UP THE HAMMERS FESTIVAL XXI

For more than two decades, Up The Hammers has stood as a sanctuary for traditional, epic and underground heavy metal and 2027 will be no exception.
Here are the bands joining us so far:
~ DAY 1 - March 5 ~
🔥 CIRITH UNGOL (US)
There are bands whose names carry their own mythology. Cirith Ungol are one of them. Their presence at Up The Hammers 2027, for a globally exclusive performance, is not simply another addition to the bill. It is one of those rare heavy metal moments that make all the years of searching, travelling, and keeping the flame alive feel worthwhile.
🔥 SUMERLANDS (US)
Modern heavy metal perfection. With their powerful riffs, soaring vocals and classic spirit, Sumerlands have quickly established themselves as one of the finest torchbearers of contemporary traditional metal.
🔥 SLAUTER XSTROYES (US)
Cult US power metal band whose rare appearances make every show something special. Expect razor-sharp riffs and pure underground metal energy.
🔥 CENTURY (SE)
From Sweden, Century - a band that sets the bar high for the new generation carrying the torch of true heavy metal. Electrifying live shows and inspired songwriting - play them to anyone who claims there’s no great music coming out nowadays.
🔥 LUNAR SHADOW (DE)
From Germany, Lunar Shadow - masters of dark, epic heavy metal atmosphere, weaving emotion and power into every note. Once we heard their stunning new album “The Pall of a Past World”, we were completely blown away. It felt like the perfect moment - and the right time - to have them join us at their peak.
🔥 PHANTOM (US)
Power/speed metal band from New York returning after a long absence from the stage. A rare chance to witness a true cult act of the US metal scene.
🔥 FIRMAMENT (DE)
For Centuries Alive is, for us, one of the best albums of 2025. As long as bands like Firmament continue to emerge, our scene has nothing to fear.
~ DAY 2 - March 6 ~
🔥 ARMORED SAINT (US)
One of the greatest bands ever to perform at our festival returns to Athens to take the stage once again. A legendary name in American heavy metal, their previous appearance left an indelible mark and we are honored to welcome them back for another unforgettable show.
🔥 PAGAN ALTAR (UK)
A cornerstone of epic doom metal and one of the most respected names in the underground. Their unique atmosphere and classic songs continue to inspire generations of metal fans.
🔥 SARACEN (UK)
Masters of atmospheric and melodic heavy metal, Saracen bring decades of history and timeless songs that helped shape the British epic metal sound.
🔥 METAL INQUISITOR (DE)
In 2006, Metal Inquisitor headlined the very first edition of Up The Hammers, becoming the first-ever headliners in the history of the festival. From day one, they have been part of the foundations of what this festival would become, and we are very happy to announce that they will be joining us again in Athens in 2027. Metal Inquisitor represent traditional heavy metal at its most direct and genuine: strong songwriting, sharp riffs ⚡ and the feeling of a band that has always understood exactly where it comes from.
🔥 OVERLORDE (US)
True American epic metal royalty. Overlorde carry the torch of classic US power metal with majestic riffs and heroic spirit.
🔥 ASTAROTH (IT)
A truly historic moment: the first reunion show of the legendary Italian epic metal band. Astaroth's cult legacy and extremely rare appearances make this a special event for fans of classic epic metal.
🔥 WILDHUNT (AT)
Blending power metal, technical thrash and mysticism, Wildhunt deliver a sound that fits perfectly with the spirit of Up The Hammers.
~ DAY ZERO - March 4 ~
🔥 VISIGOTH (US)
We are also proud to welcome Visigoth back to Up The Hammers. Anyone who was there in 2024 remembers what happened that night: an incredible performance, a band in full command, and a crowd giving everything back. Three years later, they return to Athens for one of their only two European performances , a rare chance to see one of today’s strongest heavy metal bands where they clearly belong.
🔥 WYTCH HAZEL (UK)
One of the most distinctive bands of the modern heavy metal scene. Combining classic NWOBHM influences with folk melodies and medieval atmosphere, Wytch Hazel have earned a devoted following through their unique sound and exceptional songwriting. A truly special addition to the Up The Hammers lineup.
🔥 TEMPLAR (SE)
Swedish heavy metal in the classic tradition. Templar bring powerful riffs, epic storytelling and the unmistakable Scandinavian heavy metal spirit, as true descendants of the legendary Swedish metal bands of the 80s.
🔥 REDSHARK (ES)
High-speed heavy metal straight from Spain. Redshark combine sharp riffs, speed and attitude into pure metal aggression.
🔥 AXEON (GR)
Hailing from the island of Crete, Axeon are one of the most exciting newcomers from Greece in years. After hearing songs from their upcoming album, we were blown away. Axeon represent the future of the Greek metal scene and we are proud to welcome them to the Up The Hammers stage.