Metallica with Gojira & Knocked Loose

Metallica with Gojira & Knocked Loose Live at the National Arena, București!

Get ready, Romania! Prepare yourselves for a colossal night of thunderous riffs and earth-shattering performances as three of modern metal’s most formidable forces converge at the iconic National Arena in București on Wednesday, 13 May 2026. This is not just a concert; it’s a seismic event, a monumental gathering for any true devotee of heavy music. Witness the undisputed titans of thrash, Metallica, return to Romanian soil, bringing with them the crushing, progressive power of Gojira and the raw, visceral aggression of Knocked Loose. This is an unmissable collision of legendary status and cutting-edge brutality, promising a night that will resonate in the annals of live music history for years to come.

About Metallica with Gojira & Knocked Loose

Metallica: For over four decades, Metallica has stood as an unshakeable monolith in the landscape of heavy metal. Emerging from the fiery crucible of the 1980s thrash scene, James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett, and Robert Trujillo (along with past members Cliff Burton and Jason Newsted) have not only defined a genre but have consistently evolved, transcended, and dominated it. Their journey has been one of relentless innovation and unwavering commitment to their craft, producing a discography that reads like a masterclass in heavy music. From the breakneck speed and aggressive intensity of their early work like “Master of Puppets” and “Ride the Lightning,” featuring anthems such as “Battery” and “For Whom the Bell Tolls,” to the stadium-filling anthems of their more recent output, their influence is immeasurable. Hits like “Enter Sandman,” “Nothing Else Matters,” “One,” and “The Unforgiven” have transcended the confines of the metal scene, becoming universally recognised rock staples. Their live shows are legendary, known for their electrifying energy, immense production, and the sheer power of four musicians operating at the peak of their collective prowess. The band’s ability to connect with audiences on a visceral level, delivering a performance that is both technically brilliant and emotionally charged, has cemented their status as one of the greatest live acts of all time. Each concert is a testament to their enduring legacy and their continued passion for creating unforgettable musical experiences.

Gojira: Hailing from Bayonne, France, Gojira have carved out a unique and powerful niche in contemporary metal with their signature blend of crushing technicality, environmental consciousness, and progressive song structures. Fronted by the distinctive vocals and searing guitar work of Joe Duplantier, alongside his brother Mario Duplantier’s explosive drumming, Christian Andreu’s intricate guitar melodies, and Jean-Michel Labadie’s thunderous bass lines, Gojira delivers a sound that is both colossal and intellectually stimulating. Their music often delves into themes of nature, humanity’s impact on the planet, and the search for spiritual balance, adding a profound depth to their sonic assault. Notable tracks such as “Stranded,” “Silvera,” “The Art of Dying,” and the epic “Grind” showcase their mastery of dynamic shifts, intricate rhythms, and anthemic, often guttural, vocal deliveries. Gojira’s live performances are renowned for their intense energy, the raw power of their musicianship, and their captivating stage presence, often complemented by evocative visuals. They have earned widespread critical acclaim and a devoted global following for their uncompromising artistic vision and their ability to craft music that is both brutal and beautiful.

Knocked Loose: Hailing from Oldham County, Kentucky, Knocked Loose have rapidly ascended to become one of the most talked-about and impactful bands in the modern hardcore scene. With their relentless aggression, visceral lyrical content, and an undeniable raw energy, they deliver a performance that is as cathartic as it is chaotic. Frontman Bryan Garris’s signature guttural screams, backed by the crushing guitar riffage of Isaac Hale and Cole Crutchfield, the thunderous bass of Kevin McClellan, and the explosive drumming of Kevin Paradis, create a sonic maelstrom. Their sound is a potent distillation of pure, unadulterated hardcore punk, infused with elements of metalcore, creating a sound that is both brutal and irresistibly compelling. Tracks like “All My Friends Are Dead,” “Laugh Tracks,” “Mistakes Like Sacrifices,” and “Trappedis” have become staples of their intense live sets, inciting mosh pits and leaving audiences breathless. Knocked Loose are not for the faint of heart; their live shows are a testament to the power of raw emotion and unbridled aggression, delivering a performance that is a pure, unadulterated release of energy and intensity.

Venue Information

The National Arena (Arena Națională) stands as Romania’s premier multi-purpose stadium, a state-of-the-art facility located in the heart of București. Renowned for its impressive architecture and capacity to host major sporting events and large-scale concerts, it provides the perfect backdrop for a night of epic proportions. Its modern infrastructure ensures excellent acoustics and a fantastic viewing experience for all attendees, creating an atmosphere charged with anticipation for the colossal performances ahead. For complete venue details, see our venue guide.

What to Expect

Prepare for an evening that will push the boundaries of sound and spectacle. Metallica are renowned for their electrifying live shows, and their performances with Gojira and Knocked Loose are guaranteed to be an unparalleled experience. Expect a setlist that masterfully blends their iconic, time-honoured anthems that have defined generations of rock and metal fans, with potent tracks from their critically acclaimed catalogue. From the blistering speed and intricate musicianship of early thrash classics like “Master of Puppets” and “Seek & Destroy,” to the stadium-shaking power of “Enter Sandman” and “For Whom the Bell Tolls,” you’ll be singing along to every word. Furthermore, the setlist will undoubtedly feature fan favourites and perhaps even some deeper cuts that showcase the band’s enduring artistry.

The dynamic between these three powerful bands promises a night of varied intensity and exceptional musicianship. Gojira will undoubtedly bring their signature blend of crushing, progressive metal, their intricate rhythms and colossal riffs creating a truly immersive sonic landscape. Expect them to deliver their powerful environmental anthems, their performance a testament to their unique musical vision and their captivating stage presence. Knocked Loose will then unleash their raw, unadulterated hardcore fury. Their performance style is one of pure, unbridled aggression and cathartic energy, guaranteed to ignite the crowd and create an electrifying atmosphere of moshing and intense headbanging.

This is more than just a series of performances; it’s a curated journey through the diverse and powerful spectrum of heavy music. The overall duration of the event is expected to be substantial, allowing ample time for each band to deliver their signature sets. Given the calibre of artists and the scale of the production, anticipate a show that will run for several hours, offering a comprehensive and unforgettable musical marathon. Be prepared for a night that is loud, intense, and utterly spectacular.

FAQs

Q1: Will Metallica play their classic hits? Absolutely. Metallica are known for delivering their most beloved and iconic tracks during their live performances. Fans can expect to hear anthems such as “Enter Sandman,” “Nothing Else Matters,” “One,” “Master of Puppets,” and many more that have cemented their legendary status.

Q2: What is the typical setlist length for Metallica? Metallica’s live shows are renowned for their extensive setlists. Typically, their headline sets can run for well over two hours, featuring a generous selection of both their classic material and newer songs, often exceeding 20 tracks.

Q3: Is Gojira known for any particular stage presence or visual elements? Yes, Gojira’s live performances are often described as intense and captivating. While their focus is primarily on their formidable musicianship, they sometimes incorporate subtle yet effective visual elements that complement their music’s themes, particularly those related to nature and the environment. Their stage presence is characterised by a powerful, unified energy.

Q4: What kind of energy can I expect from Knocked Loose’s performance? Knocked Loose are known for their exceptionally high-energy and aggressive live shows. Their performances are a visceral and cathartic experience, characterised by intense moshing, raw vocal delivery, and a relentless sonic assault. Prepare for a truly mosh-pit-inducing set.

Q5: Are there likely to be any surprise guest appearances from Metallica? While Metallica rarely announces surprise guests in advance, their shows are always full of surprises due to their sheer talent and commitment to delivering an exceptional live experience. Any guest appearances would be a bonus, but the core attraction is the immense power of the three bands themselves.

Q6: How long are the support acts typically playing for? Support acts like Gojira and Knocked Loose usually play for around 45 minutes to an hour each, depending on the overall show structure and venue. This provides ample time for each band to showcase their material and prepare the audience for the headline act.