We’ve watched Imminence evolve from smaller stages and support slots into a band capable of creating a completely immersive world on a festival stage. At Alcatraz Festival this summer, we sat down with Eddie Berg and Harald to talk about that evolution, the new chapter with Sumerian Records, the increasingly ambitious world of ‘Axis Mundi’ (out October 2nd), and why the music itself always has to remain the foundation.
After winning the Alcatraz Bash, Hope As A Weapon earned themselves a spot on the Alcatraz 2026 lineup, and we caught up with the Belgian modern metal band after their show at the festival.
We spoke with Lionel, KaNa and Max about their journey from the Bash to the Alcatraz stage, the meaning behind the band’s name, their music and influences, their ambitions for the future and plenty more.
We caught up with Aeveris’ Jeffrey and Louis after their Alcatraz Festival show to talk about the story behind the band’s name, the personal themes running through ‘Imminence’, and how the band’s evolving lineup has changed their creative process.
From genuine emotions and mental well-being to pre-show nerves, dream stages and the rather hilarious coincidence of sharing a festival day with Swedish band Imminence, there was plenty to talk about.
Thanks to Hardlife Promotion for setting this up!
The biggest stages of Luna Kills’ career are waiting.
With Wacken, Summer Breeze and Alcatraz Festival just around the corner, we caught up with Lotta before the band left Finland to talk festivals, new music, latest single ‘LOWER’, the upcoming Future Palace tour and why they’re more excited than nervous about what’s ahead.
If you’re planning to catch Luna Kills this summer, this one’s for you.
Before their crushing Tuska Festival debut, we sat down with “Zelli” of Paleface Swiss for a candid chat about the band’s musical evolution, staying true to themselves while growing bigger than ever and why friendship will always matter more than business.
With Paleface Swiss also heading to Alcatraz Festival in just a few weeks, this is the perfect moment to get to know one of modern metal’s most exciting live bands.
We sat down with Rhea and Bones from Tailgunner, where they open up about their upcoming album ‘Midnight Blitz’ (out February 6 with Napalm Records), working with K.K. Downing, and their vision for modern heavy metal.
We sat down with Orbit Culture’s Niklas to talk about their upcoming album ‘Death Above Life’ (out now with Century Media Records), their journey from support slots to headliners, and why this new era feels like a true rebirth. Catch them live on tour with Gaerea and Atlas in Europe next month or at summer festivals in 2026 like the already confirmed Alcatraz Festival!
One final day. One last chance to discover a new favourite band before another unforgettable edition of Alcatraz comes to an end. Our final Editorial Picks put the spotlight on Gutalax, Animals as Leaders, Paleface Swiss, Warkings, Rise of the Northstar, Blackbraid and Luna Kills. Whether you’re looking for technical mastery, crushing breakdowns, power metal anthems or the most ridiculous grindcore party of the weekend, Sunday’s got you covered.
Who are you ending your Alcatraz weekend with?
Still figuring out your Saturday at Alcatraz? We’ve done some of the hard work for you.
Our latest Editorial Picks shine the spotlight on Orbit Culture, Firewind, Kittie, Miracle of Sound, Mushroomhead, Castle Rat, Ratos de Porão and Graphic Nature. From melodic death metal and power metal to theatrical doom, crossover legends and the next generation of heavy music, there’s something here for every metalhead.
Have a read and let us know who you absolutely refuse to miss!
Forty bands. Four stages. Countless difficult choices. To help you plan your Friday at Alcatraz, we’ve picked six acts that we think are absolutely worth checking out: Igorrr, Combichrist, HEALTH, Vended, Witch Club Satan and Insanity Alert.
Agree with our picks, or did we miss one of your favourites? Let us know!
The first day of Alcatraz is no longer just about pitching your tent and grabbing your first beer.
With all four stages running from Thursday onwards, there’s plenty to discover right from the start. We’ve selected six bands we think you shouldn’t miss: Death Fury, Alestorm, Channel Zero, Imminence, Der Weg Einer Freiheit and Cyclone.
Which one is highest on your must-see list?
The final day of Alcatraz still has plenty of Belgian talent waiting to be discovered. Hemelbestormer, Turpentine Valley, Steengruis and Encounters each bring something completely different to the festival, proving once again just how diverse our local heavy music scene really is.
Here’s why we think you should check them out.
Saturday at Alcatraz has no shortage of Belgian talent. 🇧🇪🤘From the progressive soundscapes of Psychonaut and the unstoppable rise of Mantah to the chaos of Brutal Sphincter, the crushing grooves of Your Highness, the intensity of Divided, Ronker and Poseydon, there’s plenty of homegrown metal waiting to be discovered. Find out why each of these Belgian bands deserves a spot on your Saturday schedule. Who are you looking forward to seeing at the festival?
Our Support Your Locals series continues! Friday at Alcatraz is packed with Belgian talent, from hometown heroes Amenra to exciting newcomers making their debut at the event, cult comebacks, anniversary celebrations and everything in between with A Thousand Sufferings, Cowboys & Aliens, Dead Serious, Hope As A Weapon, Hope Erodes, Modder, Sons Of Lioth and Temptations For The Weak. Here’s why these nine Belgian bands deserve a place on your Friday schedule! Who are you looking forward to seeing live?
In the first part of our annual Support Your Locals at Alcatraz series, we take a closer look at Thursday’s Belgian bands, from legends like Channel Zero, Cyclone and Enthroned to exciting names such as Aeveris and Death Fury. Which Belgian act are you looking forward to seeing most?
Sure, the lineup is stacked. But if you ask us, Alcatraz is about so much more than the bands on the poster. From the atmosphere and the people to the food, the party spots and all those little moments between the shows, here are our 8 reasons why we think Alcatraz 2026 is a festival you shouldn’t miss.
Belgium may be small, but when it comes to summer festivals, it punches well above its weight. From heavy and alt fests Graspop and Alcatraz to the more commercial Pukkelpop and Rock Werchter, the concert series of Lokerse Feesten and Live Is Live to the small and cosy Rock Zottegem and Parkpop Oostkamp, we’ve selected eight Belgian summer events that are reason enough to visit our home country in 2026. Which one is already on your calendar?
Left to Die offers an aggressive cavernous sound; the veterans recapture the evolution of Mantas and the early years of Death. If you consider yourself a fan of old-school death metal, rest assured “Initium Mortis” offers a true passion for raw 80s metal. Out since July 17th via Relapse Records.
Tailgunner’s latest release ‘Midnight Blitz’ is an amazing album, out since earlier this year via Napalm Records. It is very melodic on a bed of heavy and powerful guitars. The album does sound like it comes from the 80’s or 90’s, like it was right there when heavy metal was at its best. Catch them live this summer at festivals like for instance Alcatraz Festival!
After a long five years Gothenburg riff masters Monolord finally release their follow-up to ‘Your Time to Shine’ with their sixth album, ‘Neverending’, their finest recording so far, out on Relapse Records. Catch them live this summer in Europe on select dates including Alcatraz Festival!
The U.S. metal act Crimson Glory unleashes its fifth studio album “Chasing The Hydra”. After nearly three decades the veterans depict their legacy as the forebearers of progressive heavy/power metal. Out via BraveWords Records since yesterday, April 17th. Catch these legends live this summer at European festivals like Wacken and Alcatraz!
Lamb of God unleashed their monumental 10th album ‘Into Oblivion’ with Century Media Records and Epic Records yesterday and it’s everything you’ve come to expect of a good LoG album! Catch them live in Europe this summer at plenty of festivals including Alcatraz Festival!
Channeling vibes reminiscent of Stratovarius and HammerFall, Bloodbound’s ‘Field of Swords’ is polished and driven yet leaves mixed impressions, out with Napalm Records. Catch them live at festivals in Europe this summer like Alcatraz!
Paleface Swiss started the new year properly with the release of their EP ‘The Wilted’. More emotional, more brutal, showing different sides of a band that is going places right now! Catch them live on tour in Europe with Stick To Your Guns and Static Dress right now or this summer when they visit many European festivals, including some of our favorites like Tuska and Alcatraz!
“Dissonance Theory” is incredibly dynamic where the songs are packed with grooves and technical riffing steeped in the aesthetics of Coroner’s sonic formula. This is a great comeback album from one of Switzerland’s best acts. Out since October 17th via Century Media Records! Catch them in the summer of 2026 at European festivals like Alcatraz Festival!
Carach Angren’s new EP “Cult of Kariba” is crafted through enthralling aggression and brutal galvanic percussive tempos. The five songs will keep you hooked to the wicked screeching and orchestral arrangements. Out via Season of Mist since Oct 17th. Catch this horror show live at Alcatraz 2026 next summer!
