METAL FEST BAHRAIN
Over 15 YEARS OF HEAVY METAL IN BAHRAIN!
Since 2010, the team behind Metal Fest Bahrain has been dedicated to keeping the Kingdom's metal scene alive by organizing live events featuring Bahrain's finest bands alongside international and regional artists. The journey began with Resurrection, an event created by Hani Taqi, which later evolved into Metal Fest Bahrain.
This archive celebrates more than 15 years of unforgettable shows, legendary performances, and the passionate community that continues to support heavy metal in Bahrain. Browse the posters, photos, videos, and memories below - and don't forget to join our mailing list to be the first to hear about future events!
🏆 Historic Firsts & Milestones
Throughout this archive you'll find key moments that helped shaped Bahrain's heavy metal history - from the first international bands to perform in the Kingdom to landmark achievements by Bahraini artists.
All commentary below the event posters is by Hani Taqi
December 3, 2025 - Opening for Metallica!
Lineup:
Bloodshel (Bahrain)
Motör Militia (Bahrain)
Necrosin (Bahrain)
Venue: Beyon Al Dana Amphitheatre
“In April 2025, Beyon Al Dana Amphitheatre announced that Metallica was booked to play Bahrain in December. Of course, we were all super excited, but I also had one thought: if we could send a Bahrain band to Wacken, why couldn't a Bahrain band open for Metallica? I made the following post on Instagram and it got a lot of attention.
Ultimately, we got the attention of Lance at Al Dana, who was awesome enough to push the idea to local management and to Metallica themselves! Metallica's management were on board, and they chose Bloodshel to open for them on the main stage. Motör Militia and Necrosin played before that, on a smaller stage in the courtyard area of the venue. How cool is that, from Metallica's side, that they allowed all this to happen. Plus, they treated Bloodshel unbelievably well. That is why they are the legends that they are. Unreal!Â
This wasn't a regular Metal Fest - the idea was to collaborate with Al Dana Amphitheatre and bring the bands that make Metal Fest happen to a much larger audience. Props to Al Dana for all their work and support - and for giving the Bahrain music community a chance to shine on the biggest stage possible! We would love to do it again!
Unfortunately - and this still haunts me to this day - I was sick with a terrible virus after the Metal Fest that happened a few days before this show, and I had no choice but to miss it! That virus hit pretty much the whole island, and a lot of metalheads who were at the November 27 Metal Fest got infected too! Still, I'm incredibly grateful this happened. It made 2025 the best year ever for the Bahrain metal scene!"
🏆 Historic First: Bloodshel became the first Bahrain metal band to open for Metallica.
November 27, 2025 - The record-breaking fourth Metal Fest event of 2025.
Lineup:Â
Blood Red Throne (Norway)
Angelus Apatrida (Spain)
Amorphia (India)
Gridlok (Oman)
Venue: Diggers
“This was an interesting event because it was supposed to be a different lineup, with a well-known veteran death metal band headlining. Unfortunately, the agent in charge of booking their Asian tour turned out to be less than professional - that's putting it nicely. I lost a lot of money and time, but I wasn't going to give up on the event. In my opinion, the lineup that did happen was even stronger and more crushing on stage. We had our brothers from Oman, Gridlok, open the show - the first time an Omani metal band ever played in Bahrain. This was Amorphia's second appearance in Bahrain. I could watch them slay every night and not get bored - what a band. Angelus Apatrida were so tight as musicians and so professional, and Blood Red Throne were totally awesome and crazy! A lot of partying took place, especially with the Blood Red Throne guys, and it was a fantastic way to close off a record-breaking year!"
🏆 Historic Milestones:Â
- Angelus Apatrida became the first Spanish metal band to perform at Metal Fest Bahrain.
- Gridlok became the first Omani metal band to perform in Bahrain.
Videos:
Angelus Apatrida
Blood Red Throne
Amorphia
Gridlok
Â
June 12, 2025 - Death Metal Rules
Lineup:Â
Krisiun (Brazil)
Carnation (Belgium)
Necrosin (Bahrain)
Venue: Diggers
“This was an uncompromising death metal lineup. I would say the legends Krisiun are definitely the fastest band to ever play in Bahrain - who plays faster than those guys?! It was Max's birthday that night and we celebrated with a cake and a bottle of premium whisky (courtesy of Ebrahim J). Carnation were fantastic on stage and also incredibly nice guys that we won't forget. They left their mark on Bahrain and totally leveled the venue. Plus our brothers from Necrosin got the pit warmed up and delivered as usual. The morning after this show Israel launched airstrikes on Iran and Krisiun were stuck at Bahrain airport for 8 hours until the airspace reopened. Thankfully, they made it on time for their European dates. Carnation weren't affected as they were booked on evening flights. This was, unfortunately, a sign of things to come."
🏆 Historic First: Krisiun became the first Brazilian metal band to perform in Bahrain.
Videos:
Krisiun
YouTube - Blood Of Lions (Live)
Carnation
May 9, 2025 - The Clash Of Legends
Lineup:Â
Vio-Lence (USA)
Pestilence (Netherlands)
Hellionight (Bahrain)
Blacklist (venue house band - Davao, Philippines)
Venue: Diggers
“What a show and what a lineup - two legendary bands in their genres. The guys in Vio-Lence stayed in Bahrain for almost a week! Seriously the coolest guys you could possibly meet. All my respect to them! Pestilence guys were also awesome and very easy to work with. It was a great show full of crazy energy - every band went full throttle. Our brothers Hellionight once again delivered a blistering opening set. The full Pestilence and Vio-Lence sets are on YouTube. This was one of the best shows we've ever done!”
🏆 Historic First: Pestilence became the first Dutch metal band to perform in Bahrain.
Videos:
Vio-Lence
Pestilence
