One of the most outstanding events in today’s metal scene is undoubtedly the Up the Hammers Festival! Held annually in Athens, Greece, this renowned festival showcases some of the finest bands in the global classic and traditional heavy metal scene. This year, the highly anticipated lineup features Crimson Glory and Titan Force as headliners, while the warm-up day will be led by Slough Feg. Up the Hammers XIX Festival 2025 will take place at An Club and Gagarin 205, and as of now, all festival days are completely sold out! With just days to go before this celebration of classic metal begins, let’s take a closer look at what awaits us!
by Dimitris Zacharopoulos
Warm-Up Day –March 6th – AN Club
March to Die
Hailing from Cyprus, March to Die is an epic metal band deeply inspired by Manowar and Bathory. Their debut album, “Tears of the Gorgon” (2023), mixed and mastered by Nikolas Moutafis at Steel Fortress Studios and released by No Remorse, made a significant impact on the epic metal scene, solidifying their place alongside Cyprus’ leading metal acts, Arrayan Path and Solitary Sabred.
Mountain Throne
Formed in 2009 in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, this band delivers a powerful blend of heavy and doom metal, packed with crushing riffs, soaring melodies, and an epic atmosphere. They first made their mark with their 2013 debut album, “Stormcoven”, and returned last year with their sophomore effort, “The Silver Light”, which reaches its peak with standout tracks like “All Souls Day” and “Death of a Tyrant”.
Adamantis
Adamantis is a power metal gem from Massachusetts, USA, blending the triumphant spirit of 90s European power metal with their own dynamic sound. Gaining early recognition with their 2018 “Thundermark” EP and the initial self-release of their debut album “Far Flung Realm” (2020), the band quickly rose to prominence after signing with Cruz Del Sur Music. Now, they are releasing their new album, “Reforged” and are ready to conquer the world!
Skanners
Skanners is one of the first heavy metal bands from Italy. From their first album, “Dirty Armada” (1986), until our days and the release of the single “Starlight MMXXIV”, this Italian legend has taught heavy metal and showed the metal way for generations and generations. Skanners are well-known for their explosive live performances, so their upcoming participation in this year’s Up the Hammers is a reason for everybody to be there!
Crush
Crush stands as one of Greece’s most historic heavy metal bands, formed in the early ‘80s in Athens, proudly carrying the banner of heavy metal with power and passion. I still remember when I first got into heavy metal in the late ‘80s—seeing Crush perform on a music television show on the Greek national channel. They felt so raw, authentic, and true to the spirit of the genre! Now, with their upcoming appearance at Up The Hammers, it feels like time has come full circle.
Slough Feg
Slough Feg is a unique force in the heavy metal underground, blending traditional heavy metal, folk influences, and a touch of progressive rock into a sound that is timeless and distinctive. Formed in the early 1990s, the band—led by the charismatic Mike Scalzi—has built a cult following with their storytelling-driven lyrics, galloping riffs and adventurous compositions. Albums like “Traveller” (2003) and “Atavism” (2005) showcase their ability to fuse Iron Maiden-esque melodies with Celtic and sci-fi themes, creating a sound that is epic and raw. With an unwavering dedication to classic metal ideals and an unmistakable identity, Slough Feg remains a well-respected band of the cult metal scene.
Day 1 –March 7th – Gagarin 205
White Magician
White Magician is a Detroit-based heavy metal band that seamlessly blends elements of classic heavy metal, hard rock and progressive influences into a spellbinding sonic experience. Drawing inspiration from the mystical aura of bands like Blue Öyster Cult and the twin-guitar majesty of Thin Lizzy and early Iron Maiden, they craft intricate, riff-driven compositions steeped in fantasy and the occult. Their debut album, “Dealers of Divinity” (2020), showcased an old-school metal spirit with a refreshing edge. With their enigmatic presence and their masterful songwriting, White Magician continue to enchant listeners.
Noor
Noor is a prog/power metal band from Montreal, Canada, blending the soaring energy of power metal with the technical prowess of progressive metal. Their debut release, “Mother’s Guilty Pleasure Part One”, dropped in 2023, showcasing the band’s intricate songs, dynamic arrangements and extraordinary performances (listen to the unbelievable vocals and the amazing guitar work!). Now, with Steel Gallery/Arkeyn Steel Records set to re-release an expanded edition in early 2025, Noor is poised to reach a broader audience and stand alongside the genre’s biggest names.
Amethyst
Amethyst is a rising band from Switzerland, forged in 2020 from the remnants of Midas Touch. Rooted in the raw energy and unfiltered passion of classic heavy metal, they draw inspiration from the overall sound and spirit of the golden era between 1979 and 1981. Their mission is to deliver true heavy metal straight from the heart, evoking the essence of the genre’s noble pioneers. In 2023, they unleashed their debut release, “Rock Knights”, a four-song tape released via Jawbreaker Records. Amethyst is now on No Remorse Records, which released “Throw down the Gauntlet” last year.
Attic
Attic is a German heavy metal band that has carved a formidable place in the modern occult metal scene, channeling the theatrical darkness and high-pitched intensity of King Diamond and Mercyful Fate. Formed in 2011, the band quickly gained recognition with their debut album, “The Invocation” (2012), and solidified their reputation with the masterful “Sanctimonious” (2017). After a brief hiatus between 2020 and 2023, Attic returned stronger than ever with their third full-length release, “Return of the Witchfinder”, an opus of sinister, occult-infused heavy metal, including twin-guitar mastery, eerie atmospheric interludes, and haunting, falsetto-driven vocals courtesy of frontman Meister Cagliostro.
Bütcher
Bütcher deliver relentless metal fury, fusing speed metal, thrash metal and first-wave black metal. Coming from Belgium and with a sound rooted in analog recording, their ferocious debut “Bestial Fükkin’ Warmachine” (2017) and the critically acclaimed follow-up “666 Goats Carry My Chariot” (2020) established them as a fearless torchbearer of true metal. Now, with their latest onslaught, “On Fowl of Tyrant Wing” (2024), Bütcher gives us an even more potent dose of riff-driven mayhem. They are known for their high-octane live performances that ignite audiences into a frenzy, so we are eager to see them on the stage of Gagarin 205.
Ereb Altor
Ereb Altor is a Swedish Viking metal band that emerged in 2003, founded by members of the epic doom outfit Forlorn. Initially celebrated for their masterful fusion of Bathory’s Viking-era grandeur with traditional epic doom metal, the band quickly stood out from the rest. However, in their later albums Ereb Altor embraced a darker, more aggressive approach, incorporating elements of black metal into their sound. This evolution expanded their sonic identity while retaining the atmospheric depth and storytelling prowess that have become their signature. Ereb Altor is a great band to experience live in concert, so their participation is a highlight of this year’s Up The Hammers!
Crimson Glory
What can we say about the headliners of the first day of Up The Hammers Fest 2025! Crimson Glory are one of the best prog/power metal bands of all-times, one of the most charismatic and talented bands that America exported in the ‘80s, a real legend of heavy metal music, known for their enigmatic image and groundbreaking sound. Formed in Florida in the early 1980s, the band gained recognition with their self-titled debut in 1986, but it was their 1988 masterpiece, “Transcendence”, that cemented their iconic status. Combining soaring, operatic vocals—courtesy of the late, great Midnight—with intricate guitar work and a mystical, otherworldly atmosphere, Crimson Glory crafted a sound that was both heavy and ethereal. Their signature blend of melody, technicality, and dark, introspective themes set them apart from their contemporaries and influenced countless bands in the progressive and power metal genres. Their later years were marked by lineup changes and periods of inactivity, yet, their legacy remains untouchable! Let’s see the new incarnation of Crimson Glory anno 2025!
Day 2 –March 8th – Gagarin 205
Tower
Tower, a heavy metal band from the heart of New York City, bring a fierce and electrifying sound that blends classic influences with a fresh edge. Fronted by the powerhouse vocals of Sarabeth Linden—whose commanding presence recalls Leather Leone, Ann Wilson, and even Ronnie James Dio—the band channels the spirit of legends like Judas Priest and Scorpions while injecting their own modern fire. With twin guitarists James Danzo and Zak Penley unleashing searing riffs and solos, and Philippe Arman holding down the low end with thunderous bass and backing vocals, Tower is a band you shall not miss!
Writhen Hilt
Writhen Hilt is a German heavy metal band that worships swords and steel, forging a sound that merges the galloping energy of NWOBHM with the anthemic power of Swedish and American power metal. With their debut EP, “Ancient Sword Cult”, released via Sweden’s Jawbreaker Records, the band delivers a triumphant blend of melodic yet forceful craftsmanship, where razor-sharp riffs, soaring leads and thunderous drumming collide in a storm of metallic fury. Their sound channels the mystical grandeur of Warlord while infusing doom rock/metal undertones that add a melancholic depth to their hymns.
Iron Griffin
Iron Griffin is the brainchild of multi-instrumentalist Oskari Räsänen, known for his work with Mausoleum Gate, and serves as his personal exploration into the mystical realms of protometal. With the release of “Curse of the Sky”, Räsänen crafts an enchanting sonic journey steeped in medieval fantasy, epic storytelling and an unmistakable 70s-inspired production. He creates an atmosphere that feels ancient and otherworldly, while vocalist Maija Tiljander elevates the music with her sharp and ethereal delivery. Without relying on flashy riffs or bombastic heaviness, Iron Griffin instead captivates with heartfelt compositions and an immersive, ritualistic aura!
Insane’s Royal Altar Ageless Wisdom
Ageless Wisdom, one of the most revered cult metal demos in Greek metal, will performed live for the first time by Insane’s Royal Altar. Led by original vocalist Sotiris Poulidis, this special performance will breathe life into the songs that fused the vocal style of Terry Jones (Pagan Altar) and Mark Shelton (Manilla Road) with crushing riffs, searing leads and an otherworldly atmosphere. Ageless Wisdom is a myth among metal fans, its power and epic storytelling cementing it as a cornerstone of Greek heavy metal lore! Royal Altar will play under the name Insane’s Royal Altar, delivering a set that honors the past while also looking to the future, with a performance of “Warriors Dance” from their debut album.
Demon Bitch
Starting out from the underground metal stronghold of Detroit, USA, Demon Bitch stand as a bastion of true, cult heavy metal, embracing an uncompromising sound. Including the unmistakable voice of Logon Saton, the razor-sharp twin guitar attack of Lord Mars and Solon Saton, and the thunderous rhythm section of B. Beastmaster and Master Commander, Demon Bitch weave intricate compositions that evoke the grandeur of forgotten legends. Their music channels a spectrum of influences, from the theatrical excess of 1970s hard rock to the undercurrents of extreme metal, all while maintaining a sense of mystery and fantasy. Having conquered Europe with performances at Chaos Descends and select club shows, the band unleashed “Master of the Games” (2024) and is ready to set Gagarin 205 on fire!
Wings of Steel
Wings of Steel have quickly risen as one of the most exciting new acts in the underground heavy metal scene. Founded in Los Angeles in 2019 by powerful vocalist Leo Unnermark and virtuoso guitarist Parker Halub, the band channels the spirit of classic metal while forging their own unmistakable identity. Their debut self-titled EP (2022) laid the foundation for what would become their breakout moment—their first full-length album, “Gates of Twilight” (2023), a 10-track triumph that captured the attention of metal purists and new fans. With soaring vocals, elaborate guitar work and a keen sense of melody and power, Wings of Steel bring back the essence of traditional heavy metal while pushing it forward.
Demon
Emerging from the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) movement, Demon stands as one of the most underrated yet influential bands of the ‘80s. Formed in 1979 by vocalist Dave Hill and guitarist Mal Spooner, the band initially delivered a hard-hitting, classic heavy metal sound with their debut “Night of the Demon” (1981) and its follow-up “The Unexpected Guest” (1982), both brimming with dark themes and anthemic songwriting. As the decade progressed, Demon incorporated progressive rock elements and more sophisticated lyrical storytelling, as heard on albums like “The Plague” (1983). Demon built a cult following with their unique blend of melody, theatrics and conceptual depth. The passing of Spooner in 1984 was a major blow, but the band endured, with Dave Hill carrying on the legacy and ensuring that Demon remains one of the genre’s most respected groups.
Titan Force
Titan Force is one of the most revered cult bands in the realm of U.S. metal, seamlessly blending elements of progressive and traditional heavy metal. Formed in the mid-1980s in Colorado, the band gained widespread recognition with the addition of legendary Harry “The Tyrant” Conklin (Jag Panzer) on vocals, whose soaring, operatic range became a defining feature of their sound. Their self-titled debut album, “Titan Force” (1989), was a masterclass in intricate songwriting, powerful melodies and technical prowess, setting them apart from their contemporaries. They followed up with “Winner/Loser” (1991), an equally ambitious record that further cemented their reputation, though commercial success eluded them in an era dominated by musical trends. Despite their limited discography, Titan Force’s blend of epic grandeur, progressive sophistication and sheer heavy metal force has earned them a devoted following.
