One of the two chosen bands from Alcatraz Bash, sounds promising right? This local band is playing here for the first time and comes with what’s in the name: furious (referring to the thrash factor) death metal.

Based in Ostend, Death Fury have been making a name for themselves at an impressive pace since forming in 2022. Their bulldozer-like blend of death and thrash metal earned them a place in the Alcatraz Bash, and they grabbed that opportunity with both hands by securing a coveted festival slot.

There’s something special about seeing a band at the very start of what could become a long festival story. Every established act once played their first Alcatraz, and Death Fury now get that same opportunity. If you’re arriving early, why not start the weekend by discovering one of Belgium’s promising new heavy acts?

Thrash metal history is alive and well on Thursday.

Belgium’s own Cyclone return to Alcatraz carrying a legacy that stretches back to the golden era of European thrash. While many of their contemporaries disappeared long ago, Cyclone have enjoyed a successful revival and continue proving that old-school thrash still has plenty of fire left in it.

Expect razor-sharp riffs, relentless energy and a reminder of why Belgian thrash has earned its place in metal history.

Thursday also offers one final opportunity to witness a true Belgian institution at Alcatraz.

After announcing that they’ll play one last farewell concert later this year before calling it a day, every remaining Channel Zero performance has become a little more special. The last time they played Alcatraz, they delivered one of the most energetic shows of the weekend, and we wouldn’t be surprised to see them do exactly that once more.

If you’ve never experienced one of Belgium’s biggest metal bands live, don’t let this chance slip away. And if you have, you already know why they’re on our list.

If you’re looking for something darker and more immersive, make your way to La Morgue.

Der Weg Einer Freiheit have become one of the leading names in modern atmospheric black metal, creating music that balances sheer intensity with haunting beauty. Their songs are often expansive journeys that reward listeners willing to become fully absorbed in the experience rather than simply chase the next breakdown or singalong chorus.

They may not be the easiest band on Thursday’s bill, but they could very well deliver one of its most captivating performances.

Few bands have experienced the kind of rise that Imminence have enjoyed over the past few years.

The Swedes have built a passionate following by combining modern metalcore with cinematic melodies, soaring choruses and the now unmistakable violin work of frontman Eddie Berg. It’s a combination that has helped the band develop a sound that’s instantly recognisable while continuing to evolve with every release.

They’re no longer one of metalcore’s best-kept secrets. Thursday’s Helldorado slot is likely to draw one of the biggest crowds of the day, and for good reason.

What should you go ‘sea’ Alestorm? For anyone who does not know Alestorm yet: be prepared for a giant floaty duck, beerdrops falling from the sky and many happy dancers around you. Ahoy maties, see you there?

Love them or hate them, few bands know how to turn a festival field into one enormous party quite like Alestorm. Their infectious blend of folk metal, pirate anthems and ridiculous humour has made them festival favourites across the globe, and you can safely expect the Prison Stage to transform into one giant singalong.

Whether you’re shouting along to “Keelhauled“, raising your drink during “Drink” or simply embracing the complete madness unfolding around you, Alestorm are the perfect soundtrack to the first night of the festival.