Line-up North Stage Graspop 2025

In 2018, a Roman tribune, a fierce Norse warrior, a single-minded crusader and a lethal Spartan soldier formed an unbreakable alliance to elevate pure power metal to the status of religion. The German-Austrian-Swiss quartet Warkings brings the thunder of ancient battlefields to the modern metal stage. The four mysterious warriors – The Tribune, The Viking, The Crusader and The Spartan – each claim to have risen from the dead to spread the gospel of spine-shattering riffs and heroic anthems. With albums like ‘Revenge’ (2020) and ‘Morgana’ (2022), Warkings combine myth, history and fantasy in a high-octane blend of soaring choruses, galloping rhythms and theatrical flair. Their live shows are pure spectacle, filled with war cries, storytelling and relentless energy. If you like Sabaton or Powerwolf and you’ve got a taste for legends and myths, it’s time for you to join the battle! #GMM25

With members from Finland, Greece and Hungary, the international heavy metal quintet Beast in Black exploded onto the scene with their 2017 debut ‘Berserker’. Follow-up ‘From Hell with Love’ (2019) further refined the power metal mix with punchy, crisp riffs and catchy choruses, a powerful combination on the live stage. Guitarist/keyboardist/songwriter Anton Kabanen knows how to craft timeless melodies around heroic stories rooted in sci-fi, fantasy and cyber punk. Although influenced by classic heavy metal bands like Judas Priest, Manowar, W.A.S.P., Accept and Black Sabbath, the subtle addition of synthesisers enables Beast in Black to forge a unique sound. Their most recent single ‘Power of the Beast’ (2024) is quintessential Beast in Black with powerful riffs, soaring vocals and a memorable singalong chorus. #GMM25

Metal lyrics often deal with serious topics such as war, civil unrest, injustice, political views, etc. and in that sense pirate metal is a breath of fresh air. Pirate metal bands don’t take themselves or life in general too seriously and it’s all in good fun. One of the leading bands in the genre is Alestorm. They forge a clever and infectious combination of power metal and folk metal but on occasion they still like to experiment with other genres such as thrash, black and death metal. While it’s easy to dismiss the gimmick of grown men pretending to be pirates as merely silly, there’s no denying that Alestorm are actually good at what they do and their songs show more musicianship than they generally get credit for. Their 2024 EP ‘Voyage of the Dead marauders’ (2022) pours the same rum in the same bottle with a new label – uhm, lyrics. Once again they’ve served up the perfect party soundtrack and there’s more to come because ‘The Thunderfit Chronicles’ is set for a June 2025 release! Just in time for GMM so raise yer mugs, don yer eye patch and sing yer hearts out! Yarrr! #GMM25

The symphonic female-fronted metal band has earned its current status through talent, hard work and excellent music. The powerful voice of frontwoman Simone Simons is the perfect match with the grunts of mastermind Mark Jansen but the other band members, including Belgian guitarist Isaac Delahaye, also made a vital contribution in blending gothic and epic melodic metal into a varied sound generously sprinkled with orchestral passages. Founded in 2002, the Dutch formation celebrated their breakthrough with 2007’s ‘The Divine Conspiracy’, an album that broadcast their name to the farthest-flung corners of the world. ‘The Holographic Principle’ (2016) made Epica a top-tier band and 2021’s ‘Ωmega’ is the most recent chapter in their ongoing saga. Not only did they make an adaptation of French composer Camille Saint-Saëns’ famous composition ‘Dance Macabre’ (1874) for the opening of a new ride in De Efteling, they also released their new single ‘Arcana’, the prelude to a new chapter that will come to fruition next year. We’re sure you’ll give them a warm reception for their tenth appearance in Dessel! #GMM25

Since 2003 Powerwolf have been scouring the globe with a singular mix of religious symbolism, mythology and catchy tracks. Those who witnessed last month’s performance in the Lotto Arena know exactly what to expect: a grandiose show full of metal hymns, bombastic riffs and sing-along choruses, a dramatic light show and a touch of theatrical flair that sets them apart from the competition. With charismatic frontman Attila Dorn and his wolf pack firing on all cylinders, you’re guaranteed a magical heavy metal evening. #GMM25

Steve Harris divides his time between a frantic touring schedule and writing and recording material for heavy metal legends Iron Maiden, yet he still manages to find the occasional opening for other endeavours. In the early 90s Harris was approached with a cassette by guitarist Graham Leslie. Harris liked the material so much he kept in touch with a few of the guys after their band split. He then ended up writing and recording material for what was initially marketed as a solo project with the remaining slots filled by backing musicians. However, before long the bass meister referred to British Lion as a full-fledged band. Their self-titled debut ‘British Lion’ dropped in 2012. Seventies rock was one of the major inspirations for the album and there’s a bit of The Who, Thin Lizzy and UFO in there so the songs are more mainstream rock-oriented than metal. The release of their sophomore effort was backed up with a US tour. ‘The Burning’ dropped in 2020 to great critical acclaim and number three is currently in the works. Incidentally, there’s now a second member of Maiden in the line-up: Simon Dawson, Nicko McBrain’s replacement in Iron Maiden, mans the kit. #GMM25

Miles Kennedy is no stranger to Dessel. He has several performances with Alter Bridge under his belt here and has shared the GMM stage with Slash on four occasions. This time around he’s flying solo and in addition to tracks off his first two solo albums, ‘Year of the Tiger (2018) and ‘The Ides of March’ (2021), he’ll be focusing on his most recent long player. Myles is the lucky owner of a belter of a voice that has touched several generations of rock fans so there’s a reason why Jimmy Page once thought about asking him to become Led Zeppelin’s frontman. Last year his third solo effort, ‘The Art of Letting Go’, hit the shelves. Whereas his previous solo efforts –  ‘Year of the Tiger’ (2018) and ‘The Ides of March’ (2021) – were more unplugged and intimate, ‘The Art of Letting Go’ showcases a harder side of himself. The new album is testament to the versatility of Kennedy’s voice and each of the ten tracks is a classic in its own right. Don’t miss out on one of the best rock singers of his generation! #GMM25

In 2012 Alestorm mastermind Christopher Bowes founded a new power metal band inspired by the mysterious and misty decor of the medieval Scottish Highlands. On their 2013 debut, the concept album ‘Tales from the Kingdom of Fife’, Gloryhammer tells tales of epic battles, fiery dragons, witches and wizards, but always tongue-in-cheek. Their sophomore album ‘Space 1992: Rise of the Chaos Wizards’ (2015) adds a sci-fi touch to the narrative of its predecessor. Gloryhammer stands for top power metal entertainment that milks every cliché in the book while totally getting away with it. In late 2021, longtime singer Thomas Winkler found  himself at the centre of controversy and left the band. His replacement Sozos Michael made his first studio contribution on ‘Return to the Kingdom of Fife’ (2023), which hearkens back to the sound of their beginnings. Gloryhammer don’t take themselves too seriously and Sozos knows how to deliver every intentionally ludicrous line with complete and utter abandon. Hoots! #GMM25

In 2006 and eight years later Jerry Cantrell played GMM as a member of Alice in Chains. While that band still exists, Jerry Cantrell has also built a solo career over the years. His solo work is akin to what we’re used to hearing from him but it’s his unique singing voice that provides extra spice. He recently dropped his fourth solo effort, ‘I Want Blood’, a darker album than its predecessor, riff-based and reminiscent of the output that saw Alice in Chains soar to fame. An excellent new solo album and the occasional Alice in Chains classic: what a great way to kill an hour. #GMM25

Take the influences and ideas of the different members, toss them into a skillet and see what’s cooking. Apparently that’s how the band came by its name. Today, the husband and wife team of John & Korey Cooper, Jen Ledger (drums) and Seth Morrison (lead guitar) continues to spread the word. The Christian rock band debuted in 1996 with a self-titled post-grunge oriented album that was well-received. Follow-up ‘Hey You, I Love Your Soul’ (1997) gravitated towards more accessible alternative rock but the fans still loved it. 2003’s ‘Collide’ made inroads into the mainstream. Apart from including synthesizers, they also like to bring in ‘non-metal’ instruments such as the kettledrum, the violin and the cello. Across the Atlantic, Skillet are a major draw and ‘Rise’ was the best-selling rock record of 2013. ‘Unleashed’ (2016) relies more heavily on electronics and keyboards without abandoning the arena rock vibe that permeates most of their work. Since the mid-2010’s their popularity has surged and their most recent outing ‘Revolution’ (2024) calls for a revolution of love, promoting themes of love and understanding over a militaristic world view. #GMM25

Polish blackened death metal titans Behemoth are returning to Graspop Metal Meeting this summer for an exclusive Benelux performance! Known for their ferocious live shows and theatrical stage presence, the band will unleash their signature blend of blistering riffs, thunderous drums, and unholy intensity upon Dessel. With their new album The Shit Ov God on the horizon, this show promises to be even more monumental, as Nergal and his legion treat fans to a mix of fresh, blasphemous anthems and timeless classics. (#GMM25) 

Kittie is a pioneering Canadian metal band that shattered expectations when they burst onto the scene in 1999 with ‘Spit’, a gothic/nu-metal oriented album that cemented their place as pioneers of female-driven heavy music. Formed by sisters Morgan and Mercedes Lander, Kittie quickly gained a loyal following with their raw energy and fierce attitude. Subsequent albums (‘Oracle’, ‘Until the End’, ‘Funeral for Yesterday’) were influenced by Slayer and Metallica-style thrash and all broke into the US Indie Top 10. Despite their early success, the band faced challenges, including line-up changes, industry struggles and the tragic loss of former bassist Trish Doan in 2017. After a lengthy hiatus, Kittie roared back to life, proving their resilience and passion were stronger than ever. Their 2024 album ‘Fire’ is a triumphant return to form, blending their signature heaviness with new-found intensity. #GMM25 

Talent comes in many forms but sometimes musical genius doesn’t get the praise it deserves. As a musician, you should never be afraid to broaden your horizons and explore new territory and that’s exactly what Benji Webbe did. He first came to the fore in the early 90s with Dub War. Ahead of its time, the Welsh band played a powerful form of what can be described as ragga metal. Some were quick to recognise the energetic singer’s rare talent. The music press took a liking to Dub War and household metal names asked for collabs. One of the established artists Benji worked with was Max Cavalera, who was just starting out with Soulfly. Meanwhile he founded Skindred, mixing metal, alternative rock and reggae while also integrating dub step patterns. Their debut ‘Babylon’ (2002) garnered positive reviews thanks to a combination of innovative content and a total lack of pretension. Meanwhile the unconventional band have put out eight albums, with ‘2023’s ‘Smile’ as their latest slab. Get ready for this one because frontman Benji Webbe knows how to tame a crowd! #GMM25 

Poppy is a shape-shifting force of nature, equal parts pop star, metal siren and performance art enigma. She’s been breaking boundaries since 2018, veering from bubble gum melodies to industrial chaos, often within the same song. Her collaboration with the American wrestling scene put her on the map and her contribution to the Knocked Loose track ‘Suffocate’ also raised her profile. Her 2020 album ‘I Disagree’ was a watershed moment: an explosive fusion of nu-metal, alt-pop and electronic experimentation that earned her a Grammy nomination for the track ‘Bloodmoney’ and a place in the heavier music world. Refusing to be boxed in, Poppy followed up with ‘Flux’ (2021), a more grunge-tinged affair that revealed yet another layer to her artistry. Whether she’s whispering lullabies or screaming over distorted riffs, Poppy always commands attention. Expect the unexpected and prepare to be mesmerised. #GMM25

Lorna Shore have developed into a non-stop touring machine that takes every venue by storm. In the States they completed a tour with Belgian death metal stalwarts Aborted, selling out every single show with consummate ease. Their fourth strike ‘Pain Remains’ (2022) is their third contribution since the departure of the last original members. Both heavy and utterly engaging, the album spotlights a band that has outgrown its erstwhile deathcore label and is expertly adept at blending black and death metal. Will Ramos is one of the best vocalists on the extreme metal scene, with a vocal reach as wide as the wingspan of an albatross. It’s easy to see why fans of Behemoth and Suicide Silence will happily give them an hour of their time. #GMM25

Hailing from Bridgend, Wales, Bullet for My Valentine burst onto the metal scene in 2005 with their debut album ‘The Poison’, a brutal blend of metalcore, melody and raw emotion that quickly earned them a global fanbase. That record lit the fuse on a career that would see them become one of the UK’s biggest modern metal exports. Over the years, their sound has evolved – heavier, sharper, and more refined – without losing the intensity that made them stand out. 2015’s ‘Venom’ is a great place to start if you don’t their music that well. Still infused with their metalcore roots, the album also offers the accessibility of their later work. Their most recent, self-titled album (2021) embraces darker tones and blistering heaviness. Earlier this year they sold the Lotto Arena in Antwerp and now they’re here to wreak more havoc. #GMM25

The trailblazing American nu-metallers have spearheaded the genre for three decades and can’t wait to conquer Graspop Metal Meeting to celebrate this milestone in style - with their fans! With mythic hits like ‘Freak on a Leash’, ‘Falling Away from Me’ and ‘Blind’ to name but a few, Korn were instrumental in shaping the genre, inspiring millions of fans across the globe. #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