Hiraes

Opening the main stage on Sunday, German melodic death metal band Hiraes brings a fresh yet seasoned sound. Formed in 2020 by members of Dawn of Disease and The Very End, they skillfully blend aggressive riffs with melodic passages. Their debut album Solitary (2021) showcases emotive vocals and technical proficiency, striking a balance between brutality and melody. Hiraes’ set promises an engaging introduction to the day, appealing to fans of modern melodic death metal with a classic touch.

Now Hiraes crossed our path often the last year and we have known to be a bit critical on the cleaner vocals. Every time we see Hiraes again it proves to be a bit better than the time before so that is something positive we like to point out. It is clear that the intensive tour with Moonspell and Dark Tranquillity learned them how to work the bigger stages and that is where Into The Grave is benefitting from today. A nice opener of the day.

Tailgunner

On the Reaper stage, British heavy metal newcomers Tailgunner deliver a classic metal experience infused with modern energy. Since their formation in 2019, they have drawn inspiration from the likes of Iron Maiden and Judas Priest, crafting soaring vocals and intricate guitar work. Their debut album The Passage (2022) highlights their dedication to traditional heavy metal, combining technical skill with powerful hooks. Tailgunner’s set energized fans who appreciate a fresh take on classic metal sounds.

Bildtstar

Bildtstar, a Dutch metalcore/alternative band formed in the early 2010s, takes the main stage next. Known for blending heavy breakdowns with melodic sections, their sound is both aggressive and accessible. Their 2023 album Echoes of the Void captures their dynamic range and emotional depth. Bildtstar’s energetic live presence provided a powerful contrast to the more extreme metal acts on the bill, engaging audiences with their compelling mix of heaviness and melody.

Martyr

Thrash veterans Martyr return to the Reaper stage with a no-nonsense approach. Originating from the Netherlands in the early 1980s, Martyr has been a cornerstone of Dutch thrash metal. Their latest album, The Final Sacrifice (2020), demonstrates their enduring aggression and tight riffing. Their performance promises classic thrash energy delivered with precision and passion, a nod to the genre’s golden age that still packs a punch for modern audiences.

Martyr is a band we seen often and their ability to connect with their audience is what makes them loved here locally. The band has been abroad often so also for non-Dutch the set was bringing something recognizable. A playful performance at the Reaper stage here today!

Vader

Polish death metal legends Vader take the main stage with decades of intense, high-speed brutality. Since their formation in 1983, they’ve been pioneers in blending relentless riffing with precise drumming and guttural vocals. Their 2020 album Solitude in Madness continues their tradition of technical and ferocious death metal. Fans can expect a fierce, adrenaline-fueled set showcasing why Vader remains a stalwart of the death metal scene worldwide.

Vader is always a stable factor. If you see this band on the bill you know that you will get a good show. Very predictable, but also not too surprising. The band played conform expectations. Fans were enjoying it, like always so no more words needed to describe their set.

Brat

Croatian heavy metal band Brat brings their nostalgic yet fresh classic metal sound to the Reaper stage. Since forming in 2013, they have embraced the spirit of the ’80s with powerful vocals and traditional metal instrumentation. Their debut album Hell’s Fire (2018) demonstrates their passion for high-energy riffs and melodic hooks. Brat’s performance is expected to be a lively celebration of old-school metal, perfectly complementing the heavier acts on the festival’s other stages.

Brat was a bit of a strange thing here. A cheerleader with a grunt. We see the gimmick and also how the people watching it were barely responding to it. Missing a bit of body music wise does not help them either. Time for food.

Feuerschwanz

Known for their theatrical and humorous take on folk metal, German band Feuerschwanz commands the main stage with raucous energy. Since 2004, they have blended medieval instruments and melodies with hard-hitting metal riffs. Their latest album Memento Mori (2022) captures their mix of partying spirit and musical craftsmanship. Expect a lively, entertaining set full of catchy choruses and playful storytelling that will engage both folk metal fans and newcomers alike.

Feuerschwanz brought a whole lot of people along and it seems that their reputation have brought many Germans to Leeuwarden along with the Dutch. A whole décor is accompanying them to suit their theme and thus we are watching a colorful performance in many ways. This day was surely for the power metal today and as Powerwolf is headlining this day, they provide a good match. Pure entertainment.

Bewitcher

American speed/thrash metal band Bewitcher brings their occult-inspired aggression to the Reaper stage. Formed in 2013, they have built a reputation for high-speed, energetic performances reminiscent of classic speed metal with a modern twist. Their 2022 album Cursed Be Thy Kingdom highlights their ability to fuse thrash ferocity with dark, mystical themes. Bewitcher’s set was a blistering and intense ride through fast riffs and pounding drums.

Gloryhammer

Scottish power metal act Gloryhammer delivers epic fantasy tales wrapped in soaring melodies and theatrical stagecraft. Since 2010, they have gained fame for their storytelling prowess and catchy, bombastic songs. Their 2022 album Return to the Kingdom of Fife continues their blend of power metal grandeur and humor. Gloryhammer’s main stage performance is expected to be a colorful spectacle full of energetic anthems and fantastical escapism.

GloryHammer follows where Feuerschwanz left a different theme, but the fantasy is going strongly here today., The band has played thew festival before and many seems familiar with their material. A catchy show where people were singing along loudly.

Dynazty

Swedish hard rockers Dynazty bring melodic hooks and polished performances to the Reaper stage. Formed in 2008, their sound combines elements of glam, melodic rock, and metal. Their latest album Final Advent (2023) showcases anthemic choruses and refined songwriting. Dynazty’s set promised to be a dynamic mix of catchy melodies and hard-hitting riffs, providing an accessible yet powerful contrast to the festival’s heavier offerings.

Dynazty has returned to Into The Grave and some of their audience have spend the entire day in front of the stage to have that frontrow place available for them. The band is very interactive with heir audience and with catchy tracks they get some moshing going, but also slightly leaning into the party vibe that drenched the Sunday. The band brings a good balance of skills and joy, showing exactly how much they have grown in the past years.

Powerwolf

Closing the festival on the main stage, German power metal giants Powerwolf deliver their signature blend of heavy metal with dark religious themes. Since 2003, they have become known for their anthemic choruses, powerful riffs, and theatrical stage presence. Their 2021 album Call of the Wild continues their tradition of bombastic, catchy metal.

Costs were not saved by Powerwolf, an enormous production was created where stage décor includes a lot of screens , risers and colorful backgrounds combined with a serious amount of pyro’s that were reaching high up to the sky. It almost seems so over the top that Into The Grave is too small for, but in the end it provided a very atmospheric ending to this year’s edition. Whether you were watching from up front or all the way to the back of the field, you were engaged with their set due to this level of production. But a production is nothing if the music is not hitting ground. Powerwolf have shown that the catchy material they have is well-composed and have a good balance between heaviness and catchiness. Surely a great ending of the weekend!