ROCK ISLAND EVENTS
UPCOMING EVENTS
METAL 2 THE MASSES 2026
Metal 2 The Masses is the official Bloodstock Festival initiative supporting new and upcoming metal bands
around the world.
Through live regional events, bands battle it out for a chance to perform on Bloodstock’s New Blood Stage in the UK, sharing the lineup with some of metal’s biggest names.
After a huge debut in 2025, Metal 2 The Masses returns to Cyprus in 2026, giving local bands another chance to take their music to an international audience.
HEATS: SUN 8 & 29 MARCH
FINAL: SUN 19 APRIL 2026
Savino Live, Larnaca
SOEN: 12 June 2026
Royal Hall Nicosia
Emerging from Sweden’s progressive metal scene, SOEN bring a tidal wave of emotional power and musical precision to the stage. Their sound blends progressive metal with a post-rock atmosphere, driven by expressive clean vocals and songs which stay with you long after the show ends.
With the release of Reliance, their seventh studio album, SOEN enter a major international touring cycle. On 12 June, that run reaches Cyprus for a one-off headline show. Expect an immersive night where the visuals matter as much as the music, with a full LED backdrop shaping the atmosphere and pulling you deeper into every track.
Support acts: Speak in Whispers & O’Kazen
PAST EVENTS
Wacken Metal Battle Greece/Cyprus 2026
Wacken Metal Battle offers unsigned metal bands a unique opportunity: the chance to perform at Wacken Open Air, one of the most iconic and influential festivals in the global metal scene.
In 2026, Cyprus joins forces with Greece to form a single competitive region.
For the first time, Cypriot bands can compete for a spot at Wacken Open Air 2026, with the top band selected from a regional final in Athens.
Over 95 countries around the world now participate in this global initiative and Cyprus is officially on the map!
ROTTING CHRIST
Live in Nicosia Cyprus
Rotting Christ return to Nicosia after three years,
this time for a show that promises to be something special: celebrating 30 years since their first ever performance in Cyprus.
Joining them on stage are two of Cyprus’s finest metal acts:
Frozen Winds: delivering raw, atmospheric black metal rooted in ritual and chaos.
Stormcast: progressive, melodic, and thunderous, returning with their signature intensity.
When: Friday, 14th November 2025
Where: Royal Hall, Nicosia, Cyprus
Rock Island Presents: M2TM - Cyprus!
Rock Island proudly presents Metal 2 The Masses Cyprus—an electrifying competition that unites the local rock and metal scene.
Whether you’re a fan or part of the metal community, this is your chance to witness Cyprus' raw talent battling for a spot on Bloodstock Festival’s New Blood Stage.
Heat 1: 30th March at Kyklos - Limassol
Heat 2: 6th April at Kyklos - Limassol
Final: 13th April at Savino Live - Larnaca
Legion of the Damned
Supported by Rock Island Events:
The Eastbound Chaos Tour lands at Savino Live, Larnaca, on March 21, 2025, bringing a night of relentless thrash and extreme metal.
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Legion of the Damned – Dutch thrash veterans bringing pure aggression to the stage.
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Vomitile – Cyprus’ own death metal force, delivering crushing brutality.
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Ka’aper – Dark, melodic metal from Cyprus, setting the tone for the night.
And after the destruction? The night continues with an exclusive after-party set
by DJ Eric Hutchence.
Rock Island Presents: STORMCAST
with Special Guests: SiXforNinE
Stormcast returns to Cyprus to present their third full-length album, Tremors in the Ether. Four years in the making, the album marks an evolution in their sound, blending melodic, progressive, and death metal into a powerful and immersive experience. Hailed for their passion and artistry, Stormcast promises a performance filled with heart and raw energy, delivering the full album live.
Joining them are special guests SiXforNinE from Athens, Greece, for their first-ever show in Cyprus. Known for their dynamic sound and captivating performances.
With a seamless blend of heavy grooves, soaring vocals and razor-sharp riffs, their set promises to leave a lasting mark.
Rock Island Presents: SAKIS TOLIS
Sakis Tolis, the founding member of the iconic Greek black metal band Rotting Christ, will take the stage with his eponymous project, Sakis Tolis. Get ready for a powerful performance featuring tracks from his acclaimed solo albums, including Among the Fires of Hell and Χ Ξ Σ, alongside classic Rotting Christ favourites.
Line-Up:
Doors Open: 20:00
Opening Act: YMNKY
Special Guests: JOAKEM
Main Act: SAKIS TOLIS
