Tenside

Tenside, a German metalcore band formed in 2012, is known for their blend of melodic elements and aggressive riffs. They have been steadily gaining recognition in the European metal scene with their high-energy performances and tight musicianship. Their latest album, The Mind’s Reflection (2023), showcases their evolution, featuring a mix of heavy breakdowns and melodic passages. Tenside’s Job today was to open the festival and the Germans had a handful people that showed up early for them. They apologized for not bringing the sun along, but were appreciative for the early birds out here. Their performance was a quite melodic one, having the catchiness that matches many Melo-death bands. They provided a smooth start of the day.

Gutalax

Gutalax, a Czech goregrind band formed in 2007, is known for their humorous and over-the-top approach to grindcore. Their energetic performances and unique style have garnered them a dedicated following in the underground scene. Their album, Gore Galore (2023), features their signature blend of fast riffs and guttural vocals. Gutalax’s performance at the festival is expected to be a chaotic and entertaining experience, showcasing their commitment to the grindcore genre.

Toiletbrushes in the air, suits on, floaties filled with air? Yes, Gutalax is ready to start. A show of these guys is not so much about what happens on stage, but rather the response to it. Circlepitting around with the most random items, preferrably toilet themed the fans are going round. Ther mud does not bother them. An occassional rol of toiletpaper makes it through the air and all with big smiles on the faces. Gutalax is a different kind of entertainment that brings each festival to good spirits and so it happened at South of Heaven.

Textures

Textures, a Dutch progressive metal band formed in 2001, is renowned for their intricate compositions and dynamic performances. They blend elements of metalcore, djent, and progressive rock, creating a unique and complex sound. Their latest album, Phenotype (2016), showcases their evolution, featuring a mix of heavy riffs and melodic passages. Textures’ performance at the festival was a powerful and engaging experience, reflecting their dedication to pushing the boundaries of metal. They have been off the radar for a few years but since their return we can enjoy their performances every once in a while again. Those with a love for the Technical metal were looking forward to this set and so were we. A bunch of classics came by but the band also brings something new to South of Heaven indicating they are working on a new release. Good news as the song they played certainly fits in line what we are used to from Textures, but also seem to explore beyond that. Interesting! Looking forward to see what is next from them, they teased us well here today!

Decapitated

Decapitated, a Polish death metal band formed in 1996, is known for their technical prowess and aggressive sound. They have been a significant force in the death metal scene, with a reputation for delivering powerful live performances. Their latest album, Cancer Culture (2022), continues their tradition of intricate compositions and intense rhythms. Decapitated’s performance at the festival is anticipated to be a masterclass in technical death metal, delivering both complexity and brutality.

Back in Netherlands with a new vocalist, the Finnish Eemeli of Mors Subita, the audience is up for quite something. We have seen Mors Subita several times before so for us this sounds like a good match for Decapitated. If you wonder where the differences are, you could say that the sharpest edge in vocals is of it, but the instrumental part balances that out. Vehement as ever the band goes through their set. Some surprises here and there, “Suicidal Space Programme” for example make the whole interesting for the long time fans. Nice to see this band getting on, a well deserved moshpit to honour that!

Sylosis

Sylosis, a British metal band formed in 2000, blends elements of thrash, death, and progressive metal. Known for their intricate compositions and dynamic performances, they have established themselves as a prominent act in the UK metal scene. Their latest album, A Sign of Things to Come (2023), showcases their evolution, featuring a mix of melodic passages and aggressive riffs. Sylosis’s performance was expected to deliver a powerful and engaging experience, reflecting their dedication to pushing the boundaries of metal and that was something the band delivered. The band has a wide variation in their songs, some being more focussed on agressive parts wheras on others they have a more catchy vibe. Sometimes the band feels a bit distant from their audience as if mainly living in their own atmosphere, but it has its charm as well.

Carcass

Carcass, a British death metal band formed in 1985, is considered one of the pioneers of the grindcore and melodic death metal genres. Their influence on extreme metal is profound, with a legacy that spans decades. Their latest album, Torn Arteries (2021), continues their tradition of blending technicality with melody. Carcass’s performance at the festival was a celebration of their extensive catalog, delivering both classic hits and new material. Their tendacy to have it look slightly different than the metal cliché makes them a crowd favorite. Light colored backdrop, no typical black outfits, simply their sound brought as they are. Songs of the Heartwork release were played and some Surgical Steel was not left out either. Some of these tracks are passing by every time you see Carcass and thus are known amongst fans and regular festivalvisitors simultaneously. Carcass always delivers and today was no exception.

In Flames

In Flames, a Swedish metal band formed in 1990, is one of the most influential acts in the melodic death metal genre. Their evolution over the years has seen them incorporate elements of alternative and modern metal into their sound. Their latest album, Foregone (2023), showcases their continued innovation, blending melodic hooks with heavy riffs. In Flames’s performance at the festival is probably the most anticipated. All day peopke ere talkimg about how they looked forward seeing the Melo Death giants do their thing. No wonder that the madness started right away when they started playing. Lots of crowdsurfers which was much welcomed and encouraged by the Swedes. “Deliver Us”, “Cloud Connected” or final track “Take This Life”.. each one its as much as the other. No question, In Flames was the crowdfavorite here today.

Meshuggah

Meshuggah, a Swedish progressive metal band formed in 1987, is renowned for their complex rhythms and innovative approach to metal. They are pioneers of the djent movement, known for their polyrhythmic structures and down-tuned guitars. Their latest album, Immutable (2022), continues their tradition of blending technicality with heaviness. Meshuggah’s performance at South of Heaven seems a masterclass in modern metal, delivering both complexity and intensity. Combine that with a spectacular lightshow that includes lasers and a lot of haze and the atmosphere is spot on for the sound they have. It seemed almost like they aited a couple of extra minutes to seethe sun disappear from the horizon before they hit the stage. Well thought and well times. Musically as much as showwise!

Savage Lands

Savage Lands is a non-profit metal project co-founded in 2022 by Megadeth drummer Dirk Verbeuren and Costa Rican musician-activist Sylvain Demercastel. The project aims to raise awareness and funds for global reforestation efforts, particularly in Costa Rica. Their debut album, Army of the Trees (2025), features collaborations with members of Sepultura, Obituary, Arch Enemy, and Heilung. 100% of the album’s royalties support conservation initiatives, including the purchase and protection of forest areas. Savage Lands’ performance at South of Heaven combined heavy metal with a powerful environmental message. With various guests, Damian from Textures for example, the band brings us some music. It seems a bit like you are watching a jam happening in front of you, obviously the lineup is not steady for this formation so you are not seeing a solid team. But a lot of joy amongst the artist is contagious. And we all know why we are watching it. The cause is important and thus the rest is secondary.

I Am Morbid

I Am Morbid is a death metal band formed by former Morbid Angel members. The band was established to perform classic Morbid Angel material, focusing on the early albums that defined the death metal genre. Their setlist today was focused on the album Dominate, which celebrates its 30 years of existence. I Am Morbid’s was perhaps a headliner for this ‘afterparty’ of South of Heaven, the place was pretty packed. No wonder that there was a lot of response; moshpits, the occasional crowdsurfer and some wild cheering. Theset turns out to be a nostalgic journey through death metal history, delivering powerful renditions of classic tracks. After the whole was done, people long scavenged for souvenirs. One to remember, this set!

From The Crypt

From The Crypt, a Dutch death metal band, is known for their raw and aggressive sound. Formed in the early 2010s, they have been steadily gaining recognition in the European metal scene. Their latest album, Cryptic Visions (2023), showcases their evolution, blending classic death metal elements with modern influences.

For us a long journey back to the headquarters was in the planning, so we stuck by for few songs only. Therefore we just show some photos and leave the words for when we are able to see more.