Graspop 2025 blokkenschema dag 4 - zondag 22 juni 2025

Ugly Kid Joe named the band to poke fun at hair metal group Pretty Boy Floyd, rising to fame in the mid-nineties with an infectious brand of hard rock that blended classic stadium rock, glam metal and heavy metal with a pinch of funk and a satirical attitude. Hit singles ‘Everything about You’ and ‘Cats in the Cradle’ paved the way and one of their finest moments in Europe came in 1995 when they released ‘Menace to Sobriety’ and opened for Bon Jovi and Van Halen on the European leg of their world tour. Singer and figurehead Whitfield Crane pulled the plug in 1997 to pursue other ambitions but in 2010, Crane and guitarist Klaus Eichstadt resurrected the band in the successful line-up of the 1994-1997 period. Late 2015 they released their first new CD in nearly two decades with ‘Uglier than They Used ta Be’ and their last contribution to date is 2022’s ‘Rad Wings of Destiny’, proving they still know how to write mean hard rock tracks but without taking themselves too seriously, of course. #GMM25

Founded in 1974, this Swiss hard rock/heavy metal outfit changed their musical direction after attending an AC/DC concert. Later, in the mid-80s, they took a more commercial approach. The 1979 addition of vocalist Marc Storace, who sounded eerily like Bon Scott, heralded the start of a very successful period for the band, especially in North America. Albums such as ‘Metal Rendez-Vous’ (1980) and ‘One Vice at a Time’ (1982) are highlights in the band’s discography. Throughout the 90s Krokus kept recording new material but numerous personnel changes affected their output and their popularity waned due to the advent of grunge. Then in 2007 the most successful line-up got back together (with the exception of co-founder Tommy Kiefer, who died in 1986) and rekindled the fire. Their last albums to date, ‘Dirty Dynamite’ (2013) and ‘Big Rocks’ (2017), pack an even bigger punch than usual. When they played GMM2019 they were “on their farewell tour” but here they are, refreshed and ready to rock your balls off. Fans of low-down and dirty AC/DC-style rock will love Krokus. #GMM25

Savatage, formed in 1978, was an American heavy metal band known for blending symphonic metal, progressive rock and classical elements. Their sound evolved over time, starting with traditional heavy metal in ‘Sirens’ (1983) and reaching orchestral and even operatic heights with albums like ‘Gutter Ballet’ (1989) and ‘Streets’ (1991), which showcased intricate compositions and narrative-driven lyrics. Lyrically they focused on themes of addiction, redemption and societal struggles. The band faced significant tragedies, most notably the death of guitarist Criss Oliva in 1993, which deeply affected their trajectory. Subsequent albums like ‘Edge of Thorns’ (1993) and ‘Poets and Madmen’ (2001) failed to achieve mainstream success. Meanwhile, their side project, Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO), became a massive commercial hit, with its symphonic rock Christmas albums and elaborate tours. TSO's popularity far outpaced Savatage, though the latter's pioneering contributions to metal remain influential, earning them a lasting legacy within the genre. The band had been retired due to Jon’s major health issues but now they are back with a reboot. Jon remains active in the background, Zak is back on board and the line-up is rounded out by guitarists Al Pitrelli and Chris Caffery, bassist Johnny Lee Middleton plus drummer Jeff Plate. #GMM25

For over five decades Judas Priest have been one of the flagbearers of heavy metal. In the wake of their triumphant gig at last year’s festival, the beast that is Priest is returning for a ninth raid on Dessel. Last year Halford & Co unleashed their nineteenth studio album ‘Invincible Shield’ and this year marks the 35th anniversary of the landmark ‘Painkiller’ album. Brace yourselves for a set list filled to the brim with timeless bangers such as ‘Turbo Lover’, ‘Breaking the Law’ and ‘Living After Midnight’, supplemented with new tracks and cuts off the mythical ‘Painkiller’ album! #GMM25

Crossfaith hails from Osaka, Japan. Founded in 2006, Crossfaith is one of just a handful of bands to have the courage to combine brutal metalcore with electronica, although their sound keeps evolving. They also like to incorporate elements from industrial metal and melodic death metal. ‘Apocalyze’ (2013) opened new doors for the electronicore quintet and while the electronica influence is still very much present, it is expertly interwoven with heavy drums and guitars. At GMM2014 Crossfaith got the Jupiler stage off to a shell-shock start on Sunday. Their ultra-brutal breakdowns, blast beats and scorching solos exploded onto the festival arena like a fragmentation bomb and by the end of their gig, the fans in front of the stage were packed like sardines. 2015’s ‘Xeno’ once again illustrates that the collective from the land of the rising sun is not afraid to experiment. ‘Ex Machina’ (2018) is a concept album set in the future and blends electronica and metal in way that sets them apart from the competition. Clean vocals are more present on ‘Ark’ (2024) yet maintains the same insane level of energy that marks the rest of their catalogue. An ark is the perfect vessel to survive the raging storm that is Crossfaith so get on board! #GMM25

Founded in San Antonio in 2003 by drummer Jonny Hawkins and guitarist Mark Vollelunga, Nothing More struggled to make an impact early on. Things started happening when Hawkins decided to switch his drumsticks for the microphone and with the backing of a competent label (Eleven Music) things finally fell into place. The label re-released their self-titled CD ‘Nothing More’ and follow-up ‘The Stories We Tell Ourselves’ (2017) earned two Grammy nominations. High-profile support slots followed for Papa Roach, Ghost and others, paving the way for further success. Nothing More like to take a DIY approach to things and this includes production and artwork as well as instrumental contraptions the likes of which you’ve never seen before. Musically the quartet are difficult to pigeonhole. Elements from hard rock and progressive rock/metal coalesce into a unique sound sprinkled with an inventive hardcore or nu-metal edge without neglecting the melodic side. On their latest full-length ‘Carnal’ they continue their exploration of hard rock and metal with their signature blend of complex instrumentation and introspective lyrics. #GMM25

Founded in 2008, Dallas-based thrashers Power Trip play a mix of (crossover) thrash and hardcore punk. Their 2013 debut ‘Manifest Decimation’ is a feast to any thrash metal fan, with Vio-Lence-style breakdowns, Slayeresque intensity and an overall aggression to rival Kreator. It’s fast, it’s brutal and Rile Gale’s vocals sound really pissed. The production adds to the authentic feel of the album and you really feel as if this stuff could have been recorded in the 80s. Follow-up ‘Nightmare Logic’ (2017) was greeted with enthusiasm by both fans and critics and the album gave them a great deal of welcome exposure, thanks in part to several support slots for Trivium. The future was looking bright for Power Trip but in 2020 the dream collapsed due to the untimely demise of lead singer Riley Gale. The machine ground to a halt but in late 2023 they played a surprise set with Seth Gilmore (Fugitive) on vocals. Meanwhile work continues on new material. They recently opened for Pantera in Forest National and blew everyone away, just like they did here in 2019 and will do again this June.  #GMM25

Formed exactly three decades ago, Heaven Shall Burn are a German extreme metal band whose brutal and melodic music appeals to hardcore, thrash and death metal fans alike. These pioneers of the European melodic metalcore/deathcore scene are known for their hard-hitting live shows and the use of pyrotechnics and breathtaking visuals. They are also welcome guests at festivals worldwide. Lyrically they don’t shy away from serious or difficult subjects such as Germany’s painful war legacy. As a socially conscious band, Heaven Shall Burn also released a tsunami benefit CD single in 2005. ‘Veto’ (2013) is reminiscent of both the ‘Iconoclast’ trilogy and the chord progressions and musical style of ‘Antigone’ (2004). Some tracks are quintessential metalcore songs while others are more thrashy or epic. Although the backbone of their music is always eminently recognisable, they always add a new twist to keep things interesting. ‘Wanderer’ (2016) taps into their inner Bolt Thrower and the ferocity and anger of their early years. The double album ‘Of Truth and Sacrifice’ (2020) is their most recent effort to date and also the first to shoot straight to number one in the German charts. #GMM25

It would have been so easy for In Flames to ride the wave of popularity they enjoyed as one of the trailblazers of the Gothenburg melodic death metal sound but instead they allowed their music to evolve. By 2002’s ‘Reroute to Remain’, their sound had gravitated from early melodic death metal towards more alternative metal, a move that alienated some of the older fans while boosting album sales and allowing them to break into the mainstream. On ‘Sounds of a Playground Fading’ (2011) the unclean vocals had all but gone and the tracks themselves were clever, bite-size servings that appealed specifically to the young(er) metal fans that were now their main demographic. On their 12th studio album ‘Battles’ (2016), Anders Fridén & friends once again explore virgin territory with modern, groove-laden metal tracks, thanks in large part to the singalong choruses and the stellar, genre-defying solos. Inciting and infectious as hell, their heaviest album in years steers the band along a very promising and commercially viable path that illustrates why In Flames started to land headlining slots usually reserved for the likes of Maiden, Metallica or Slipknot. Their new album ‘Foregone’ dropped in early 2023 and was the first to feature former Nevermore and Megadeth guitarist Chris Broderick. #GMM25

Till Lindemann, the charismatic frontman of Rammstein, is bringing his solo project to Dessel and has put together a show that will make a lasting impression. Known for his dark, provocative lyrics and theatrical podium presence, Lindemann will treat the Graspop faithful to an impressive performance in his own inimitable style. His solo project has convinced all the doubters and tracks such as ‘Ich hasse Kinder’ and ‘Steh auf’ demonstrate he is perfectly capable of delivering the goods on his own. #GMM25

Los Angeles-based Amira Elfeky moulds nu-metal influences, a mysterious goth atmosphere and emotive compositions into an aggressive but accessible rock sound. She started playing music at a very young age and at fifteen she moved to the Bay Area, where she discovered nu-metal and grunge. She subsequently moved to California and started working on songs inspired by 1990s alt-rock. Anemoia label owner Ian Hunter gave her access to his home recording facility, where she fine-tuned her mix of alternative metal and Evanescence-style gothic rock. Once signed by Anemoia, she released ‘Coming Down’ and ‘Everything I Do Is for You’. Her maiden EP ‘Skin to Skin’ dropped in the spring of last year. Her lyrics often focus on mental health, anxiety and vulnerability and so far she’s toured with such acts as Evanescence, The Used and Story of the Year. #GMM25

Spanish thrashers Angelus Apatrida emerged in the millennium year in Albacete, Spain. Originally they formed as a heavy /power metal outfit but before long they gravitated towards a more thrash-oriented sound. Their full-length debut ‘Evil Unleashed’ (2006) was a commercial success that made waves in Spain and beyond. Sophomore effort ‘Give ‘em War’ (2007) garnered rave reviews. Faster, darker and more aggressive than its predecessor, it was voted one of the best overall thrash releases of 2008 thanks to extensive airplay. The dark, aggressive side to their music earned them a worldwide record deal with Century Media. Their fourth outing 'The Call' (2012) used an ever wider range of styles and consolidated the positive evolution that built them a worldwide fan base. Since then they’ve gone from strength to strength and their latest slab ‘Aftermath’ (2023) is a razor-sharp thrash banger that sounds like a vintage Bay Area release. Fans of Havok, Testament, Death Angel and Exodus will be chomping at the bit to catch one of Europe’s leading thrash bands live.#GMM25

The band’s first incarnation dates back to 1984 and today only vocalist Kam Lee remains. As a band, Massacre spearheaded the death genre together with Death, a band Lee, Rick Rozz, Terry Butler and Bill Andrews were a member of at some point. Their 1991 debut ‘From Beyond’ smashed the extreme metal scene to smithereens. Foreshadowing the brutal death metal that lurked just around the corner, blast beats were still conspicuously absent so that ‘From Beyond’ could be labelled a thrash metal album taken to extremes. Vocally Kam Lee took inspiration from Celtic Frost vocalist Tom G. Warrior, making him one of the first to introduce the infamous death grunt, with intermittent high-pitched screams thrown in that make for a versatile vocal range. Massacre’s line-up has always been a revolving door and the next break-up was always around the corner. Over the years they reformed occasionally but it never lasted. In 2017 they reformed yet again, then released new material in 2021 with ‘Resurgence. Since last year, Kam Lee has found a stable line-up again, resulting in ‘Necrolution’ (2024), a throwback to archetypical, early 90s Florideath, without sounding dated. #GMM25

Deathcore mongers Fit for an Autopsy use their lyrics to vent their contempt for society. Add in a relentless sonic onslaught and you’ve got a band that lays siege on the ears and minds of whoever happens to be listening. It is often said that a band’s third release is crucial and for Fit for an Autopsy it was their breakthrough effort. ‘Absolute Hope Absolute Hell’ (2015) gave their popularity a huge boost and they haven’t looked back since. It was the first LP to feature then new singer Joe Badolato and it is still their highest charting effort to date. Subsequent albums consolidated their standing as their music continued to evolve, introducing elements of melodic and progressive death metal. At the bottom end of 2024 they embarked on a European headlining tour and now it’s high time for their GMM debut! Fans of Whitechapel, Suicide Silence and Thy Art Is Murder know what to do. #GMM25

Paleface Swiss are a sledgehammer to the senses—raw, relentless and unflinchingly heavy. Hailing from Switzerland, this genre-bending outfit fuse deathcore, beatdown and hardcore into a furious storm of downtuned riffs, crushing breakdowns and guttural vocals. Frontman Marc Zelli leads the charge with ferocious energy, and their new album ‘Cursed’ (2025) cements their place as one of the most punishing acts on the scene. Building on the chaos of ‘Fear & Dagger’ (2022), ‘Cursed’ takes an even darker and heavier approach, with lyrics that rip into themes of pain, betrayal and inner torment. The Marquee is in for an onslaught on Sunday: swinging fists, circle pits and unfiltered catharsis. #GMM25

Sacred Reich are a popular band from the second wave of thrash that swept across the globe in the late 80s. The cheerful gang from Phoenix, Arizona, soon made a name for themselves with the speed devil attack of ‘Ignorance’ (1987) and ‘Surf Nicaragua’ (1988), and the grooving mid-tempo thrash of ‘The American Way’ (1990) and ‘Independent’ (1993). They split in 2000 but the band was subsequently revived in 2006. Electing not to record any new material, they preferred to simply play the old classics and no new material was forthcoming... until August 2019. Did the current state of the world stoke singer/bassist Phil Rind’s socio-critical and anti-political inner fire? For Sacred Reich to hit the studio after a recording drought of more than two decades hardly seems coincidence. Whatever the reason, it seems like not a day passed since ‘Heal’ (1996). Punk/thrash attack? Check. Socially conscious lyrics? Check. Aggression from every pore? Check. Sacred Reich are still firing on all cylinders so mosh it up! #GMM25 

Extreme metal would never have been what it is today without the rise of Swiss musical genius Tom Gabriel Fischer, aka Tom G. Warrior. When internal strife killed Celtic Frost in the wake of their brilliant comeback album ‘Monotheist’, driving force Tom G. Warrior assembled a new pack of eager young wolves to form Triptykon. Their first album ‘Eparistera Daimones’ is marked by the lingering anger over Celtic Frost’s breakup and serves up an ageless, primeval blend of black, doom and death that shook the extreme metal scene to its foundations. Or in other words, and as intended by its maker, the album sounds like a tweaked extension of Celtic Frost’s ‘Monotheist’. Their second and last album to date, 2014’s  ‘Melana Chasmata’, is a logical evolution of Warrior’s two previous albums, with a sound that is less angry but more refined. The avant-garde tendencies are dialled back and the whole album exudes a solemn and at times despondent mood. No new work has been released over the last decade but Triptykon continue to tour extensively with a set list that often includes Celtic Frost tracks. #GMM25

Famous for his multi-octave range and for switching effortlessly back and forth between a demonic falsetto and a gravelly growl, Kim Bendix Petersen aka King Diamond is one of the most unique characters in heavy metal history. King Diamond’s debut ‘Fatal Portrait’ (1986) was indebted to the satanical approach of Mercyful Fate, who were among the leading lights of the first wave of black metal as well as a formative influence on Metallica, Slayer and others. Soon, though, King Diamond would carve out a niche all their own. The string of concept albums that followed galvanised millions of fans worldwide and inspired countless musicians and bands. From ‘Abigail’ (1987), ‘Them’ (1988) and ‘Conspiracy’ (1989) right down to the Grammy-nominated ‘Give Us Your Soul… Please’ (2007), King Diamond’s discography is haunted by some of metal’s most unsavoury characters. ‘Spider Lilly’, the leading single off the long-awaited new album, is the first part of the forthcoming Horror Trilogy, with the first instalment titled ‘Saint Lucifer’s Hospital 1920’. King Diamond shows are theatrical performances in every sense of the word: not only do they take their own set design on tour but the horror stories that unfold in the lyrics are acted out on stage. After a long and storied career, King Diamond and his coven once again return to the GMM stage. There’s time for a few new chapters yet… #GMM25

Seven Hours after Violet is a new band formed in 2024, featuring Shavo Odadjian (bass, System of a Down), Taylor Barber (vocals, Left to Suffer), Michael Montoya (guitar, Winds of Plague), Alejandro Aranda (guitar, backing vocals) and Josh Johnson (drums, Winds of Plague). Their lyrics often turn to themes of personal struggle, growth and darkness whereas musically, they blend metalcore, alternative metal and nu-metal to forge a unique sound and explore creative avenues they can’t develop in their primary bands. Their self-titled debut album ‘Seven Hours after Violet’ dropped in October 2024 and received positive reviews. Critics praised the well-balanced mix of heavy riffs and melodic elements, singling out tracks like ‘Paradise’ and ‘Alive’. They’ve been gathering steam and they’re hot right now so get a taste! #GMM25 

SiM (Silence iz Mine) are four sonic rebels from Yokohama, crafting chaos with purpose since 2004. Fusing the raw aggression of metalcore with reggae grooves, punk defiance and electronic flair, their sound is like a riot in slow motion. Fronted by the charismatic MAH, SiM have built a cult following through explosive live shows and rebellious energy. Their lyrics often rage against authority and conformity. By the mid-2010’s they were making inroads into the wider international music scene. In 2016 they performed at Knotfest Meets Ozzfest and by the end of the decade, they widened their purview with anime and video game themes. ‘Playdead’ (2023) and its global smash hit ‘The Rumbling’ crashed into the international spotlight, delivering dystopian anthems that are both politically charged and deeply personal. We expect them to do plenty of damage on the Jupiler Stage. #GMM25 #GMM25

French metallers Rise of the Northstar can safely be called a prime example of a crossover band. Spearheaded by Victor Vithia, they blend heavy metal, hip hop and hardcore/punk and, as the band name and the title of their first EP ‘Tokyo Assault’ (2010) suggest, they’re not averse to a generous helping of Japanese manga pop culture. In 2011 they showed their love for the Land of the Rising Sun in the wake of the Tōhoku natural disaster and the resulting Fukushima meltdown by recording a single and donating the proceeds to the Japanese Red Cross. In 2014 they released their first studio album ‘Welcame’ but it was their sophomore effort ‘The Legacy of Shi’ in a production by Gojira’s Joe Duplantier that forced a breakthrough in 2018. They perform in shōnen manga warrior outfits and are known for their energetic performances. Their latest outing ‘Showdown’ (2023) was mixed by Gojira’s FoH sound engineer Johann Meyer. Thrash, hip-hop, nu-metal and hardcore are an unseemly combination but somehow Rise of the Northstar manage to pull it off. #GMM25

Speed are the voice of the new wave of Australian hardcore: fierce, fast and full of purpose. Emerging from Sydney’s underground in the late 2010s, they’ve quickly become one of the most vital acts on the global scene. Since 2020, Speed have been on a relentless rise, fusing classic hardcore intensity with a distinctly modern, groove-laden punch. Their breakout EP ‘Gang Called Speed’ (2022) was a hard-hitting rallying cry that was unapologetically Australian. But Speed aren’t just about heavy riffs and pit-stirring breakdowns. They bring heart and integrity, addressing issues like identity, cultural representation and community. Frontman Jem Siow’s commanding presence and sharp lyrics speak to lived experience and their message has struck a chord far beyond their hometown. Live, Speed are tight, passionate and ferocious. There’s no ego, just pure connection through sound. Catch them in the pit or miss out on one of hardcore’s most exciting voices right now. #GMM25

Currents formed in 2011 in Connecticut, US, and spent the first years of their existence setting a course and finding their feet. In 2017 they finally unleashed their full-length debut. ‘The Place I Feel Safest’ is a collection of death metal-tinged, djent-fuelled metalcore that really hits the mark. After touring extensively in support of the album, the five-piece wrote their second chapter in 2020 with ‘The Way It Ends’ and they also put out an instrumental version the following year. Meanwhile they continued to tour, sharing the stage with the likes of Beartooth, While She Sleeps, Miss May I and Landmvrks. ‘The Death We Seek’ came out in 2023 and the headlining tour for this album was completely sold out. Currents will be hell-bent on proving they are ready to make an impact on the major European summer festivals. #GMM25

In the course of several decades, New York has acquired a reputation as a hardcore hotspot by spawning bands such as Sick of It All, Madball and H2O. Another NY-based hardcore outfit is Stray from the Path. As a rule, hardcore bands deliver a highly political message, both in their lyrics and their general attitude towards life and society. Still, the message often gets watered down as the band in question becomes more successful. Not so with Stray from the Path because the New Yorkers are as brutally honest as ever. They don’t care what toes they tread on and they don’t pull their punches. Their heart is in the right place too: several years ago they played a charity concert in Kenya to raise funds for the good cause. Their music features influences from punk to metalcore to alternative metal and their lyrics home in on the social and political issues that have divided the US these past years. #GMM25

Thrice formed in the late nineties in Irvine, US, and are generally considered a post-hardcore band. However, from the early days of their career they’ve ventured outside the post-hardcore formula: melodic hardcore punk with complex time signatures, electronic beats and keyboards, all within the first four albums; ‘The Alchemy Index’ is a cycle of four 6-song albums, released in two parts and with each focusing on one of the classical elements (fire, water, air and earth) both in terms of music and lyrics. Recent albums showcase a fine-tuned blend of their many experiments. Co-founder/guitarist/lead vocalist Dustin Kensrue is the chief lyricist and he likes to explore existential and philosophical themes, spirituality and symbolism. He also doesn’t shy way from social commentary, which isn’t surprising for a band that regularly donates part of their album proceeds to charitable causes. Many point to 2003’s ‘The Artist in the Ambulance’ as their seminal album because it set the tone for many bands that followed in their footsteps. Another eagerly awaited debut at GMM2025! #GMM25

AViVA is an Australian alt-pop/rock artist whose music fuses dark pop, emo and electronic elements. Since her 2017 debut single ‘GRRRLS’, she's built a global fanbase known as the Outsiders, resonating with themes of individuality, control and isolation. Tracks like ‘ANTIHERO’ and ‘Darkside’ delve into embracing one's true self and defying societal expectations. In 2024, she released the single ‘Ritual’, produced by Mblue, emphasizing inner strength and breaking free from distractions. AViVA's dynamic performances have graced major festivals across Europe. Beyond music, she's a multidisciplinary artist with two novels published since 2021. With over 20 billion streams and a new album titled ‘Eyes Wide Shut’ on the horizon, AViVA continues to captivate audiences worldwide.​ #GMM25

Mystery is a promotional tool that always works and few understand this better than Southampton-based punk rockers Creeper. Founded in 2014, Roadrunner dropped their full-length debut ‘Eternity in Your Arms’ in 2017. For the next twelve months, they stormed every stage in sight. Fans of AFI and My Chemical Romance ate it up but were aghast to learn that Creeper would be calling it quits at the end of the tour. True but not really: on All Saints Day 2019 they returned with a show under the moniker ‘Fugitives of Heaven’. Mid-2020 their sophomore effort ‘Sex, Death & The Infinite Void’ came out. They reinvented themselves on this bombastic, epic goth rock album, with band members calling it ‘a rebirth’ and not a punk record. Their latest album ‘Sanguivore’ (2023) brings yet another new incarnation, this time as a theatrical goth rock band. The phantasy world the album creates is inspired on vampire flicks. It’s a bold and melodically consistent album, very Jim Steinman-oriented and gloriously over the top, punctuated with gripping guitar solos. Whatever the incarnation, Creeper are loads of fun and you’re all invited to join the party!  #GMM25

Halocene is an American rock band formed in Phoenix, Arizona, in 2008. At the heart of the band is the husband & wife tandem Addie Amick (lead vocals) and Bradley Amick (producer/guitarist/vocals). They are also the only constant group members. On tour, in music videos, live streams and at other events, a number of additional personnel make up the rest of the band. Highly protective of their independence, they’ve never been signed to a record label and since their inception they’ve released six original studio albums. Their most recent effort ‘Maleficent’ dropped in mid-2023. Their popularity on today’s music scene derives primarily from the hundreds of music videos they’re released online. This includes covers (the ‘We’ve got you covered’ series) and collaborations with similar independent artists on platforms such as YouTube, Twitch, and TikTok. Some of the artists they’ve covered include System of a Down, Linkin Park and Evanescence. This is their official Graspop Metal Meeting debut. #GMM25 

Formed in 2012 in Orange County, California, the American post-hardcore band Dayseeker sounds catchier than their average genre colleagues. Their 2023 tour dates in support of Pierce the Veil also made it clear that their output comes with true rock arena potential and their subsequent European headlining tour was a roaring success, with sold-out venues and rave reviews. Each new album has met with growing success: their second LP made the US Heatseekers chart and their third long player ‘Dark Sun’ (2022) helped them expand and cement their fan base. The rough patch singer Rory Rodriguez was going through in his private life at the time made this most personal album so far. Last year they released an acoustic album with reworked versions of some of their songs, showing them in a new light. Dayseeker are a many-faceted band that will fit in perfectly at GMM. #GMM25

This German symphonic/power metal band hit the ground running with the release of their maiden CD ‘Songs of Love and Death’ (2015), taking cues from the likes of Sirenia and Amaranthe. ‘Lost in Forever’ dropped one year later to the day and although their sophomore effort was well-received, singer Jennifer Haben and the rest of the band parted ways. Four new members were recruited and ‘Heart of the Hurricane’ (2018) was the quintet’s first output since signing a worldwide deal with Napalm Records. Initially opening for the likes of Aerosmith, Korn, Scorpions and Within Temptation, they are set to embark on the Rising High tour in 2026 but first things first: Beyond the Black are bringing their larger-than-life sound, infectious lyrics, Jennifer Haben’s huge reach and stomp-along riffs to GMM2025! #GMM25

Katatonia started out as a very talented gothic/doom/death metal band – just listen to ‘Dance of December Souls’ (1993) and ‘Brave Murder Day’ (1996) – but on ‘Viva Emptiness’ (2003) and ‘The Great Cold Distance’ (2006) they changed musical directions and forayed into the universe of melancholic metal, a move apparently appreciated by the growing ranks of Katatonia devotees. On ‘Dead End Kings’ (2012) and its acoustic brother ‘Dethroned & Uncrowned’ (2013), the Swedish quintet increasingly experimented with traditional music, an evolution that reached its zenith on their tenth offering ‘The Fall of Hearts’ (2016). For now this is their Magnus Opus, one where all the pieces of the puzzle fell into place. Katatonia deserve credit for having the courage to shift their focus from a death/doom metal approach to atmospheric and progressive post metal. Their erstwhile influences included Paradise Lost and My Dying Bride but on later records they evolved in a similar musical direction as Anathema and Tool. #GMM25

Whereas many extreme metal bands incarnate our worst nightmares, Alcest takes a different tack. Born from the mind of frontman Neige who had vivid childhood dreams of a fairytale world populated by ethereal beings, Alcest merges the singer/guitarist’s black metal roots with the dreamy outlook of shoegaze. Inspired by a Hayao Miyazaki film, their 2016 album ‘Kodama’ deals with the confrontation between the human and the natural world. Heavier than its predecessors, the riffing and vocals in particular revisit the band’s original blackgaze sound. Their 2019 effort ‘Spiritual Instinct’ continues down this path and was their first on Nuclear Blast. This summer these atmosphere masters will propose tracks off their latest album ‘Les Chants de l’Aurore’ (2024). True to Alcest form, the album’s layered guitars on a melodic base provide spiritual sanctuary for those looking to take a breather from the uncompromising metal madness raging elsewhere on the festival grounds. #GMM25