Release Athens 2026 welcomes Helloween on Friday July 10th at Plateia Nerou. Following their epic performance on the same stage in 2023, the German pioneers of power metal are returning for another fantastic show featuring all their greatest hits. With them, one more legendary band of European metal, Saxon as well as the duet of Ashes of Ares.
Helloween is one of the most influential bands to emerge from the metal boom of the '80s. The Hamburg-based group quickly became one of the genre's leading forces, with the legendary “Keeper of the Seven Keys Parts I and II” shaping the mould of European power metal and cementing their place in the consciousness of metalheads around the world.
What followed was equally impressive. With 15 gold and six platinum albums, not to mention sales of over ten million worldwide, Helloween has remained at the forefront of metal for decades. Following the highly anticipated return of Michael Kiske and Kai Hansen to the group, alongside the continued involvement of Weikath and Grosskopf, Helloween opened a new chapter with the release of their eponymous album in 2021, which topped the charts.
Last year, the German legends celebrated their 40th anniversary by releasing a follow-up to their successful album. “Giants & Monsters” is the band's second album since their reunion, and it once again reminds us why they are considered the Masters of Power Metal.
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Now in their fourth decade of making music and continuing the tradition that they helped create, Saxon are still very much a tour de force in heavy metal music. The band are comprised by Peter “Biff” Byford (vocals), Brian Tatler and Doug Scarratt (guitars), Nibbs Carter (bass) and Nigel Clockler (drums).
During the 1980s, Saxon established themselves among Europe's most successful metal acts selling in excess of 20 million albums worldwide with their classic albums such as “Wheels of Steel”, “Strong arm of the law” and “Denim and Leather” all of which still continue to resonate with metal fans globally as much today as they did when released.
The band notched up eight UK Top 40 albums in the 1980s alone and many more since including their recently released and well received 2024 hit album “Hell, Fire and Damnation” which was voted by readers of Metal Hammer magazine in the Top 10 metal albums of last year, highlighting that Saxon are still very much a band on the very top of their game.
In 2024, Saxon toured Europe as Special guests of Judas Priest and closed the Saturday night at Hellfest festival playing after Metallica, as well as performing at a number of Europe’s other biggest and most prestigious metal events.
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Formed in 2012 by Matt Barlow, one of the most recognizable and iconic voices in the American metal scene, Freddie Vidales (both former members of Iced Earth), and Van Williams of Nevermore, Ashes of Ares was born from a shared vision: to create a sound that reflects their personal influences and artistic vision.
Their self-titled debut album was released in 2013 and quickly captivated audiences in the USA and Europe with their electrifying live performances. After Van Williams' departure in 2017, Barlow and Vidales continued as a duo, releasing "Well Of Souls" (2018), an album with a more intense and expansive sound, and "Emperors And Fools" (2022), which marked a new milestone in the band's sound.
Last summer they returned with their fourth album, "New Messiahs", a record that combines intensity and melody, cementing their place as one of the most consistent and creative acts in contemporary heavy metal.
On Friday, July 10th, alongside the legendary Helloween and Saxon, Ashes of Ares will deliver a set worthy of their journey in heavy metal.
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Ticket sales continue.
Also, limited VIP tickets are available.
This category includes the following premium benefits:
- Separate raised area with stands & stools for everyone
- Open-bar
- Separate Entrance Gate
- Private parking
- Separate toilets
- Festival Souvenir
Furthermore, one Release Athens 2026 combo ticket is available for those who wish to attend two days of the festival, benefiting from a significant discount:
Helloween, Saxon, Ashes of Ares (10/7, Plateia Nerou) + Sabaton, Savatage, Epica (25/7, Plateia Nerou)
Tickets Available:
By Phone: at 211770000
Online: at releaseathens.gr + more.com
Retail: https://www.more.com/en/physical-spots/
For all information (prices, line up, access etc.) visit www.releaseathens.gr
Tickets / Availability for People with disabilities.
The Festival ensures accessibility for People with Disabilities by providing a designated area with an unobstructed view of the stage. This special area is wheelchair accessible and offers seating, dedicated restrooms, and free parking.
To purchase Disability Access tickets, please email your request to support@releaseathens.gr, and attach your disability card. This card must be presented upon arrival at the Festival to gain access to the designated areas.
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