Played at Alcatraz: 2025

Pioneers, stalwarts of the Belgian black metal scene, universally respected both at home and abroad… these are just a few of the accolades that are associated with Ancient Rites. Since 1988 and with steadfast resolve, frontman Günter Theys has steered his band through murky and occasionally choppy waters. They have a long-standing reputation for turning heads – with every new album and every stage they set foot on. Their breakout album dropped in 1994 with the iconic ‘The Diabolic Serenades’, followed by ‘Blasfemia Eternal’ (1996) and the equally successful ‘Fatherland’ (1998). While not the most prolific band around, their true biotope is the live stage: be sure to check out ‘And the Hordes Stood as One’ (2003). In 2021, the untimely death of drummer Walter van Cortenberg dealt them a heavy blow but they rallied once more, finding an excellent replacement in renowned skinsman John Berry (of Burial Ground and Slaughter Messiah fame). Steel yourselves for this one because Ancient Rites are about to unleash hell on earth…