Vancouver metal festival set for April 16–18 will feature Sanctuary, Edge of Paradise, Atavistia and more before planned indefinite hiatus
Organizers position 2026 event as potential final opportunity for fans to attend
VANCOUVER — Hyperspace Metal Festival has released the official Spotify preview playlist for its 2026 lineup as organizers prepare for what may be the final edition of the Vancouver-based melodic and power metal event before an indefinite hiatus.
The three-day festival, branded as HYPERSPACE METALFEST VII, will take place April 16 and 17 at The Cobalt in Vancouver, with the closing night scheduled for April 18 at the Rickshaw Theatre. The 2026 roster includes headliners Sanctuary, Edge of Paradise and Atavistia, alongside acts such as Voidchaser, Owlbear and Artificial Language.
Festival organizer Joey Hockin of Journeyman Productions said the upcoming edition carries added significance for attendees.
“The full lineup for Hyperspace Metal Festival VII is here! Sanctuary will be performing a Canadian exclusive performance of Into The Mirror Black in its entirety! Atavistia will headline night 1, which will feature a heavy emphasis on melodic death metal. Night two headliner Edge of Paradise will cap off a night of epic symphonic and melodic power metal! After this year, the festival will be going on indefinite hiatus, so if you’ve been wanting to make it to Hyperspace, this could be your last chance. Let’s rage together at the Rickshaw and the Cobalt one last time!” adds festival organizer Joey Hockin of Journeyman Productions.
The announcement positions the 2026 festival as a milestone event for the independent B.C. music festival, which has become a fixture in Western Canada’s heavy metal scene over the past six editions.
Sanctuary to deliver exclusive Canadian performance
Seattle heavy metal veterans Sanctuary will headline the festival’s final night with what organizers describe as an exclusive Canadian performance of their 1990 album Into the Mirror Black in its entirety.
The band, formed in 1985, rose to prominence with its debut album Refuge Denied, produced by Megadeth’s Dave Mustaine, before following up with Into the Mirror Black. After reuniting in 2011, Sanctuary returned to international touring and festival appearances.
The group is currently working on a new album, Transmutation, while also performing legacy material at select 2026 festivals.
Edge of Paradise, Atavistia to headline opening nights
Los Angeles-based symphonic metal act Edge of Paradise will headline night two following a period of international touring and the release of material from its latest album, Prophecy.
The band has built a global following through a combination of cinematic production, science-fiction-themed visuals and international touring, performing in more than 30 countries.
Canadian melodic death metal act Atavistia will headline the opening night of the festival. The Vancouver-based group has developed a growing international audience through touring and releases that blend orchestral arrangements with melodic death metal.
Full 2026 lineup spans Canadian and international acts
The complete HYPERSPACE METALFEST VII lineup includes 15 acts over three nights:
Day One — April 16
- Atavistia
- Inpathos
- Hyperstrike
- Ravensun
- Kayas
Day Two — April 17
- Edge of Paradise
- The Scepter
- Lycanthro
- Ophelia Falling
- Valley of Despair
Day Three — April 18
- Sanctuary
- Owlbear
- Artificial Language
- Voidchaser
- Witchkiller
Several artists will make notable appearances, including Owlbear and Artificial Language, both of whom are slated for Canadian debuts at the festival.
Montreal/Stockholm progressive metal act Voidchaser also joins the bill after building momentum with its 2024 concept album Solace and 2025 EP Trust.
Festival has grown into key Western Canadian metal platform
Since launching, Hyperspace Metal Festival has attracted performers from across Canada, the United States and Europe, helping establish Vancouver as a destination for fans of melodic, progressive and power metal.
Past editions have featured artists including Týr, Flotsam and Jetsam, Enforcer, Trollfest, Aether Realm, Into Eternity and Riot City.
Industry recognition has helped elevate the event’s profile in niche metal markets, with Decibel Magazine previously stating:
“Lovers of Melody and Power Unite! Hyperspace Metalfest VII is Nigh!”
The Vancouver Sun has also described the festival as Western Canada’s premier melodic and power metal gathering.
Tickets now on sale
Organizers said one-day and three-day passes for HYPERSPACE METALFEST VII are now available through Eventbrite.
The newly released Spotify playlist is intended to give fans an early preview of the 2026 lineup ahead of the April event, while helping drive awareness for what may be the festival’s final installment.
With the indefinite hiatus announcement now confirmed, the 2026 edition is expected to draw heightened interest from longtime attendees and out-of-town fans seeking a final opportunity to attend one of Western Canada’s most established independent metal festivals.