This was the case at ROCK AM RING 2025 with SLIPKNOT, IN FLAMES, BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE, SPIRITBOX and many more. (Part 2/3)

Automatic translation. Improvements are constantly being worked on.

Rock am Ring

06.-08.06.2025, Nürburgring

Saturday: Passion knows no weather

While the first day of the festival was mostly on our side weather-wise, with only a few raindrops falling on the site, the night was more merciless. Unfortunately, the campers were caught out – Peter let it rain for long stretches. Meadows turned into slippery muddy landscapes and wellies became festival must-haves. Luckily, the infield on the Nürburgring race track was largely spared. Asphalt rules. So now the weather lottery entered the next round. The Ring rockers defied the circumstances anyway – after all, they were used to weather escapades here and everyone was in a great mood.

Reef-strong wake-up call

Kittie from Canada opened the second day on the Mandora Stage with a thunderous start and fourfold female power. Sisters Morgan and Mercedes Lander have been driving the alternative metal beast forward since 1996, and they took no prisoners this lunchtime either. Right at the beginning, they made a clear statement with the powerful “Fire”. Guitarist Tara McLeod not only shone musically, but also with the finest posing. Ivy Jenkins on bass let her mane spin and put on a look that could hardly have been more sinister. Frontwoman Morgan oscillated impressively between clear vocals and angry growls and even pulled out a cool guitar solo on “I’ve Failed You”. When a veritable drum storm broke out, Morgan, Tara and Ivy marched out onto the catwalk in headbanging time – wild, powerful, wonderful. “Mouthful of Poison” got the crowd moving once again. “Well, that was fun! Thank you for getting the party started on this stage!” shouted Morgan. For the closer “We Are the Lamb”, she called on the crowd to do circle pits – and gave a group of dressed-up bananas the honor of giving the first impetus. The little fruits sprinted off, and the ring rockers followed them in wild ecstasy. During the final guitar strumming, Morgan triumphantly raised her instrument into the air – and was bid farewell with a final, thunderous cheer. An introduction that really hit the spot.

Gold, shine and groove

Meanwhile, US rock band Nothing More shook up the Utopia Stage with an energetic set. Singer Jonny Hawkins stood on stage with his upper body artfully painted in black and gold – a visual echo of the backdrop behind him. With powerful songs from their latest album “Carnal” such as the title track and “Stuck”, they delivered a powerful performance full of intensity. For the finale “This Is the Time (Ballast)”, Jonny had two drums placed in the crowd, on which he played enthusiastically – supported by guitarist Mark Vollelunga, who also jumped on a drum in the crowd. An intense, unifying finale that generated enormous enthusiasm.

Heart over head

Imminence entered the Mandora Stage in stylish black, which was now equipped with illuminated cathedral windows – and created a sacred atmosphere for epic metalcore in the infield. Frontman Eddie Berg enhanced the brute sound of the Swedes with his soulful violin playing, causing goosebumps to meet mosphits. Already during the opener “Temptation”, he bent backwards to great effect – a prelude like something out of a dramatic music video. Songs like “Desolation” blazed with unbridled energy, while the delicate string interlude briefly took your breath away. “This is our first time ever at Rock am Ring. If you know the words to this one, sing it with me,” Eddie demanded – and the crowd obeyed with heart and voice. For “Heaven Shall Burn”, he went down into the pit, happily clapped a few fans and formed his hands into a heart. On “Death by a Thousand Cuts”, his vocals seemed to get right under your skin, he performed the track so vulnerably and powerfully at the same time. Guitarist Harald Barrett provided another magical highlight when he played his guitar with a bow during “God of Nothing” – a visual and sonic feast. This did not go unnoticed by the female fans, whose admiring glances flew to him. And the audience also showed their full commitment: a young woman was carried across the crowd standing on a crowdsurfing man. Imminence offered a performance that pulsated between pain, pathos and beauty.

Stadium rock for the soul

Skillet then brought the Utopia Stage to the boil. The US rock band celebrated their Ring premiere with an energetic best-of set that combined both new anthems and classics. Frontman John Cooper, flanked by Seth Morrison, his wife – the ultra-cool guitarist Korey Cooper and the powerful and charismatic drummer Jen Ledger, was in top form. The latter did not miss the opportunity to conquer the edge of the stage and carry the audience away with her passionate vocals. Cooper’s passionate speech was particularly moving: “We’ll dedicate this next song to the people who have struggled with depression, mental health, suicidal thoughts, addiction. I love you people! Rock ‘n’ roll gets you through these bad nights, doesn’t it?” With emphatic words, he emphasized that music knows no boundaries – neither in origin, skin color, purse, faith or politics. This was followed by “Hero” – a song that was truly touching and acted as a musical lifeline. Songs such as “Feel Invincible”, “Not Gonna Die” and “Monster” ensured cohesion and clenched fists in the air. A powerful mixture of punchy power chords, catchy choruses and a stage presence that collectively swept the audience away. Skillet proved it: It was high time they finally played at the Ring.

Fun level at the limit

Meanwhile, at the Utopia Stage, even the waiting time became fun. Individual audience members were captured on camera and transmitted live to the large screens – but not without digital enhancement: Snapchat filters transformed the ring rockers into grimacing kings with wiggling eyebrows, googly eyes, flaming beards and twisting comic tongues. A running gag with guaranteed laughter – the infield roared and celebrated every new effect. The best entertainment – without a band.

Pits, puddles and plush in the frenzy of the riffs

The laughter over dancing Snapchat filters had barely died down when the sky above the ring darkened. The wind picked up and black clouds loomed menacingly on the horizon. Just in time for Spiritbox ‘s performance, many managed to wrap themselves in the protection of the crackling rain capes. Then: thunder rumbled from the speakers, a thunderstorm effect as an omen. The first pit formed even before the first song was played. Eager eyes turned to the Utopia Stage. The Canadian post-metalcore sensation opened their set with the powerful “Fata Morgana”. On the screens: a ship in flames, lost at sea. On stage: thunderous riffs that rolled through the infield like storm waves. Courtney LaPlante growled her way mercilessly through the first verse. The rain got heavier, but the crowd was in an exuberant mood: crowdsurfers made their way through the air, a giant teddy bear (complete with rain jacket) heroically fought its way over the heads.

Soaking wet together

Courtney was in a great mood. “Rock am Ring, we’ve been waiting for this moment. We played over and over again. Here we go!” she shouted euphorically. On the track “Perfect Soul”, her impressive vocal range was able to fully unfold – from clear vocals to bloodcurdling growls. She went down on her knees at the edge of the stage – full of devotion and energy. “The Void”, with its progressive structure, was also celebrated – despite the constant rain. Courtney danced, jumped, grinned and waved to fans in the crowd. “Holy Roller” spurred the crowd on further, while the singer screamed her heart out. The rain became a player – the ring rockers sat down on the floor and rowed synchronously to the beat. During “Dark Spine”, toughness, euphoria and collective perseverance merged into a goosebump moment. Courtney went through her set soaking wet but beaming, always seeking to get close to the audience. The final track “Cellar Door” ended a set that not only impressed musically, but also personally. For the first time on the Main Stage and yet so familiar: Spiritbox visibly felt at home on the Ring – and impressively proved how much they have earned their place in the line-up. While the rain poured down with all its might in front of the main stage, the Orbit Stage area remained dry as if by magic. Two weather conditions, one festival – and in the middle of it all: the Ring feeling in its purest form.

From the rain battle to the rock’n’roll christening

When the heavens opened their floodgates, that was no reason for Airbourne to retreat – on the contrary. The Australian hard rockers transformed the Mandora Stage into a raucous rock’n’roll battlefield, drenched in beer, sweat and electric guitars. Frontman Joel O’Keeffe, as always shirtless, dashed ahead with his guitar, let himself be carried through the audience on his shoulders and crowned his set with a legendary beer shower – shaken, sprayed, celebrated. With classics such as “Runnin’ Wild”, “Live It Up” and “Too Much, Too Young, Too Fast”, the band fired off a set that wasn’t intended to be subtle – but brute, honest and loud. Guitars screeched, drums pounded and the audience defied the rain with flying fists and loud cheers. Airbourne deliver no innovation, but pure rock energy – uncompromising, direct and damn entertaining. A demolition with an announcement – wet, dirty and absolutely unforgettable.

A wave of compassion

The heavy clouds had cleared and Heaven Shall Burn had only just begun to captivate the audience with their single “Übermacht”. But after just one song it was clear: something was wrong. Singer Marcus Bischoff took the floor and, with tears in his eyes, announced that the concert had to be called off. An acute throat infection made it impossible to continue. The fans fell silent and the raging energy turned into a moment of silence, of pause. There was bewilderment in the air, but also a great deal of respect. Nobody booed, nobody demanded – instead: Applause, compassion and goosebumps. A painful moment that showed how closely music and humanity are interwoven on the Ring. We sincerely wish Marcus a speedy recovery and hope to see him again at Rock am Ring 2026.

20 years of “The Poison” – nostalgia with a bang

After a deeply moving moment earlier in the evening, it was up to Bullet For My Valentine to turn things around – and they did so with full force. “My friends, thank you very much for having us again this year. It’s one of the best fucking festivals to play on this planet,” Matt Tuck shouted euphorically into the audience – and hit the nerve. For the Welsh band, 2025 is the year of their debut: “The Poison” is 20 years old. And it was precisely this album that was celebrated in full on the Utopia Stage – from “4 Words (To Choke Upon)” to “Tears Don’t Fall” and “The End”. “So tonight, we’re playing the whole thing front to back. And if we have a little time in the end, we might squeeze in some good shit for you, too. So, are you ready?” The answer was a collective cheer – and a set that was a real treat. In addition to the “Poison” tracks, they didn’t miss the opportunity to play later fan favorites such as “Cries in Rain”, “Hand of Blood” and “Waking the Demon”. One song that made them famous worldwide in 2005 was particularly emotional: “The next song is very important for us. It helped us on our journey. And it’s a song that still fucking hits hard 20 years later. I’d like to sing a song with you people.” – “All These Things I Hate (Revolve Around Me)” rang out and the audience delivered: loud, clear, united. A performance like a high-pressure valve – powerful, nostalgic and full of enthusiasm. Bullet For My Valentine impressively proved that after two decades, they still know exactly how to make hearts beat faster.

A set like a frenzy

In Flames once again showed why they are one of the elemental forces of melodic death metal – and with a breath of fresh air on drums: Jon Rice. “Deliver Us” immediately got the neck muscles up to operating temperature. But the Swedes had more than just riffs in their luggage. Anders Fridén took the floor: “Let’s dance the rain away, people!” The hard guitar runs of “Cloud Connected” were interspersed with danceable beats to which the crowd went wild. “Only for the Weak” turned the infield into a trampoline: “I wanna see you fucking fly!” As “Meet Your Maker” reared up shatteringly, a huge, menacing figure appeared in the background – the “Maker”, symbolizing the destructive game with artificial intelligence from the current album “Foregone”. There was no end to the madness: “State of Slow Decay” thrashed through the speakers at breathtaking speed, leaving hardly any room to breathe. Suddenly, a large owl figure appeared in the background of the stage – a mystical addition to “Alias”, which deals with inner conflicts and self-denial. The atmosphere boiled over, the circle pits rotated, crowdsurfers glided over the crowd in waves. “I Am Above” discharged with full force. Shouts of “In Flames” started and Anders countered with a laugh: “I already told you I fucking love you, so shut the fuck up! This means the world to us. We have three minutes of pure brilliance left.” Then the likeable frontman turned serious: “Remember to be nice, remember to be kind, remember to show love and show respect. This world is fucking crazy right now and we need more understanding, right?” After this urgent message, there was one last hit: “Take This Life”. There they were, the three minutes full of power, energy and cohesion – the Swedes ended their performance with a final thunderclap that will be remembered for its adrenaline and emotion.

Political punk with heart and soul

On Saturday evening at the Mandora Stage, Rise Against made it clear why they are one of the most important voices in US melodic hardcore – their set was a rousing symbiosis of energy and attitude. Songs like “Re-Education (Through Labor)”, “Prayer of the Refugee” and “Savior” were celebrated like anthems of protest, while stirring new releases like “Nod” and “I Want it All” fit seamlessly in between Tim McIlrath beamed on stage, even climbing into the audience, gathering your closeness – a visibly happy frontman who loves what he does. The crowd sang along to every chorus, circle pits rotated, lighters sparkled – political messages and mosh pit power combined.

Cult, chaos, catharsis

After the unpleasant cold descended on the ring, Slipknot made the audience wait impatiently at first. The nerve-wracking intro – a mystical “Knight Rider” duet with “742617000027” – felt like it dragged on, but ignited the anticipation. Then the Main Stage shone in lush green, the pits stretched like strings before the storm – and with the thunderclap of “Sic”, Corey Taylor and co. stormed the stage. Corey, bouncing wildly, stirred up the chaos: “Are you ready to hear a song we have never played at Rock am Ring?” “Gematria (The Killing Name)” left us in a roar that felt like brute force. The band, in their iconic masks and red jumpsuits of the “We Are Not Your Kind” era, looked like a modern cult – a dark ritual of chaos, energy and unconditional devotion. The stage became a place of worship, the musicians high priests of a nightmare in sound – oppressive, fascinating, unleashing. In response to Corey’s clear, inciting gestures, the crowd ignited anew every time. With their classic “Wait and Bleed”, they removed any remnants of restraint.

Between masks, maggots and humanity

Corey also addressed why Shawn “Clown” Crahan was missing – he had returned home to take care of his sick wife. The frontman later asked the audience to applaud for Clown again – an emotional moment that showed how important his loyal band member is to him and how much he missed Clown. Between songs, the band occasionally left the stage – only Sid stayed behind, mixing sounds and enjoying the improvised pit entertainment. Wheel spins were performed, fans celebrated themselves – there was simply no room for boredom here. The ecstasy reached its peak with “Psychosocial”, thousands of voices roared along. During “Unsainted” and “Duality”, countless fists were once again raised against the cold Eifel weather. Corey flared up: “Put your middle finger in the air. This is for all the people who tell you how to live your fucking life. And that includes ME!”. Then they ignited the mighty inferno – with “Surfacing”. When the last bars of the setlist sounded with “Scissors”, it was clear: Slipknot had left their mark on day two on the Ring – brutal, liberating and incisive.

Our legs were heavy, our hearts were full to the brim and our heads were swirling with impressions like confetti. But a grand finale was already looming on the horizon – one that would soon surpass our imagination…

Due to photo restrictions we were unfortunately not able to capture pictures of Slipknot for you.

Text: Nadine Kloppert
Photos: Michael Gamon, Sandro Griesbach