Mystic Festival has firmly found its home in Gdańsk, Poland, anchoring itself by the Baltic Sea with growing confidence. This year’s edition, running from June 4th to June 7th, 2025, proved just how international the event has become. While Polish metal fans turned out in force, the so-called “Danish Invasion,” as dubbed by promoter Mystic Coalition, was hard to miss. Danish and other Nordic languages filled the air, making it clear that Mystic is no longer just a local celebration but an increasingly global gathering.
Gdańsk’s seaside charm came with a caveat on day three: temperamental weather. While the Baltic backdrop remained picturesque, the skies opened up at unfortunate times, forcing some tough decisions—including skipping a couple of sets. Still, the day held plenty of unforgettable moments, both onstage and off.
HATEBREED hit the stage like a well-oiled wrecking ball. Celebrating over three decades of hardcore and metal mayhem, the Connecticut veterans proved they’ve lost none of their fire. Their 2020 album “Weight of the False Self” still hits hard live, and the crowd responded with fists, circle pits, and all-out chaos.
Unfortunately, COBRA THE IMPALER and JINJER fell victim to the afternoon downpour. With the stages soaked and visibility low, we opted to take shelter and explore the indoor offerings. That led us to the delightfully retro “Game Over, You Died” zone, curated by the Dawne Komputery i Gry Foundation. Tables were lined with vintage consoles—SNES, original PlayStation, Amiga, Sega Saturn, and more. It felt like walking into a ’90s kid’s dream arcade, though competition for controllers was fierce.
Just across from the gaming zone was the VHS dungeon, a dimly lit chamber screening obscure relics from decades past. Between old music videos and bizarre commercials, cult classics like Hard Rock Zombies, Creepozoids, and The Suckling flickered across the screen. A perfect way to wait out the rain.
When the skies finally cleared—almost on cue—CRADLE OF FILTH emerged. The sudden sunshine hitting the stage as Dani Filth shrieked into the mic was an almost comic contrast. Their signature blend of Gothic and black metal came through strong, with songs from “The Screaming of the Valkyries” (released this March) adding fresh venom. Dani’s voice remains a divisive feature, but the performance itself was tight and theatrical.
OPETH followed with their ever-evolving, genre-bending sound. The Swedish legends continue to straddle the line between progressive and death metal, delivering a set full of sweeping arrangements and emotive weight. Cuts from 2024’s “The Last Will and Testament” blended beautifully with their classics. Live, they bring a calm confidence that’s both powerful and comforting.
Things turned much grimmer with EYEHATEGOD, whose set could only be described as suffocating—in the best possible way. The sludge icons delivered waves of crushing riffs, laced with feedback and a sense of doom that crawled under your skin. Songs from “A History of Nomadic Behavior” (2021) felt as menacing live as they do on record.
Among the night’s dual headliners, W.A.S.P. made the first big impression. Blackie Lawless looked and sounded revitalized, a far cry from the seated performances of recent years. They played their iconic 1984 debut album “W.A.S.P.” in full, and the crowd responded with roars and choruses. Glam, grit, and nostalgia blended into something genuinely celebratory.
Then came KING DIAMOND, returning to Mystic after six years—and what a return it was. The full stage sets, eerie props, and theatrical storytelling made it clear this wasn’t just a gig; it was a production. From beginning to end, the band was sharp and commanding, with King’s signature falsetto slicing through the evening air. It was a triumphant performance and an easy pick as one of the day’s biggest highlights.
Earlier in the evening, BLINDEAD 23 gave post-metal fans plenty to chew on. Reborn from the ashes of the original BLINDEAD, the Polish outfit continues to deliver weighty, emotional music. Their 2024 EP “Vanishing” featured heavily in the set, its raw intensity matched by a powerful stage presence. It was a welcome return for a band many had missed.
But if there was one act that left jaws on the floor, it was THE CRAZY WORLD OF ARTHUR BROWN. At 82, Arthur Brown remains a psychedelic sorcerer. The fire hat, the outrageous outfits, the booming operatic voice—none of it has dulled with age. With vintage keyboards, swirling lights, and a palpable sense of the surreal, Brown turned his slot into a true spectacle. Even PENTAGRAM’s Bobby Liebling was spotted in the pit, soaking it all in. His influence on artists like King Diamond, David Bowie, and Alice Cooper was on full display.
As Mystic 2025 rolled into its penultimate night, it reminded everyone why this festival stands out. Rain or shine, it’s not just about heaviness—it’s about creating an atmosphere where chaos, nostalgia, theater, and emotion all have room to breathe. Day three proved that once again.
