a couple of days ago. A beautiful ending.
Next up were German metalcore titans Heaven Shall Burn, taking the intensity to a whole new level. If anyone came to Tolminator looking for pure, raw power, Heaven Shall Burn delivered a total masterclass. Plain and simple: these guys are a force of nature. From the opening riff, they completely leveled the crowd. It was a breathless, relentless wall of sound—they just go insanely hard. The sheer energy they radiate is unreal, and the crowd devoured every single breakdown and melody. Tolmin has seen plenty of heavy bands, and HSB once again proved their significance.
Closing out the night with Wolves in the Throne Room was pure, heavy hypnotic power. Positioned deep in the realm of atmospheric black metal, with crushing walls of sound designed to completely swallow you whole. It was raw, dense, and punishingly heavy. Thick layers of tremolo guitars, thunderous drumming, and eerie, nature-infused atmospheric soundscapes.
Tolminator, we are ready for day 3.