After eight years of inactivity, Oathbreaker will rise again, breaking their silence with a return to the Roadburn stage where they will perform their stellar 2016 album Rheia in full. You could call this picking up where they left off, you could call it the beginning of a new chapter… we’re calling it the perfect way to kick off our Roadburn 2026 line up announcements.
For those who were at the 2017 Roadburn Oathbreaker performance, this may be a welcome chance to revisit a spine-tingler of a show. For those who have not yet had the chance to see Oathbreaker live – their impact has continued to bloom as they hibernated – this will be quite the introduction. Oathbreaker truly came into their own with Rheia, a perfect amalgamation of post-metal, black metal, hardcore and shoegaze; a gossamer sheen pierced with shards of ragged angularity.
When we got word that Oathbreaker were awakening from their collective slumber and had specifically requested to make their return at Roadburn we were honoured – and on board immediately. Despite seeming to prefer to avert their eyes from the glare of the spotlight that was often shined upon them, Oathbreaker made an indelible mark on the underground and their influence can be heard in many of the artists that walk across the Roadburn stages. It is both fitting and flattering that we are able to offer them the stage for their return.
Of their upcoming Roadburn performance, the band commented:
“We are pleased to announce that we will play ‘Rheia’ in full at Roadburn 2026, 10 years after it was released. ‘Rheia’ was the record that kicked off a lot of things for us, made us connect with so many people around the world but also the record that made it all come to an end. It was a hugely important milestone for Oathbreaker and we’re hoping we can share this experience once again with all of you, at a place that’s been very kind to all of us.”
The individual members of the band have kept themselves busy in the interim and through other projects (Wiegedood, Siem Reap, Predatory Void) have kept the cord of connection alive between their creative endeavours and Roadburn. With each such performance we feel the magnitude of their artistry, and this upcoming Oathbreaker show is a high point for that. Please join us in giving Oathbreaker the Roadburn welcome they truly deserve.
– Becky Laverty
