Hellfest 2025: 10 bands not to be missed during the festival

From French blackgaze to American nu metal, Hellfest 2025 promises exceptional musical diversity. A closer look at ten bands that will make their mark this year, from the reformed Sex Pistols to the Mexican sisters of The Warning.

Paradoxically, this French band is much better known abroad than at home, even if things are starting to change. Their music is described as "blackgaze," an unlikely cross between the oppressive rhythms of black metal and the electric, ethereal atmospheres of "shoegaze" (indie rock whose musicians play very loudly and seem to constantly look at their shoes!). A daring mix, but one that hits the mark.

On the night of Thursday to Friday at 1:05 a.m., under the Temple

This is their first appearance at Hellfest . And it should make a lasting impression. Last Train has established itself in ten years and four albums—including the resounding "III" released in January—as one of the very best French rock bands and one of the most impressive on stage . Full of contrasts and eruptions, the four Nancy natives will rock the main stage.

Friday at 1:35 p.m., MainStage 1

At their core, three sisters from northern Mexico , with the help of their parents, embarked on the great adventure of rock and roll. Twelve years after forming their band, Daniela, Paulina, and Alejandra now have a discography consisting of four albums that straddle the intersection of metal and indie rock, packed with stadium-ready anthems as well as songs slated for radio.

Friday at 3:05 PM, MainStage 1

Of all the female bands, or bands featuring at least one female band, performing on one of the major stages today, Spiritbox won't be the least aggressive. The Canadians have a real personality at their helm: singer Courtney LaPlante, whose voice shifts without warning from the sweetest melody to the most guttural scream. A rising star on the crowded scene of the most restless modern metal.

Friday at 5:35 p.m., MainStage 2

In Mongolia, too, guitar riffs and heavy rhythms are appreciated, but they also like to combine them with sounds and voices from traditional folklore. In recent years, The Hu's reputation has grown, and the heirs of Genghis Khan are now eagerly awaited.

Friday at 8:35 p.m., MainStage 1

Even at this late hour, there won't be enough room in the Warzone to accommodate the nostalgic crowd. There's been nothing but praise for the Sex Pistols' return, with the mic not being played by John Lydon on tour with PIL, but by the young troublemaker Frank Carter. The furious metalhead has given the old punks a new lease on life and their anthems a new lease on life.

On the night of Friday to Saturday at 1 a.m., Warzone

In Ukraine, alongside Jinjer and their overpowering metal, there's also this psychedelic stoner combo, which has been touring France regularly since its debut in 2009. The trio only made one appearance at Hellfest, in 2016, and we still remember it!

Saturday at 2:20 p.m., Valley

This will be the highlight of the festival for fans of old-school heavy metal. This American band hasn't been heard from since their final concert in 2015, with their last studio album dating back to 2001. The classics are expected to be on display.

Saturday at 7:35 p.m., MainStage 2

Refused, from Sweden, shattered the hardcore punk scene in the late 1990s, before exploding in mid-air. Having been back together for about ten years, the Scandinavian band has embarked on its final tour, and is expected to give it its all in Clisson ( Loire-Atlantique ).

Sunday at 6:40 p.m., MainStage 1

We thought we'd never see the leading "nu metal" band again after the death of their singer in July 2017. But surprise, the Americans are back with an excellent singer, Emily Armstrong, and an album that lives up to the myth. Having been blown away at Paris La Défense Arena last November, we advise you not to miss them... Before their Stade de France.

Sunday at 11pm, MainStage 1

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