Festival: Rethymno Rocks Festival
Location: Rethymno, Greece
Date: August 29-31, 2024
Reporter: Vasiliki Kalogera

The summer of 2024 saw the return of the Rethymno Rocks Festival for its fourth consecutive year, bringing the powerful sounds of Heavy Metal and Rock to the enchanting Fortezza Castle of Rethymno. From August 29 to 31, 2024, the festival delivered three days filled with music and electrifying performances, firmly establishing Rethymno as a key concert destination on the island of Crete. This year’s event featured 12 domestic and international bands from diverse genres, including Hard Rock, Heavy, Folk, Progressive, and Thrash Metal, among others.

Rethymno Rocks Festival: Day 1 (Thursday, August 29, 2024)

Arriving at the Venetian Fortezza Castle, we were greeted by the excellently arranged festival grounds. A large stage on the southern side was ready to host the concerts, while on the western side of the venue, stalls offered band merchandise, books, CDs, and vinyl records. Nearby, food and drink stands were well-organized, ensuring festival-goers were well-fed and hydrated. Grabbing an ice-cold beer (€3.50 for 330 ml), we prepared for the first band to kick off this year’s Rethymno Rocks!

The newly formed BAD CONTACT from Athens opened the festival with a powerful set, delivering an 80s Heavy Metal experience. Their performance featured tracks like “Out of the Blue” and “Eightball” from their upcoming album, with a highlight being their cover of “Square Hammer” by GHOST, setting the tone for what was to come.

Next on stage were MISTY ROUTE, bringing their Alternative/Prog Metal sound to life. They performed songs from their debut album “Without A Trace”, captivating the audience with their dark and psychedelic melodies.

SATURDAY NIGHT SATAN followed, delivering a set filled with dark aesthetics and references to 70s horror cinema and Occult Rock. Their music blended 80s Heavy Metal influences with a humorous and satirical twist, offering a playful yet intense performance.

The night concluded with the local band BABEL TRIO, who masterfully combined the traditional sound of Crete with Progressive Rock. Their hypnotic performance, featuring the electric lute, created a mystical and psychedelic atmosphere at the Venetian castle, leaving the audience enchanted under the stars.

Rethymno Rocks Festival: Day 2 (Friday, August 30, 2024)

The second day of the festival began with MEDEN AGAN. The symphonic Metal band from Athens delivered a blend of ethereal yet intense Metal melodies, highlighted by the stunning vocals of Dimitra Panariti. Their powerful set included a mix of older tracks and songs from their latest album, “My Name is Katherine”, which was released in May 2024.

Next up were AHERUSIA, a band with deep ties to Crete. They brought a unique fusion of Folk and Black Metal to the festival, drawing on Bacchic mysticism and melodies inspired by traditional Greek Folk music. The audience was immersed in the ecstatic rhythms of both older songs and compositions from their latest album, “Bacchus ~Epiphanies Of The Crazy God”. A standout moment was the guest appearance of Iliana Tsakiraki (ENEMY OF REALITY) on vocals, adding an extra layer of intensity to their performance.

The evening continued with the Swedish band CRASHDIET, making their return to Greece after 15 years. They delivered their signature Glam/Sleaze Metal sound, evoking the golden era of the genre. The crowd was thrilled with classic hits from their album “Rest in Sleaze” as well as the anthemic “Generation Wild” from the album of the same name, which ignited the audience’s energy.

Friday concluded with the explosive performance of BEAST IN BLACK, one of the top bands in modern Heavy/Power Metal. A brief 15-minute interruption due to a power voltage issue didn’t deter anyone, as the Finnish band, led by Greek frontman Yannis Papadopoulos, brought the energy to soaring levels. Their setlist was packed with hits from their albums “Berserker”, “Dark Connection”, and “From Hell With Love”, leaving the audience exhilarated.

Rethymno Rocks Festival: Day 3 (Saturday, August 31, 2024)

The final day of the festival marked the climax of an incredible three-day musical journey. The rising Doom Metal band COSMIC PLUNGE from Heraklion opened the evening, crafting a dark and melancholic atmosphere that captivated the audience.

Next on stage were the Italians DOMINE, delivering their signature epic Heavy/Power Metal. Their set featured many tracks from their self-titled album “Domine”, performed with exceptional skill and impressive vocals. The dramatic setting of the Fortezza Castle provided the perfect backdrop for their heroic tales, enhancing the theatricality of their show.

The night continued with fan favorites EVERGREY. The Swedish Progressive Metal band mesmerized the audience with what was arguably the best sound quality of the entire festival, paired with a stunning light show. Their performance created a truly unforgettable concert experience, solidifying their place as one of the festival’s highlights.

The band’s frontman, Tom S. Englund, with his distinctive vocal tone, delivered his best performance despite showing signs of vocal fatigue. The Swedes treated us to an hour of music, primarily featuring songs from the albums “A Heartless Portrait: The Orphean Testament”, “Theories of Emptiness”, and “Escape of the Phoenix”. Their set showcased the depth and emotional intensity that has made EVERGREY a beloved name among Progressive Metal fans.

The festival closed with a bang as SUICIDAL ANGELS took the stage. The Greek Thrash Metal band dominated, showcasing why they are one of the most prominent representatives of modern Metal in Greece. Explosive guitar riffs, rapid drumming, relentless energy, and several tracks from their album “Profane Prayer” wrapped up the festival in the most dynamic way possible! The highlight of their set was the massive circle pit that formed towards the end, kicking up a cloud of dust in front of the stage and creating an infernal atmosphere!

Rethymno Rocks Festival 2024 once again proved why Rethymno is a top destination for Metal music fans in Greece. Exceeding all expectations for yet another year, the festival boasted impeccable organization, visitor-friendly amenities, and a diverse lineup, leaving a lasting impression. It is now firmly established as one of the most important music events in Greece. A notable addition to this year’s festival was the art exhibition featuring works by Greek artists, held within the Fortezza’s grounds.

We eagerly await next year’s edition!

Report: Vasiliki Kalogera
Cover Artwork: Rethymno Rocks Festival
Report Design & Editing: Alexandros Soultatos
Photography: Sofia Bali
Video: Alexandros Soultatos
Online Link:Rethymno Rocks Festival – Official Page
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