MammothFest ends with some really interesting bands that will hit the stage at the third day of the festival! Let’s see these bands!
Day three (October 5th)
Tiamat: Tiamat are one of the most important bands in the history of gothic and atmospheric metal. Formed in Sweden in 1987 by singer and main songwriter Johan Edlund, the band started with a sound close to death and black metal. Their early albums, such as “Sumerian Cry” (1990) and “The Astral Sleep” (1991), showed a dark, heavy direction. By the mid-1990s, Tiamat began to change their style and became pioneers of gothic metal. The breakthrough came mainly with “Wildhoney” (1994), a masterpiece that blended heavy riffs with psychedelic rock, progressive elements and deep atmosphere. Songs like “Gaia” and “Visionaire” gave the band worldwide recognition and a loyal fanbase. Later albums, such as “A Deeper Kind of Slumber” (1997), “Skeleton Skeletron” (1999), and “Judas Christ” (2002), showed an even stronger gothic and melodic side, mixing dark moods with beautiful melodies and emotional lyrics. Tiamat’s music often explores themes of love, death, spirituality, and nature. Their sound is both heavy and dreamy, moving between crushing guitar lines and soft, atmospheric passages. Today, Tiamat are considered a legendary band, influencing countless other groups and continuing to captivate audiences with their dark, unique vision.
Riot City : One of the most exciting new heavy metal bands from Canada is Riot City, for sure. Starting their course in Calgary in 2011, they quickly earned a reputation for their high-speed riffs, wild energy and screaming vocals that bring back the spirit of the golden ’80s. Their style is a powerful mix of traditional heavy metal and speed metal, inspired by legends like Judas Priest, Exciter and Racer X, but delivered with fresh intensity and youthful fire. In 2019 Riot City released their debut album “Burn the Night”, which immediately caught the attention of metal fans around the world. Full of fast guitar solos, high-pitched vocals and unstoppable energy, the album showed that classic metal is alive and well. Their second album, “Electric Elite” (2022), took things even further, with sharper production, stronger songwriting and a sound that proved Riot City are one of the leaders of the new wave of traditional heavy metal. With their dedication to true heavy metal, Riot City are winning new fans wherever they play.
Tribulation: One of Sweden’s most unique and creative metal bands, known for mixing darkness, atmosphere and melody into something very special, is Tribulation. They were formed in 2004 and they first played death metal, with their debut album “The Horror” (2009) showing a raw and aggressive style. But as time went on, they began to experiment, adding gothic moods, classic rock influences and haunting melodies to their sound. Their breakthrough came with “The Children of the Night” (2015), an album that won international praise and brought them to a wider audience. Songs like “Strange Gateways Beckon” showed how Tribulation could be heavy and beautiful at the same time, balancing dramatic guitar work with mysterious atmospheres. Albums like “Down Below” (2018), “Where the Gloom Becomes Sound” (2021) and “Sub Rosa In Æternum” (2024) continued this journey, cementing the band as leaders of a modern, gothic-influenced metal style. Tribulation’s music speaks of death, mystery and the unknown, yet it shines with melody and emotion. This balance has made them one of the most respected and forward-thinking contemporary metal bands.
The Temple: The Temple, one of the most devoted forces in the Greek doom metal movement, are set to descend upon us at MammothFest 2025 with a ritual-like performance of sorrow and sacred atmosphere. Founded in 2005 by Father Alex, the band has long followed a path of pure artistic vision, earning a faithful following across the world. Their most recent creation, “Of Solitude Triumphant” (2022), marked a glorious return, offering doom hymns steeped in tradition and fueled by emotional intensity. With colossal riffs, mournful melodies and solemn, chant-like vocals, The Temple summon a sound that drags you into the depths of the soul. On stage, their presence transforms into a sacred rite — a ceremony of grief, devotion and release. Are you ready to be drawn into the abyss by an unforgettable experience of true doom metal?!
Five The Hierophant: Five the Hierophant are one of the most unusual and mysterious bands in today’s extreme music scene. Often described as “drone-jazz black metal”, the band mixes many styles to create something truly unique. Their music blends dark psychedelia, doom, post-metal, black metal, jazz and ambient, forming long, hypnotic soundscapes that feel both ritualistic and otherworldly. Instead of following the usual path of heavy metal, Five the Hierophant use a wide range of instruments — from saxophones and violins to ritual drums and experimental sounds — to build layers of atmosphere. The result is music that feels cinematic, heavy and spiritual at the same time. Their latest album, Apeiron (2024), shows their vision at its strongest: an endless search for new sounds, emotions and experiences that push beyond the normal limits of metal.
Calyces: Calyces are making waves in the Greek metal scene with their prog/modern/alt/groove metal. Formed in 2018, the band quickly stood out with their adventurous sound, blending heavy riffs, atmospheric passages and technical precision. Their debut album “Impulse to Soar” (2020) introduced them to the international metal scene, earning strong reviews for its mix of progressive metal, alternative rock and post-metal influences. What makes Calyces special is their ability to combine complexity with emotion. Their music is full of shifting rhythms, dynamic changes, and powerful melodies, but it always keeps a human and expressive side. Lyrically, they often explore deep and thoughtful themes, adding another layer to their art. On stage, Calyces deliver tight and passionate performances, proving that their intricate sound works just as well live.
Calyces photo by Iro Kalligeri (@irokalligeriphotography)
