Majestica

Majestica, originally founded in Boden, Sweden, began life as Tommy Johansson’s solo project under the name ReinXeed in 2000. Over time, it evolved into a full-fledged symphonic power metal band, drawing strong inspiration from cinematic scores and stalwarts of the genre like Helloween and Rhapsody of Fire. In 2019, after Tommy’s stint with Sabaton, the project was reborn as Majestica and released their powerful debut Above the Sky. This year sees the arrival of their highly anticipated third studio album, Power Train.

Opening at Alcatraz Festival, the band delivered a vibrant and soaring set packed with energy.

From the moment the opening riff thundered out, Majestica conjured a heroic, cinematic vibe, channeling both the “power metal is the best music in the world” spirit and epic soundscapes akin to theme scores.
The upbeat pacing and soaring melodies had the crowd erupting in cheers, especially during the hook-laden thunder of “Power Train” and the melodic punch of “A New Beginning.”

Overall, Majestica’s performance at Alcatraz was a triumphant demonstration of feel-good, orchestral power metal—perfectly suited to a festival opening the day with energy and metal magic.

Avulsed

Avulsed is a stalwart of the Spanish death metal scene, hailing from Madrid and formed in 1991 under the leadership of vocalist Dave Rotten. Their sound is rooted in brutal, uncompromising death metal, dense riffs, gruesome themes, and unrelenting intensity, often with a darkly self-aware twist. As of 2025, after a prolonged wait of around twelve years, they’ve released their eighth full-length album, Phoenix Cryptobiosis.

The atmosphere of a mid-day death metal blast was unforgettable. The heat of the afternoon combined with the gore-laden brutality of Avulsed created a uniquely intense vibe — the crowd was watching the show in calmth. At some point their vocalist Dave decided to baptize himself and his bandmembers in blood. Some frontrow crowd was up for that treat as well. A somewhat cliché but certainly not uninteresting part of their set.
Overall, Avulsed delivered a ferocious, tight, and unrelenting performance, a forceful tribute to their decades-long legacy and a convincing prelude to their upcoming album.

Flotsam & Jetsam

Flotsam & Jetsam are a seminal American thrash metal band from Phoenix, Arizona, formed in 1981. Their genre blends thrash, speed, and power metal influences, with fifteen studio albums to their name. Their latest release, I Am the Weapon, came out in September 2024 and continues a creative resurgence that began with their 2016 self-titled record and was solidified by The End of Chaos (2019) and Blood in the Water (2021).

From the first riff of “Hammerhead,” the band struck a perfect balance of lightning-fast aggression and technical precision. Eric “A.K.” Knutson’s vocals were commanding, backed by razor-sharp dual guitars from Michael Gilbert and Steve Conley. The crowd erupted in moshing energy during the thrash anthems, particularly for the joyous reunion of “No Place For Disgrace.” The midday sunlight didn’t dampen the frenzy; instead, it amplified the excitement, fans clashed, arms flew, and necks strained in unison. In just under an hour, Flotsam & Jetsam delivered a ferocious, high-energy set that paid homage to their legacy while showcasing their latest arsenal.

All in all, their set at Alcatraz was a triumph—pure, unfiltered thrash fury that reminded the audience why this band remains a vital force in metal.

Bark

Bark hail from Antwerp, Belgium, and deliver a fierce blend of groove metal and death‑’n‑roll that’s as raw as it is relentless. Originally formed in 2014, this band fuses snarling vocal aggression, pounding rhythms, and gritty riffs to electrify the underground metal scene. Their newest full-length album, The Time Has Come came out recently.

Bark unleashed their signature aggression on the Helldorado stage. The band’s performance was a maelstrom of energy. Opening with the ferocious “Negativist” set the tone—immediately igniting the crowd into frenzied moshing. “Voice of Dog,” a crowd favorite, brought the pits into full swing, while “Mass Lobotomy” ratcheted up the aggression even further. And when they unleashed “I’m a Wreck,” the atmosphere hit peak intensity as fans surged forward, voices raw with excitement.

Frontman Ron Bruynseels drove the crowd wild, while the guitar duo of Martin Furia and Toon Huet head‑banged with ferocious precision. Together with the rhythm section of Ward and Jorn Van der Straeten, Bark delivered one of the most unrelenting and visceral performances of the weekend.

Cult of the Scarecrow

Cult of the Scarecrow are a Belgian heavy/epic doom metal band, founded in 2017 with roots in the former thrash outfit Die Sinner Die. Their style blends epic doom, old-school heavy metal, thrash riffing, and grungy atmospheres—drawing comparisons to Candlemass, Alice in Chains, and traditional heavy metal fused with brooding melodies. Their most recent release, In Nomine Filiorum, dropped in October 2024.

The Morgue stage’s dim lighting and claustrophobic space perfectly complemented Cult of the Scarecrow’s ominous, doom-laden sound. “In the Name of the Children,” with its church-like ambiance and foreboding presence, cast a chilling spell over the crowd. “Robotized,” with its gritty riffs and rhythmic drive, ignited subtle headbanging and captivated listeners with its dark groove. Throughout, the band maintained a commanding presence, weaving epic riffs and melodic atmosphere into their performance.

In just 40 minutes, Cult of the Scarecrow brought an atmospheric, brooding performance that balanced doom’s weight with melodic finesse. Their Alcatraz set was a haunting journey—dark, immersive, and deeply memorable.

D-A-D

D‑A‑D (formerly Disneyland After Dark) is a legendary Danish hard rock band formed in Copenhagen in the early 1980s. Known for their tongue-in-cheek take on hard rock and glam metal, with a healthy dose of cowpunk swagger. They gained international attention with their 1989 breakthrough No Fuel Left for the Pilgrims featuring the hit “Sleeping My Day Away”. Their most recent studio album, Speed of Darkness, was released in October 2024.

From the first booming chords, crowd energy surged with cheers and headbanging. Classic tracks like “Sleeping My Day Away” likely echoed across the crowd, merging nostalgia with high-octane performance. The crisp midday sunlight didn’t drench the mood—it fueled it. The band’s stage presence, fueled by bassist Stig Pedersen’s showmanship (and his iconic two-string rocket-shaped bass), along with tight musicianship, drove the audience into a euphoric frenzy .

In a compact, punchy set, D‑A‑D proved they still command the stage with infectious energy, memorable riffs, and a winking charm—reinforcing why they remain a beloved staple in hard rock, even four decades into their career.

Congress

Congress are legendary Belgian hardcore pioneers hailing from the H8000 scene. Formed in 1993, they fused thrash‑inspired metal with hardcore to create a raw, aggressive sound dubbed “edgecore” or “edge metal.” Early staples like Euridium (1994), Blackened Persistence (1995), The Other Cheek (1996), and Angry with the Sun (1998) solidified their status in the underground scene before their 2006 hiatus—only to return fueled by undiminished fire.

The energy was electric—mosh pits erupted and the crowd matched the band’s visceral intensity. “Lifting the Ban,” with its punishing groove and confrontational delivery, galvanized the audience, while “Under Pressure” amplified the tension and raw power of the live experience. Fans were drawn into a whirlwind of headbanging and collective catharsis, embodying the spirit of H8000’s DIY and straight‑edge ethos.

In under an hour, Congress reasserted their dominance with a ferocious return—heavy, unyielding, and utterly compelling. Their set at Alcatraz 2025 was a potent reminder that their edgecore flame still burns fiercely.

Gaerea

Hailing from Porto, Portugal, Gaerea forms within the post‑black metal genre, delivering what they themselves describe as “cathartic black metal”, a powerful fusion of depressive, melodic, and orchestral elements that leave a lasting emotional imprint.

Given Gaerea’s reputation as a visceral live act their Alcatraz set surely submerged the audience into emotional abysses. The Swamp tent was filled to the brim and beyond. Tracks such as “Deluge” and “World Ablaze” stand out for their emotional heft and atmospheric weight, likely triggering both crowd introspection and intensity. The midday light interacting with their masked, mystic presence must have added a chilling contrast, crafting a moment of dark beauty amidst the festival chaos. The band has everything in balance. The lights, the decor, the mask and the music has their own spot and nothing overshadows the other. Often you see that one aspect goes overboard but it speaks for the guys that all is simply working out like this. Enough space to have the music be a doing the impact, speed, aggression and lyrical content making the band what it is. Performed with finesse and care make that Gaerea may have been one of the bests of the day, seeking the headlines of the day for their spot next time.

In just over 40 minutes, Gaerea conjured an immersive blend of anguish, beauty, and transcendence.

Forbidden

Forged in the thrash-metal crucible of the San Francisco Bay Area in 1985, Forbidden (originally Forbidden Evil) solidified their legacy with the classic Forbidden Evil (1988) and the technical-leaning masterpiece Twisted Into Form (1990), earning a spot among the “Big Six” of Bay Area thrash.
From the first thrash salvo to the riffs of “Forbidden Evil,” the audience responded with raucous cheers and head-long moshing. The return of those quintessential Bay Area grooves felt both reverent and invigorating. The introduction of “Divided By Zero” injected a fresh intensity, blending thrash’s past with its potent future. The packed festival crowd mirrored the band’s raw power—tight, aggressive, and filled with collective adrenaline.

In an electrifying set, Forbidden reaffirmed why they remain thrash royalty. Their Alcatraz 2025 performance was a compelling fusion of legacy and evolution—aggressive riffs, cathartic energy, and a bold step forward all in one.

Pig Destroyer

Emerging in 1997 from Alexandria, Virginia, Pig Destroyer redefined the boundaries of grindcore with razor‑sharp guitars, relentless drumming, and J. R. Hayes’ bleakly poetic lyricism. As one of grindcore’s most respected acts, they fuse thrash, doom, punk, and noise into a devastating sonic assault.

From the moment they launched into “Pretty in Casts,” the crowd was snapped into motion: a frenzy of moshing, headbanging, and visceral energy. When “Loathsome” hit, the groove‑laden brutality and infectious momentum brought a darker, visceral edge that left the audience both rattled and invigorated. The compressed, brutal sound was tight and palpable, a grim wall of hardcore noise perfect for the Swamp Stage’s claustrophobic vibe.

Pig Destroyer reaffirmed their relentless reputation: a visceral, impeccably executed grindcore barrage that refused to relent. Their Alcatraz set was a savage highlight—poetic, punishing, and unforgettable.

Fear Factory

Fear Factory are an industrial metal powerhouse hailing from Los Angeles, California, formed in 1990. Originally merging grinding death metal with mechanized industrial elements, they evolved into a defining force in groove and industrial metal, renowned for their cold precision riffing, and dual vocal styles. In 2025, Dino Cazares leads the band into a new era with vocalist Milo Silvestro and drummer Pete Webber, while also commemorating the 30th anniversary of their landmark album Demanufacture

From the moment “Demanufacture” roared to life, the crowd became a human machine of headbanging and moshing, locked into the relentless groove. The gripping grooves of “Self Bias Resistor” and the crushing riffs of “Replica” served as both nostalgic hits and visceral climaxes. The atmospheric weight of “Shock” and the mechanical brilliance of “Linchpin” showcased the band’s enduring influence and futuristic ethos.
In under an hour, Fear Factory delivered a high-voltage tribute to their legacy with the full Demanufacture album—unrelenting, precise, and nostalgically feral. Their Alcatraz 2025 performance not only paid homage to a genre-defining classic but also proved that their industrial heart still pounds with unapologetic force.

Dope

Dope is an American industrial/nu-metal band founded in New York City in 1997 by Edsel Dope and his brother Simon. Their sound blends aggressive industrial metal with fierce nu-metal intensity, influenced by Ministry and Skinny Puppy, delivering “angry, simple, and full of middle fingers” energy, according to Edsel himself. Their most recent studio album, Blood Money Part Zer0, was released in February 2023 and marks their seventh album, continuing their legacy of unapologetic sonic assaults

Once “Blood Money” launched, the crowd ignited with fierce pit action and headbanging, matching the band’s raw fury. “Debonaire” added a nostalgic intensity, while “Die MF Die” and “You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)” spiked the energy even further—melding infectious riffing with tongue-in-cheek flair.

In a compact but ferocious set, Dope delivered unapologetic industrial-metal chaos that filled the Helldorado stage with misfit pride and pulsing energy. Their performance at Alcatraz 2025 was unapologetic, relentless, and a standout reminder of why they still resonate in the metal underground.

Tjuder

Tsjuder hail from Oslo, Norway—formed in 1993 by bassist/vocalist Nag and guitarist Draugluin—and stand as an enduring pillar of raw, uncompromising Norwegian black metal. Their aggressive sound draws heavily on early black metal and thrash acts like Bathory, Darkthrone, Marduk, Sodom, and Kreator.

From the opening blast of “Malignant Coronation” to the frost‑biting riffs of “Kaos,” Tsjuder transported the crowd into frigid sonic chaos. The relentless tremolo riffing of “Prestehammeren” and grim intensity of “Slakt” amplified the ferocity—mosh pits erupted, and heads orbits turned into flurries of movement.
In a tightly controlled 50-minute onslaught, Tsjuder delivered one of the coldest, most savage black metal performances of Alcatraz 2025—devastating yet precise, drenched in icy menace, and unforgettable in intensity.

Kerry King

Kerry King, legendary thrash metal guitarist of Slayer, stepped into the solo spotlight with his debut album From Hell I Rise, released in 2024. In 2025, he brought his new band—featuring Phil Demmel (guitar), Kyle Sanders (bass), Paul Bostaph (drums), and Mark Osegueda (vocals)—to Alcatraz Festival, continuing his iconic legacy in a fresh context.

Opening with Repentless, the performance instantly ignited the crowd, unleashing familiar thrash intensity that felt both nostalgic and fresh. The stark power of Raining Blood and Black Magic triggered frenzied moshing and headbanging, while From Hell I Rise lent a modern edge. With some energetic band members sometimes mr King himself fades a bit in the performance, a pity but not different from what we have seen with Slayer. Focus on the playing and the energy swarms around him.

In a powerful one-hour set, Kerry King delivered relentless thrash that bridged legacy and rebirth. Anchored by signature Slayer riffs and driven by a high-octane new lineup, the show was a raw, energetic reminder that the King still reigns in thrash—though some fans longed for the haunted magic of the original.

Downset

Downset., stylized in lowercase, are a pioneering American rap‑metal/rap‑hardcore band from Los Angeles. Originally formed as Social Justice in the late 1980s, they rebranded to Downset. in the early 1990s. Their music fuses hardcore punk, rap, funk, and metal with socially conscious, street‑wise lyrics—a style often cited as a precursor to later nu‑metal and rap‑metal movements.

As soon as the first familiar riff hit—possibly from “Do We Speak a Dead Language?”—the crowd erupted into energetic chaos. The blend of aggressive rap delivery, propulsive riffs, and politically charged lyricism brought the crowd to a frenzy. Newer material like the Maintain-era track infused a fresh intensity, seamlessly meshed with nostalgic favorites.
Downset. delivered a fierce, impactful set—bridging their early hardcore‑rap swagger with renewed urgency.

Borknagar

Borknagar are a Norwegian progressive/avant-garde black metal band, formed in 1995 by Øystein G. Brun as a more melodic outlet branching from the early black metal scene. Their music masterfully blends black metal’s raw intensity with folk, progressive, and melodic elements, setting them apart as one of the genre’s most dynamic acts. Their latest studio album, Fall, was released on February 23, 2024 via Century Media Records.

Opening with the soaring riff of “Nordic Anthem,” Borknagar immediately transported the audience into their realm of icy landscapes and introspective intensity. “Moon,” with its haunting melodies and dynamic shifts, created atmospheric tension that captivated the crowd. Later, “Summits,” taken from Fall, soared across the stage with progressive flair and emotional weight, linking the new album with their older material.

Borknagar delivered an immersive set weaving powerful melodies, progressive complexity, and raw black metal energy. Their performance struck a perfect balance between legacy and evolution—honoring their past while unmistakably surveying new sonic peaks.

Prong

Prong originated in New York City in 1986, founded by guitarist/vocalist Tommy Victor and emerging directly from the raw energy of the city’s hardcore scene. Their sound spans crossover thrash in their early work and evolved toward groove, industrial, and alternative metal styles by the ’90s, earning them recognition within the groove metal movement alongside bands like Pantera and Sepultura.
From the opening riff of “Beg to Differ” onward, the crowd was fully ignited—mosh pits erupted, and amplifiers of adrenaline echoed throughout Helldorado. “Broken Peace” and “Disbelief” fueled the energy with relentless groove, while “Prove You Wrong” renewed classic power that many had come to thrash along to. When “Snap Your Fingers, Snap Your Neck” hit, the audience was absolute chaos in the best way—unified in momentary communion through primal rhythm. An interesting add to this day’s line up.

Alkerdeel

Alkerdeel, hailing from Zomergem, East Flanders, are a Belgian extreme metal band formed in 2005. Their sound weaves raw black metal with doom, sludge, crust, punk, kraut, and noise, creating an unpredictable, surreal, and visceral sonic journey—laced with Belgian surrealism and grime in equal measure . The band is known to showcases a metamorphosis from sludge-heavy roots to pulsating rage through haunting riffs, cavernous bass grooves, and savage vocal delivery.

From the moment eerie distortion morphed into the dread-steeped riff of a Slonk track, the crowd was submerged into an unsettling blackened explosion The production’s trembling guitars, rattling drums, septic vocals created a sense of ritualistic confrontation. Massive pits and choas all over reigned during the band’s set.

Alkerdeel executed one of the most disturbing and mesmerizing sets of Alcatraz 2025, an immersive explosion of surreal extremity that entranced and unsettled in equal measure. Their performance was a full-on plunge into the abyss—and an unforgettable testament to the edge of Belgian blackened experimentation.

Static-X

Static‑X, formed in Los Angeles in the mid‑1990s, pioneered a distinctive blend of industrial and nu-metal, merging blistering guitar riffs with electronic grooves and Wayne Static’s iconic snarling vocals and hairstyle.. After Wayne’s passing in 2014, the band resurrected the Static‑X name in 2018 with original members Tony Campos, Koichi Fukuda, and Ken Jay, fronted by the mysterious, masked Xer0 (widely believed to be Edsel Dope). They’ve since honored Wayne’s legacy through the Project: Regeneration series—Vol. 1 arriving in 2020 and Vol. 2 released in January 2024, featuring unreleased Wayne vocals alongside new material.

The crowd at Alcatraz responded with raw excitement from the opening of Bleed for Days. Tracks like Push It and Cannibal ignited heavy moshing, while industrial staples like Black and White grounded the set with familiar power.

Static‑X’s set was a relentless, emotionally charged industrial-metal spectacle—an expertly balanced homage and evolution. With blinding riffage and theatrical flair, they delivered a performance both loyal to the legacy and thrillingly alive.

Emperor

Formed in Notodden, Norway in 1991, Emperor is a legendary black metal band revered for pioneering symphonic and progressive elements within the genre. Despite occasional reunions since 2005, the band maintains an uncompromising ethos, preferring authenticity over commercial pursuits.

Opening with the ethereal intensity of “Into the Infinity of Thoughts,” Emperor immediately immersed the crowd in a realm of dark majesty. The atmospheric crescendo of “The Majesty of the Nightsky” and ritualistic power of “Inno a Satana” evoked both dread and awe. As “I Am the Black Wizards” echoed out, voices rose in unison, creating a spine-chilling chorus.. Struggling with some sound issues the band gave their all for a crowd that was eager to whatever they brought. Emperor delivered a spellbinding finale: a masterful blend of raw aggression, symphonic grandeur, and ritualistic worship.

Machine Head

Machine Head, hailing from Oakland, California, emerged in 1991 under the leadership of Robb Flynn. They’ve become thrash and groove metal icons, initially making waves with their raw debut Burn My Eyes and later achieving legendary status with the epic, progressive The Blackening. In 2025, they released their eleventh studio album Unatøned (UNATØNED).

From the thunderous launch of “Imperium,” the crowd was electrified—moshing and chanting as Machine Head unleashed their signature groove-thrash fusion. The new track “BØNESCRAPER” likely added fresh intensity, while classics like “Davidian” and “Halo” unified the audience in one of the festival’s most cathartic moments.

Machine Head delivered a devastating finale—melding legacy anthems with their bold new era in Unatøned. Their Alcatraz 2025 set was a juggernaut of groove, thrash, and emotional force. A fitting end to an unforgettable festival edition!