Line-up Metal Dome Graspop 2025

California sons Deafhaven are a breed apart on the heavy music scene and it’s easy to see why. Citing black metal as their primary source of inspiration, they nonetheless take cues from shoegaze but also from blackgaze, heavy metal, indie rock and alternative rock. They started out as a duo but along the way the band fleshed out into a quintet. Their second full-length, ‘Sunbather’ (2013), features just four tracks, which oscillate between caressing light and oppressive darkness in a masterfully crafted mix of shoegaze and black metal. While Sunbather aroused considerable interest in metal circles, it was their third release ‘New Bermuda’ (2015) that was greeted with commercial and critical success, turning many non-metal fans on to their music. In the following years they held fast to their this recipe until 2021’s ‘Infinite Granite’ broke the mould with almost no harsh vocals and an alternative rock-oriented approach. Their live shows are an emotional voyage but fiercer than their studio work. #GMM25

The Raven Age have shown they are excellent ambassadors for a new generation of British metal acts. Founded in 2009 by George Harris (son of Iron Maiden chief Steve Harris) and Dan Wright, this melodic metal band stands for contemporary and melodic metal. They released their self-titled debut EP in 2014, resulting in support slots for the likes of Mastodon and Tremonti. In 2016 they opened for Iron Maiden on their Book of Souls world tour. The following year they released their full-length debut, ‘Darkness Will Rise’: melodic, epic and dynamic but at times also fast-paced and abusively heavy. They made a lasting impression at three consecutive editions of GMM (2016-2018) and since then they’ve released their sophomore effort ‘Conspiracy’ (2019), with shorter tracks but similar history-themed lyrics, and ‘Blood Omen’ (2023), their most rounded effort yet that sees them perfecting their recipe of genuine heavy metal with commercial appeal. ‘Blood Omen’ is a good place to start exploring their music, or you can spin ‘Exile’ (2021), which contains acoustic versions of previously recorded material as well as four blistering live recordings. #GMM25

Music lovers will know Charlotte Wessels as the former lead vocalist for symphonic metallers Delain. In 2021 this band temporarily dissolved, leaving Charlotte free to pursue her own musical path. Known for her characteristic, pop-oriented voice, her solo work is still recognisable: the love of epic songs and symphonic arrangements is still present but both ‘Tales from Six Feet Under’ albums nevertheless take a broader approach, with contributions ranging from indie pop to synth-infused rock. Bathed in a nostalgic atmosphere, her most recent outing ‘The Obsession’ (2024) heralds a return to a heavier symphonic metal sound. On the new LP she is assisted by three former Delain bandmates and the operatic interludes help create a wonderfully balanced album. Simone Simons (Epica) and Alyssa White-Gluz (Arch Enemy) are among the guest vocalists. #GMM25

Hot Milk are Manchester’s loudest emotional export. These rebels peddle pop-punk hooks, alt-rock angst and a healthy dose of chaos. Formed in 2018 by co-vocalists/guitarists Han Mee and Jim Shaw, the band wasted no time in making a name for themselves with their debut EP ‘Are You Feeling Alive?’, a bold record that screamed vulnerability and volume in equal measure. Since then, they’ve hit the ground running, touring relentlessly with the likes of Foo Fighters and You Me At Six, and earning a reputation for energetic live shows that deliver a full body workout. Their 2023 debut album ‘A Call to the Void’ saw the band dial up the emotion and distortion, tackling themes like mental health, self-destruction and defiance. Fans of Paramore and Bring Me the Horizon will find much to like here. #GMM25

Post-metal, noise, post-hardcore, sludge metal, post-rock, … American vocalist Julie Christmas will sink her teeth into any genre if it helps her bare her tormented soul in an enthralling show that brings out the full range of her vocal talents. The New York native built experience with Made Out of Babies and post-metal super group Battle of Mice and collaborated intensively with Cult of Luna. In her solo work she spews her anger in seething, at times dismal and intriguing rock songs. By the time she struck out on her own and dropped her first solo effort with 2010’s ‘The Bad Wife’, she had already established a reputation as one of the best and most versatile extreme metal vocalists out there. Her excellent new album ‘Ridiculous and Full of Blood’ (2024) features the full spectrum of vocals know to man, ranging from heartrending clean contributions to seething, throat-ripping screeches, enhanced by genuinely creative compositions. #GMM25

James Kent, better known under his stage name Perturbator, made his GMM debut in 2018. He was a guitarist in several black metal bands before switching to electronic music in 2012. His synth and darkwave tracks gained more notoriety when several were used in the ‘Hotline Miami’ game and its sequel. His music is inspired by such films as ‘Akira’, ‘Ghost in the Shell’ and the 1987 Arnold Schwarzenegger flick ‘The Running Man’, which was based on a Stephen King novella. As Perturbator he has released five albums to date, all of which received positive reviews from a host of metal magazines. His most recent outing ‘Lustful Sacraments’ (2021) again relies on his signature mix of French house and 80s nostalgia but this time with a shift towards industrial, calling to mind the likes of NIN and Depeche Mode. Not your usual GMM artist but with Kent’s array of old synthesizers and the addition of live guitars you’re in for a surprise. Welcome the uncrowned king of synthwave/cyberpunk! #GMM25

From the moment of their formation, alternative/industrial metal band Mass Hysteria has been a powerhouse of French metal, known for their politically charged lyrics. While early on they experimented with a mix of French and English lyrics, they soon solidified their identity as a French-language metal band, proving that heavy music can be just as powerful and globally resonant in their native tongue. Their sound is an unusual amalgam of leaden riffs, electronic elements and hard-hitting lyrics, making them one of France’s most influential metal acts. Over the years they have channelled influences from various genres into their output but the backbone is always alternative/industrial metal. Albums like ‘Contraddiction’ (1999) and ‘Matière Noire’ (2015) cemented their reputation and anthemic choruses, battle-cry lyrics and crushing intensity make their live shows an invigorating experience. Their latest, two-part album Tenace (2023, Pt. 1 & 2) proves they are still at the top of their game. #GMM25

Thrash Attack is a metal cover band from the south of the Netherlands. The band was formed in 2022 as an initiative by Spike Meulders and Marcel Coenen, both known from Stormrider and The Art of Pantera. Like a phoenix, Thrash Attack rose from the ashes of Metal Attack, which disbanded in December 2021.Thrash Attack plays heavy and thrash metal covers from the '80s and '90s, focusing especially on bands like Sepultura, Slayer, Sacred Reich, Metallica, Fear Factory, Testament, Death, Exodus, Megadeth, Nuclear Assault, and more.

This special cocktail of the rhythm section from ACTION IN DC, Bon Scott performer John Blandford, and the energetic Erwin Wuite as Angus guarantees a spectacular AC/DC show! The decades of stage experience these rockers bring from the AC/DC tribute scene is unmistakable! Songs from both the Brian Johnson and Bon Scott eras are blended into one powerful set! Be amazed by this AC/DC tribute that’s spot-on both musically and visually! #GMM25

Often when new bands emerge they hold fast to a single genre until they’ve made a name for themselves and then they slowly start to experiment. As Everything Unfolds skipped that initial phase and pulled out all the stops on their full-length debut ‘Within Each Lies the Other’ (2021). Following their first full-length, they were nominated for a Heavy Music Award for Best Breakthrough Live Artist; their second offering ‘Ultraviolet’ (2023) was one of Metal Hammer’s nominees for Best Metal Album of the Year’. Their cocktail of melodic post-hardcore, hardcore and sugar sweet rock gives their music mass appeal, as was obvious from their GMM debut here in 2022. In the summer of 2024, fate dealt them a cruel blow with the untimely demise of drummer Jamie Gowers. They decided to soldier on and now we welcome them back for their second appearance here. Fans of This Moment and Enter Shikari will definitely enjoy this emerging UK band. #GMM25

Many Greek bands like to dwell in the dark vaults of death and black metal. Villagers of Ioannina City (VIC) illustrate there’s more biodiversity in the Greek metal landscape. VIC play stoner and psychedelic rock, lavishly dipped in the polyphonic Greek folk music typical of their native region of Epirus. The use of (primarily) the clarinet, bagpipes and the kaval (a type of end-blown flute) gives the heavy sound effects a unique character. If you want to check them out then discover their two full-length albums: ‘Riza’ (2014) and ‘The Age of Aquarius’ (2019). #GMM25

Unprocessed is a progressive metal band from Wiesbaden, Germany, formed in 2013. Their music blends technical guitar work with elements of metalcore, djent and electronic influences. Known for their genre-defying sound, they have released five albums to date: including ‘In Concretion’ (2014), ‘Gold’ (2022) and ‘...And Everything in Between’ (2023). They fuse djent, metalcore and ambient textures with pop sensibilities and emotional depth. Lead guitarist and vocalist Manuel Gardner Fernandes is especially known for his viral guitar videos, bringing attention to the band’s next-level musicianship. Unprocessed is perfect for those who like their metal modern and adventurous, and will appeal to fans of Periphery, Spiritbox and TesseracT. #GMM25

Australian artist Kim Dracula is one of the most unpredictable and electrifying forces in modern heavy music. Dracula rose to fame through viral TikTok covers, among others of Lady Gaga, but quickly evolved into a genre-defying powerhouse, forging metal, trap, industrial and hyperpop into a uniquely chaotic sound. Their 2023 debut ‘A Gradual Decline in Morale’, showcases this eclectic fusion, bouncing back and forth between brutal breakdowns and eerie jazz interludes. Tracks like ‘Seventy Thorns’ (feat. Korn’s Jonathan Davis) and ‘Superhero’ highlight Dracula’s theatrical vocals, dark humour and explosive unpredictability. Don’t miss out on the GMM debut of this whirlwind form Down Under. #GMM25

Nova Twins fuse punk, grime and heavy rock into a high-voltage sound that’s entirely their own. Formed by Amy Love (vocals, guitar) and Georgia South (bass, synths), this UK duo has been breaking boundaries since their debut. Their raw energy, genre-defying style and politically charged lyrics have earned them critical acclaim and a fiercely loyal fanbase. With several EPs and albums like ‘Who Are the Girls?’ (2020) and ‘Supernova’ (2022)’ – the latter storming the upper echelons of the UK charts –  Nova Twins have played major festivals, collaborated with music legends and even scored a Mercury Prize nomination. In 2017, Nova Twins self-released two more EPs, ‘Thelma and Louise’ and ‘Mood Swings’, and toured all over the place with the rap-rock supergroup Prophets of Rage. In 2021 they hit the road with Bring Me the Horizon and Enter Shikari and now their brand of MC5 / New York Dolls-style punk and a touch of glamour in the tradition of Kiss and The Sweet is ready to lay waste to GMM. #GMM25

With eight albums in just over a decade, ‘prolific’ is the first word that comes to mind when asked to describe Smash into Pieces’ output. They’ve been busy making a name for themselves in these parts so their second stint at GMM is a unique opportunity to broaden their fan base even further. They’ve gained a loyal following over the years thanks to a stellar live reputation. On Spotify alone they’ve meanwhile reached the 1.3 million monthly listener mark and 900+ million streams overall. Originally formed in 2008, it took them five years to secure a record deal and put out their first album ‘Unbreakable’. It’s a modern rock record that could be described as the Scandinavian version of Alter Bridge. They are masters of epic rock with trademark solos, keyboard fills, a singer with a huge set of pipes and relevant lyrics. Since 2020 they’ve been telling us the story of Arcadia, a game developed by supercomputer S4Y with incredible AI computing power. Their latest album, ‘Ghost Code’ (2024), blends cinematic rock with electronic elements and continues the futuristic narrative while delving into themes of resilience and self-empowerment. #GMM25

Dethklok are the most brutal band in the cartoon world – and somehow also one of the heaviest in real life. Born from the cult animated series Metalocalypse, this virtual death metal band was brought to life by Brendon Small (guitar/vocals) and Gene Hoglan (drums), delivering savage riffs, absurdly technical playing and darkly hilarious lyrics with sarcastic undertones. Albums like ‘The Dethalbum’ and ‘Dethalbum IV’ fuse brutal death metal with tongue-in-cheek satire, all wrapped in a gloriously over-the-top aesthetic. Expect songs about coffee, cyborgs and total annihilation, all delivered with genuine musical chops. Whether you’re in it for the shredding or the laughs, Dethklok promise a show that’s loud, fast and completely ridiculous – in the best possible way. #GMM25

MEATALLICA strives for perfection in every aspect of their performance — from the virtuosity of the musicians to the energetic interplay on stage. Their passion for Metallica shines through in every note they play and every moment they share on stage. Through their drive and dedication, they elevate the live experience to a higher level, creating an atmosphere of excitement, intensity, and connection that resonates with and inspires the audience. MEATALLICA goes beyond being just a typical cover or tribute band. They dig deeper into the lyrics, the music, and — above all — into themselves, to forge an authentic connection with the audience. They deliberately chose the motto ‘Metallica to the bone’ because it embodies their commitment to capturing the very essence of Metallica. They steer clear of copied routines and choreographed moves, delivering instead an unfiltered blast of pure and raw energy straight from deep within. From timeless classics like ‘Enter Sandman’ and ‘Master of Puppets’ to deeper gems like ‘Fade to Black’ or ‘The Unforgiven’, MEATALLICA delivers a unique experience that is sure to excite all your senses. #GMM25

Een eerbetoon aan de band PANTERA, de masters of Groove Metal. The Art Of Pantera staat garant voor een lange set Pantera klassiekers, deze op zo’n dusdanige manier uitgevoerd dat zelfs de sound van de band dichtbij het origineel komt (Marcel speelt zelfs op een Dean DIME ML model en een Randall RG100es amp, dezelfde spullen die Dimebag destijds gebruikte). Gitarist Marcel Coenen (GODSCUM, The Theater Equation, Channel Zero, Sun Caged, Stormrider, System Pilot) is al sinds 1990 fervent Pantera-Fan toen het album Cowboys From Hell uitkwam. De gitaarlijnen van Dimebag inspireerden Marcel enorm. Ook drummer Spike Meulders (Stormrider) is al sinds het begin een groot Pantera fan, hij speelde destijds in de band Form waar ze een soort gelijke muziekstijl mee maakten. Voor de zang en de bas heeft Marcel zijn mede GODSCUM-bandleden Steven Tolkamp en Jochen Fuenders erbij gehaald. #GMM25

Self-proclaimed death pop duo VOWWS are one of the more mysterious acts this year. They string together influences from such genres as new wave, surf rock, goth, experimental electronic music and even film scores, creating a musical tapestry that is both powerful and haunting. Originally from Australia but based in Los Angeles, their fans include a number of celebrities including The Cult chief Ian Astbury, Deftones frontman Chino Moreno and 80s icon Gary Numan; Numan appears on ‘Losing Myself in You’ while Moreno guested on  ‘Structure of Love II’. Their music carries an air of mystery, drawing comparisons to Depeche Mode, Nine Inch Nails and The Cure. Their live shows are immersive and almost hypnotic, driven by brooding melodies with pulsing electronic beats. #GMM25

Self Deception formed in Stockholm after a message sent by mistake connected singer Andreas Clark with drummer Erik Eklund. Both shared a love of alt-rock and metal, and a commitment to honesty that inspired the band’s name. Comprised by additional members Patrik Carlberg Hallgren (Bass) and Ronny Westphal (Guitar)the band have been balancing heavy riffs with mainstream ambition on records like ‘Shapes’ (2020) and ‘You Are Only as Sick as Your Secrets’ (2023), spawning hits like ‘Fight Fire with Gasoline’. Their latest album, ‘Destroy the Art’ (2024), continues the genre-bending journey with the infectious ‘Matthew McConaughey’ and songs like 'The Scandinavian Dream' and 'Beautiful Disaster'. Expect melody, edge and plenty of surprises live. #GMM25

Unto Others, the band formerly known as Idle Hands, are a goth/heavy metal band from Portland, Oregon. When frontman Gabriel Franco established the band in 2017 he had to look up The Cure and Depeche Mode when people told him his band sounded like them. The trio in Unto Others is actually the line-up of the band Spellcaster minus guitarist Bryce Adams Vanhoosen but Unto Others are no heavy/speed metal band. Their 2019 debut ‘Mana’ combines goth rock, traditional heavy metal and 80s new wave influences – The Cult, The Sisters of Mercy – into a singular and infectious whole. Gabriel Franco’s gothic-style vocals are a perfect fit for the emotional and melodic guitar work and he cites Spanish rock band Héroes del Silencio as his biggest influence. Their latest feat is ‘Never, Neverland’ (2024). Both heavy and contemplative, it’s their best effort yet. Unto Others are a band with a highly individual sound that will appeal to fans of goth rock, new wave, dark wave and melancholic metal. #GMM25

There’s plenty of talent on the French metal scene and in recent years some excellent acts have made significant progress. One of them is Novelists (often printed as Novelists FR). Emerging in 2013 as a progressive hardcore band, they evolved into a modern metal outfit with a penchant for electronic sounds but without diluting the music’s inherent heaviness. In 2022 they released ‘Déjà Vu: Première Partie’, a juggernaut of an album that will definitely get younger metal fans moving. At the start of 2024 they opened for Tesseract and in 2023 they accompanied Northlane on their European tour. Fans that like a combination of brute strength and melodic finesse will welcome Novelists with open arms. #GMM25

Grandson is the stage name of Jordan Edward Benjamin, a Canadian-American artist who fuses bluesy hard rock, hip-hop and EDM production. Now based in LA, he was raised in Toronto in a musical family, growing up on genres like dancehall, hip hop and classic rock. He gained prominence with his 2018 hit ‘Blood//Water’, a scathing critique of political corruption. His debut album ‘Death of an Optimist’ (2020), introduced a conceptual battle between hope and cynicism, while his latest release, ‘I Love You, I'm Trying’ (2023), explores themes of mental health and personal growth. Known for his raw energy and unflinching lyrics, Grandson's music confronts issues like gun violence, addiction and social injustice. Intense and immersive, his live shows make him a must-see for fans of Rage Against the Machine, Yungblud and others. #GMM25

Starset is a household name in the States. Founded by frontman Dustin Bates in 2013, they got off to a great start back home with their debut ‘Transmissions’ (2014) and the extremely successful single ‘My Demons’. With the release of their second long player ‘Vessels’ and the subsequent deluxe edition ‘Vessels 2.0’, the foursome around frontman Dustin Bates set out to colonise Europe and the rest of the world. Starset are very adept at propagating the ideas behind their concept albums via social media and have even published a novel expanding the original concept of the so-called Starset Society narrative. Their music is generally labelled ‘rock’, with influences ranging from djent, EDM and symphonics to ambient. Their last outing to date, 2021’s ‘Horizons’, is the perfect example of their signature blend of cinematic rock, electronic textures and sci-fi storytelling. Tracks like ‘The Breach’ and ‘Infected’ showcase frontman Dustin Bates’ knack for combining emotional depth with themes exploring isolation, connection and humanity in a world shaped by technology. For fans of Nine Inch Nails, Linkin Park and Muse. #GMM25

Thirty years ago, four classically trained musicians from Helsinki stunned the metal world with their unprecedented approach to metal. Their debut ‘Plays Metallica by Four Cellos’, an album with nothing but Metallica covers, hit the metal scene like a cluster bomb. Before long they started writing their own material, shaking off the label of a Metallica tribute band. In 2005 they recruited a drummer but their neoclassical style still left no room for guitars. They’ve gone on to play with some of the finest names in metal both live and in the studio, including Dave Lombardo, Metallica and Gojira’s Joseph Duplantier. Meanwhile reduced to a trio, things have come full circle for the Finnish band with the release of ‘Plays Metallica Vol. 2’.  #GMM25   

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Inspired by the iconic 90's/00's vibes of Limp Bizkit, this band brings an exciting ode to their music mixed with a unique twist. Don't expect a simple cover band; Limp Business takes familiar songs to the next level with an explosive energy you won't want to miss. Our five talented musicians immerse you in the best hits and deep cuts from Limp Bizkit's entire discography. From the moment the first note sounds, standing still is not an option. Limp Business' live shows are a true experience with adrenaline coursing through your veins. Put on your red cap, dust off your dancing shoes and get ready to scream - this show will blow you away! Perfect for any occasion that calls for unforgettable energy and a guaranteed spectacle. #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