The curtain fell on ReleaseAthensFestival2026 in the best possible way, with a day that perfectly blended emotion, nostalgia, and boundless energy. It was an especially emotional occasion for two reasons. First, it marked what appears to be the festival’s final edition at PlateiaNerou, as Release Athens is expected to relocate from 2027 onwards. Over the years, the venue became synonymous with the Greek concert summer, earning the admiration not only of local fans but of countless international artists as well. Secondly, it marked the long-awaited return of SAVATAGE to Athens for the first time in many years, performing with the legendary lineup that defined much of the band’s legacy throughout the 1990s.
First on stage were the Dutch symphonic metal giants EPICA, a band that has built an exceptionally loyal fan base both in Greece and around the world thanks to its remarkable consistency and undeniable musical talent. It came as no surprise that they received the warmest reception given to an opening act at Release Athens this year.
Thankfully, the weather was just fine this time. Unlike previous outdoor appearances I’ve attended, the temperature remained at manageable levels, allowing both the band and the audience to enjoy every moment of the performance.
Given the limited set time and the recent release of their outstanding new album, “Aspiral,” EPICA struck a fine balance between fresh material and beloved classics. The show opened with “CrosstheDivide“ and concluded with the always majestic “BeyondtheMatrix,” while nearly half of the setlist came from the new album. Considering just how strong “Aspiral” is, nobody seemed to mind.
Naturally, one of the emotional highlights was “CryfortheMoon.” Simone Simons reminded the audience that it was the very first song the band ever wrote and, in all likelihood, the only one that will never disappear from an EPICA setlist.
As always, keyboardist CoenJanssen was the show’s attraction with his boundless energy and charisma. Once again, he jumped off the stage and into the crowd carrying his trademark curved keytar, proving why he remains one of the band’s most entertaining performers.
The sound quality was excellent overall, although Simone’s incredible voice occasionally got buried in the mix during the opening minutes. The only real downside was the bright afternoon sun, which made most of the visuals on the giant video screens practically impossible to appreciate. Dear Release organizers… it’s time to bring EPICA back for a winter headline show at Floyd. It simply has to happen.
Setlist
- Cross the Divide
- Sensorium
- Apparition
- Arcana
- Cry for the Moon
- Fight to Survive
- Unchain Utopia
- Beyond the Matrix
For many, however, the true highlight of the day was undoubtedly the return of SAVATAGE. The band walked on stage accompanied by the orchestral intro of “MorphineChild“ before launching into “DeadWinterDead,” instantly igniting a wave of excitement throughout the packed venue.
Trying to put everything that followed into words is no easy task.
Over the course of an approximately 80-minute performance, SAVATAGE managed to fit sixteen songs into a carefully crafted set designed to satisfy both casual listeners and the band’s most devoted followers.
The opening half featured outstanding performances of “StrangeWings“ and “Sirens,” the song that essentially marked the birth of the SAVATAGE legacy. The following sequence—”Lights Out,” “Handful of Rain,” “Miles Away,” and “Tonight He Grins Again”—consisted mainly of live deep cuts, keeping longtime fans thrilled while maintaining the momentum throughout the performance.
What followed during the final six songs, however, was something I have rarely experienced at any concert.
The epic “Chance“ once again showcased Zak Stevens’ phenomenal vocal abilities before emotions reached their absolute peak during “Believe.” As Jon Oliva appeared on the giant video screen singing the opening verse, thousands of fans joined him in one of the most emotional moments witnessed at a Greek metal concert in recent years.
It was impossible not to be moved by the sight of countless leather-clad metalheads—with long hair and tattoos, matching every stereotype outsiders usually have about our community—singing through tears:
I hear your hopes, I feel your dreams
And in the dark, I hear your screams
Don’t turn away, just take my hand
And when you make your final stand
I’ll be right there, I’ll never leave
Before the tears had a chance to dry, “GutterBallet“ carried the emotional momentum even further, before SAVATAGE brought their unforgettable performance to a close with “Edge of Thorns,” “Power of the Night,” and, naturally, the timeless “Hall of the Mountain King.”
Musically, the band was simply outstanding. Chris Caffery and Al Pitrelli delivered breathtaking guitar work throughout the evening, Jeff Plate was a commanding force behind the drum kit, Johnny Lee Middleton provided the powerful backbone the songs demanded, while Zak Stevens once again proved why he remains one of heavy metal’s finest vocalists. His performance paid equal respect to both the material originally recorded with him and the classic songs from the Jon Oliva era.
If there was one minor drawback, it was the somewhat uninspired and occasionally poorly synchronized visuals on the video wall. Still, hardly anyone seemed to pay attention, as all eyes remained fixed on the musicians.
The performance was substantial enough to feel like a genuine co-headlining set rather than a standard festival appearance. One thing became crystal clear by the end of the night: SAVATAGE deserve to return to Greece for a full indoor headline show, where the emotional depth and melodic richness of their music can truly unfold. If that happens, be prepared for BLIND GUARDIAN-level demand and consecutive sold-out shows.
Setlist
- Morphine Child (instrumental)
- Dead Winter Dead
- Jesus Saves
- This Is the Time
- Strange Wings
- Sirens
- Lights Out
- Handful of Rain
- Miles Away
- Tonight He Grins Again
- Chance
- Believe
- Gutter Ballet
- Edge of Thorns
- Power of the Night
- Hall of the Mountain King
An emotional farewell, however, wouldn’t have been complete without a celebration. That responsibility belonged to SABATON, who closed not only the evening but also the 2026 edition of Release Athens Festival with an explosive headline performance.
Long before they took the stage, the “battle of the T-shirts” had already been won by the Swedish power metal outfit. A clear majority of the younger fans in attendance proudly wore SABATON merchandise, highlighting just how popular the band has become with the new generation of metalheads.
During the forty-minute changeover between SAVATAGE and SABATON, the audience naturally shifted. Many die-hard SAVATAGE fans headed for the exits, while a younger crowd moved closer to the stage. After all, it is no secret that a significant portion of the Greek metal community has never fully embraced SABATON, despite the fact that they are arguably the most commercially successful metal band to emerge during the new millennium.
Musically, there is little point in comparing them with SAVATAGE or EPICA. SABATON’s appeal has never been based on intricate riffs, complex songwriting or technical virtuosity. Instead, they excel at delivering unforgettable anthems, irresistible sing-along choruses and one of the most spectacular live productions in modern heavy metal.
Flames, pyrotechnics, explosions, theatrical costumes, gas masks and the band’s famous tank-shaped drum riser combined to create a visually stunning production that kept the audience engaged from start to finish.
The setlist covered virtually every era of the band’s career, with a stronger emphasis on their three most recent albums, records that have occasionally been criticized for lacking originality. None of that seemed to matter to the audience, however. Massive sing-alongs accompanied almost every song, particularly during “The Last Stand,” “Bismarck,” “Swedish Pagans,” and the inevitable “Primo Victoria.”
Despite relying on several pre-recorded orchestral elements, SABATON ensured that the live vocal performance remained fully authentic. During “ChristmasTruce,” a six-piece choir joined the band on stage, adding even greater emotional weight to one of the evening’s standout moments.
The Swedes also paid tribute to their Greek fans by performing “Coat of Arms,” while a giant Greek flag dominated the video wall behind them, drawing one more thunderous ovation from the crowd.
Setlist
- Ghost Division
- Yamato
- The Red Baron
- The Last Stand
- Great War
- Stormtroopers
- Christmas Truce
- Soldier of Heaven
- Crossing the Rubicon
- Night Witches
- I, Emperor
- The Attack of the Dead Men
- Bismarck
- Hordes of Khan
- Templars
- Primo Victoria
- Swedish Pagans
- Coat of Arms
- To Hell and Back
Shortly after 11:30 p.m., the curtain fell one last time on Release Athens Festival as we’ve come to know it, bringing to an end an era that shaped the Greek summer concert scene for well over a decade.
It was a farewell filled with everything a great festival should offer: celebration, emotion, unforgettable performances, thousands of voices singing in unison and countless memories that will stay with those who were there for years to come.
Personally, I struggle to think of another venue within the city limits that could match both the atmosphere and the accessibility of Plateia Nerou. Rumours about the festival’s future home continue to circulate—Markopoulo, the Olympic Stadium (OAKA), even Allou! Fun Park—but official announcements will surely arrive soon, as preparations for the 2027 edition are undoubtedly already underway.
For now, though, it’s time for a well-earned rest. If the concerts already announced are any indication, next season promises to be another unforgettable one.
Live Correspondent: Kostas Boudoukos
Photos: Official Release Athens Festival
