A couple of decades after reviewing their debut full-length, we finally sat down with Belgian death/thrash outfit Poseydon while we were both at this year’s Alcatraz Festival to have a chat about the band, music and more!
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Interviews
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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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Lists
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?
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