This year’s Golden R Festival looked set from a very early stage to become one of the most successful editions in the festival’s history. The announcement of CORONER as one of the main acts proved to be a major draw for fans, while the impeccable preparation of the organizing team lived up to the high expectations, leaving an overwhelmingly positive impression overall.
Opening the first day of the festival were local Volos heavy metal outfit KNIGHTGOST, who took the opportunity to showcase part of the material from their debut full-length album, scheduled for release later in 2026. Despite the challenging early time slot and the intense summer heat, the young band delivered an energetic and passionate performance, earning warm applause from the admittedly small crowd that had already arrived at the venue. Their set consisted entirely of original compositions from the upcoming album, leaving a strong impression and raising expectations for their forthcoming studio release.
Setlist
- Knightgost
- Dark Majesty
- Red Witch
- Rise Up Again
- Blazing Thunder
- Burning Skies
- Warrior’s Code
Next up were PANIC ALARM, led by Alex Kollias, one of the most promising emerging bands of the new Greek metal generation. Having already released their debut album, they delivered a short yet representative set that blended thrash metal with modern nu metal elements and punk influences. The intensity of their performance was met with an immediate response from the growing crowd, which had begun to fill the venue and enthusiastically engage with the band’s high-energy show.
Setlist
- Shadow
- Mr Panic
- Make Blood
- Dead Threat
- Panic
After a short break, ASTRONOMICA took the stage with Wade Black on vocals. The former CRIMSON GLORY frontman delivered a set focused primarily on his tenure with the legendary band, with particular emphasis on the Astronomica (1999) album. Five of the eight songs performed came from that record, while the remaining three were taken from ASTRONOMICA’s debut release, The Awakening (2024).
Overall, it was a solid performance. However, sharing the same festival bill with CRIMSON GLORY inevitably invited comparisons, and those comparisons ultimately worked against ASTRONOMICA.
Setlist
- Astronomica (CRIMSON GLORY cover)
- Protectors of the Realm
- Touch the Sun (CRIMSON GLORY cover)
- Destiny
- Monster
- Edge of Forever (CRIMSON GLORY cover)
- Cydonia (CRIMSON GLORY cover)
- War of the Worlds (CRIMSON GLORY cover)
The atmosphere changed completely once ANORIMOI took the stage. With their trademark humor, theatrical flair, and outstanding musicianship, they once again proved why they remain one of the most beloved live acts on the Greek metal scene. Their spectacular entrance alongside “Conan the Ultra-Barbarian” immediately set the tone for a performance that perfectly balanced self-deprecating humor with flawless execution, keeping the audience thoroughly entertained from start to finish. Even if you weren’t already familiar with them (although it’s hard to imagine any Greek metalhead who isn’t), a glance at song titles like “To peos tis parigorias” “Kariola” or “O Mitsos o Lannister” is enough to tell you exactly what you’re in for. Before long, you’ll be laughing so hard—and headbanging with such enthusiasm—that even the only abdominal muscle you’ve got left after years of beer drinking might briefly make an appearance.
The stage then belonged to YOTH IRIA, led by Jim Mutilator, who delivered one of the most commanding performances of the day. Centered around the band’s latest album, Gone With the Devil, the set demonstrated why YOTH IRIA have established themselves as one of the leading forces in the Greek black metal scene. Despite Jim Mutilator performing with one arm heavily bandaged, the band’s intensity never faltered. Frontman Orestis kept the crowd engaged throughout the entire set, which concluded with a superb rendition of ROTTING CHRIST’s timeless classic “Non Serviam.” Before that, the audience was treated to some of the band’s finest songs, including “The Blind Eye of Antichrist,” “Blazing Inferno,” “Dare to Revel,” and “I, Totem,” in a performance of exceptional quality. After all, they are arguably at the peak of their career—at least until the next chapter comes along—so we expected nothing less.
Setlist
- Dare to Rebel
- But Fear Not
- In the Tongue of Birds
- Blessed Be He Who Enters
- Blazing Inferno
- 3 AM
- We Call Upon the Elements
- I, Totem
- Harut, Government, Fallen
- The Blind Eye of Antichrist
- Non Serviam (ROTTING CHRIST cover)
A quick look at HEIR APPARENT’s social media makes it clear that the Seattle veterans thoroughly enjoyed their time in Volos and Greece in general, with Golden R Festival serving as the final stop of their Greek mini-tour. Their performance in Volos was a powerful one, focusing mainly on the two classic albums from the band’s early period. A key contribution came from the band’s newest member, Thomas Karam (NOOR, EXXUL), whose energy and commanding stage presence provided an extra spark to the overall performance. To be honest, I would have loved to see them perform with my favorite vocalist, Harry Conklin, especially since he has been living just a couple of hours from Nea Anchialos in recent years. Unfortunately, a last-minute lineup change made that impossible. Even so, his replacement stepped up admirably, filled some very big shoes, and ultimately delivered a performance that left everyone satisfied.
The performance was not without its setbacks, however, as Terry Gorle broke a guitar string twice during the show. The first interruption was filled with a drum solo, while the second, which occurred shortly before the end of the set, forced the band to wrap up their performance earlier than planned due to the festival’s strict schedule.
Setlist
- The Servant
- Hands of Destiny
- Crossing the Border
- Monumental
- The Cloak
- Questions
- The Serpent Inside
- Young Forever
- Parthenon
- Another Candle
- Dragon’s Lair
- Keeper of the Reign
- Epica (She Is)
- Tear Down the Walls
Following the veteran HEIR APPARENT, it was time for the new generation as Sweden’s HALLAS took the stage, a band currently enjoying what is arguably the most creative period of its career. Their distinctive blend of ’70s hard rock, ’80s traditional heavy metal, and contemporary progressive influences translated perfectly to the live setting. Two songs from their latest album, Panorama (2026), were seamlessly incorporated into a setlist that showcased material spanning their entire discography.
Their performance was further enhanced by an exceptionally well-designed lighting production and some shimmering black robes, creating an immersive atmosphere that perfectly complemented both their distinctive musical style. The inclusion of a band currently on a clear upward trajectory served as further proof that Golden R Festival is not built solely on nostalgia but is equally committed to showcasing exciting contemporary acts from the international scene.
After all, one of the most common complaints among Greek metal fans whenever legendary bands are announced is that “they only remember Greece once they’re past their prime.” Well, HALLAS proved the opposite. They came to Greece—and to Golden R Festival—while their momentum is still building, delivering a performance that showed exactly why they are regarded as one of the most exciting names in today’s heavy rock scene.
Setlist
- Repentance
- The Emissary
- Shadow of the Templar
- Tear of a Traitor
- Labyrinth of Distant Echoes
- Face of an Angel
- Carry On
- Fading Hero
- The Astral Seer
- Star Rider
- Hallas
The first day came to a close well after midnight, setting the stage perfectly for the remainder of the festival. One of the event’s biggest strengths was the provision of late-night shuttle buses to Volos after the concerts, allowing attendees to return safely without worrying about transportation.
There were, however, a few organizational shortcomings. For roughly two hours, the festival ran out of beer after a scheduled restocking delivery failed to arrive. In addition, the mandatory use of a mobile app for purchases at the food and beverage stands resulted in unnecessary delays and frustration, proving once again that, at festivals like this, simple and well-tested solutions are often the most effective.
Attendance on the opening day was particularly impressive, with a significant percentage of festivalgoers traveling from various parts of Greece. This is further evidence not only of Golden R Festival’s steadily growing reputation, but also of its increasingly important contribution to the tourism and economic activity of the wider region.
Live Correspondent: Napoleon Gkouvis
Photos: Sofia Bali, Official Golden R Festival (Tasos Agapis)
Text edit: Kostas Boudoukos
