The atmosphere was one of anticipation and reunion. For many, it wasn’t the first time they’d seen the band led by Robb Flynn, but that only strengthened the bond. The audience remained euphoric from start to finish, always with a smile on their faces and total dedication. A few minutes before 9 pm, Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” warmed up the room. At the appointed hour, the lights went out and the collective shout of “Machine Fucking Head!” echoed through the venue. The intro “In Comes The Flood” paved the way for “Imperium”, which immediately unleashed chaos: constant crowd surfing, fists in the air, and a venue completely swept up in the moment.

“Ten Ton Hammer” kept the momentum going, with Robb Flynn getting the crowd going right from the start. Although the sound was still a bit off in the early stages, the intensity of the performance quickly made the audience forget any technical issues. The setlist spanned various stages of the band’s career. “Choke on the Ashes of Your Hate” brought the band’s most recent heavy sound, before a brief interlude. The return with “Now We Die” reignited the venue and led into “Crashing Around You”, at which point Flynn chanted “the blood, the sweat, the tears”, prompting the crowd to erupt into a collective wave of jumping. “Is There Anybody Out There?” united the venue once more in a single voice, with the Portuguese flag on the screen and the chant “This shit is the best!”. In a light-hearted moment, Flynn responded with the melody of “Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes, drawing widespread smiles.

The return to the “Burn My Eyes” album kicked off with “The Rage to Overcome” (preceded by a drum solo from Matt) and “Unhalløwed” extracted from the “Of Kingdom and Crown” album, culminating in a massive circle pit. “This Is the End” kept the intensity high before another break. Then, one of the most dynamic moments of the night took place: “Slaughter the Martyr”, alternating between more atmospheric sections and bursts of energy. This was followed by “Blood for Blood”, reigniting the chaos in the venue, and “Game Over”, which once again sparked massive circle pits. “Old” served as the band’s introduction, including Jared MacEachern and Wacław ‘Vogg’ Kiełtyka (widely known for his devastating guitar work in Decapitated), before another brief pause. On their return, “Outsider” showcased the power of their more recent material, with the crowd clapping along, followed by “The Locust” and “BØNESCRAPER”, which saw no shortage of circle pits and an intense wall of death.

In stark contrast, the acoustic versions of “Circle the Drain” and “Darkness Within” created one of the most spine-tingling moments of the night, with the entire audience singing in unison, whilst Flynn shared the importance of music in his life. The final stretch featured “Catharsis”, “Bulldozer” and “From This Day”, bringing the venue back to full volume, culminating in “Davidian”, with constant crowd surfing and unstoppable moshing. With the Portuguese flag draped over his shoulders, Flynn thanked the audience before the show ended. “Halo” brought the night to an epic close, with columns of fire marking the end and an audience that clearly didn’t want the concert to end.

More than just a concert, this night at LAV – Lisboa ao Vivo was a true celebration between the band and the audience. In a more intimate setting, Machine Head reinforced the unique bond they share with their Portuguese fans. From the audience’s side, the response was clear: euphoria, smiles and total devotion from start to finish. For many, it was truly the band’s best concert in Portugal — and it was clear that, when it comes to Machine Head, you can never get enough.

Special thanks to Serene Prophecy.
Text by Patrícia Veludo. Photos by Gonçalo Delgado (@goncalodelgado), courtesy of Serene Prophecy

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Considered one of the most consistent and emotionally intense bands in contemporary progressive metal, SOEN have been building a solid career, marked by acclaimed albums and an increasingly strong connection with their audience. In Lisbon, they will present their latest work, Reliance, in a show that promises to combine heaviness, melody and depth in an immersive and cinematic setting.

To accompany this special date of the Reliance Tour 2026, two prominent names from the current scene will be performing: the Swedish band Tribulation, with their unique fusion of extreme metal and gothic atmospheres, and the Swedish band Vulkan, who bring a modern and energetic approach to progressive rock.

An unmissable night for all fans of intense, technical and emotive sounds, a very special opportunity to see Soen perform in their own right in Portugal.

Tickets are on sale now!

When: November 29
Doors: 8:00 PM
Start: 8:30 PM

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On April 24, 2026, the RCA Club, Lisbon, was the stage for a special night for national thrash metal, with Toxikull kicking off their new Turbulence release tour, precisely on the album’s release day. Joining this celebration were also Affäire and Xeque-Mate, completing a lineup that promised — and delivered — an intense, high-energy night.
Check all the photos at the end of this article.

Sleaze Rock Without Brakes: Raw Energy and a Crowd on Fire

Affäire, a Lisbon-based hard rock/sleaze rock band formed in 2011, were responsible for kicking off the night. This concert also marked the debut of new vocalist Sandro Marques, who quickly proved he was up to the challenge. With a confident and energetic performance, they warmed up the crowd from the very first minutes, setting the tone for a night that promised to be highly intense.

The set opened with “Devil’s Cross”, a single from the album At First Sight (2015), immediately getting the crowd reacting, with many singing along to its memorable chorus. They followed with several tracks from their most recent record, En Route (2024), with special highlight to “Eyes of the Cougar”, particularly well received by the audience, earning strong applause.

The show closed with the new single “Japanese Teaze ’89”, wrapping up a solid and engaging performance. The band left the stage with smiles on their faces, visibly pleased with the warm reception, not failing to thank Toxikull for the invitation to be part of this special night.

Weight and Tradition: The Legacy of Portuguese Metal Loud and Clear

Xeque-Mate followed, true founders of Portuguese heavy metal, formed in 1979 in Porto, stepping onto the RCA Club stage to continue an already highly animated night.

Their set opened with two tracks from their latest album, Entrudo (2025) — “Corre Corre” and “Entrudo”, the latter featuring bagpipes, adding a distinct and striking layer to the performance. The band then dove into their classics from Em Nome do Pai, do Filho… e do Rock N’ Roll (1985), such as “Ritual”, “A Prisão” and “Entornei o Molho” (1981), keeping the audience fully engaged.

There was also room for “Rastejantes”, from Não Consigo Manter a Fé (2022), a moment where the crowd sang the chorus in unison with enthusiasm. They continued with “Escrava da Noite”, as referred by Xico Soares on stage, introducing “Pequenez”, also from the latest Entrudo.

“Ás do Volante” and “(Sempre) Filhos do Metal” closed the set in high energy, with strong applause confirming the impact of a solid, history-filled performance.

In the Eye of the Storm: The Explosive Presentation of Turbulence

The most anticipated moment of the night finally arrived with Toxikull, a heavy/speed metal band from Cascais/Lisbon, celebrating a decade of activity. The occasion could not have been more special: the official presentation of the new album Turbulence, in a sold-out show that coincided with the album’s release day.

A few minutes before midnight, the intro echoed through the venue, announcing a turbulent journey about to begin. Without delay, the band launched into “Turbulence” and “Strike Again”, diving next into tracks from Warriors Collection (2022), such as “I Will Rock Again” and “Metal Defender”. Along the way, they also revisited different eras of their discography, with “Night Shadows” from Under the Southern Light (2024), and “Killer Night” from Cursed and Punished (2019).

Always highly interactive, the crowd responded in full force, driven also by the strong stage presence of Lex Thunder, tireless in his communication and ability to push the audience further. The set returned to Turbulence with “Dragon Magic” and “Hard to Break”, before a special moment where the vocalist reflected on the band’s ten years on the road, announcing “Around the World” — a track that quickly triggered circle pits, stage diving and crowd surfing.

This was followed by “Under the Southern Light” and another return to Cursed and Punished, keeping the intensity at its peak. Near the end, Lex Thunder announced the “fire of midnight”, leading the crowd to sing in unison the chorus of “Midnight Fire”, the first single from the new album, in what felt like the closing moment of the set.

However, the band returned for an encore with a special guest: Antim The Viking, former bassist of the band, who joined on stage for a powerful rendition of “Stand Up and Shout” by Dio. An explosive final moment for the first date of the tour, met with loud applause and clear excitement from the audience.

Alongside Lex Thunder, Michael Blade stood out on guitar, Infernando on bass — the newest addition to the lineup — and Tommy 666 on drums, all contributing to a performance marked by fast riffs, solid cohesion and an excellent stage presence.

A tour opener delivered in the best possible way, not only presenting Turbulence with impact, but also confirming Toxikull as one of the most consistent forces in Portuguese metal. 

Text & Photos: Patrícia Veludo
Special thanks to Toxikull

Toxikull

Xeque-Mate

Affäire

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The “Eruption of Screams – Thrash Domination” tour positions itself as a meeting point between two bands whose careers help illuminate not only the genre’s past, but also its enduring vitality. The first date is scheduled for 24 July at Hard Club, in Porto, followed by a Lisbon performance at RCA Club the next day, 25 July.

Tickets for both dates are already available via Unkind.pt, with a single price set at €25.

Nearly four decades after its initial emergence, thrash metal continues to demonstrate a notable capacity for adaptation and longevity, remaining active through both its original proponents and newer generations that reject framing it as a purely nostalgic exercise. It is within this intersection of eras and approaches that the “Eruption of Screams – Thrash Domination” tour arrives in Portugal, presenting two concerts that place side by side distinct paths within the genre: Spain’s Angelus Apatrida and the United States’ Vio-Lence.

Further information is available at www.notredameproductions.com.

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The video was filmed at IF Performance Hall Beşiktaş on April 1 and combines soundboard audio with footage recorded by the band’s crew and audience members.

The performance marked the live debut of the band’s current lineup, which includes founding members Jeff Loomis and Van Williams, alongside new members Jack Cattoi (guitar), Semir Özerkan (bass) and Berzan Önen (vocals).

Nevermore in Istanbul | Photo by Cüneyt Özer @cumendes

According to Jeff Loomis, the band undertook an audition process to select the new members and did not seek to replicate late vocalist Warrel Dane’s style, who died in 2017. He said the aim was to maintain the band’s core sound while allowing new members to contribute creatively.

The band said the Istanbul concert was well received by the audience and that it plans to continue live performances, including upcoming shows in South America.

Nevermore are also working on new material following a signing with Reigning Phoenix Music. The band said it plans to focus on writing and recording over the coming months, with the goal of releasing new material in 2027, potentially including a single in early 2027.

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The announcement finalises the structure of what is set to be a dense programme of extreme metal performances, distributed across multiple days and stages, and featuring a wide selection of international and Portuguese underground acts.

Among the notable adjustments to the previously announced lineup are the inclusion of Aluk Todolo and Burnt To Death, who replace earlier scheduled appearances of Bölzer and Visceral. These changes affect the Friday and Thursday programming, respectively, without altering the overall structure of the festival bill.

SWR Barroselas Metalfest 26 (click to enlarge)

Daily Schedule

Wednesday, April 29 (21:00–05:00)
Vectis, Vürmo, Morto, Caos Ritual

Thursday, April 30 (16:00–05:00)
Revenge, Primitive Man, Vastum, Gruesome, Invunche, Indian Nightmare, Venefixion, Balmog, Anzv, Burnt To Death, Deathgeist

Friday, May 1 (16:00–05:00)
Exhumed, Pentacle, Aluk Todolo, -16-, Caustic Wound, Darvaza, Century, Raptore, Works of the Flesh, Pestifer, Lord of Confusion, Ventr

Saturday, May 2 (16:00–05:00)
Beherit, Bulldozer, Mortiferum, Thy Light, Massgrav, Genocide, Aversio Humanitatis, The Ominous Circle, Gravekvlt, Obstruktion, Undersave, Vizir

SWR Barroselas Metalfest 2026

About SWR Barroselas Metalfest

The structure of the festival continues to reflect a deliberate balance between established names and newer underground projects, maintaining its focus on extreme and experimental forms of heavy music. The organisers also confirm that all performances are now locked into their respective time slots and stages.

Ticketing remains available through the official channels, including full festival passes, single-day tickets, and camping options via Rent-A-Tent. Available at swrfest.bigcartel.com and at the Official Stores. All details at www.swr-fest.com.

As with previous editions, SWR Barroselas Metalfest 2026 reinforces its position as a long-running fixture in the European extreme music calendar, with a programme designed for intensity, continuity, and underground diversity.

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Tickets & schedule

Tickets are soldout!
According to the listing, the concert will begin at 21:00, with doors opening at 19:30.

This format – a single-band performance in a smaller venue – departs from large-arena shows and reflects Machine Head’s intention to deliver a more direct, immersive experience, prioritising connection with the audience over spectacle.

About this special tour

Renowned for the physical and emotional intensity of their live performances, Machine Head have established a distinctive presence in Portugal over the years, shaped by a series of memorable concerts and a direct, almost visceral connection with their audience. The inclusion of Lisbon on this special tour further underscores that bond, reaffirming the band’s enduring relevance within the contemporary metal landscape more than three decades after their formation.

Unsurprisingly, anticipation surrounding the performance is considerable, driven not only by the extended duration of the show but also by the creative freedom this format affords. With additional time to develop compositions, expand instrumental passages and explore a broader range of dynamics, the musicians led by Robb Flynn are expected to deliver a carefully structured set, where past and present coexist with clarity and cohesion.

Machine Head: Legacy, Evolution and Relevance

Formed in 1991 in Oakland, California, Machine Head emerged as part of the new wave of American heavy metal.
From their 1994 debut Burn My Eyes, they combined groove, thrash, and raw aggression, quickly earning a reputation among metal fans worldwide. Over the years, the band has navigated shifts in style: experimenting with different influences, refining songwriting, and occasionally polarising fans – but always returning to their heavy roots. Albums like The Blackening, Unto the Locust and ØF KINGDØM AND CRØWN exemplify their capacity to balance intense riffs, emotionally charged lyrics, and dynamic arrangements. Through lineup changes and decades of evolution, Machine Head remain a pillar of modern metal, respected for their consistency, adaptability and enduring energy on stage.

The current lineup includes Flynn, bassist Jared MacEachern since 2013, drummer Matt Alston since 2019, and guitarist Reece Scruggs since 2024. Machine Head has released eleven studio albums, with The Blackening (2007) earning critical acclaim and a Grammy nomination for “Aesthetics of Hate.” As of 2013, the band had sold over three million records worldwide, and their latest album is Unatoned (2025).

Machine Head Portugal 2026

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On 4 July 2026, RCA Club, in Lisbon, will welcome one of the most consistent names of the new wave of atmospheric black metal, in a long-awaited debut on Portuguese soil, courtesy of Notredame Productions.

Some artistic paths are built from immediate noise, gradually taking shape until they become inevitable. It is within this context that HULDER will perform in Portugal for the first time, with a unique concert scheduled for 4 July at RCA Club, in Lisbon. After several years developing a distinctive identity and steadily gaining ground within the international underground circuit, the North American project finally arrives in Portugal, bringing with it a sonic universe that has captured the attention of audiences attuned to the most dense and atmospheric expressions of contemporary black metal.

Hulder live at RCA Club, Lisbon

Tickets:

Price: 25.00€
Ticket Link: https://shorturl.at/r12TO
Tickets are available via Unkind.pt, and will soon also be available at Carbono Amadora, Bunker Store and RCA Club.

About Hulder

Formed in 2018 within the dense and mist-laden landscapes of the Pacific Northwest of the United States, HULDER quickly distinguished itself through a consistent series of demos, EPs and singles that revealed a singular aesthetic vision, deeply rooted in medieval imagery and an atmospheric approach to black metal. This trajectory reached its first decisive milestone with the release of “Godslastering: Hymns Of A Forlorn Peasantry” in 2021, a critically acclaimed debut album that consolidated the project’s sonic identity.

The year 2022 marked a new phase of consolidation with the EP “The Eternal Fanfare”, comprising five tracks that further reinforced HULDER’s growing recognition among specialised press and audiences, both in the United States and across Europe. At the same time, the live dimension gained greater momentum, with extensive touring across North America, followed by the project’s first appearances on European stages.

This momentum culminated in a particularly significant phase in 2024, with a headlining slot on the Decibel Magazine Tour and the release of “Verses In Oath”, which represented a natural expansion of the artistic language led by Marliese Beeuwsaer, maintaining its raw and evocative essence while introducing a broader and more assertive dimension. The positive reception to the album led HULDER to a series of international performances that further solidified its reputation as a rising force within the underground scene.

In 2025, the project continued its trajectory with the EP “A Beacon From Darkened Skies”, developed in collaboration with Norwegian drummer Vrolok, known for his association with AETERNUS, adding new nuances to its sonic approach.

The newly announced Lisbon performance is part of a European tour scheduled for Summer 2026 and stands as a particularly anticipated moment for national followers of the genre. The concert at RCA Club promises a faithful translation of the intensity and atmosphere that define HULDER, reflecting the aesthetic and conceptual cohesion that has characterised the project since its inception.

More information:
www.notredameproductions.com

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The final announcement confirms Iceland’s SÓLSTAFIR as headliners for the festival’s first day, reinforcing a programme of excellence that brings together established names with exclusive performances and moments of an unrepeatable nature.

As Friday’s headliners, on 25 September, SÓLSTAFIR return to Portugal for what is anticipated to be one of the central highlights of UNDER THE DOOM 2026. With an artistic identity forged over more than two decades, the Icelandic band has distinguished itself through an approach that defies rigid categorisation, evolving from more extreme roots into a distinctive language where melancholy, density and a strong sense of narrative coexist. This return to Portuguese soil comes at a particularly favourable moment, with a repertoire spanning different phases of their discography, widely celebrated in live settings, and reflecting a creative maturity that further consolidates their standing within the European circuit.

Among the additions in this final announcement are Sweden’s EREB ALTOR, a recurring presence within epic doom spheres strongly inspired by Norse mythology, whose consistent discography and intense live performances have established them as a reference name within the genre. Also joining the line-up is the return of Brazil’s THE CROSS to Europe, with the Bahia-based band bringing a sound defined by an ultra-dark aesthetic and an approach that blends the weight of doom with elements of South American extreme metal.

Also deserving of special mention, SCHAMMASCH will present an exclusive concert dedicated to the 10th anniversary of “Triangle”, featuring a special setlist based on the album and complemented by other defining works from the Swiss band’s career, in a performance conceived specifically for this celebration. Headlining Saturday, 26 September, are Sweden’s DRACONIAN, in a concert that marks the return of vocalist Lisa Johansson to the band and the presentation of a new studio album. A cornerstone of European melodic doom/death metal, the Scandinavian collective is set to deliver a performance shaped by this long-awaited reunion and a repertoire spanning various phases of their discography, now renewed with new material.

Making their absolute debut in Portugal, the American band EVOKEN will undoubtedly deliver one of the most anticipated moments of this edition of UNDER THE DOOM. Revered within the insular world of funeral doom, the group brings its austere and deeply atmospheric approach to Portuguese audiences for the first time, built upon decades of artistic consistency.  The legendary LIV KRISTINE also returns to the stage, accompanied by a new band and presenting a new album, further reinforcing her singular path within gothic and atmospheric music. Belgium’s MARCHE FUNÈBRE, a decade after their previous appearance at the event, also return to UNDER THE DOOM with a new LP, deepening the connection established with the festival’s audience.

On the national front, a special exclusive performance by Portugal’s EXHAUSTED marks an unexpected return to the stage following their last live appearance in 1999. For this unique occasion, the concert will focus on the demo “Frozen Embrace”, released in 1995, and will feature the original line-up of the Lisbon outskirts-based group, standing as a moment of considerable historical relevance within the festival’s context. ATONE and ANZV also stand out: the former, formed by former members of DESIRE, VS777 and other notable projects within the Portuguese underground, make their absolute debut at this festival, which will also be their only live performance of 2026; the latter present a new album and will likewise deliver their only concert in Lisbon that year. Opening the first day, THRAGEDIUM will take the stage in a performance that marks the official start of yet another edition of UNDER THE DOOM and reinforces the ongoing commitment to preserving legendary names within the national scene.

Together forming a two-day programme that reflects the diversity and aesthetic coherence that have characterised UNDER THE DOOM over the years.

Schedule info & tickets

Concerts begin at 18:00 on both Friday and Saturday, maintaining the event’s usual structure.

Tickets are now available through the usual outlets, with daily tickets priced at €50 and the two-day pass at €95 until 31 July. After that date, the ticket for 26 September and the general pass will increase by €5, while the price for the 25 September daily ticket remains unchanged.

Points of sale: Meoblueticket, Fnac stores, Worten, CTT, Unkind.pt, Masqueticket, Carbono Amadora, Bunker Store, Loja Piranha, Side B Rocks

More information

Official website: www.notredameproductions.com

Social media:

@underthedoomfestival

@notredameproductions.pt

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