Blog || 10 Bands You Shouldn't Miss At Graspop Metal Meeting 2024

Oh hai friends, long time no see! We have entered June and if you've been around for a while, you know what it means; it's festival pilgrimage time! It's hard to believe it's been a year already but rest assured; season 6 will be equally interesting. For those new here, this series of posts attempt to make some sense out of the oftentimes clashing and confusing festival schedules, by suggesting 10 bands that you shouldn't miss no matter what.

Credit: Dearohwell photography

The first episode is about none other than Graspop Metal Meeting. The Belgian household name returns in Dessel for 4 explosive dates, celebrating its 27th anniversary with over 130 bands from all over the globe. Let's get to sorting, shall we?

01. Dying Wish
We've had the chance to see Dying Wish perform an incendiary club show earlier this year and one thing's certain; chaos will ensue. The Portland-based quintet brings out an amazing energy which, combined with the authenticity of their stage presence and the heavy af riffs, will get even non fans invested in their show. Having already toured with some trailblazers in the hardcore sound, Dying Wish are earning their credentials as one of the most promising new bands.
When: Thursday 20/6, 13:20-14:05
Where: Marquee stage



02. Rotting Christ
We may be just a tiny bit biased when it comes to Rotting Christ but bear with us; the Greek metallers seem to be experiencing a revival in popularity, which can be attributed to their stunning live performances -and if you've seen them before, you know exactly what we're talking about. The mystical setting, occasional pyros and mix of traditional and eastern melodies is truly captivating. They also recently released "Pro Xristou", arguably one of the finest albums of their career, so the excitement to hear new material is also intense.
When: Saturday 22/6, 17:50-18:40
Where: Marque stage




03. Bring Me The Horizon
If there's one thing to say about the Sheffield outfit is that they are always eager to experiment and reinvent themselves. Bring Me The Horizon has transformed their sound multiple times through their career and always seem to find new elements to incorporate. Their almost-surprise drop, "Post Human: Next Gen" may still feel polarizing among fans but you can always count on BMTH to bring their show to the next level and get fans from all their eras to sing along passionately.
When: Saturday 22/6, 00:00-01:30
Where: South stage




04. Bruce Dickinson
Let's be fair, the Iron Maiden frontman needs no further introduction. His distinctive voice has raised three generations of metal fans and his back catalogue is filled with legendary hits. The multifaceted Mr. Dickinson will be showcasing a best-of setlist from his solo career, that no metal listener should miss.
When: Friday 21/6, 17:45-18:35
Where: North stage




05. High On Fire
GRAMMY-winning trio High On Fire recently released their latest album, "Cometh The Storm", and their promotion cycle brings their unique stoner/doom noise back to Europe. With an imposing wall of sound and distortion pedals cranked, they're guaranteed to raise the heat at the Dome stage.
When: Friday 21/6, 16:30-17:20
Where: Dome stage




06. Slaughter To Prevail
The Russian powerhouse is renown for the ferocity of their live performances. With a pulverizing sound and a demon-in-human-form for a frontman, Slaughter To Prevail are one of the most outstanding live acts of their scene. Groovy, catchy, yet commanding and imposing, they are on our top 3 most anticipated bands for GMM. Don't sleep on them.
When: Sunday 23/6, 21:00-21:50
Where: Jupiler stage




07. ††† (Crosses)
It's impossible to leave ††† out of our lists. Chino Moreno and Shaun Lopez returned to live action in 2023 after 9 whole years, and 2024 finds them touring in Europe and the UK for the first time. One of the stops along the way is Graspop, where we are beyond thrilled to see what tricks they have up their sleeves. The potential of the setlist, combined with Moreno's otherworldly vocal performances and charismatic stage presence, is reason enough for any curious spirit to stick around for this unique show.
When: Thursday 20/6, 20:50-21:45
Where: Marquee stage



08. Deez Nuts
A band we will consistently suggest at festivals is Deez Nuts. The Australian (former) party animals made a name for themselves preaching that life's too short and to live every moment like it's your last. 20 years later they've may faced their fair share of hardships and developed a mature outlook of life, but their legendary anthems live on, and still manage to get hardcore kids pumped to sing along.
When: Friday 21/6, 17:25-18:10
Where: Jupiler stage




09. Corey Taylor
Another prolific frontman who needs no further introduction. Corey Taylor is one of the most well-rounded and musicians in the metal scene, with a career spanning over 30 years. His talent and prowess is truly unmatched. Whether or not you're a fan of Slipknot or Stone Sour, it's definitely an act you shouldn't miss.
When: Sunday 22/6, 19:15-20:15
Where: South stage




Honorable mentions
Kvelertak: The Norwegians dropped a great album last year and they are known for their intense energy on stage -and vocalist Ivar Nikolaisson occasionally climbing on things.
Sanguisugabogg: There's a lot of hype around Sanguisugabogg's name (no pun intended) and with good reason. They are part of a death metal revival in terms of rawness and technicality while sounding modern.
Kamelot: Admittedly we do have a soft spot for this band, their theatricality, their anthemic hits and of course the expressive range of Tommy Karevik's voice.

10. Body Count feat. Ice-T
Hear us out. Even if you're not a fan of rap, or rap metal for this matter, you can't deny that Body Count have historically paved the way for a multitude of bands. The GRAMMY-winning act will return to GMM after 6 years to promote their latest album, "Merciless", 
When: Sunday 23/6, 18:10-19:05
Where: North stage



Graspop Metal Meeting takes place on June 20-23 in Dessel, Belgium.
For info and tickets, visit www.graspop.be.

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