FESTIVAL REVIEW: Fortress Festival 2025

Having established itself as the leading black metal festival on UK soil last year, it feels like that Fortress Festival 2025 is bigger and better than ever before. Having AGALLOCH as a European exclusive headliner certainly helps, with the festival being sold out months in advance. As the sun shins against the backdrop of the historic Scarborough Spa on the seafront and aural darkness booms from within, a truly international collective gather to bask in the black metal festivities. Here’s what went down.



Saturday, May 31st

NEMOROUS – Main StageNemorous live @ Fortress Festival 2025. Photo Credit: Sabrina Ramdoyal Photography

Formed from the ashes of underground favourites WODENSTHRONE, new entity NEMOROUS arrive to kickstart the weekend with a triumphant display of UK black metal. Arriving against the backdrop of Scarborough Spa‘s grand main room, demonstrating their collective years of experience, NEMOROUS are atmospherically thick, and their confident stage presence ensures their musical delivery packs a punch. Performing their upcoming debut album in its entirety to a packed crowd thanks to effortless ticket exchange from the festival crew, NEMOROUS set the bar for the weekend’s action high, and it’s a bar that rarely dips.

Rating: 8/10

PERENNIAL ISOLATION – Ocean RoomPerennial Isolation live @ Fortress Festival 2025. Photo Credit: Sabrina Ramdoyal Photography

Making their UK debut, Barcelona’s PERENNIAL ISOLATION may be blessed by the Mediterranean sun, but their blend of atmospheric black metal is icy sharp. Their set at Fortress Festival sees a full album run through of 2021’s Portraits – a criminally overlooked record in the black metal world – and we’re treated to a performance that is razor sharp. The smaller confines of the Ocean Room work in favour for the quartet, with a heavy atmosphere swirling from moments of aural bliss through to passages that tremble with ferocity. Renditions of Autumn Legacy Underlying the Cold’s Caress and Unceasing Sorrows from the Vastness’ Scion sees the band soar, cementing their addition to this year’s stellar lineup.

Rating: 9/10

AQUILUS – Main StageAquilus live @ Fortress Festival 2025. Photo Credit: Sabrina Ramdoyal Photography

Having travelled from literally the other side of the planet to perform exclusively at Fortress Festival, there’s an instant admiration towards Australian outfit AQUILUS. And for good reason too. Helmed by band mastermind Waldorf, the band’s presentation of folk-infused atmospheric black metal sounds absolutely stunning against the backdrop of the Spa‘s main room, a running theme over the weekend. Flanked by his live band, Waldorf leads his compositions with confidence, and the harmony with his bandmates – in particular violinist Hayley Anderson – helped keep the sound incredibly immersive. And for music of this ilk, in the live environment especially, that is essential. Here at Fortress Festival, consider it a job very well done.

Rating: 8/10

DARKHER – Theatre

Normally utilised for the festival’s supporting In Conversation series, day one of Fortress Festival sees the all-seated theatre transformed into a series of sublime palette cleansers. Having impressed on previous metal festival circuits – including Damnation Festival in 2016 – DARKHER‘s band of reflective doom-tinged neofolk is an experience that is nothing short of transcending. Supported by an accompanying percussionist, project mastermind Jayn Maiven has a spellbinding impact on the seated spectators with the power of her voice alone, allowing of subtle changes in pitch and tone to have an enormously emotive affect on those experiencing it. This is music that speaks to the soul.

Rating: 9/10

SULDUSK – Ocean RoomSuldusk live @ Fortress Festival 2025. Photo Credit: Sabrina Ramdoyal Photography

It’s another Aussie debut for SULDUSK who arrive at Fortress Festival having only recently taken to the live circuit. Since 2016, helmed by Emily Highfield, the band’s approach to blending black metal with neofolk is nothing groundbreaking, but by God, it sounds incredible live. Showing no signs of inexperience live, SULDSUK captive from start to finish in a strong contender for set of the festival. Complemented by Hayley Anderson‘s stunning work on the violin (for the second time today), the band’s sound croons with melancholy before building to explosive crescendos. Material from last year’s Anthesis – Verdalet and the title track – sound impeccable and Highfield‘s vocals cut through the mix with the utmost ease. With a sound that go toe to toe with the heavyweights of their style, SULDUSK are a special, special band and their performance will live long in the memory.

Rating: 10/10

THE GREAT OLD ONES – Main StageThe Great Old Ones live @ Fortress Festival 2025. Photo Credit: Sabrina Ramdoyal Photography

It’s appropriate that against the iconic Scarborough Spa, the tide crashes against the seawall. Enter THE GREAT OLD ONES. The Lovecraftian disciples have forged a distinct sound since emerging from Bordeaux in 2009, and at Fortress, they unleash a sound that soundtracks the awakening of Cthulhu from the ocean depths. Splashed with progressive flourishes, their black metal twists and contorts and echoes moments of sinister melody, with material from this year’s excellent Kadath (In The Mouth of Madness, Me, The Dreamer and Under the Sign of Koth) all sounding utterly monstrous on the big stage. Although material from 2017’s breakout album – E.O.D. (A Tale of Dark Legacy) – is glaringly absent, it’s a strong and confident set from one of black metal’s rapidly rising cults.

Rating: 8/10

SYLVAINE – Theatre

Judging by the fact the queue is snaking down the stairs into the lower foyer of the venue, there is great anticipation for SYLVAINE to close the Theatre. Helmed by multi-instrumentalist Kathrine Shepard, rather than her usual amplified post-black metal affair (which is fucking excellent in its own right), at Fortress, Shepard guides us through a much sombre and reflective live experience, and it is absolutely breathtaking. Holding the room at bursting capactiy to stunned silence where you could hear a pin drop demonstrates the sheer power of Shepard‘s musical ability, her voice speaking directly to the heart. In a day of wave after wave of blastbeats, to have a moment of tranquillity like this makes what we experienced all the more special, and moving to a few to tears with the power of her voice alone speaks volumes. In SYLVAINE, we have a real gem on our hands.

Rating: 9/10

AKHLYS – Ocean RoomAkhlys live @ Fortress Festival 2025. Photo Credit: Sabrina Ramdoyal Photography

AKHLYS took listeners on a mesmerising journey into the realm of atmospheric black metal, artfully blending haunting textures with powerful instrumentals. Their immersive soundscapes crafted an ethereal world where guttural vocals and intricate riffs stirred a distinctive sense of dread. This emotional richness was further enhanced by ambient elements, broadening their musical horizons and weaving together themes of darkness and existential reflection. The live performance at the Ocean Stage left a profound mark, as the quartet’s intensity and passion resonated deeply with the audience. Each member infused their unique energy into the set, contributed to a captivating atmosphere that kept the crowd spellbound. Every song evoked intense emotions, making the experience unforgettable. AKHLYS not only delivers a concert but also invites fans to delve into profound themes through their art, ensuring their impact lingers long after the final note fades away.

Rating: 8/10

1349 – Main Stage1349 live @ Fortress Festival 2025. Photo Credit: Sabrina Ramdoyal Photography

Given the fanfare surrounding the return of AGALLOCH on European shores the following day, it would be understandable if there was reduced anticipation and expectation for Norwegian vanguards 1349. The Norwegians deliver the icy chills, serving a reminder as to why they have enjoyed a career that is within touching distance of three decades. The likes of Atomic Chapel, Through Eyes of Stone and I Am Abomination dispatched with hellish fury, spearheaded by frontman Ravn‘s intimidating stage presence and wicked snarls. Elsewhere, tunes from last year’s The Wolf & The King slotted seamlessly into the band’s live arsenal, with The God Devourer and Inferior Pathways in particular sounding utterly monstrous. Despite early technical issues blighting the band’s initial momentum, once recovered, the band keep the momentum surging and deliver a good, if not slightly predictable, display of high octane black metal, a fitting end to the first day of Fortress Festival. And you can’t really complain with that.

Rating 8/10

Sunday, June 1st

ABDUCTION – Main StageAbduction live @ Fortress Festival 2025. Photo Credit: Sabrina Ramdoyal Photography

Representing homegrown talent, the rise of ABDUCTION has been one of the UK black metal’s most brightest sparks in recent years. The tail end of the 2010s saw mastermind A|V‘s profile rise, but 2022’s Black Blood and this year’s Existentialismus has seen ABDUCTION cement their status as one of our island’s top exports for the scene. At Fortress Festival, the band is tasked with kicking off day two and through a full album run-through of their latest record, what we experience is a statement of intent. In a blistering and white hot performance backed with some impressive and macabre video imagery, the band – spearheaded by A|V – are captivating to watch. It certainly helps when you have material like A Legacy of Sores and Truth Is as Sharp a Sword as Vengeance in your arsenal. A powerful and assured performance from a band that looks set to be a figurehead for UK black metal for years to come.

Rating: 9/10

BELORE – Ocean RoomBelore live @ Fortress Festival 2025. Photo Credit: Sabrina Ramdoyal Photography

Epic sweeping atmospheric black metal blesses the Ocean Room as French outfit BELORE start the day’s action on the festival’s second and in their debut appearance on our shores, they make a good impression. Pulling largely from last year’s Eastern Tales, the band – led by mastermind Aleevok – weave a complex and sprawling musical landscape, with The Valley of the Giants and Storm of an Ancient Age in particular demonstrating the quality on offer. It’s this uncanny ability that lies at the beating heart of Fortress Festival, quality undiscovered gems.

Rating: 8/10

DÖDSRIT – Main StageDödsrit live @ Fortress Festival 2025. Photo Credit: Sabrina Ramdoyal Photography

Having to withdraw at the eleventh hour last year, Swedish blackened crust metallers look to make up for lost time and proceed to give one of the best performances of the entire weekend. With the Main Stage packed to capacity, we’re treated to a band that is on scintillating form, all the more special given Fortress Festival is their UK debut. The likes of Irjala and Nocturnal Fire – from last year’s sublime Nocturnal Will – show the band at their brilliant best, with the extended lead solo work in Nocturnal Fire being dispatched to glorious perfection. Watch this space, because we have a truly special band on our hands.

Rating: 10/10

AUTUMN NOSTALIGIE – Ocean RoomAutumn Nostalgie live @ Fortress Festival 2025. Photo Credit: Sabrina Ramdoyal Photography

Having to follow the exhilarating DÖDSRIT is an almighty challenge, and for a portion of AUTUMN NOSTALGIE‘s set, there’s a worry that their UK debut will be one to forget. Technical problems renders the band unable to perform, but once these issues are mercifully resolved, the Slovakians conjure a hauntingly immersive atmosphere. The guitar work in particular is the key here, as the riffs intertwine and dance in shimmering tranquillity and a nice steady rhythm makes experiencing the band’s craft a pleasure. Despite the setback, a strong and impressive performance from a band who will hope for a better role of the dice next time.

Rating: 7/10

MOONLIGHT SORCERY – Main StageMoonlight Sorcery live @ Fortress Festival 2025. Photo Credit: Sabrina Ramdoyal Photography

Seemingly coming out of nowhere, Finland’s MOONLIGHT SORCERY may have more akin to CHILDREN OF BODOM than their compatriots in their native black metal scene, but their exhilarating and theatrical black metal is absolutely wicked. With Fortress Festival being just the third show in the band’s budding career, there’s a lot riding on whether the Finns can replicate the sheer intensity of 2023’s Horned Lord of the Thorned Castle. And boy, do they deliver. Igniting an aural maelstrom that rarely dips in its intensity, the band keep the audience breathless. The likes To Withhold the Day, The Secret of Streaming Blood and Into the Silvery Shadows of Night all highlight what a special prospect we have on our hands. Brilliant, brilliant stuff.

Rating: 9/10

ARISTARCHOS – Ocean RoomAristarchos live @ Fortress Festival 2025. Photo Credit: Sabrina Ramdoyal Photography

Another prime cut from the UK’s ever fruitful black metal scene, not much is known about ARISTARCHOS, but what becomes immediately clear as they level the Ocean Room, Fortress Festival have struck gold once again. Crafting an atmosphere and with visually striking robes is nothing new, but if done correctly, can really enhance the impact of a performance and here, the band deliver. Feeling akin to SCHAMMASCH in places, their black metal swirls and builds, all with pinpoint ferocity from a drummer who keeps the pace whitehot. Fuelled by two excellent full-lengths under their belt, their set at Fortress Festival stakes a claim for one of the best performances of the weekend.

Rating: 9/10

ULCERATE – Main StageUlcerate live @ Fortress Festival 2025. Photo Credit: Sabrina Ramdoyal Photography

Despite a career spanning over 25 years, it’s only been the last decade or so where New Zealand’s ULCERATE have enjoyed breakout success within the confines of our world. Their brand of unorthodox and suffocating technical death metal is an almighty musical beast, and with the likes of 2016’s Shrines of Paralysis, 2020’s Stare into Death and Be Still, and last year’s Cutting The Throat of God all having a stake in the best extreme metal of recent years, much anticipation awaited the trio ahead of a rare appearance on our shores. And we’re treated to a masterclass in musical extremity. Their set pulls from their most recent two records, and through merciless renditions of To Flow Through Ashen Hearts or The Dawn Is Hollow, the band conjure, instil and smother a foreboding sense of dread as their dizzying musicianship works effortlessly in a feat of masterful control of their instruments. There is quite simply not another band like them.

Rating: 10/10

FORTERESSE – Main StageFortresse live @ Fortress Festival 2025. Photo Credit: Sabrina Ramdoyal Photography

Having last performed a show six years ago, scoring Quebec’s FORTERESSE for this year’s festival is a triumph. Judging from the overwhelming demand for the exclusive shirt on offer, this is a big deal, signalling the festival’s ability to cater perfectly for this corner of the metal world. Performing as the penultimate act on the Main Stage, the band’s primal and relentless surge of low-fi black metal injects that much needed adrenaline for the day’s closing stages. A cacophony of blistering riffs, pummelling drums and pained howls cascade and wash over the crowd, with the likes of Spectre de la rébellion and La lame du passé being dispatched with ruthless intent. A technical mishap disrupts what should be a triumphant finale, but after dusting off the misstep with a thumping rendition of Vespérale to finish on a high, experiencing FORTERESSE felt like a “I was there” moment.

Rating: 9/10

FEN – Ocean RoomFen live @ Fortress Festival 2025. Photo Credit: Sabrina Ramdoyal Photography

FEN, hailing from the United Kingdom, evoked profound emotions during their headlining live performance on the Ocean Stage, supplying the audience with a deeply immersive experience. The intricate guitar work, haunting melodies, and dynamic rhythms embodied a juxtaposition of darkness and beauty. Each composition unfolded akin to an epic journey through delicate landscapes. The band’s unwavering dedication to their craft was evident as they actively engaged with the audience, fostering a profound connection that significantly enhanced the emotional resonance of their music. With lyrics frequently inspired by nature and introspection, FEN‘s performance resonated on multiple levels, leaving their Fortress Festival crowd enchanted and contemplative, while the quartet demonstrated both an impressive stage presence and a steadfast commitment to their art, establishing themselves as a prominent force within the black metal scene.

Rating: 9/10Agalloch live @ Fortress Festival 2025. Photo Credit: Sabrina Ramdoyal Photography

Given the immense quality of the curated billing, the festival weekend had featured many great moments, but to welcome back Portland’s AGALLOCH as returning heroes topped the list by a country mile. Having announced the band immediately after last year’s festival, in their first European appearance, their first appearance on UK shores for a decade (something John Haughm comically notes at during the set), AGALLOCH‘s headlining set at Fortress Festival had the enormous weight of anticipation, but as the opening notes of Ghosts of the Midwinter Fires unfold, a tidal wave of sheer ecstasy is unleashed. Using the adoration of the crowd as their lifeblood, the band throw themselves – quite literally – across the stage and run through an extensive walk through their discography, with each folk-laden black metal epic performed expertly well. Whether it’s the sheer release of emotion experienced during Falling Snow, the doomy and mourning croons of Fire Above, Ice Below, or the thumping Dark Matter Gods, experiencing AGALLOCH – especially after such a long time – feels euphoric, helped by the fact the band are on scintillatingly good form. A defining moment for Fortress Festival, cementing it as a set that will live long in the memory.

Rating: 10/10

Words: James Weaver, Sabrina Ramdoyal

Check out our extensive photo gallery of the action at Fortress Festival 2025 from Sabrina Ramdoyal Photography here: