«10»: Performances We’re Looking Forward to at Graspop Metal Meeting 2025 - South Stage/North Stage

We're slowly getting into the Graspop Metal Meeting mood and putting on the table ten performances that are absolutely unmissable

Από τον Βλάση Λέττα, 12/05/2025 @ 14:31

Summer is approaching faster and faster - I don't know how that happens, but it does. Summer, among many other things, is the season for the big European festivals. Rocking.gr was at Graspop Metal Meeting last year, had an amazing time - well, multiply whatever you think "amazing" is by at least ten - and, naturally, we'll be there again this year.

Graspop Festival

We're actually one of those who live the festival to the fullest: camping, tents, sleeping bags, and all the lovely extras. The random "Slayeeeerrrrr" screams in the morning, with your first poorly self-made coffee, are an integral part of the experience that we wouldn't trade for anything.

The complete festival lineup, with over 130 bands, was announced some time ago, and the performance schedule is now out. For warming up, we prepared two articles, each featuring ten bands we can't wait to see. The first covers those on the two main stages (South Stage and North Stage), while the second will focus on the ones playing on the other three stages. Brace yourselves - big names are coming.

Landmvrks (Πέμπτη, 13:55 - 14:45, South Stage)

The French outfit Landmvrks has a reputation for their live shows being a barrage of energy - that alone is a huge draw. Add the fact that their new album is emphatically fantastic (and the previous one was also very good), and you see why they're on the unmissable list. Since they play relatively early on day one, they'll put us firmly in the festival mood. Afternoon pits are always amazing, and if you're sweating to the soundtrack of "Creature" you're having a really good time.

Dream Theater (Πέμπτη, 18:15 - 19:30, South Stage)

Ever since their reunion was announced, I couldn't wait to see them live. Some friends caught them abroad - I couldn't make it then - but now that they're here, I plan to see them as often as possible. This will be my first encounter with the reunited lineup, and the emotion is bound to be huge. Tears may very well flow, and it promises to be a landmark experience early in the festival. My wishlist of songs is so long that two shows - one abroad, one here - are absolutely mandatory.

Iron Maiden (Πέμπτη, 21:00 - 23:00, South Stage)

Iron Maiden is on a tour that takes us through their past, the music that raised us. Every discussion should end here. The only thing I'll add is that I wouldn't miss this tour for anything. While they were not booked for Greece, I would definitely travel somewhere else to see them. Since Graspop guarantees a stellar lineup and is overall an affordable option, attending is a no-brainer - even if we hadn't already decided to become permanent residents of the campsite for as long as our legs hold out.

Slipknot (Παρασκευή, 22:30 - 00:10, South Stage)

Slipknot at Graspop will perform a set based on their first album, plus additional huge hits. With the red jumpsuits, original masks, Jay Weinberg the "Casagrande" on drums - oh, gods, what an experience we're in for - bringing the energy of those early days and ready to blow the roof off the festival. Anyone who's been to their shows knows what they can do. Corey Taylor is one of the most charismatic frontmen of our generation, and with Slipknot, he riles up arenas effortlessly. The set runs for an hour and forty minutes; surviving unscathed will be tough - but totally worth it.

Brutus (Σάββατο, 18:45 - 19:45, South Stage)

Brutus are among our favorite current bands. With two stellar albums back-to-back and another very good one. "Unison Life" is one of our top picks for 2022 so we simply wouldn't miss them. Their concerts are intense and feature a rare immediacy thanks to Stefanie's powerful vocals, energy, and honesty. And since they're playing in their home country (they're Belgian), we expect an unforgettable show.

Korn (Σάββατο, 22:20 - 23:50, North Stage)

We're going in with high expectations: after their electrifying performance at last year's Ejekt Festival, we know they leave nothing standing. We expect a sore neck and we know that Korn are in top form. We anticipate some different tracks from last year's setlist - though honestly that was a "best of" list if there ever was one. They'll likely bring even more tricks and effects this year as they headline huge festivals. The only challenge? Whether our voices hold up through all the screaming - we're definitely going to scream every lyric!

Nine Inch Nails (Σάββατο, 00:00 - 01:30, South Stage)

Alongside Iron Maiden, this is the performance I'm most looking forward to at Graspop 2025. We've never seen them live, we love them, and shockingly amazing live shows are reportedly their norm. This is one of those can't-miss moments to create memories that will last a lifetime. I was slow to appreciate their discography, but now I'm a big fan. As a teenager, I wondered why everyone had NIN on their T-shirt, bag, or badge - now I just wonder why I wasn't one of them. I'd attend Graspop even if they were the only act announced.

Savatage (Κυριακή, 19:20 - 20:30, South Stage)

Savatage have always been one of my very, very, very favorite bands. I saw them twice when I was young and cried both times. I never thought I'd have the chance to see them live again - it felt like a lost dream. Then reality delivered an unbelievably unexpected gift out of nowhere: Savatage are back together. We get to see them twice this year, one in Graspop, one in Greece, and it feels like a dream that I keep pinching myself to see if it's real...

In Flames (Κυριακή, 20:40 - 21:55, North Stage)

If I'm pressed to name my all-time favorite bands, In Flames would be in the top three or four. After seeing them live for the first time some twenty-five years ago, having the chance to see them three times in two years feels unreal, though it's happening.
- Isn't that too much for you?
- Are you crazy? Of course not!
If we could see them every six months, you bet I'd go every time without hesitation. Plus, since they constantly rotate their setlist, bringing back songs that haven't been played in years, we simply can't wait!

Judas Priest (Κυριακή, 22:05 - 23:35, South Stage)

You might be wondering, Priest again? Easily a blasphemy towards the Metal God, just thinking of that! But, I have arguments that might even have you buying tickets yesterday. This show is to celebrate 35 years of "Painkiller". Remember the tracklist? Make it a setlist. Yes, that chill down your spine is exactly what I felt when I learned. I wouldn't be surprised if we stayed there forever, retiring and never wanting to leave the festival grounds. Judas Priest on the "Painkiller" tour - oh, hell yes!

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