Avid readers of Metal Insider will have noticed by now that I have a certain soft spot for metal festivals in the Czech Republic, notably Metalfest in Pilsen, Masters of Rock in Vizovice, and Rock Castle Open Air in Moravsky Krumlov. This has several reasons: Firstly, those festivals are quite close to my Austrian hometown of Vienna, with travel only taking between two (Rock Castle) to five hours (Metalfest Pilsen) to reach the festival areas; the considerably affordable prices, and the usually strong lineups that focus on a well-balanced blend of melodic and classic Heavy Metal, spiced up with some heavier styles in between. 2025 marks no exception to that, and once again promoter Pragokoncert is bringing a slew of both returning established bands and hot new acts to their festivals across Czechia.
METALFEST PILSEN 06-08 JUNE 2025
Traditionally kicking off the big summer festival season in Czechia is Metalfest in Pilson, which this year will be headlined by none other than the legendary King Diamond, he of Mercyful fate fame. Other headlining acts include female-fronted Symphonic Metal by Epica, old-school German Thrash Metal by Kreator and some modern sounds provided by Heaven Shall Burn, Alestorm and Amaranthe. Further highlights of the lineup include Germany’s Eurovision Song Contest participants Lord of the Lost, some high quality Melodic Metal from Sweden courtesy of Bloodbound, Dynazty and Majestica, as well as some low key potential show stealers in Ad Infinitum, Frozen Crown and All For Metal.
Tickets are available now for ca. EUR 115.- for the 3 day festival pass: https://www.metalfest.cz/en/Metalfest-vstupenky?tracking=5d6cc9076156a
MASTERS OF ROCK 10-13 JULY 2025
Pragokoncerts largest festival in Czechia with up to 25.000 guests sports some impressive headliners this year in shape of legendary Rammstein frontman Till Lindemann appearing with his solo project, as well as German Power Metal sensation Powerwolf, who will bring their “metal mass” to Vizovice. Classic Heavy Metal will be provided by acts like Hammerfall, Hermann Frank and the legendary Lita Ford, who will be appearing for the first time ever in Czechia. Power Metal aficionados will be treated to epic tunes by Dragonforce, Gloryhammer, Rhapsody of Fire and Warkings, to name only a few, and fans of heavier sounds will appreciate appearances by Pain, Septicflesh, Varg, and Soulfly. Mongolian throat singers The Hu as well as Finnish Cello-Metal artists Apocalyptica will deliver some musical detours, and the lineup also holds a few (more or less) secret gems such as Orphaned Land, Ryujin, Burning Witches and Dragonland.
Tickets are available now for ca. EUR 139.- for the 4 day festival pass: https://www.mastersofrock.cz/en/koncerty/2025-masters-of-rock
ROCK CASTLE OPEN AIR 14-16 AUGUST 2025
Finally, Rock Castle Open Air on the picturesque castle grounds in Moravsky Krumlov will close out the main summer festival season in Czechia, and will feature a colorful mix of styles and bands this year. The big headlining act will be legendary German pirate metallers Running Wild, complemented by some classic Hard Rock courtesy of Uriah Heep, as well as some heavier tunes provided by Max Cavalera’s Nailbomb. Hypocrisy, Equilibrium and newcomers Bloodorn will cater to fans of darker and heavier sounds, while the female-fronted metal banner will be held high by (also pirate metallers) Visions of Atlantis, Beyond The Black, Sirenia, Eleine, Charlotte Wessels (formerly of Delain), April Art, and newcomers Arctis. Hot new act Dominum will bring their Zombie Metal to the castle grounds, while Brothers of Metal, Serious Black and also yours truly with Dragony will be responsible for some ear-pleasing (and a bit cheesy) Power Metal.
Tickets are available now for ca. EUR 90.- for the 3 day festival pass: https://www.rockcastle.cz/en/koncerty/2025-rock-castle
The Czech festival summer promises to be another great one, and between Metalfest, Masters of Rock and Rock Castle, there should be something to be found for every metal fan. So if you’re in Europe during the summer season, make sure to consider attending one of these fine festivals.
