Line-up Jupiler Stage Graspop 2025

The name Fleshwater doesn’t ring a bell? Then be sure to check the most popular streaming services. They were formed in 2017 by vocalist/guitarist Anthony DiDio, drummer Matt Wood and bassist Jeremy Martin, aka three quarters of metalcore/nu-metal band Vein.fm. Together with charismatic figurehead Marisa Shirar (aka Mirsy), Fleshwater serves up a spellbinding adaptation of shoegaze and soft grunge, also known as ‘nu gaze’. Their full length debut ‘We're Not Here to Be Loved’ (2022) was very successful on the other side of the Atlantic. The album is not innovative as such but recombines classic 90s influences into an exciting new whole. The alternation between brooding and high-energy material works like a charm and the vocal tandem Shirar/DiDio complements each other perfectly, with Shirar’s haunting voice taking centre stage overall. If a blend of shoegaze, soft grunge, alt metal and post-hardcore is your thing then you should add Fleshwater to your list. #GMM25

There’s no shortage of pop punk, metalcore, melodic hardcore or post-hardcore bands out there but Trash Boat is more original and interesting than most. They exploded onto the scene with their pop punk debut ‘Nothing I Write You Can Change What You’ve Been Through’ (2016). The musicianship, vocalist Tobi Duncan’s raw but emotional vocals and the well-crafted songs elevated them above most of their peers. ‘Crown Shyness’ (2018) saw them taking the next step, both in terms of lyrical content and musical development, with surprising twists and turn. ‘Don’t You Feel Amazing’ (2021) takes its cue from the likes of NIN, Placebo and System of a Down, emphasising once again that Trash Boat are hard to pigeonhole .They don’t think in terms of genres, they just make the kind of music they like to hear. Trash Boat are not only maturing as individuals, the album also sounds like a musical coming of age. It also has more mass appeal, giving it all the makings of a breakout album. Their latest achievement ‘Heaven Can Wait’ (2024) is the next step on the road to their ultimate goal: filling stadiums.  #GMM25

Hailing from Southern California, Alien Ant Farm blends nu-metal, alt rock and punk pop with quirky energy. Known for their funky, high-octane cover of Michael Jackson’s ‘Smooth Criminal’, which topped the Billboard Alternative Songs chart in 2001, they deliver a fun, nostalgic punch for fans of early-2000s rock. Their breakout album ‘ANThology’ went platinum, featuring hits like ‘Movies’ and cementing their reputation for inventive, infectious tunes. Despite a life-threatening bus crash in 2002, the band persisted and released albums like ‘truANT’ and ‘Up in the Attic’, which lean into heavier alt-metal influences. After a hiatus, they returned with ‘Always and Forever’ in 2015 and their latest outing, 2024’s ‘Mantras’, proves they’re still evolving while delivering crowd-pleasers. Alien Ant Farm is perfect for fans of nostalgic rock anthems with a twist. Expect a high-energy set loaded with hits, covers and feel-good vibes. #GMM25

Every new Terror release follows the same tried and true recipe: unrelenting, titanium-tough hardcore with razor sharp riffs, pounding rhythms and signature hardcore lyrics. This LA band is practically a force of nature: from the very first note to the last split eyebrow in the mosh pit, these guys never take their foot of the accelerator pedal. Frontman Scott Vogel is not only a consummate live performer but is also (in)famous for his unconventional and often bizarre on-stage banter, widely known as ‘Vogelisms’ (“Sound guy, can I get more stage dives in the monitors please?”). Terror have been around since 2002 and Vogel and friends are still a band on a mission. Terror is not just about the music. They are hardcore heroes who promote the hardcore lifestyle and lead by example. The pummelling onslaught continues on their latest slab ‘Pain into Power’ (2022). Feisty and rambunctious as ever, Terror are an ironclad guarantee of a full mosh pit workout so what are you waiting for? #GMM25

Yellowcard made their mark in the early 2000s by pairing pop-punk energy and emotive violin lines – a combination that helped 2003’s ‘Ocean Avenue’ go double platinum. Formed in Jacksonville, Florida, and later based in California, the band became a Warped Tour staple and released a string of Billboard-charting albums including ‘Lights and Sounds’ and ‘Southern Air’. Known for anthems like ‘Only One’ and ‘Way Away’, they took a break in 2016, only to return stronger in 2022 with a Riot Fest set and new material. ‘The Childhood Eyes’ EP (2023) and ambient-tinged collaboration ‘A Hopeful Sign’ (2024) marked a bold, creative evolution. With heartfelt lyrics, soaring melodies and a renewed fire onstage, Yellowcard remain a top draw for fans of emotional, high-energy alt-rock. #GMM25

Melodic hardcore/metalcore fans will be chuffed to see Stick to Your Guns on the bill. Vocalist/guitarist Jesse Barnett founded the Californian band in 2003 and when their debut ‘For What It’s Worth’ dropped two years later, their determined and energetic brand of hardcore hit home with the hardcore crowd. Gang chants, a rhythm section as tight as a duck’s arse, the twin guitar attack and just enough of a modern spin on old school tactics to keep things interesting: check! The more brutal passages are reminiscent of Hatebreed whereas the melodic parts sound like a slightly heavier version of Ignite. ‘Disobedient’ (2015) and ‘True View’ (2017) have more clean vocals than their earlier work without sounding cheesy or disturbing the precarious balance between the two. Their latest exploit reaffirms their reputation for brutally heavy hardcore music with a profound message. ‘Keep Planting Flowers’ (2025) has more of a punk slant than any of their previous work. For fans of Stray From the Path, In Hearts Wake. #GMM25

In 1997, Lagwagon was one of the first punk bands to feature on the GMM bill; we welcomed them back 25 years later and now they’re back for round three. Lagwagon formed back in 1988 near Santa Barbara, California and their melodic punk rock is often compared to the likes of NOFX and No Use for a Name. They were the very first band to be signed by Fat Wreck Chords, the label founded by NOFX punk icon Fat Mike. When punk hit the mainstream in the nineties, Lagwagon refused to sign with a major label. As a result, their commercial success has been nowhere near that of The Offspring and Green Day, in spite of the undeniable quality of their music. ‘Double Plaidinum’ was their new album when they first played GMM; their second appearance, in support of their last album to date, ‘Railer’, fell through when the festival was cancelled due to COVID. It’s hard to believe more than two decades separate those albums because ‘Railer’ shares that timeless quality that is so typical of good skate punk albums.  #GMM25

Static Dress is one of the most exciting new forces in UK post-hardcore, blending chaotic energy, raw emotion and a striking visual aesthetic. Formed in 2018, the Leeds-based band quickly built a cult following with their intense live performances and a genre-defying sound that draws references to early 2000s screamo, metalcore, alternative rock and nu-metal. Their 2022 debut album ‘Rouge Carpet Disaster’ solidified their reputation, delivering haunting melodies, bone-crushing breakdowns and a sense of unfiltered urgency. Live, Static Dress is an unstoppable force; expect soaring vocals, relentless riffs and a visceral connection with the crowd. For fans of Underoath, My Chemical Romance and Bring Me the Horizon. Don’t miss their set because this is a band you’ll want to say you saw before they exploded. #GMM25

House of Protection is a dynamic musical project by former Fever 333 members Stephen Harrison and Aric Improta. Stephen Harrison boasts a wealth of hardcore and punk experience, amongst others as the guitarist of The Chariot; as for Aric Improta, the acclaimed skinsman from Night Verses contributes intricate rhythms and an overall experimental approach. As a duo, they blend elements of hardcore, electronica and punk, resulting in a singular sound that disregards traditional genre conventions. The very promising initial result of this collaboration is the EP ‘Galore’ (2023) and it is accompanied by a visually striking music video shot inside the so-called ‘Well of Death’ in Ahmedabad, India. #GMM25

Based out of Woking in the UK, Employed to Serve started life as a two-piece studio project but when their first two (digitally released) EPs proved more successful than expected, vocalist Justine Jones and guitarist Sammy Urwin recruited three additional members to form a fearsome live act. Their grind-influenced post hardcore takes no prisoners, as illustrated by the vicious tracks on their excellent sophomore album ‘The Warmth of a Dying Sun’ (2017). An instant classic, the album is a well-worked, haunting slab of metalcore. If the world is going to hell then Justine’s tormented vocals and the hardcore chaos on this CD are the perfect soundtrack. 2019’s ‘Eternal Forward Motion’ is characterised by groove and nu-metal influences; ‘Conquering’ (2021) marks a confident next step in their evolution with nods to old-school thrash, death metal and more. #GMM25

Over the last decade Australia has become a force to be reckoned with on the metal scene with bands like Airbourne, Parkway Drive, Deez Nuts, Thy Art Is Murder and also… Northlane. Formed in 2009, they have meanwhile seen their fair share of Europe and the US, opening for the likes of Architects, Veil of Maya and Bring Me the Horizon. Over the past decade, they have headlined tours on both European and US soil. Northlane combines the natural aggression of hardcore with an innovative metalcore sound, for example on ‘Node’ (2015). In 2019 their fifth long player dropped to universal acclaim. ‘Alien’ is heavier than its predecessors ‘Node’ and ‘Mesmer’, and keys into the nu-metal revival of the last few years. This is their first performance here since the release of ‘Obsidian’ (2022) and if the nu-metalcore on the previous album was a change of pace then ‘Obsidian’ shows once again they are not afraid to evolve instead of simply capitalising on past success. Fans of Sleeptoken, Architects and Spiritbox will stake their place on the front rows as Northlane mount the GMM stage for the fourth time. #GMM25

Polaris, the progressive metal core sensation from Sydney, Australia, is returning this summer for a second bite at the GMM cherry. Their debut ‘The Mortal Coil’ dropped in 2017, winning an ARIA award nomination for Best Hard Rock the following year; their sophomore effort ‘The Death of Me’ (2020) earned the same distinction. Lyrically they are known for exploring such themes as depression, anxiety and loss. In June 2023 they made their first appearance here but just two weeks later, the world looked completely different when guitarist Ryan Siew died, aged 26. Another six weeks later, the band’s third and most recent outing, ‘Fatalism’, served up a hard-hitting selection of tracks that pushes the boundaries between metalcore and progressive metal. It reflects the emotional turmoil the band experienced at the height of the COVID pandemic and will undoubtedly feature prominently in their set list. #GMM25

Cover and tribute bands come in all shapes and sizes but even in this diverse landscape, Me First and the Gimme Gimmes are a breed apart. For over thirty years, these punk icons have been putting their own unique spin on a wide selection of songs that appeal to music lovers of all ages. The line-up consists of old hands and in the past both Fat Mike (NOFX) and Chris Chifflet (Foo Fighters) were members of this remarkable ensemble. Me First and the Gimme Gimmes is Spike Slawson (Swingin´ Utters) on vocals, the legendary CJ Ramone (Ramones) plucks the bass and Joey Cape (Lagwagon) handles guitar duties, supplemented with fill-in members on tour. Welcome to an uplifting punk party with surprising reinterpretations of hits by Bob Dylan, Dolly Parton, Culture Club, Simon and Garfunkel, R. Kelly and many more. #GMM25

Originally formed in 2009, Ukrainian metalcore stalwarts Jinjer refer to 2010 as their inception year with the arrival of frontwoman Tatiana Shmalyuk. Musically they already had their ducks in a row with a formula that can best be described as progressive, modern metalcore but Tatiana added the X-factor that was previously lacking. With vocal abilities ranging from graceful clean and emotional vocals to a roar that will scare the mane off an adult lion, she is one of the main reasons why Jinjer are hot, a popularity they’ve earned through a strict work ethic and elaborate touring. ‘Macro’ included funk, jazz and reggae influences and was named one of the 50 top albums of 2019. One year later they made their Australian debut and their Melbourne show made such an impression that the recording of that gig was later released as a live album. ‘Wallflowers’ hit the shelves in 2021, a single-minded album that refuses to capitalise on Jinjer’s growing success. ‘Duél’ is scheduled for a February 2025 release and will undoubtedly crank their popularity up another notch. #GMM25 

Two full length albums (‘Weathering’ and ‘The Big Picture’), several EPs, an orchestral project, a short film, a documentary, a miniseries and loads of concerts: French psychedelic stoner stalwarts Last Train leave no stone unturned to express their creative independence. Not only do they get full marks for dedication but the Alsace natives also have the chops to translate that commitment into quality tracks. The French music press described ‘The Big Picture’ as one of the best French rock records ever. #GMM25

Dirty Honey is an American rock band from LA that formed in 2017. Just two years later they made it to the top of the rock charts and scored a No. 1 hit with the single ‘When I'm Gone’. Dirty Honey was the first unsigned band to achieve this feat. On a musical level Dirty Honey draws from a variety of genres including bluesy rock ‘n’ roll, melodic hard rock and 70s blues rock. Following the release of their self-titled debut EP ‘Dirty Honey’ immediately hit the road in the company of, amongst others, The Who, Skillet, Alter Bridge and Guns N' Roses. In 2020 Covid thwarted their touring plans so they decided to focus instead on their untitled full-length debut, which was unleashed in April of 2021. Tireless touring with The Black Crowes (with whom they are sometimes compared) and Mammoth WVH further contributed to their growing success. The aptly titled ‘Can’t Find the Brakes’ (2023) boldly announces they have no intention of slowing down anytime soon so buckle up! #GMM25

In the 80s Adje Vandenberg flew the flag for hard rock in the Low Countries. After a strong debut with his band Teaser, his next project Vandenberg scored a worldwide hit with ‘Burning Heart’. In 1987 the guitar virtuoso joined Whitesnake, who were at the height of their fame but after a 13-year tenure he decided it was time to spend more time with his daughter. Fast-forward to 2014 and the formation of Vandenberg’s Moonkings. Despite several high-quality albums, the band’s popularity waxed and waned so Ad decided to shelve the Moonkings and continue under his own name. Even though 35 years elapsed between ‘Alibi’ (1985) and ‘2020’, the name Vandenberg had lost none of its appeal for traditional hard rock lovers worldwide. With a line-up consisting of Ad , Ronnie Romero (vocals), Rudy Sarzo (bass) and Brian Tichy (drums), ‘2020’ is a collection of 10 excellent rock songs including a reworking of the 1983 hit single ‘Burning Heart’. October of 2021 saw the arrival of vocalist Mats Levén (Candlemass, Yngwie Malmsteen, Therion), who features on the latest Vandenberg album, ‘Sin’ (2023). #GMM25

The Warning are a powerhouse trio from Monterrey, Mexico, consisting of Villarreal sisters Daniela (guitar/vocals), Paulina (drums/vocals) and Alejandra (bass). Bursting onto the scene as teenagers with a viral cover of Metallica’s ‘Enter Sandman’, they’ve since carved out their own fierce identity. Their 2022 album ‘Error’ blends hard rock with metal attitude and pop sensibility, earning them global acclaim and slots alongside the likes of Muse and Foo Fighters. Expect thunderous riffs, explosive energy and razor-sharp musicianship, delivered with unrelenting passion. Lyrically, they often explore themes of identity, control and resilience. On their most recent effort ‘Keep Me Fed’ (2024) they perfected their inventive mix of old-school and modern hard rock, signalling the next stage in their global conquest. #GMM25

Formed in 2012, the American-Australian collective The Dead Daisies is the brainchild of Jon Stevens (INXS/Noiseworks) and David Lowy (Red Phoenix/Mink). The duo’s predilection for the heavy rock sound of the late 70s and early 80s generated a great deal of interest in rock land and following numerous personnel changes they released their eponymous debut. First single ‘Lock ‘N’ Load’ received generous airplay and set the wheels in motion. Their much-anticipated second outing ‘Revolución’ (2015) dropped one month after their successful GMM debut. ‘Make Some Noise’ (2016) and ‘Burn It Down’ (2018) were up next as the revolving personnel door kept turning. ‘Burn It Down’ (2018) is yet another balls-out old-school rock record with songs that are simply made for the live stage. Unsurprisingly perhaps there have been more changes to the line-up since their last appearance here. The David Lowy/Doug Aldrich guitar tandem is still in place, and vocalist John Corabi and drummer Tommy Clufetos have returned to the fold. ‘Lookin’ for Trouble’ was released earlier this year and offers blues-infused reinterpretations of classic tracks by the likes of John Lee Hooker and B.B. King. #GMM25

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it’s DragonForce! DragonForce are playing Graspop Metal Meeting for the fifth time this summer. Their brand of power metal is all about going full throttle so expect another riffing masterclass. Starting out two decades ago as a promising young band, the London-based outfit developed into a power metal giant with nine full-lengths to their credit. Their latest effort, ‘Warp Speed Warriors’ (2024), is another signature DragonForce album characterised by instrumental extravagance and warp-speed riffing as the main ingredient. Their live shows are no less energetic than their studio work and the Herman Li/Sam Totman tag team is famous for its stage antics. Who needs energy drinks when DragonForce is the ultimate energiser? #GMM25

Almost a quarter century ago, Australian brothers Joel and Ryan O'Keeffe formed a hard rock band called Airbourne in the vain of their famous compatriots in AC/DC, The Angels, Billy Thorpe and Rose Tattoo. Their debut ‘Runnin' Wild’ dropped in 2007 and struck a nerve with hard rock loving audiences in their home country and the US. Three years later their sophomore effort ‘No Guts. No Glory’ brought them to the end of the runway but it was ‘Black Dog Barking’ (2013) that finally achieved lift-off in Europe. Over the years their recipe has proven ideal for festivals around the world and madcap Joel still likes to deliver the odd solo standing on top of the main stage rigging. Their last studio album to date, ‘Boneshaker’ (2019), is yet another rock ‘n’ roll rollercoaster with all the subtlety of a solid kick in the family jewels. The album’s closing track just about sums up Airbourne’s attitude to music and life in general: ‘Rock ‘N’ Roll for Life’! #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