Brutal Assault 2025 announces new additions to festival lineup

Norwegian progressive metal pioneers Leprous are set to make a highly anticipated return to Brutal Assault, bringing their trademark precision and emotionally charged compositions that continue to redefine the boundaries of the genre.

For fans of atmospheric heaviness, Belgian outfit Slow Crush will offer their distinctive shoegaze soundscapes that beautifully balance dreamlike ethereality with powerful, immersive depth.

Latin metal veterans ILL NIÑO have also been confirmed, ready to unleash their groove-laden, percussion-driven metal assault on festival attendees. While DevilDriver has unfortunately had to withdraw from the bill due to health concerns, several exciting replacements have been secured: experimental metal collective Inter Arma, crossover thrash revivalists Carnivore A.D., and Polish doom-sludge visionaries Obscure Sphinx.

Perhaps the most surprising addition to the lineup is psychedelic rock pioneer Arthur Brown, whose groundbreaking 1968 hit “Fire” influenced countless artists across multiple genres. At 83 years young, this living legend will demonstrate that creative spirit transcends age and genre classifications when he takes the stage at the Fortress.

New Orleans thrash metal originators Exhorder will be making their third appearance at the festival, while the hypnotic doom-gaze ensemble King Woman promises to deliver a mesmerizing sonic experience.

The 27th edition of Brutal Assault will run from August 7–10, 2024, with a special warm-up event scheduled for Tuesday, August 6. This year’s diverse lineup spans the entire extreme music spectrum, featuring everything from death and black metal to hardcore, deathcore, and metalcore. The festival’s dedicated Ambient section will also provide alternative sonic experiences for those seeking something different.

Tickets, including a limited number of single-day passes, are currently available through the festival’s official e-shop. Discounted passes are offered for children aged 0–12.99 years and for Disabled card holders.