In the latest episode of War Council, the online show of Metalwar.gr available on our YouTube channel, we had the pleasure of hosting a special guest who may not be a musician, but has been an active part of the metal scene for many years in a variety of roles. Most notably, he is a member of the organizing team behind one of the finest metal festivals in Greece’s regions: the Chania Rock Festival.
The Chania Rock Festival (CRF) is one of the most important and longest-running rock and metal events in Greece. Founded in 2002 in Chania, Crete, its goal was to bring both international and Greek acts from the hard rock and metal scene to the island and establish a festival with nationwide and international appeal.
The festival was initially hosted at the historic Venetian Bastion of San Salvatore in Chania’s Old Harbor. In recent years, it has mainly taken place at the Eastern Moat Theatre. Over more than two decades of continuous activity, CRF has welcomed some of the biggest names in the global rock and metal scene, including Blind Guardian, Kreator, Paradise Lost, W.A.S.P., Sabaton, Soulfly, Rotting Christ, Tarja Turunen, Geoff Tate, and many more.
Chania Rock Festival has evolved into a significant destination for music tourism, attracting visitors from numerous countries every year while contributing greatly to the cultural and tourism promotion of Chania. Today, it is widely regarded as one of the leading rock and metal festivals in Southern Europe and the largest international music event in Crete.
Since 2002, Chania Rock Festival has continued to build its legacy, serving as a landmark event for rock and metal fans both in Greece and abroad.
Nikos Athineos shares stories from the festival’s rich history, discusses the many challenges the organizers have faced throughout the years, recalls memorable incidents involving renowned artists, and, of course, provides information about this year’s edition of the festival, which will take place on August 1st and 2nd. The lineup features major acts such as LACUNA COIL, THERION, CRIMSON GLORY, DESTRUCTION, and many more.
