UP THE HAMMERS XXI 2027

⚔️ UP THE HAMMERS XXI ⚔️

March 4-6, 2027

Athens

For more than two decades, Up The Hammers has stood as a sanctuary for traditional, epic and underground heavy metal and 2027 will be no exception. Here are the bands joining us so far:

🔥 CIRITH UNGOL (US)

There are bands whose names carry their own mythology. Cirith Ungol are one of them. Their presence at Up The Hammers 2027, for a globally exclusive performance, is not simply another addition to the bill. It is one of those rare heavy metal moments that make all the years of searching, travelling, and keeping the flame alive feel worthwhile.

🔥 ARMORED SAINT (US)

One of the greatest bands ever to perform at our festival returns to Athens to take the stage once again. A legendary name in American heavy metal, their previous appearance left an indelible mark and we are honored to welcome them back for another unforgettable show.

🔥 SUMERLANDS (US)

Modern heavy metal perfection. With their powerful riffs, soaring vocals and classic spirit, Sumerlands have quickly established themselves as one of the finest torchbearers of contemporary traditional metal.

🔥 PAGAN ALTAR (UK)

A cornerstone of epic doom metal and one of the most respected names in the underground. Their unique atmosphere and classic songs continue to inspire generations of metal fans.

🔥 SLAUTER XSTROYES (US)

Cult US power metal band whose rare appearances make every show something special. Expect razor-sharp riffs and pure underground metal energy.

🔥 SARACEN (UK)

Masters of atmospheric and melodic heavy metal, Saracen bring decades of history and timeless songs that helped shape the British epic metal sound.

🔥 ASTAROTH (IT)

A truly historic moment: the first reunion show of the legendary Italian epic metal band. Astaroth's cult legacy and extremely rare appearances make this a special event for fans of classic epic metal.

🔥 CENTURY (SE)

From Sweden, Century - a band that sets the bar high for the new generation carrying the torch of true heavy metal. Electrifying live shows and inspired songwriting - play them to anyone who claims there's no great music coming out nowadays.

🔥 PHANTOM (US)

Power/speed metal band from New York returning after a long absence from the stage. A rare chance to witness a true cult act of the US metal scene.

🔥 OVERLORDE (US)

True American epic metal royalty. Overlorde carry the torch of classic US power metal with majestic riffs and heroic spirit.

🔥 FIRMAMENT (DE)

For Centuries Alive is, for us, one of the best albums of 2025. As long as bands like Firmament continue to emerge, our scene has nothing to fear.

🔥 LUNAR SHADOW (DE)

From Germany, Lunar Shadow - masters of dark, epic heavy metal atmosphere, weaving emotion and power into every note. Once we heard their stunning new album "The Pall of a Past World", we were completely blown away. It felt like the perfect moment - and the right time - to have them join us at their peak.

🔥 WILDHUNT (AT)

Blending power metal, technical thrash and mysticism, Wildhunt deliver a sound that fits perfectly with the spirit of Up The Hammers.

🔥 VISIGOTH (US)

We are also proud to welcome Visigoth back to Up The Hammers. Anyone who was there in 2024 remembers what happened that night: an incredible performance, a band in full command, and a crowd giving everything back. Three years later, they return to Athens for one of their only two European performances , a rare chance to see one of today's strongest heavy metal bands where they clearly belong.

🔥 WYTCH HAZEL (UK)

One of the most distinctive bands of the modern heavy metal scene. Combining classic NWOBHM influences with folk melodies and medieval atmosphere, Wytch Hazel have earned a devoted following through their unique sound and exceptional songwriting. A truly special addition to the Up The Hammers lineup.

🔥 TEMPLAR (SE)

Swedish heavy metal in the classic tradition. Templar bring powerful riffs, epic storytelling and the unmistakable Scandinavian heavy metal spirit, as true descendants of the legendary Swedish metal bands of the 80s.

🔥 REDSHARK (ES)

High-speed heavy metal straight from Spain. Redshark combine sharp riffs, speed and attitude into pure metal aggression.

🔥 AXEON (GR)

Hailing from the island of Crete, Axeon are one of the most exciting newcomers from Greece in years. After hearing songs from their upcoming album, we were blown away. Axeon represent the future of the Greek metal scene and we are proud to welcome them to the Up The Hammers stage.

AFTERMATH

After the incredible response and energy of last year's 4th day, there was no question - the aftermath returns.

Please welcome:

🔥 ARGUS (US)

From USA, Argus - true metal warriors from Pennsylvania, named after a figure of Greek mythology. A powerful blend of epic doom and classic heavy metal, exactly the kind of sound that defines this festival.

🔥 FEANOR (AR)

Joining us from Argentina, FEANOR, led by our longtime friend Gus Acosta, will appear with an amazing lineup of musicians:

▶️ Vocals: Mike Stark

▶️ Guitars: E.V. Martel (ex- Manowar)

▶️ Guitars: Thilo Herrmann (ex-Running Wild, Grave Digger, Faithful Breath)

▶️ Drums: Emiliano Wachs

This will be a very rare live appearance!

🔥 BLACK SOUL HORDE (GR)

From Greece, Black Soul Horde - dark and majestic heavy metal with a haunting aura, bringing their own unique vision of the genre, forged in our homeland.

More bands will be announced soon.

Prepare for three days of pure heavy metal celebration in Athens.