  
Once again, Tolmin delivered one of the most unique and unforgettable metal festivals in Europe. Nestled between the emerald rivers and dramatic mountains of Slovenia, Tolminator 2025 brought together an incredible mix of artists, die-hard metal fans, and the best festival crew you could wish for. Everything—from the sound quality to the laid-back yet perfectly organized vibe—showed that this festival is run with true passion and dedication. The people make Tolminator what it is: open-minded, warm, and united by the music.
The festival grounds were beautifully maintained, the food selection diverse, and the river spots offered the perfect cooldown between sets. Once again, the combination of nature and heavy music created something that goes far beyond a typical festival experience—it’s a community, almost a spiritual gathering for metalheads from all over the world.
A Note on Inclusion and Values
If there’s one point of criticism, it would be the need for stronger communication around diversity and anti-fascism. Metal is for everyone, and Tolmin has a historic significance as a place that fought against fascism—this should be reflected clearly in the festival’s values. There should be zero tolerance for Nazi or fascist symbols, including people wearing Nazi t-shirts and tattoos- which I have spotted on this years festival. It would be great to see the organizers make this visible during ticket sales and act firmly onsite—cut wristbands or remove anyone promoting hate. The soul of this festival deserves protection.
Soo... some of the bands then!
Villagers Of Ioannina City – Tolminator Stage ★★★★★
Pure magic. Their atmospheric and transcending sound took the audience on a journey far beyond the usual metal festival experience. The use of bagpipes and flutes gave their set an experimental and almost ritualistic touch—one could truly lose herself in their performance. A standout of the day and one of the most memorable acts of the festival.
Me and That Man ★★☆☆☆
Unfortunately, this one didn’t quite hit the mark. Despite a decent stage presence, the performance felt a bit flat and lacked the emotional spark that the project usually carries.
Cradle of Filth ★★★★☆
A solid performance with strong crowd interaction and trademark theatrical energy. Dani Filth once again proved he knows how to command a stage, and the audience loved every dark, dramatic minute of it.
Party Cannon ★★★★☆
Absolute chaos in the best possible way. Their brutal yet fun energy lit up the smaller stage, although it clearly wasn’t big enough for them—the crowd deserved more space to go wild. Compared to last time, the energy was slightly lower, but still an absolute blast. (And yes, the net above the crowd? Still a terrible idea.)
Oranssi Pazuzu ★★★★★
A mind-bending, hypnotic performance that proved why they’re among the most innovative acts in modern metal. The sound was immersive, dark, and atmospheric—an experience that pulled the entire audience into a trance. One of the highlights of the festival.
Tolminator 2025 once again showed why it’s one of Europe’s most beloved underground metal gatherings. The combination of world-class performances, natural beauty, and a welcoming community makes it something truly special. With a stronger stance on inclusivity and anti-fascism, it could set a new gold standard for what a metal festival in 2026 should be. See you next year, Tolmin! |
