Brutal Assault is boldly expanding its musical catalogue, inviting an increasingly diverse selection of interesting artists to the Josefov Fortress. At the same time, the festival has managed to enlist some of its older staples, resulting in a killer lineup. There were multiple clashes to contend with, unfortunately, but that is to be expected with such a strong bill.
Find us a more entertaining and happier death metal band than BAEST, who managed to gather a decent-sized crowd in the pouring rain and get them moving in a respectable circle pit. At 11 AM, no less. We dare you.
It is immediately apparent that Scandinavian death metal runs through their veins. However, on their 2025 album “Colossal,” they also had a little affair with ’80s rock. It is a bold experiment, but one that fits these lads like a glove. They write the music they want to play, and that enthusiasm is evident in their stage presence. Fun, vibrant, and full of energy, BAEST were the perfect way to kick off the day.
Two years after debuting with “Into the Realm,” New York City’s own CASTLE RAT are still going strong, bringing their theatrical fantasy world to audiences everywhere. You might not immediately think that doom metal and fantasy role-playing would make a natural combination, but here we are. Rat Queen and her gang have a strong artistic vision, backed by solid music, which is a recipe for success. Their theatrical approach gives the performance a distinctive identity without overshadowing the music itself. With their latest album, “The Bestiary,” released in 2025, CASTLE RAT continue to build their own little corner of the metal universe.
One might assume that an aggrotech or electro act would feel somewhat out of place at Brutal Assault. However, Mexico’s HOCICO bring a natural darkness and fury to their music that even black metal bands would have no reason to be ashamed of. Judging by the crowd gathered in front of the Marshall Stage, their sound certainly resonated with plenty of people. It was a great experience, although we couldn’t help feeling that their impact would have been even greater after dark, when their sinister atmosphere could really come into its own. HOCICO released their album “Unseen Horror Scenes” in 2026.
Metalcore can sometimes fall into a predictable, cookie-cutter formula, but Scotland’s BLEED FROM WITHIN manage to break away from that pattern rather swiftly. By incorporating additional elements, including a stronger melodic death metal influence, they strike an appealing balance between catchy and heavy. It is not an easy equilibrium to achieve, but BLEED FROM WITHIN make it sound effortless. Their live performances also radiate positive energy, which is immediately transferred to the crowd. The band had no trouble getting people invested in their set, proving that heaviness and infectious enthusiasm can go hand in hand. Their latest album, “Zenith,” was released in 2025.
Bay Area thrash metal is a bit like fine wine, or perhaps beer would be a more appropriate comparison. The more you see these bands, the better they seem to get. DEATH ANGEL have certainly never lowered the bar, and their performances continue to feel like a grenade exploding on stage for a solid hour. There is little more to add to that recommendation. However, we do have one question: who the hell decided to put them on a smaller stage? They deserve the main stage, and we will die on that hill. This also marks the first instalment of our “Who Arranged the Schedule?” saga, but there will be more. For the record, the Obscure Stage is not exactly a tiny club-like venue, but still. DEATH ANGEL released their latest studio album, “Humanicide,” in 2019, followed by the live album “The Bastard Tracks” in 2021.
Australia’s THY ART IS MURDER are among the leading forces in deathcore, hands down. They never take things down a notch and show absolutely no signs of slowing down. Every gig feels like being thrown into a meat grinder, and this one was no different. Their relentless sound and punishing performance made sure nobody left wondering whether they had received their daily dose of heaviness. The lineup has changed slightly, with Jerry Grimefeld taking over vocal duties from Tyler Miller. All we have to say is that he is a pretty damn impressive replacement. THY ART IS MURDER released their latest album, “Godlike,” in 2023.
BLACKBRAID, the one-man project led by Sgah’gahsowáh, blends black metal with themes drawn from Native American mythology. Unsurprisingly, the performance was charged with ferocious energy that spilled into the crowd almost instantly. BLACKBRAID always give 200%, and then some, delivering a fierce and immersive experience that leaves little room for standing around passively. The project released its latest full-length album, “Blackbraid III,” in 2025, followed by the EP “Nocturnal Womb” in 2026.
There is no need for a lengthy introduction to WALTARI, especially when they arrive with the Bohemian Symphony Orchestra Prague to perform “Yeah, Yeah, Die, Die! – Death Symphony in Deep C.” This was a spectacle that demanded an orchestra on stage, and both the promoters and the band delivered. Originally released in 1996, “YYDD” was a genuinely avant-garde concept album, combining full orchestral arrangements with guttural growls, operatic vocals, and rap sections. It remains a wonderfully unconventional piece of work, and hearing it brought to life with a full orchestra made for one of the most unique performances of this year’s Brutal Assault. Even without extensive familiarity with the band’s catalogue, it was difficult not to appreciate the ambition and sheer scale of the undertaking.
How spoiled are we? Another festival, another appearance by SEPTICFLESH. Their first appearance of the year at Mystic Festival was already a treat, so naturally, we were more than happy to welcome them back. The band is in excellent shape and continues to deliver the kind of symphonic death metal spectacle that has become its trademark. They also made room for some older material to please veteran fans, including “Virtues of the Beast” from the fantastic album “Sumerian Daemons.” SEPTICFLESH are still touring with their latest full-length album, “Modern Primitive,” released in 2022, but have since added two EPs to their catalogue: “Reconstruction” in 2023 and “Amphibians” in 2025.
Who the hell are WYATT E., exactly? Well, an experience, for sure. Imagine thick, hypnotic doom metal inspired by Mesopotamian mythology, complete with stage outfits that reflect the theme and a distinctly Arabic atmosphere. The result feels more like a ritual than a conventional concert, which is a rarity these days, especially in a festival setting. Rather than simply delivering a set of songs, WYATT E. create an immersive experience that draws the audience into their own ancient, mysterious world. Their latest album, “Zamāru Ultu Qereb Ziqquratu Part 1,” continues to explore this distinctive musical territory.
As we have known for a long time, AMORPHIS are an institution when it comes to Finnish metal. Carrying the torch since 1990, they remain among the finest representatives of the country’s metal scene. Their sound may have become somewhat softer over the years, but echoes of their fondness for doom and death metal are still there, all wrapped in an epic and emotive atmosphere. More importantly, they continue to keep their music fresh rather than simply relying on the legacy they have built over the decades.
At Brutal Assault, AMORPHIS played predominantly material from their 2025 album “Borderland,” and the new songs proved to be excellent choices for a live setting. This should hardly come as a surprise, considering the band’s consistently impressive craftsmanship. Everything feels carefully considered, from the arrangements to the balance between heavier passages and more melodic moments. AMORPHIS once again demonstrated why they remain such a beloved and enduring name in Finnish metal.
Photos by Maria Sawicka
