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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Over 95 countries around the world now participate in this global initiative and Cyprus is officially on the map!
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ROTTING CHRIST
Live in Nicosia Cyprus
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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.
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Joining them on stage are two of Cyprus’s finest metal acts:
Frozen Winds: delivering raw, atmospheric black metal rooted in ritual and chaos.
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Stormcast: progressive, melodic, and thunderous, returning with their signature intensity.
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When: Friday, 14th November 2025
Where: Royal Hall, Nicosia, Cyprus​
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Rock Island Presents: M2TM - Cyprus!
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Rock Island proudly presents Metal 2 The Masses Cyprus—an electrifying competition that unites the local rock and metal scene.
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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.
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Heat 1: 30th March at Kyklos - Limassol
Heat 2: 6th April at Kyklos - Limassol
Final: 13th April at Savino Live - Larnaca
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Legion of the Damned
Supported by Rock Island Events:
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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.
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And after the destruction? The night continues with an exclusive after-party set
by DJ Eric Hutchence.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
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Rock Island Presents: STORMCAST
with Special Guests: SiXforNinE
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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.
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Joining them are special guests SiXforNinE from Athens, Greece, for their first-ever show in Cyprus. Known for their dynamic sound and captivating performances.
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With a seamless blend of heavy grooves, soaring vocals and razor-sharp riffs, their set promises to leave a lasting mark.
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Rock Island Presents: SAKIS TOLIS
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​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.
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Line-Up:
​Doors Open: 20:00
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Opening Act: YMNKY
Special Guests: JOAKEM
Main Act: SAKIS TOLIS ​
