Hellfest 2025: A Return to Metal Roots

On Monday, November 10, Hellfest unveiled the poster for its next edition, showcasing a lineup that returns to the festival’s roots. This year’s program is heavily focused on metal, punk, and hardcore genres, featuring many familiar faces in Clisson, which has sparked mixed feelings among the metal community.

Excitement Builds for Hellfest 2025

Hellfest enthusiasts, particularly the 55,000 festival-goers who have already secured their 4-day passes, eagerly awaited the lineup reveal on November 10. Many were pleasantly surprised by the announcement!

The 2025 poster marks a shift back to a more traditional Hellfest experience, as noted by many metal fans across social media platforms. This year, the lineup is devoid of mainstream acts like Muse or Shaka Ponk, instead featuring a total of 183 groups primarily representing the realms of extreme music, metal, punk, and hardcore.

Notable Additions to the Lineup

Among the exciting highlights is the American sludge band Acid Bath, making its debut at Hellfest after being dormant since the late ’90s. Additionally, the American metalcore group Bad Omens, originally slated for 2024, will also make its first appearance after rescheduling due to the exhaustion of its lead vocalist.

Mixed Reactions from the Community

On social media, opinions vary widely. Some fans describe the poster as “sick,” expressing disappointment yet acknowledging it as a “worthy” lineup that emphasizes a “return to basics” with a mix of new discoveries. Some even dubbed it the “poster of the decade.”

“I didn’t think I’d say this, but damn, this is one of the most beautiful posters I’ve seen since my first Hellfest in 2008.” – Cyril Bmnt (Facebook comment)

Familiar Faces Return

However, there are concerns regarding the repetition of headliners who have graced the Clisson stage multiple times. Bands like Megadeth, Alice Cooper, Iron Maiden, and Limp Bizkit have all made multiple appearances over the years, leading some to feel as though the festival is stuck in a loop. Lesser-known acts such as Pogo Car Crash Control and Lionheart have also returned, furthering this sentiment.

The Challenge of Curating a Diverse Lineup

The Hellfest team faces the difficult task of assembling a lineup of nearly 200 groups while avoiding redundancy, especially within the niche of extreme music. As many iconic metal bands age, finding fresh talent becomes increasingly challenging.

To maintain the festival’s identity, incorporating other styles has been a topic of discussion. While acts like Shaka Ponk and Foo Fighters were controversial additions in previous years, the inclusion of Swedish garage punk band The Hives seems to be well-received thus far.

Fresh Faces Among the Familiar

This year, the punk scene continues to be represented with bands like The Offspring, who will perform alongside Rise Against and The Dwarves, as well as iconic groups like Buzzcocks and The Adicts.

Notably, more than eighty bands on this year’s lineup will be making their Clisson debut, including The Hives, Bad Omens, and a variety of international acts like Bloodywood and Esodic from Jordan. This offers a great opportunity for metalheads to discover new sounds.

Conclusion

Hellfest 2025 promises to be a thrilling edition that balances nostalgia with the introduction of fresh talent. While some festival-goers may lament the return of familiar acts, many are excited about what this year’s lineup has to offer. As Hellfest continues to evolve while staying true to its roots, it remains a beacon for metal and punk enthusiasts worldwide.

FAQs

When is Hellfest 2025 scheduled to take place?

Hellfest 2025 is set to occur over four days, although specific dates have not been announced yet.

How many bands will perform at Hellfest 2025?

A total of 183 bands are confirmed for the 2025 edition, with a mix of familiar and new acts.

Will there be any new acts at Hellfest 2025?

Yes, over eighty groups will be making their first appearance at Hellfest, providing a chance for attendees to discover new music.

What genres are represented in the lineup?

The lineup primarily focuses on metal, punk, and hardcore genres, staying true to the festival’s roots.

How can I stay updated on Hellfest news?

You can follow Hellfest’s official social media channels and subscribe to their newsletter for updates and announcements.