The tradition continues still where Alcatraz brings some killer cover and tribute bands together and put them on the Swamp Stage to turn the Thursday evening in one big early party. Besides 2 bands from other countries (the Dutch tribute to the Ramones and the legendary, at times viral going, Frog Leap), 3 of Belgium’s finest are taking over the stage as well.

The night kicks off at 18:00 with Mr Lipstick and The Lost Traces, a reincarnation of the band Lipstick Traces, continuing the decades of bringing high quality classic rock covers from ZZ Top to AC/DC to The Rolling Stones and Jimi Hendrix!

Followed by Motörheads, who will bring us (surprise surprise) some of the best of the legendary Motörhead‘s extensive catalogue. A perfect way to get prepared for the celebration that Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons will have with us later in the weekend to remember 50 years of Motörhead!

And last, but not least, Belgium’s premium Status Quo cover band, BelgianQuoBand, will hit us up with the classics many of us grew up with!

This year’s Thursday evening opens up the Helldorado Stage as well, to host one of the most exciting thrash metal line-ups with up-and-comers Warbringer and legendary names like Exhorder and Overkill. Of course one of Belgium’s most popular thrash and speed metal acts around fit in perfectly. We’re talking about Evil Invaders of course. Blistering speed metal with screaming vocals, wild solos, and nonstop action on stage, a modern eruption of classic metal fury, delivered with the reckless energy of a band possessed. Every show is a whirlwind: fast-paced, aggressive, and full of attitude. Don’t blink, or you’ll miss the mayhem.

Not only is Alcatraz opening up the Helldorado Stage as an extra besides Swamp, they also open up the more club show-like La Morgue for an all-Belgian line-up on the Thursday. To start the festivities in that tent, we get Sister May on stage, who has been somewhat the darlings of the Belgian metal media, roaming around in the space between alternative metal, post-rock, and art rock. Their sound is textured and moody, driven by haunting vocals and rhythmic tension, rich with dynamics and a slow-building intensity. You won’t find breakdowns or blast beats here, just thought-provoking, immersive music that pulls you into its dreamlike world, which seems like a pretty good start of any evening in our books.

Kerker is a thrash/death metal collective that was only recently formed but boasts well-established players of the Belgian metal scene consisting of former members of Mark My Way, Guilty As Charged and From Whence We Came. Not too surprising that this quite young band has been impressing people enough to already conquer a spot on the Alcatraz line-up! From what we’ve heard and seen, every stage they take over is left in pieces and a show by Kerker won’t leave you untouched. Strong recommendation here to see a band who will probably be going places soon! All hail Kerker!

Stung, a thrash metal/crossover outfit consisting of veterans of the Belgian metal scene is the one to go with if you want your thrash somewhat more underground than what you’re being served on the Helldorado Stage on Thursday night. High velocity, and no compromise, a show by these guys is like a bomb being dropped, knocking you off your feet and pushing you to get moshing. Let’s go!

If that is your taste above the more well-known big stage performers, La Morgue offers another more underground, hardcore and ferocious thrash and speed metal band with Violent Sin. These old school metal demons are fast, raw, and leather-clad. Their music is a glorious tribute to the early days of Venom, Sodom, and Bulldozer, full of reckless solos and satanic speed. Every show feels like a biker gang riot featuring a hellish soundtrack. No polish, no mercy, just pure, unfiltered metal worship. Bring your bullet belt and prepare for sonic warfare.

The last band on La Morgue this evening is a special one. A cornerstone of Belgian extreme metal since the ’90s, Ancient Rites fuse black metal with medieval melodies and historical grandeur. One a lot of Belgian metalheads have been growing up with seeing live at local events. Their music is a journey through time, with lyrics exploring European heritage and ancient conflicts, delivered with theatrical flair. While their roots lie in black metal, they’ve evolved to incorporate heavy, epic riffing and symphonic flourishes. Expect a dignified and battle-hardened performance from a living legacy, still marching strong.