One of the biggest rock festivals in this part of Europe, Hills of Rock, has once again confirmed its status as an unmissable music event, bringing the curtain down on another successful edition that will remain long in the memory of its audience. Over the course of three festival days, thousands of rock music fans enjoyed performances by world-renowned and regional artists, but this year, as in previous editions, the organisers did not want the experience to end with the official festival programme alone.
As the perfect warm-up for what was to follow, BE4 Hills was held the day before the official opening, an introductory evening that gave visitors the opportunity to experience the atmosphere of one of the most important rock gatherings in the region ahead of the main event. The honour of opening this musical prelude went to the well-known Bulgarian rock band Sevi from Sofia, whose energetic performance and distinctive sound lifted the atmosphere from the very first notes and hinted at the days of outstanding music that awaited the audience.
As part of the BE4 Hills program, which served as a warm-up ahead of the official start of Hills of Rock, one of the most anticipated bands of the evening took to the stage – Epica. The Dutch symphonic metal giants once again demonstrated why they have been regarded as one of the most influential names on the European metal scene for more than two decades. Led by charismatic vocalist Simone Simons, Epica delivered a spectacular performance in which powerful guitar riffs, orchestral arrangements and operatic vocals blended seamlessly with the distinctive growls of Mark Jansen. Their show was a true audio-visual experience, enhanced by impressive production, dynamic lighting effects and flawless musicianship. 
Following Epica’s spectacular performance, the atmosphere reached a new peak with the arrival of legendary American metal veterans Savatage. It was one of those concerts that reaffirm why the band, despite never pursuing the commercial status of the world’s biggest acts, has enjoyed an almost cult-like reputation among heavy music fans for decades.
From the very first notes, it was clear that the audience was in for a night to remember. Powerful guitar riffs, distinctive melodies and a flawlessly tight performance kept fans captivated by the stage, while the emotion and energy the band members brought to their performance sparked ovations after almost every song.
Savatage once again proved why they are considered one of the pioneers who helped shape modern metal, masterfully combining elements of classic heavy metal, progressive sound and hard rock into a unique musical identity. Their performance was not merely a concert, but a journey through a remarkable career spanning more than two decades, rewarded by devoted fans with thunderous applause.
The grand finale of the BE4 Hills evening belonged to one of Europe’s most popular power metal acts – the Swedish band Sabaton.
Led by charismatic frontman Joakim Brodén, Sabaton delivered a performance that fully lived up to expectations. With a powerful stage setup, striking lighting effects and impeccable musicianship, the band performed a string of hits that the audience sang along to from the opening moments until the very end of the show. Every song was met with roaring cheers, while the energy radiating from the stage continuously fuelled thousands of fans gathered in front of it.
Known for songs inspired by historical events and heroic stories, Sabaton once again demonstrated why they have been considered one of the most sought-after bands on the European metal scene for years. Their performance was more than a concert – it was a true spectacle that brought the opening festival night to a spectacular conclusion.
Following three outstanding performances, BE4 Hills came to a close amid roaring applause from the audience, leaving a powerful impression and raising expectations ahead of the official start of Hills of Rock. The festival opened its doors the very next day, launching another three days of world-class rock and metal music.
Following the spectacular introduction delivered by BE4 Hills, the official start of the Hills of Rock festival followed, bringing with it a completely new dimension of the festival experience. The gates opened wide for tens of thousands of visitors arriving from across Europe and around the world, who, alongside an outstanding music programme, were able to enjoy a wide range of additional activities – from fan zones and food areas to numerous activations and relaxation spaces, transforming the entire festival complex into a true small city of rock and roll.
From the very first festival day, all three stages were in operation. In addition to the impressive Main Stage, audiences could choose between performances on the Power Stage and the heavier, more alternative-oriented Dark Stage, ensuring that the festival grounds were filled throughout the day with fans of various styles of rock and metal music.
The programme on the Main Stage was opened by American band Vended, a group that has attracted significant attention from the global metal community in recent years. Although many recognise them because vocalist Griffin Taylor and drummer Simon Crahan are the sons of members of legendary band Slipknot, Vended have proven that they are building an identity of their own. Their energetic performance, filled with aggressive riffs and raw intensity, provided the perfect start to the first festival day and an excellent introduction to everything that was yet to come.
Immediately afterwards, British metalcore outfit Malevolence took the stage and raised the temperature among the crowd from the very first moments. The Sheffield-based band, known for their uncompromising sound and explosive live performances, lived up to their reputation as one of the most respected contemporary metal acts. Powerful riffs, a crushing rhythm section and excellent interaction with the audience turned their concert into one of the first major bursts of energy at this year’s festival, confirming that the opening day promised a world-class musical spectacle from the very beginning.
Following the explosive opening delivered by Vended and Malevolence, American band P.O.D. (Payable on Death) took the Main Stage, bringing with them more than three decades of experience in successfully blending nu metal, alternative metal, punk and reggae influences into their distinctive sound. Their arrival was met with great enthusiasm from the audience, especially among fans who grew up with their hits during the late 1990s and early 2000s.
One of the most anticipated moments of the first festival day was undoubtedly the arrival of the legendary Sex Pistols, this time fronted by the energetic Frank Carter. The combination of the pioneers of the punk movement and one of the most charismatic frontmen of the contemporary British rock scene proved to be a winning formula, delivering a performance filled with raw energy, rebellion and the authentic spirit of punk.
As the grand finale of the first festival day, the Main Stage welcomed an artist whose name has attracted attention for decades wherever he appears – Marilyn Manson. One of the most controversial and influential figures in modern rock and metal, he delivered a performance that fully lived up to his reputation as the star of the evening.
With his signature dark aesthetic, powerful stage production and captivating atmosphere, Manson had the audience completely under his spell from the very first moment. Moving between timeless classics and newer material, he demonstrated that he still possesses the charisma and stage presence that have made him one of the most recognizable figures in global rock spectacle. 
While the Main Stage was reserved for major names from the global rock and metal scene, the Power Stage offered an equally compelling programme on the first festival day, showcasing the diversity of the contemporary regional and European rock scene.
Artists with different musical approaches took turns on this stage, giving the audience the opportunity to enjoy performances by Overhook, Neshto Tsvetno, Last Train and Khanъ, who proved through their energetic shows that a festival atmosphere does not depend solely on the biggest names performing on the main stage.
However, the greatest attention on the Power Stage was undoubtedly drawn by legendary British punk rock band The Toy Dolls. A group that has been one of the most recognisable names in the British punk scene for more than four decades brought their signature blend of humour, energy and virtuosic musicianship to the festival.
Meanwhile, the Dark Stage offered audiences the chance to experience performances by Low Key, Da Seed, Almost Green, Innerglow, P.I.F and Ho99o9, who created a completely different atmosphere and highlighted the wide-ranging musical diversity of the Hills of Rock festival programme.
The second festival day on the Main Stage brought another powerful series of performances, featuring artists who offered the audience a diverse range of modern and classic rock sounds.
The programme was opened by Karin Dió, whose energetic performance and distinctive vocals set the perfect tone for the continuation of the festival day. Following her, House of Protection took the stage, a new project that has been attracting attention with its blend of alternative rock, punk and a contemporary, high-energy sound.
The crowd was then lifted by British band Skindred, known for their unique fusion of metal, punk, reggae and drum and bass influences. Once again, they demonstrated why their live shows are considered true explosions of positive energy.
Next came the performance of legendary Black Label Society, the band led by guitar virtuoso Zakk Wylde, whose powerful riffs and signature southern metal sound have been captivating heavy music fans around the world for decades.
The grand finale of the evening belonged to American hard rock band Godsmack, who closed the Main Stage program on the second festival day in spectacular fashion with their distinctive sound, powerful stage production and a selection of hits from their extensive career.
In addition to the Main Stage program, the second festival day brought an even richer experience across the festival’s other two stages, where a total of 11 artists representing a variety of musical styles performed.
The audience had the opportunity to enjoy a diverse range of performances, from powerful rock and metal sounds to alternative and distinctive musical expressions. Particular attention was drawn by Greek band Koza Mostra, known for their unique combination of ska, punk, rock and traditional Greek musical elements. Their energetic performance brought a special atmosphere to the festival grounds, blending a modern sound with the unmistakable spirit and temperament of the Balkans.
The final evening of the Hills of Rock festival brought another powerful wave of energy, gathering fans of various styles of metal and rock music. The Main Stage was reserved for acts whose performances marked the closing moments of this year’s edition of the festival.
The programme was enriched by American band Deafheaven, known for their unique fusion of black metal, post-rock and atmospheric musical elements, who delivered an intense and emotional performance for the audience.
They were followed by a performance from British metal veterans Paradise Lost, a band that has been regarded for more than three decades as one of the most important names in the development of gothic and doom metal. Their dark, powerful and instantly recognisable sound once again confirmed their cult status among fans of heavy music.
Particular attention from the audience was drawn by the appearance of Nevermore, whose return to the stage became one of the most notable moments of the evening. Their combination of progressive metal, complex compositions and powerful musicianship served as a reminder of why the band has earned a devoted following around the world.
A true surge of energy arrived with American metal giants Lamb of God, whose brutal riffs, uncompromising performance and direct connection with the audience transformed the area in front of the Main Stage into a true metal spectacle.
The grand finale belonged to German band Electric Callboy, known for their explosive fusion of metal, electronic music, punk and infectious melodies. Their energetic and visually captivating performance provided the perfect ending to the festival, accompanied by a sea of smiles, dancing and loud sing-alongs from the crowd.
The final festival evening once again demonstrated the breadth and strength of the Hills of Rock program, which over three days brought together genre legends, contemporary artists and thousands of fans from different parts of the world, creating a unique musical experience.
In the end, special recognition belongs to the entire team behind this major undertaking. Every link in this flawlessly organised operation played an important role – from production, technical crews and security teams to everyone working behind the scenes for days to ensure that the audience could enjoy a world-class festival experience.
Special praise goes to the Fest Team from Bulgaria, who once again showed what can be achieved when professionalism, dedication and a genuine passion for music come together. Through the organisation of this year’s edition of Hills of Rock, they set a high standard and demonstrated how a major European festival should be designed, organised and experienced.
From the first to the final day, every detail was carefully planned, while the audience was given an event that went far beyond a regular concert – a true celebration of music, energy and unity. Hills of Rock once again proved that, with a clear vision and outstanding organisation, it is possible to bring together thousands of people from around the world and create memories that last far beyond the final note played on stage.
Photos and text: Milena Ilić
Audience photos: Julian Savchev
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