The setup is now completed!

HEIDEVOLK

The warrior-sextet of HEIDEVOLK is characterized by undeviating love to mother nature and the pagan spirit within. This pagan horde hailing from the Dutch Gelderland fights for its believe in heathenism, always rising up high the flag of Wotan and the gods of war. Now the group is ready to enter the battle at METALFEST 2012, prepared to write history once again. Armed with axes, swords and drinking horns, this faithful brothership join this march of the century. Their new album „Batavi“ is out now!

These bands are confirmed:
Blus , Emotronic Metal – Germany
Curse Of Society , Deathcore – Germany
Arcturon , Death Metal – Switzerland
Bang Bus Project , Crossover Metal – Switzerland
Fearce , Southern Metal – Germany
Gonoreas , Heavy Metal – Switzerland
A Dying Ember , Hardcore – Switzerland
Zatokrev , Black Metal – Switzerland
Abinchova , Folk Metal – Switzerland
Disparaged , Death Metal – Switzerland

Brainstorm, Steelwing, Fueled By Fire, Gurd, Nexus Inferis, Huntress, Emergency Gate confirmed

Dear METALFEST friends! This week we´ll continue with 7 (!) band announcements and we´re happy to offer a wide range of musical styles to you. With this very announcement, the weekly band updates terminate.

BRAINSTORM

They are high-rated representatives of the German power metal-community and care for extraordinary and “spicy” hymns of melodic aggression at its best. BRAINSTORM is a band, which has grown upon their own international cult-status in the meanwhile. Their current, still hot release titled “On The Spur Of The Moment”, an album that shows the group’s creativity, joy of playing and musical refinement, is just another evidence for. So BRAINSTORM deal generously in their sound with powerful metal-burner, exciting melodies, impressing atmosphere and aggression. The voice of singer Andy B. Franck makes the sound-scenery complete and gives the band another, unmistakable trademark. Now these guys get ready to storm your dirty metal-brains at METALFEST. Not only a must for power metal-maniacs.

STEELWING

Are you ready for the next roadkill? Unpack your spikes, leather and denim-jacket for this upcoming assault happening at METALFEST 2012. The young full-blood-heavy-metallers of STEELWING will kick your dirtbag-asses live on stage. Recently these old-school-junkies released a new monument full of true-metal-hits titled “Zone Of Alienation”, raping your sense of hearing! So its time for STEELWING to catch your metal-souls and present their brandnew material with damned big balls live on stage. In the past the band already show us, that they got the true metal spirit by mother’s milk. This is why these guys live “sex, drugs and rock’n’roll” as excessive as it gets. Loud, melodic guitars, storming drums and a voice, that awakes pure feelings of nostalgia, make STEELWING to a kind of modern Iron Maiden with a very special, individual flavour. Just rock on with these dirty bastards!

FUELED BY FIRE

The thrash-bludgeon strikes back! The Californian floggings of FUELED BY FIRE release their long awaited second output “Plunging Into Darkness” via NoiseArt Records in April 2012. Of course, these mad contemporaries don’t want to waste any time and will convince you of their thrashing qualities at METALFEST 2012. What will await you? An ingenious, old-school thrash assault, that strongly reminds on the sound of old Slayer, Overkill and Testament. Stop praying immediately, because it doesn’t help against these aggressive demons, playing their thrash as tight as being brothers in blood with the horned god himself. Malevolent, brutal and addicted to high-speed, this US-combo beheads all his listeners with the glorious might of thrash metal!

GURD

Basel, Swiss… Hometown of GURD and center of European thrash-metal-culture in 2012. This crazy bludgeon-horde from the Alps is not only a cult-act among the thrash-sector, but furthermore belongs to the hottest present top-acts. By now the flogging boys from Basel can take a review upon 15 years of band-history. Nevertheless the band hasn’t become tired of making brutal music on highest level, a fact they have demonstrated with their last, actual firework-release „Never Fail“, which is characterized by the combo’s trademarks and qualities with an explicit modern side-kick. Enjoy a powerful collection of the band’s fresh and zippy killer-tracks at METALFEST 2012. Get ready for the GURD-effect!

NEXUS INFERIS

There exists one band that truly hates every form of narrow-minded making music: NEXUS INFERIS. This dark trio recently brought a sensational album named “Vision Of The Final Earth” – a true all-time-masterpiece, to the world of metal. This output is definitely not only a simple creation of music. It’s “Future Extreme Metal”, a style invented by the angry men of NEXUS INFERIS, which is composed by a lot of different dark soundscapes. For your imagination: NEXUS INFERIS sound like an innovative and ingenious hybrid of Dimmu Borgir and Meshuggah. In short: Infernal killer-music meets electronic tunes and evil vocals. Hailing from England this combo gives a serious fuck on the self-made boundaries of the scene and are in war with categories and genre-limits. Now the time has come for NEXUS INFERIS to shake up the metal-jungle!

HUNTRESS

HUNTRESS are considered one of THE hottest bands right now! The band was birthed in the underground of Highland Park, California, clawing at the roots of heavy metal. Lead singer Jill Janus is an operatic banshee with an unparalleled four-octave range and lust for the occult. Born and raised in the Catskill Mountains of New York, she toured Europe as a teenage opera starlet. Upon her return to the States, Janus embraced Manhattan nightlife, creating Felliniesque cabarets and parties in a nihilistic club scene. Years later, Janus moved to Los Angeles and began the gestation period of Huntress. In 2009 she met underground metal band Professor. The universe spread her legs and delivered Huntress to Janus, combining former members of Professor, Dark Black and Skeletonwitch. The powerful pentad signed to Napalm Records in November 2011. They unleashed their first music video for “Eight of Swords” in October 2011 and their debut album “Spell Eater” is slated for release April 2th 2012 on Napalm Records.

Watch their amazing video for „Eight of Swords“ here:

EMERGENCY GATE

Only a few bands got the power to produce a sound that is marked by extravagance and very special progressive elements within the base song-structures. EMERGENCY GATE belongs to this sort of music-groups who got this speciality. So the German sextet builds up true musical monuments composed by modern, melodic death metal, power metal hymns and a healthy portion of nu metal. Focused on technical virtuosity and experience, EMERGENCY GATE always convince metal-fans of their own individual sound-concept that blows your ears clean. Don’t miss this highlight at METALFEST.

W.A.S.P. CONFIRMED!

Legendary US band W.A.S.P. with idolized Blackie Lawless will celebrate their 30th anniversary next year. Yep, correct, 30 years! The perfect reason to make your way to METALFEST to cheer mighty W.A.S.P. and join their celebrations. A fantastic live spectacle is for sure because W.A.S.P. always let the crowd go crazy with their classic metal songs. A new W.A.S.P. album is expected to be released next year as well, so do not miss this very unique opportunity and be a part of metal history!

MOONSPELL & SEPTICFLESH – CONFIRMED!

MOONSPELL

Legendary MOONSPELL from Portugal were founded 1989 by Fernando Ribeiro as a black metal outfit under the name of Morbid God. Demo tapes and concerts with Cradle of Filth and others followed and in 1995 Century Media Records released their debut album „Wolfheart“, which marked the breakthrough of MOONSPELL.

Coming originally out of black metal, the MOONSPELL sound over the years transformed into dark- and gothic metal and the band are considered to be one of the genre´s leaders with several hit singles and a horde of fans around the globe. In their home country they play shows in front of several thousand people and the album „Memorial“ even entered the official album charts on # 1.

“Alpha Noir” will be released on 27 April and will also be available as a deluxe special edition incl. the musical twin “Omega White”. Both masterpieces were produced and mixed by Tue Madsen, pre-produced by Benny Richter. The band will present the new songs at METALFEST Open Airs.

We´re very happy about such a prominent addition to the METALFEST billing…

…and remember, always be under a fullmoon madness!

MOONSPELL clip „Night Eternal“:

 

KYUSS LIVES! & GRAND MAGNUS

KYUSS LIVES!

The singer originally from Garcia as a scene-happening-planned comeback tour ended as alternative rock spectacle, which was moved in most cities to bigger venues. In Belgium, even took place this afternoon shows. An encouragement, as it could not even enjoy the long established as a solo artist Bjork yet who stepped promptly as support GPK some summer shows. Around bassist Oliveri, it has become in recent times, however, still. In 2009 he published practically closed to the public his solo album “Death Acoustic”, which included an unplugged version of the Kyuss song “Love Has Passed Me By”. Furthermore, resistant against all attempts at rapprochement remains original Kyuss guitarist Josh Homme. But what is not bad, because in his place Bruno Fevery for the implementation of the warm earthy and technically intricate riffs ensures that he had expressed at the Garcia Plays Kyuss shows to the satisfaction of the skeptical hardware Fanbastion from the speakers.

Videoclip:

Grand MAGUS

Grand Magus are a special band: You value tradition, yet still have the courage to develop their music. From the dusty rock debut GRAND MAGUS to the new metal masterpiece HAMMER OF THE NORTH stylistically it may be a long way – but the trio from Stockholm, is the evolutionary path always followed consistently, without having to leave their experience on the track. So they have taken the pumping groove of their early days never been, nor is their love of epic doom or extreme metal.

Videoclip:

SWALLOW THE SUN & SKULL FIST CONFIRMED

SWALLOW THE SUN

The death/doom luminaries of Finland, Swallow the Sun, started at the turn of the millennium when guitarist Juha Raivio collected a group of friends around him. The band’s first recording, Out of this Gloomy Light demo, was recorded in January 2003 and has become a rare collectors item. This demo also brought them their first record deal with Firebox Records. With their debut The Morning Never Came Swallow the Sun were elected newcomer of the year by Inferno Magazine and received a full 5 K review in Kerrang. The album was quoted: “One of doom metals finest moments to date”.

The band have just recorded their eagerly awaited fifth studio album called „Emerald Forest And The Blackbird“ which will be out in February 2012, featuring Nightwish´s singer Anette Olzon on one song. 10 tracks of the trademark Swallow the Sun sound of gloom, beauty and despair, and that´s what awaits you at Metalfest, a fine lesson in supreme metal music by one of Finland´s finest!

SKULL FIST

SKULL FIST, hailing from Canada, are the metal sensation of 2011! Anyone thinking that there ain´t any true, traditional Heavy Metal out there needs to check out the SKULL FIST EP „Heavier Than Metal“! It’s been a long time since this level of ingenuity and catchiness has had a place in true Metal songs like those from Jackie Slaughter & Co. Songs like „Head of the Pack“, „Get fisted“ or „No False Metal“ may on first sight sound like sterotypically cheesey trad metal, but in case of SKULL FIST it´s simply authentic and cool as hell! SKULL FIST convince with a mix of traditional sounding (Judas Priest), hits and songwriting skills (Iron Maiden), coolness and airiness (Bullet, Enforcer). A likeable, young and ambitious group, which still sees Heavy Metal as a way of life, the future belongs to these soon-to-be Superstars.

A positively insane band with a charismatic singer, cool image, killer artwork and even better songs! Prepare for SKULL FIST, you haven´t seen something like this in a loooong time! Their debut album was released on August 26nd via NoiseArt Records, then they hit the road with on the Power of Metal tour with Sabaton, Grave Digger and Powerwolf and they are also confirmed for a tour with Grand Magus in January 2012 plus further support dates with Steelwing! 2012 will surely continue their success and they are about to take an entire scene by storm! SKULL FIST – NO FALSE METAL!

Video for the song “Head öf the Pack”:

TRIPTYKON CONFIRMED!

TRIPTYKON

The mysterious philosopher, who is the mainman behind the Swiss dark-forge TRIPTYKON, is none less than Tom Gabriel Warrior – better known as mastermind of the legendary bands Celtic Frost and Hellhammer. Caught by evil old-school-attitude, the twilight-circle of TRIPTYKON invokes the demons and inspires the listeners’ phantasies with atmospheric black-metal-journeys. The sinister and occult songs deliver the ultimate soundtrack for the scary science-fiction-works of well-known painter and Oscar award winner HR Giger. TRIPTYKON pierces your blackened metal-hearts with obscure mysticism and abysmal drama. Be sure, this is the most bitter taste of black metal you ever enjoyed…

Official video :

HATE CONFIRMED!

The Polish metal-monster HATE released with „Erebos“ their latest killing masterpiece, which took the standards of tech death metal significantly to higher levels. Incisive riffs, thoughtful song-structures and impulsive, tricky rhythm-skills mark the main-competences of this hate crew, who stand in line with Behemoth representing the death metal elite in Poland. Just recently they inked a worldwide record deal with Napalm Records and are currently writing new material. This demonic brigade is drilling through the brutal soundscapes regardless of the consequences. Run for cover when HATE unleashes its tanks at METALFEST 2012!

FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE CONFIRMED!

taly’s brutal/symphonic horde, FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE, have returned with their definitive epic masterpiece „Agony“. With only two releases under their belts, „Oracles“ (2009) and the „Mafia“ EP (2010), FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE have already become one of the most talked about bands in the underground. Their unique blend of technical death metal with a symphonic elements have quickly made them a favorite with fans and critics alike. Now, after a slew of successful tours in Europe and the US, the band have unleashed their defining moment in the form of „Agony“! The album hones in on the bands unique traits giving fans everything they could hope for and more. Make no mistake, FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE are soon to be one of the leading forces in the extreme metal scene! Make sure to catch FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE next Summer on METALFEST 2012!

DARK TRANQUILLITY CONFIRMED!

DARK TRANQUILLITY belong to the true godfathers of the melodic death metal genre. In their sound the band combines all typical and significant features of the Swedish death-culture, but always orientated to individuality, further development and modernity. Stagnation and uncreative music are words that do not belong in DT´s world. A fact Mikael Stanne and his colleagues have proven once more on their latest, melody-filled bomb called “We Are The Void”, which brought DARK TRANQUILLITY sensational chart entries all over Europe. Despite of their eagerness to experiment and develop, the cult-band reached to bind fans and metal-lovers to their music all over the years. Just think of classic-releases such as “The Gallery”, “Haven” or “Damage Done”.

It’s time to honor true Swedish death metal at METALFEST 2012!

DEATH ANGEL CONFIRMED

Among the youngest bands ever to storm the metal genre, Death Angel have come to be known as one of the most influential bands to emerge from the thriving Bay Area Thrash Metal Scene in the early 1980s, an era when one could catch Cliff Burton (Metallica) at the front of the stage at Ruthie’s Inn banging his head to Death Angel’s inventive style, and speedy, complex arrangements. Still present these days and stronger than ever, Death Angel are prepared to destroy the stage at METALFEST 2012 with an exclusively special song selection of “The Ultra Violence” – a true classic and definitely metal history at its best!

Watch the latest DEATH ANGEL Video for „Truce“:

ALESTORM CONFIRMED

Once again, Scottish drinking pirates of ALESTORM are about to board their pirate ship and preapre for takeover. The barrels of rum are stored, the sabers are sharpened and the captain’s cabin is decorated for party! Christopher Bowes, master of these buccaneers, and his crew have a freshly carved acoustic-treasure titled “Back Through Time” ready, which had already been opened for you to hear at Heidenfest tour 2011. Doubtlessly you have to love “True Scottish Pirate Metal” – there’s hardly another subgenre that reaches to pleasure the masses like it does. Don’t miss this upcoming, excessive party at METALFEST 2012, so be there and dance, drink and party with ALESTORM!

BEHEMOTH CONFIRMED

Embraced by science-fiction-inspired occultism, BEHEMOTH – the Polish kings of extreme metal – follow the art of high technical, sophisticated and zestful death metal with vital black metallic elements. Especially within the last years, Poland’s metal-triumphators BEHEMOTH have made their way up and outscored many dominant high class acts of the scene. After years of intensive touring and constantly releasing successful albums with international chart-success, the mystical circle around Nergal and his followers Seth, Orion and Inferno has finally reaped the fruits of their hard work. Now BEHEMOTH stand on top of the death/black-genre, ready to unleash a historic bedlam to this earth! METALFEST 2012 will be the first Open Air events for BEHEMOTH after the cured leukaemia-disease of Nergal. Their live show is going to be an intense spectacle, that´s for sure! So you better don´t miss it!

The music video for the track „Lucifer“ off BEHEMOTH’s 2009 release „Evangelion“ can now be seen here:

POWERWOLF CONFIRMED

POWERWOLF are the bishopric of evil and occultism. With rousing, bombastic heavy-metal-hymns, this five-piece casts a spell on helpless souls addicted to heavy sounds. Under the banner of the pentagram, the “WOLF” marches into all Metalfest´s 2012 to unleash all devastating darkness at once, yet with their glorious and fantastic sing-along refrains and party vibes! Look forward to a power-metal-spectacle! Their new album “Blood of the Saints” is now available with the hitsingles “We Drink Your Blood” and “Dead Boys Don´t Cry”, which will doubtlessly break all hell loose when being played live! Watch out!

Check out the new video clip for “We Drink Your Blood” right here:

VADER CONFIRMED

VADER, death metal force from Poland, was already founded 1983 and they are considered to be among the veterans of traditional death. With their current album „Welcome To The Morbid Reich“ they will make sure to deliver the full force of death metal to all METALFEST visitors. Barely any other band play their death metal so brutal, technically perfect, mean, disgusting and fast as hell as VADER do. Buckle up for an infernal live set…

Welcome To The Morbid Reich, and welcome VADER to METALFEST 2012!

LEGION OF THE DAMNED CONFIRMED

Chaos and desperation will dominate when these Dutch metal-jackals conjure up abysmal thrash-violence. Their current album „Descent Into Chaos“ leaves a pure, rupturing spectacle of destruction. There’s hardly another band coping the power of the bludgeon as strong as the guys of LEGION OF THE DAMNED – like they never did anything else in their lives than playing extreme music. A flaming inferno will be waiting for you atMETALFEST 2012! Get your head grinded and „Thrash ‘Til Death“!

On Friday, September 16th we´ll be announcing another new band to playMETALFEST 2012, so stay tuned!

METALFEST HELVETIA 2012 – FIRST TOP BANDS ANNOUNCED

Also in 2012 the METALFEST is about to draw fans in from all over the place. Metal fans party in a very unique scenery with metal bands from all sorts of different musical styles. Metal with no boundaries and a friendly atmosphere! Four days of high class bands and partying, amazing live performances and having fun – Metalfest Helvetia has become very popular for its cosy vibe and will again unite fans in the name of metal music.

So far these bands have been confirmed to play METALFEST Helvetia 2012:

BLIND GUARDIAN
KREATOR
HYPOCRISY
ENSIFERUM

From September 9th on we’ll be announcing new bands to play METALFEST 2012 weekly, so stay tuned for more!