Release Athens Festival 2025 returns with a sprawling 10-day line-up that cuts across genres and generations, bringing global icons, homegrown heroes, and metal giants to the sun-soaked shores of Plateia Nerou, a stunning open-air venue by the sea in the heart of Athens.
Since its debut in 2016, Release Athens has steadily grown into one of Greece’s most significant music events, attracting names like Arctic Monkeys, Slipknot, Massive Attack, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, and Pet Shop Boys. This year, the festival looks set to raise the bar once again with a stellar bill that’s as diverse as it is exciting.
2025 is shaping up to be a landmark year for heavy music fans in Greece. Avenged Sevenfold will make their long-awaited Greek debut on 7 June, with flamboyant rockers Palaye Royale in support. It’s been a long time coming, and the band’s arrival on Greek soil is set to be nothing short of explosive.
AVENGED SEVENFOLD – Exposing Shadows Photography for www.overdrive.ie
Then on 19th July, metal monoliths Gojira return for a night of punishing, precision-driven chaos. Hot off their history-making performance at the Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony, the French giants are joined by Italian gothic legends Lacuna Coil and British heavyweights While She Sleeps, a dream line-up for any modern metal fan.
Closing out the festival’s metal trifecta is a prog-heavy spectacle on 23rd July, headlined by the mighty Dream Theater as they celebrate 40 years of trailblazing progressive metal. They’re joined by genre-defying juggernauts Mastodon and rising stars Haken, promising a monumental send-off for the summer’s heaviest offering.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eP164YckFVg
There’s no shortage of iconic guitar-led acts either. On 16th July, former Smiths frontman Morrissey headlines a Britpop-flavoured evening featuring Supergrass and punk legends The Damned.
Rising post-punk stars IDLES (18th June) and Dublin’s own Fontaines D.C. (27 June) will each take centre stage for what promise to be two of the festival’s most electric nights. IDLES are flanked by the hypnotic Glass Beams and fast-rising Irish rockers SPRINTS, while Fontaines D.C. are joined by dark wave favourites Boy Harsher and the angular, riotous energy of Shame.
No festival would be complete without a good dose of dance and electronic mayhem, and Release Athens 2025 delivers. The Prodigy return on 4 July, following their unforgettable set in 2023, this time with an even bigger stage show. They’ll be joined by Pendulum and the genre-blurring fury of Bob Vylan, expect lights, lasers, and sheer chaos.
BOB VYLAN
In a special standalone performance at the Lycabettus Theatre, fans will have the rare chance to experience the haunting beauty of Beth Gibbons, best known for her work with Portishead. Continuing her solo journey, Gibbons promises an intimate, unforgettable night under the Athenian sky.
Whether you’re craving bone-crushing riffs, shimmering pop, furious punk energy or euphoric electronica, Release Athens 2025 offers a curated journey through the sounds that define generations. With its breathtaking seaside setting, diverse line-up and the vibrant city of Athens as your backdrop, it’s more than just a festival, it’s a summer pilgrimage for music lovers.
Click here for tickets, full line-up details, and travel info. Early booking is strongly advised, this one’s going to sell out. Flights to Athens from Dublin and the UK are available, however be sure to shop around for the best deals.
Oran O’Beirne
www.overdrive.ie 2025
