70000tons of Metal 2024 Artist Spotlight: Dalriada

Countdown to 2025: 41 Days

SOOOOOOON, the famous word for 70000tons of Metal cruisers know to love and hate. And one thing you learn is announcements are always unpredictable. After experiencing the 2024 edition to its fullest capability, we captured all sixty-two bands, bringing back our Artist Spotlight, our countdown to the 2025 voyage, leaving on January 30 in Miami, setting sail to Ocho Rios, Jamaica, and returning on February 3, 2025. Round 12, the 2024 experience, took place from January 29 – February 2, sailing from Miami to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, on the Freedom of the Seas.

70000tons 2024 Round 12: ARTIST 13 of 62 Dalriada

Hungarian folk metal outfit Dalriada is the reason to go on 70000tons of Metal. A four-year-old Reddit thread titled “Is Dalriada the worst-marketed metal band?” says it all. Without their first appearance on the cruise in 2017, it would have been difficult to become familiar with them, especially in the U.S. Formed in 2003. With over ten albums released since 2004’sFergeteg, you’d think they would have more exposure.

Their live performance is unlike anything you’ve ever seen, and nothing is in English. While you may not understand the words, you feel them: their unstoppable energy and radiant emotion pull you in, making it impossible to look away or leave. They are an outstanding band that deserves nothing but praise and attention.

Their 2017 performance at 3:00 AM on 70000tons, while covering the event for MyGlogalMind at the time, was what blew me away, not only seeing the band but experiencing the thrill of discovering artists that rarely make it to the U.S. Fast forward to 2024, and once again, at 3:00 AM on Day 1, January 29, 2024, at the Royal Theater, I had the pleasure of seeing them again. While I missed their second set on Day 3, January 31, at the Star Lounge at 9:15 PM, I made sure to fully embrace their first performance. It was as stunning as ever, and I hope they gain more recognition because Dalriada will enthrall you and leave you in complete adoration.

What’s next for Dalriada?

Since 70000tons, Dalriada appeared at a handful of festivals but, not enough. For 2025, all that’s on their schedule thus far is being part of the Budapest and Zlin extended Paganfest shows in 2025. Hopefully, there will be new music, a follow-up to 2021’sŐszelő or something because they are a must-see and listen to.

What is the Artist Spotlight?

Well, it’s more than a review of their performance; as 70000tons goes, each band is a headliner, and we treat each one as such, giving them their own spread, discussing who they are and what they’ve been up to since the cruise. Each spotlight coincides with any updates from 70000tons organizers (if any), leading to days before setting sail. An extensive coverage like no other.

What does 70000tons 2025 look like?

There’s a reason why we want to keep going until we can’t. With at least 120 promised shows, bands performing twice within four days, including an All-Star Jam, Belly Flop Contest, Shore Excursions, meet and greets, clinics, workshops, pool girls and boys, hot tub mosh pits, cosplay madness, and much more. 2025, round 13 of 70000tons of Metal will bring cruisers back on the Independence of the Seas, setting sail on January 30 from Miami to Ocho Rios, Jamaica, and returning to Miami on February 3, 2025. Tickets are available here. Also, check out the essential packing guide here.

70000tons 2025 Lineup [34 out of 60]:

Arcturus
Benighted
Beyond Creation
Candlemass
Crownshift
Decapitated
Delain
Emperor
Ex Deo
Finntroll
Flotsam & Jetsam
Hammerfall
Ihsahn
In Extremo
Kalmah
Krisiun
Majestica
Mork
Onslaught
Samael
Septicflesh
Sepultura
Sonata Arctica
Stratovarius
Subway to Sally
Swallow The Sun
Symphony X
Tankard
The Kovenant
The Zenith Passage
Trollfest
Trouble
Twilight Force
Unleash the Archers