Held at São Paulo’s iconic Memorial da América Latina, Bangers Open Air 2025 marked a fresh chapter for the festival formerly known as Summer Breeze Brasil. Despite the name change, the festival retained its core essence and high-quality production, enhancing infrastructure and elevating the fan experience. Spanning May 2–4, the event showcased a stellar lineup of heavy metal and hard rock acts.
The festival kicked off with California’s Armored Saint making their long-awaited Brazilian debut. Led by the formidable John Bush, the band faced technical issues that muffled vocals during much of their set. Undeterred, they powered through with raw energy and authenticity. Bush’s decision to join fans at the barricade, singing classics like “Can U Deliver,” “Reign Of Fire,” and “Last Train Home,” underscored their respect for the audience and solidified their status as stalwarts of American traditional metal.
German metal queen Doro Pesch followed, transforming the stage into a celebratory arena. Her deep connection with Brazilian fans was palpable as she delivered a set blending Warlock hits like “I Rule the Ruins” with solo anthems such as “Raise Your Fist In The Air.” The poignant “Für Immer,” sung in German, became a communal experience, with fans singing along passionately.
Doro’s heartfelt interactions in Portuguese, including phrases like “Vocês são os melhores!” and “Amo vocês!”, further endeared her to the crowd. The show culminated with tributes to metal legends, featuring “Breaking the Law” and her signature hit “All We Are,” leaving the audience in awe of her enduring stage presence.
Closing the first day, Glenn Hughes delivered not just a performance but a masterclass in rock history. At 73, the former Deep Purple bassist and vocalist showcased his timeless voice and commanding presence. Focusing on Deep Purple’s “Burn” and “Stormbringer” eras, Hughes took full vocal reins, delivering powerful renditions of “Stormbringer,” “Might Just Take Your Life,” “You Keep On Moving,” and a soul-stirring “Mistreated.” His band’s tight, groove-laden performance highlighted the music’s emotional depth. Before ending with a fiery “Burn,” Hughes expressed his gratitude, stating, “Brazil is like my second home. Thank you for all this love.” In an era dominated by autotune, witnessing such genuine artistry was a rare privilege.
Saturday, May 3, celebrated metal’s diversity with performances from Saxon, Kamelot, and Dark Angel. Each band, representing different metal subgenres, demonstrated the genre’s evolution and resilience.
Kamelot’s set on the Ice Stage was a visual and auditory spectacle. With synchronized screens, dramatic effects, and emotive vocals, the American band delivered a set that balanced epic grandeur with technical prowess. Frontman Tommy Karevik shone on tracks like “Phantom Divine,” “Veil of Elysium,” and “Sacrimony (Angel Of Afterlife),” the latter enhanced by powerful female backing vocals. The climactic “March Of Mephisto” enveloped the audience in a theatrical experience, proving that metal can be both majestic and accessible.
For those craving unadulterated aggression, Dark Angel’s return to Brazil was a highlight. The Los Angeles thrash legends, led by drumming powerhouse Gene Hoglan, delivered a relentless set featuring underground anthems like “Darkness Descends,” “Perish In Flames,” “The Burning Of Sodom,” and the ferocious “Merciless Death.” Performing as a four-piece after guitarist Eric Meyer was unable to make the flight in time, the band didn’t miss a beat—Laura Christine, Hoglan’s wife, handled all guitar duties with impressive command. Their performance was a masterclass in precision and raw energy, reaffirming their relevance in the modern metal scene.
Saxon, with over four decades under their belt, proved why they’re pillars of classic heavy metal. Charismatic frontman Biff Byford led the British veterans through a setlist packed with fan favorites, including “Motorcycle Man,” “Power and the Glory,” “Crusader,” “Strong Arm Of The Law,” and “Wheels of Steel.” The crowd’s enthusiastic sing-alongs culminated in a unifying rendition of “Denim And Leather,” celebrating the enduring spirit of metal’s old guard.
Powerwolf’s performance was a theatrical tour de force. Opening with “Bless ‘Em With The Blade,” the band plunged into hits like “Army of the Night” and “Amen & Attack,” captivating the audience with their gothic stage design, sacred and profane themes, and dynamic interactions. Standouts like “Armata Strigoi” and “Demons Are A Girl’s Best Friend” showcased their knack for blending heaviness with melody and showmanship. The current lineup, featuring Attila Dorn, Charles Greywolf, Markus Pohl, Falk Maria Schlegel, and Roel van Helden, displayed impeccable synergy, especially during climactic tracks like “Sanctified With Dynamite” and “We Drink Your Blood.” Powerwolf’s performance was a testament to their ability to craft unforgettable live experiences.
Sabaton closed the second day with a performance that combined military precision and Scandinavian charm. Launching into “Ghost Division,” they maintained high energy with “The Last Stand” and “The Red Baron.” Tracks like “Bismarck” and “Stormtroopers” were elevated by war-themed visuals and synchronized lighting. A poignant moment came with the Swedish rendition of “Carolus Rex,” followed by the intense “Night Witches” and “The Attack Of The Dead Men.”
Balancing aggression and melody, they delivered “Fields Of Verdun” and “The Art Of War,” before surprising fans with frontman Joakim Brodén playing a pink guitar during “Resist And Bite,” segueing into a snippet of Metallica’s “Master Of Puppets.” The finale, featuring “Soldier Of Heaven,” “Christmas Truce,” “Smoking Snakes,” “Primo Victoria,” “Swedish Pagans,” and “To Hell and Back,” was a grand, explosive conclusion to a cohesive and narratively rich set.
Day two of Bangers Open Air 2025 showcased metal’s eclecticism and the festival’s commitment to honoring all its subgenres. From traditional to modern, melodic to extreme, the curated lineup resonated with fans across generations.
Sunday, May 4, concluded the festival with performances spanning gothic melancholy to thrash and death metal intensity. Paradise Lost, Nile, Kerry King, and W.A.S.P. brought decades of influence and attitude to the stage.
The afternoon began introspectively with Paradise Lost commemorating the 30th anniversary of their seminal album “Draconian Times.” Opening with “Enchantment,” the band enveloped the audience in their signature somber atmosphere. Despite initial vocal technical issues, Nick Holmes delivered emotionally charged performances of “The Last Time,” “Forever Failure,” and “Hallowed Land.” The set concluded with “Say Just Words” and “One Second,” leaving a lasting impression of gothic sophistication.
Nile’s set on the Sun Stage shifted the mood dramatically. Embracing their Egyptian themes and technical death metal prowess, they unleashed a barrage of speed and precision. Tracks like “Sacrifice Unto Sebek,” “Kafir!,” and “Cast Down the Heretic” showcased their relentless intensity. Drummer George Kollias’s performance was particularly noteworthy, delivering blast beats with machine-like accuracy. The set culminated with “Black Seeds Of Vengeance” and “Annihilation Of The Wicked,” satisfying fans of extreme metal.
Kerry King’s solo project made a powerful statement on the Ice Stage. Touring his album From Hell I Rise, King, alongside Mark Osegueda, Phil Demmel, and Paul Bostaph, delivered a set that honored his Slayer legacy while introducing new material. Opening with “Diablo” and “Residue,” they maintained momentum with “Where I Reign” and “Idle Hands.” Fan favorites “Raining Blood,” “Black Magic,” and “Disciple” ignited massive mosh pits. A surprise cover of Iron Maiden’s “Killers” paid homage to metal’s roots, affirming King’s continued relevance.
W.A.S.P. closed the festival with a nostalgic celebration of their 1984 debut album’s 40th anniversary. Despite physical limitations, Blackie Lawless commanded the stage with charisma, leading the band through the entire debut album. Classics like “I Wanna Be Somebody,” “L.O.V.E. Machine,” “The Flame,” and “Sleeping (In The Fire)” resonated deeply with the audience. Drummer Aquiles Priester infused new energy into the set with his impeccable technique. The encore, featuring “Wild Child” and “Blind In Texas,” provided a fitting, celebratory conclusion to the festival.
In the end of the day, Bangers Open Air 2025 proved that metal is diverse, resilient, and undeniably powerful. Each band brought a different vibe—from gothic introspection to technical devastation—and the crowd, varied in style and age, embraced it all. The festival wrapped up this year’s edition not only maintaining the high standards of previous years, but taking a clear step forward in professionalism, production, and artistic vision.
(Photo credits: Bemilson Santos, Andre Santos)
The post Bangers Open Air 2025 – A New Chapter For Brazil’s Premier Metal Festival appeared first on BraveWords - Where Music Lives.
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Day 1
The festival kicked off with California’s Armored Saint making their long-awaited Brazilian debut. Led by the formidable John Bush, the band faced technical issues that muffled vocals during much of their set. Undeterred, they powered through with raw energy and authenticity. Bush’s decision to join fans at the barricade, singing classics like “Can U Deliver,” “Reign Of Fire,” and “Last Train Home,” underscored their respect for the audience and solidified their status as stalwarts of American traditional metal.
German metal queen Doro Pesch followed, transforming the stage into a celebratory arena. Her deep connection with Brazilian fans was palpable as she delivered a set blending Warlock hits like “I Rule the Ruins” with solo anthems such as “Raise Your Fist In The Air.” The poignant “Für Immer,” sung in German, became a communal experience, with fans singing along passionately.
Doro’s heartfelt interactions in Portuguese, including phrases like “Vocês são os melhores!” and “Amo vocês!”, further endeared her to the crowd. The show culminated with tributes to metal legends, featuring “Breaking the Law” and her signature hit “All We Are,” leaving the audience in awe of her enduring stage presence.
Closing the first day, Glenn Hughes delivered not just a performance but a masterclass in rock history. At 73, the former Deep Purple bassist and vocalist showcased his timeless voice and commanding presence. Focusing on Deep Purple’s “Burn” and “Stormbringer” eras, Hughes took full vocal reins, delivering powerful renditions of “Stormbringer,” “Might Just Take Your Life,” “You Keep On Moving,” and a soul-stirring “Mistreated.” His band’s tight, groove-laden performance highlighted the music’s emotional depth. Before ending with a fiery “Burn,” Hughes expressed his gratitude, stating, “Brazil is like my second home. Thank you for all this love.” In an era dominated by autotune, witnessing such genuine artistry was a rare privilege.
Day 2
Saturday, May 3, celebrated metal’s diversity with performances from Saxon, Kamelot, and Dark Angel. Each band, representing different metal subgenres, demonstrated the genre’s evolution and resilience.
Kamelot’s set on the Ice Stage was a visual and auditory spectacle. With synchronized screens, dramatic effects, and emotive vocals, the American band delivered a set that balanced epic grandeur with technical prowess. Frontman Tommy Karevik shone on tracks like “Phantom Divine,” “Veil of Elysium,” and “Sacrimony (Angel Of Afterlife),” the latter enhanced by powerful female backing vocals. The climactic “March Of Mephisto” enveloped the audience in a theatrical experience, proving that metal can be both majestic and accessible.
For those craving unadulterated aggression, Dark Angel’s return to Brazil was a highlight. The Los Angeles thrash legends, led by drumming powerhouse Gene Hoglan, delivered a relentless set featuring underground anthems like “Darkness Descends,” “Perish In Flames,” “The Burning Of Sodom,” and the ferocious “Merciless Death.” Performing as a four-piece after guitarist Eric Meyer was unable to make the flight in time, the band didn’t miss a beat—Laura Christine, Hoglan’s wife, handled all guitar duties with impressive command. Their performance was a masterclass in precision and raw energy, reaffirming their relevance in the modern metal scene.
Saxon, with over four decades under their belt, proved why they’re pillars of classic heavy metal. Charismatic frontman Biff Byford led the British veterans through a setlist packed with fan favorites, including “Motorcycle Man,” “Power and the Glory,” “Crusader,” “Strong Arm Of The Law,” and “Wheels of Steel.” The crowd’s enthusiastic sing-alongs culminated in a unifying rendition of “Denim And Leather,” celebrating the enduring spirit of metal’s old guard.
Powerwolf’s performance was a theatrical tour de force. Opening with “Bless ‘Em With The Blade,” the band plunged into hits like “Army of the Night” and “Amen & Attack,” captivating the audience with their gothic stage design, sacred and profane themes, and dynamic interactions. Standouts like “Armata Strigoi” and “Demons Are A Girl’s Best Friend” showcased their knack for blending heaviness with melody and showmanship. The current lineup, featuring Attila Dorn, Charles Greywolf, Markus Pohl, Falk Maria Schlegel, and Roel van Helden, displayed impeccable synergy, especially during climactic tracks like “Sanctified With Dynamite” and “We Drink Your Blood.” Powerwolf’s performance was a testament to their ability to craft unforgettable live experiences.
Sabaton closed the second day with a performance that combined military precision and Scandinavian charm. Launching into “Ghost Division,” they maintained high energy with “The Last Stand” and “The Red Baron.” Tracks like “Bismarck” and “Stormtroopers” were elevated by war-themed visuals and synchronized lighting. A poignant moment came with the Swedish rendition of “Carolus Rex,” followed by the intense “Night Witches” and “The Attack Of The Dead Men.”
Balancing aggression and melody, they delivered “Fields Of Verdun” and “The Art Of War,” before surprising fans with frontman Joakim Brodén playing a pink guitar during “Resist And Bite,” segueing into a snippet of Metallica’s “Master Of Puppets.” The finale, featuring “Soldier Of Heaven,” “Christmas Truce,” “Smoking Snakes,” “Primo Victoria,” “Swedish Pagans,” and “To Hell and Back,” was a grand, explosive conclusion to a cohesive and narratively rich set.
Day two of Bangers Open Air 2025 showcased metal’s eclecticism and the festival’s commitment to honoring all its subgenres. From traditional to modern, melodic to extreme, the curated lineup resonated with fans across generations.
Day 3
Sunday, May 4, concluded the festival with performances spanning gothic melancholy to thrash and death metal intensity. Paradise Lost, Nile, Kerry King, and W.A.S.P. brought decades of influence and attitude to the stage.
The afternoon began introspectively with Paradise Lost commemorating the 30th anniversary of their seminal album “Draconian Times.” Opening with “Enchantment,” the band enveloped the audience in their signature somber atmosphere. Despite initial vocal technical issues, Nick Holmes delivered emotionally charged performances of “The Last Time,” “Forever Failure,” and “Hallowed Land.” The set concluded with “Say Just Words” and “One Second,” leaving a lasting impression of gothic sophistication.
Nile’s set on the Sun Stage shifted the mood dramatically. Embracing their Egyptian themes and technical death metal prowess, they unleashed a barrage of speed and precision. Tracks like “Sacrifice Unto Sebek,” “Kafir!,” and “Cast Down the Heretic” showcased their relentless intensity. Drummer George Kollias’s performance was particularly noteworthy, delivering blast beats with machine-like accuracy. The set culminated with “Black Seeds Of Vengeance” and “Annihilation Of The Wicked,” satisfying fans of extreme metal.
Kerry King’s solo project made a powerful statement on the Ice Stage. Touring his album From Hell I Rise, King, alongside Mark Osegueda, Phil Demmel, and Paul Bostaph, delivered a set that honored his Slayer legacy while introducing new material. Opening with “Diablo” and “Residue,” they maintained momentum with “Where I Reign” and “Idle Hands.” Fan favorites “Raining Blood,” “Black Magic,” and “Disciple” ignited massive mosh pits. A surprise cover of Iron Maiden’s “Killers” paid homage to metal’s roots, affirming King’s continued relevance.
W.A.S.P. closed the festival with a nostalgic celebration of their 1984 debut album’s 40th anniversary. Despite physical limitations, Blackie Lawless commanded the stage with charisma, leading the band through the entire debut album. Classics like “I Wanna Be Somebody,” “L.O.V.E. Machine,” “The Flame,” and “Sleeping (In The Fire)” resonated deeply with the audience. Drummer Aquiles Priester infused new energy into the set with his impeccable technique. The encore, featuring “Wild Child” and “Blind In Texas,” provided a fitting, celebratory conclusion to the festival.
In the end of the day, Bangers Open Air 2025 proved that metal is diverse, resilient, and undeniably powerful. Each band brought a different vibe—from gothic introspection to technical devastation—and the crowd, varied in style and age, embraced it all. The festival wrapped up this year’s edition not only maintaining the high standards of previous years, but taking a clear step forward in professionalism, production, and artistic vision.
(Photo credits: Bemilson Santos, Andre Santos)
The post Bangers Open Air 2025 – A New Chapter For Brazil’s Premier Metal Festival appeared first on BraveWords - Where Music Lives.
Continue reading...