ROCK AM RING DAY 3: Great Line-Up Makes For Tough Clashes

This weekend, it is finally time again for Rock Am Ring, one of Europe’s premier music festivals, held at the iconic Nürburgring in Germany! This legendary event brings together fans of rock, metal, and alternative music for a thrilling weekend of unforgettable performances. From navigating the stellar lineup of headliners and rising stars to tips for soaking in every moment of the live shows, we’ve got you covered with photos and words of many of the acts on this year’s impeccable lineup to ensure you can enjoy the festival from afar. We are excited to witness this epic celebration of music once again.

Time races by on the festival grounds at the Nürburgring, bringing us to the final day of yet another unforgettable Rock Am Ring. This year’s closing day delivered a lineup packed with energy and standout performances, leaving a lasting impression for more reasons than one.

The day kicked off on the Utopia Stage with Dead Poet Society, a band riding a wave of momentum. Their 2024 album FISSION propelled them to the mainstage, and their set proved why they’ve earned the spotlight. With a sound that echoes hints of Nothing But Thieves while remaining distinctly their own, the band captivated the crowd that trickled in throughout the set. Between songs, they engaged the audience with a relaxed, approachable vibe, exuding confidence and charisma. As a rising act, Dead Poet Society are just getting started, and we’re eager to see where their future releases take them.

With a tight schedule, we caught but a fleeting glimpse of Polaris on the Mandora Stage before heading to the Orbit Stage for I See Stars. The Australian metalcore outfit lived up to their reputation for explosive live energy. Even witnessing just the opening song was enough to confirm the legend—Polaris delivered a high-octane performance that set the stage ablaze, figuratively. Check out the gallery below for a snapshot of their energized performance.

Next up, I See Stars on the Orbit Stage was a personal highlight. As a longtime fan, seeing them perform twice in a relatively short span feels surreal, especially considering it had been over a decade since their last European appearance before opening for Palaye Royale in 2024. With a new album slated for release later this year, the band is poised to make waves across the continent once more. Their setlist blended fresh singles from the upcoming, yet-to-be-titled record with tracks from their 2016 album Treehouse and three classics from even earlier work from the 2013 album New Demons. Devin Oliver’s vocals were nothing short of extraordinary, and the band’s tight performance held the crowd in a trance. Despite the early afternoon slot, they drew an impressive crowd, a testament to their enduring appeal.

The anticipation for I See Stars’ new album is sky-high, and we’re rooting for it to elevate their popularity to new heights—they undeniably deserve it.

Today brought intense energy with a lot of epic performances, at more timeslots than one setting the stage for a tough choice between two incredible bands. At the dawn of the evening, a clash happened for us. On the Orbit stage, Deafheaven, a heavy metal band, were gearing up to perform tracks in order to promote their recently released album, Lonely People With Power, which had us eager to catch their live show. Meanwhile, just 20 minutes later, The Ghost Inside were set to take the Mandora stage, making it a challenge to decide where to focus our attention.

We opted to photograph and experience Deafheaven for the first 15 minutes before heading to the Mandora stage. Those brief moments were nothing short of captivating. Deafheaven’s stage presence was commanding, with their opening songs delivering raw intensity. Vocalist George Clarke’s ability to produce such visceral sounds left us in awe. The band owned the stage, engaging the crowd with a personal touch—rather than simply urging the audience to move, Clarke declared, “You and I are gonna move,” creating a shared energy. With Lonely People With Power as their latest release, we hope Deafheaven tours extensively, giving more fans a chance to witness their dynamic performance.

Switching stages, we arrived at the Mandora stage to catch The Ghost Inside, a band we’d seen close out Jera On Air last year with unforgettable energy. Tonight, performing for a massive crowd a few hours into the evening, they delivered another high-octane set. The Ghost Inside’s shows are a masterclass in intensity, packed with blistering breakdowns and crowd-pleasing sing-alongs. From the opening notes, the audience was relentless—crowdsurfers soared, mosh pits erupted during breakdowns, and walls of death formed as fans screamed iconic one-liners back at the band. A The Ghost Inside performance is always a spectacle, and our photos capture the atmosphere of the night.

After a brief pause, another intense showdown loomed. On the Mandora stage, Lorna Shore, a leading force in deathcore, was set to perform. Meanwhile, Falling In Reverse would command the Utopia stage with their own set. Having seen Lorna Shore more frequently in recent years, we faced a tough choice but ultimately opted to catch Falling In Reverse. Beyond their fewer local appearances, the band is renowned for their top-tier production, which we were excited to experience again. With a 90-minute slot (which turned out to be more like 70, but who’s counting), Falling In Reverse pulled out all the stops, delivering a spectacular show.

Amid loud applause, frontman Ronnie Radke and the band kicked off their set with Prequel. From there, the production escalated, featuring an elaborate light show and an impressive array of pyrotechnics. Tracks like Zombified showcased the intense visual effects, with fire and video backdrops amplifying the energy of the performance.

The recipe shifted when Falling In Reverse performed the song Just Like You, where a cameraman came on stage and live footage of the band and the audience was shown on the screen. The song is well-known for the chorus, in which Radke sings he is aware he’s an asshole but honestly “I’m just like you”. It makes for an exceptionally fun live track and the live footage of the audience with the lyrics showing on screen was a nice touch.

It’s worth noting that Ronnie Radke is often considered controversial to the point that bands have cancelled tours with Falling In Reverse after receiving backlash on social media, but here on the festival grounds, the festival goers came out in droves to witness the band’s performance. As far as the eyes could see, there were people singing, moshing and dancing along to the show.

The set concluded with a trio of their heaviest songs, peaking with the intense Ronald, before closing with fan-favourite Watch The World Burn, with an extended outro, where he played the breakdown thrice rather than just the once. With a reception this massive, the band is bound to return to Germany sooner rather than later.

Powerwolf

Stray From The Path

The final day of Rock Am Ring 2025 was a thrilling showcase of both emerging and established talent, leaving us already excited for next year’s edition. Check out photos of the performances of Rock Am Ring throughout this page and stay tuned for all our Rock Am Ring coverage by following our socials over on X, Instagram and Facebook.

ROCK AM RING DAY 2: Jam-Packed With Incredible Bands

This weekend, it is finally time again for Rock Am Ring, one of Europe’s premier music festivals, held at the iconic Nürburgring in Germany! This legendary event brings together fans of rock, metal, and alternative music for a thrilling weekend of unforgettable performances. From navigating the stellar lineup of headliners and rising stars to tips for soaking in every moment of the live shows, we’ve got you covered with photos and words of many of the acts on this year’s impeccable lineup to ensure you can enjoy the festival from afar. We are excited to witness this epic celebration of music once again.

The second day of Rock Am Ring dawned with a chilly breeze, yet the absence of rain set a promising tone as Nothing More took to the Utopia stage to open the festivities. Renowned for their theatrical live performances, the band delivered a spectacle that’s vividly captured in the photos below. In recent years, Nothing More have soared to new heights, propelled by their 2024 album Carnal, while timeless tracks like Jenny and This Is The Time (Ballast) remain fan favorites. Their setlist struck a perfect balance between fresh releases and classic hits, drawing a dedicated crowd to the festival grounds early in the day to bask in the band’s energy. The gallery below offers a glimpse into the vibrancy of their performance.

Following the extroardinary Nothing More set, the Swedish powerhouse Imminence took to the Mandora stage, where they commanded attention with their surging popularity, fueled by the release of The Black. Known for their signature violin-infused metalcore—aptly dubbed “Violincore”—the band has found a strong foothold in Germany. Despite their early afternoon slot, German festival-goers turned out in droves to experience one of the most dynamic acts on the lineup. Imminence’s set leaned heavily on tracks from The Black, a fitting choice given the album’s role in elevating their international profile. Onstage, their church-themed decor, complete with background vocalists and musicians clad in black robes, created a striking visual complement to their exceptional musical performance, making for an unforgettable experience.

For fans eager for more, Imminence will return later this year to close out The Black era with massive club shows featuring orchestral backing, promising a truly extraordinary spectacle.

Next, the Utopia stage welcomed Skillet, a band we hadn’t seen live in years. A mainstay in rock for decades, Skillet proved their enduring relevance, as evidenced by the massive crowd that gathered to see them. Their 2009 album Awake, with hits like Monster and Hero, marked a pivotal moment in their career, and their draw today remains as strong as ever. While less theatrical than the preceding acts, Skillet’s performance was musically impeccable. A standout moment came during the fourth song, when frontman John Cooper donned CO2 cannons strapped to his arms, injecting visual flair into the set. The giant screen behind the band also displayed visuals, including snippets of music videos throughout the year. Paired with the musical prowess, it was enough to keep the fans entertained for the entirety of the set. The gallery below captures the energy of their commanding performance.

The weekend’s weather forecast had been grim, but the Nürburgring enjoyed sunshine paired with cool air for the first half of the festival day, creating a pleasant atmosphere. However, midway through Spiritbox’s set, the skies opened, and rain poured relentlessly for hours. Undeterred, Rock Am Ring attendees flocked to the Utopia stage to catch Spiritbox, marking their third appearance at the festival since 2022. Their journey—from the Orbit stage in the afternoon their first year, to the Mandora stage late in the day last year, to now kicking off the evening program on the Utopia stage—reflects their meteoric rise. The success of their debut album Eternal Blue and the warm reception of their 2025 sophomore release Tsunami Sea have solidified their place in the alternative music scene.

Spiritbox’s set drew from their full discography, enhanced by camera filters and effects that amplified the visual experience for the thousands of fans in attendance. While the performance lacked additional pyrotechnics or CO2 effects, the band’s musical prowess held the audience’s attention effortlessly. As Spiritbox continues to climb, future mainstage slots may bring more elaborate production, but for now, their raw talent was more than enough to captivate the crowd. Check out some shots of the band’s stellar performance in the gallery below.

As the rain eased slightly, Bullet For My Valentine took the Utopia stage to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their iconic album The Poison. The set opened with a nostalgic video montage chronicling the band’s two-decade journey, setting the tone for a performance steeped in legacy. Launching into Her Voice Resides, the band delivered a setlist packed with The Poison staples like 4 Words (To Choke Upon) and Suffocating Under Words of Sorrow (What Can I Do), each song igniting the crowd with memories of the early 2000s metalcore era.

Frontman Matt Tuck connected with the audience throughout the night, sharing heartfelt gratitude for their steadfast support. The band’s polished performance reflected their years of experience while retaining the raw passion that first propelled them to fame. Musically, Bullet For My Valentine was as tight as ever, though their show leaned heavily on the music itself, with minimal engagement or visual spectacle. Having seen them perform over a decade ago, the set felt familiar, offering little new compared to their past performances. Still, their iconic status and musical precision ensured an enjoyable experience, even if it followed a well-worn formula.

After Bullet For My Valentine’s celebratory set concluded, we headed back to the Mandora stage to see another industry giant: Sweden’s In Flames. Though their lighting effects were underwhelming, the band delivered a stellar performance with their signature sound and commanding stage presence.

In Flames captivated the Rock Am Ring crowd with a memorable set, effortlessly blending older hits like “Cloud Connected” with newer tracks from their latest album, Foregone. Anders Fridén’s vocals radiated raw energy, while Björn Gelotte and Niclas Engelin’s guitars filled the festival grounds with sharp riffs and soaring melodies. It’s no surprise that In Flames remains as popular as ever.

For us, the night closed with one of today’s standout bands, Rise Against, who drew an immense crowd to the Mandora stage, rivaling the mainstage draw of Slipknot. As the Mandora stage’s equivalent of a headliner, Rise Against seized the moment to showcase their continued relevance, especially timely with their upcoming album, Ricochet. Hailing from the United States, the band enjoys remarkable popularity among German fans, a fact underscored by their Spotify listener data, with three of their top five cities being German. The massive turnout for their set was no shock.

Rise Against pulled out all the stops for their performance, featuring their iconic bullhorn and more pyrotechnics than most acts we’ve seen at the festival. Their setlist, a tribute to their extensive discography, included new singles that were warmly received by the crowd. The German fans’ enthusiasm for the upcoming album was palpable.

Check out photos from the band’s stellar performance in the gallery below, and join us tomorrow for coverage of Rock Am Ring’s third and final festival day!

ROCK AM RING DAY 1: Great Beginnings & Bitter Endings

This weekend, it is finally time again for Rock Am Ring, one of Europe’s premier music festivals, held at the iconic Nürburgring in Germany! This legendary event brings together fans of rock, metal, and alternative music for a thrilling weekend of unforgettable performances. From navigating the stellar lineup of headliners and rising stars to tips for soaking in every moment of the live shows, we’ve got you covered with photos and words of many of the acts on this year’s impeccable lineup to ensure you can enjoy the festival from afar. We are excited to witness this epic celebration of music once again.

House of Protection, a band formed by former members of FEVER 333, kicked off proceedings for us on the first day of Rock Am Ring. The band brought a high-energy performance to the festival stage, captivating the audience with their dynamic presence. The group, now carving out their own path, demonstrated a clear focus on connecting with their fans through active engagement. Throughout their set, they maintained a strong rapport with the crowd, encouraging participation and keeping the energy high.

A standout moment came during their second song when the singer/guitarist Stephen Harrison lept into the audience, performing from the heart of the moshpit and creating an unforgettable experience for those in the thick of the action. This bold move highlighted their commitment to breaking down barriers between the band and their fans, something their previous band is also known for. House of Protection’s performance was a testament to their potential as they build their new identity, blending raw energy with genuine crowd interaction. They sure are a duo to keep track of throughout the coming years.

Knocked Loose, the Kentucky-based hardcore punk and metalcore band, delivered a high-energy set as a special guest at the festival, announced just days before the event, adding an element of surprise for attendees. Known for their ongoing commercial success, with their 2024 album You Won’t Go Before You’re Supposed To topping the UK Hard Rock & Metal chart and earning critical acclaim, the band brought their signature intensity to the stage.

The performance was marked by relentless energy, with vocalist Bryan Garris engaging the crowd through commanding stage presence and encouraging active participation. Guitarist Isaac Hale and the band drove the atmosphere with heavy riffs and breakdowns, creating a chaotic, massive moshpit that kept the audience moving. We first saw Knocked Loose in very small clubs, so to see them captivate an audience of this perimeter is mind-blowing. Their ability to connect with fans, combined with their rising prominence in the hardcore scene, solidified Knocked Loose as a standout act, proving their growing influence and ability to captivate festivalgoers.

LØLØ has been tirelessly building her career, delivering a steady stream of releases and performing worldwide. This year, she’s back on the European festival circuit, including a standout performance at Rock Am Ring. Her live shows are a highlight, marked by vibrant audience engagement and personal insights into her music. LØLØ’s songs, often centered on the fallout of failed relationships, resonate strongly with the TikTok crowd. While her style may not suit everyone, her energetic live performances are undeniable. Her Rock Am Ring set was no different, with familiar tracks shining through live. Keep an eye on LØLØ—she’s one to watch in the coming years.

Next up and lastly for us on the mainstage were Biffy Clyro. Biffy Clyro’s festival set was a solid performance. The Scottish band delivered their usual mix of rock with sharp guitar riffs, steady basslines, and strong drumming. The singer’s voice was clear, moving between soft and loud with ease, keeping the crowd engaged. Their energy was high, and they played tightly as a unit, showing years of experience. The set had a good balance of intense and calmer moments, appealing to both fans and new listeners. The lighting and visuals were effective, matching the music without being distracting. The audience responded well, singing along and staying invested throughout. It was a reliable, high-energy show that hit the mark for a festival main stage.

Following an impressive lineup of performances throughout the day at Rock Am Ring, the evening showcased several prominent acts we have consistently supported over the years. At large-scale festivals like this, it is common for bands to maintain approved photographer lists or require contracts outlining specific terms for photography. These agreements may restrict the sale of merchandise featuring the photographs or, in some cases, require photographers to relinquish rights to their images. In recent years, the prevalence of such lists and contracts has significantly increased. However, for acts we have photographed extensively—often more than ten times—we remain committed to supporting them by agreeing to their terms and delivering our best work with passion and dedication.

Unfortunately, during this evening’s events, we encountered an unexpected setback. Despite our long-standing history of covering and photographing A Day To Remember and Bring Me The Horizon—each more than ten times over the years, including a recent shoot with A Day To Remember at their Tilburg performance—we were denied permission to photograph either band. This was particularly disheartening given Bring Me The Horizon’s milestone as festival headliners. For an independent outlet that was created out of passion and love for the alternative scene, that has supported these artists for over a decade, this exclusion underscores the increasing challenges within the industry. These difficulties have ramped up drastically since the COVID-19 pandemic. Besides the aforementioned bands, we have been unable to photograph half the bands we had on our to-do list for the day. The bitter truth is that some of these bands do not care about independent media, especially once they’ve grown enough to garner attention from mainstream media, and tonight that became abundantly clear. This was a bitter pill to swallow. While we are deeply disappointed, we remain committed to covering the remainder of Rock Am Ring throughout the weekend with enthusiasm and professionalism, though we felt compelled to share this moment of frustration and profound disheartenment.

Check out some of the images of the performances of Rock Am Ring throughout this page and stay tuned for all our Rock Am Ring coverage by following our socials over on X, Instagram and Facebook.