FORTRESS FESTIVAL 2025 PREVIEW

(Near the end of this month our Floridian scribe Daniel Barkasi will be making his first trip to England, and his first venture into Fortress Festival. We look forward to his report, and what follows is his explanation of why he’s very excited to go.)

Spring is upon us, and soon enough summer will come searing in with its blazing hot temperatures and allergens abounding. My sinuses are crying with anticipation. But this time of year does bring something us connoisseurs of heavy music no doubt look forward to – festival season! With the very special to us at NCS’ blackened hearts Northwest Terror Fest just wrapping up, and the mighty Maryland Deathfest on the horizon, we’re actually mainly looking toward escaping to a seaside town in North Yorkshire, England.

What’s there, you ask? Normally known for its picturesque views, the odd beach, and a 12th century castle, the town of Scarborough will again be host to an event that’s a bit more on our level. We’re talking about the mighty Fortress Festival, now in its third iteration, happening at the Scarborough Spa, from May 31 – June 1.

Their hallmark is black metal, and their eclectic mixture of heavy hitters and up-and-comers has turned more than a few heads over the fest’s short history, morphing it into one of the festivals to catch if this style is your proclivity.

The long since sold out 2025 edition is being headlined by the reunited Agalloch, Norwegian mainstays 1349, a rare appearance by Quebec natives Forteresse, and a slew of others. There’s so much packed into the two-day marathon that we don’t know how we’re going to survive. But bear witness we must, as we’ll be providing in-depth coverage of the festival with a meaty documentation of our experience, along with as many photos as my shutter can capture.

As to what we’re looking forward to most? Not to be cheesy, but everything. The brilliant location, the highly unique atmosphere, going to a country that somehow I’ve yet to see, and of course that lineup. We mentioned a few already, but here’s some others that we’re salivating over – Ruïm, Ulcerate, freaking Moonlight Sorcery, Fen, The Great Old Ones, Selbst, Abduction, Dödsrit, Aquilus, Aristarchos, Sylvaine, and so many more. Bucket lister after bucket lister for yours truly.

This will no doubt be a festival for the ages, which we’re honored to be attending and bringing to you in my own weird, oddball sort of way. If you’re attending, be sure to say hello, as we’d love to meet as many folks as possible!

We’ll see you in Scarborough in a few weeks time, and be sure to check out our experience post-fest. I just don’t know how in the hell I’m going to get all of the merch I’m sure to splurge on back to sweaty Florida. Compression bags and a whole lot of good vibes. Hey, Moonlight Sorcery? Bring plenty of merch, please – I need it.

Links:

https://www.fortressfestival.co.uk/

https://www.facebook.com/fortressfestival/

https://www.instagram.com/reaperagencyuk