Metal bands Sepultura and Epica set fire to Istanbul's Dark Sun Metal Festival with their outrageous performances
Dark Sun Metal Festival Delights Metalheads in Istanbul
The Dark Sun Metal Festival, held at the picturesque KucukCiftlik Park in Istanbul, brought together metal enthusiasts for a two-day celebration of heavy music from August 1 to 2, 2025. The event featured an eclectic mix of international and local acts, providing a diverse metal experience for attendees.
On the first day, the crowd was treated to high-energy sets from Radical Noise, a well-known name in the local hardcore and punk scene, and the rising Turkish metal band Helak, who specialise in sludge metal. The performances set the tone for an evening of heavy riffs and raw energy.
The Brazilian metal band Sepultura took centre stage on the first day, performing as part of their 40th-anniversary farewell tour. Their set was a nostalgic trip for many, featuring classics such as "Territory" and "Roots Bloody Roots." During their performance, they paid tribute to the late rock legend Ozzy Osbourne, a moment that resonated deeply with the audience.
The second day of the festival saw the Dutch symphonic metal group Epica close the night with a powerful set that included fan favourites like "Cross the Divide" and "Cry for the Moon." The Turkish symphonic metal group Knight Errant also performed, adding to the symphonic element of the festival.
The Danish artist Myrkur also graced the stage at the Dark Sun Metal Festival, contributing to the diverse mix of sounds. The festival's lineup was carefully curated to ensure a memorable experience for metalheads, combining international stars with prominent local acts.
The Dark Sun Metal Festival proved to be a successful event, leaving the crowd energized and the metal community in Istanbul buzzing with excitement. With its combination of high-energy performances, diverse lineup, and picturesque setting, the festival is sure to become a staple in the metal scene.
[1] The Dark Sun Metal Festival features international and local metal acts. [2] Epica performed at the Dark Sun Metal Festival, closing the night with fan favourites. [3] Sepultura performed at the Dark Sun Metal Festival as part of their 40th-anniversary farewell tour.
Turkish bands, like Helak, specializing in sludge metal, and Knight Errant, hailing from Istanbul, were part of the diverse lineup at the Dark Sun Metal Festival. On the festival's first day, Sepultura, a renowned Brazilian metal band, took center stage, performing as part of their 40th-anniversary farewell tour.
