Festival Review: Sick Midsummer 2025

Intimate, Intense, and Unmistakably Unique

Set in the rolling hills of Upper Austria, the Sick Midsummer Festival returned in 2025 to its now-iconic location: a rustic Vierkanthof farmhouse, steeped in atmosphere and perfectly suited for an underground metal gathering. With its intimate scale and sharp musical focus, Sick Midsummer once again proved why it’s a cherished staple in the European extreme music calendar. The festival grounds are compact and well-organized – from parking to camping to the main stage, everything is just a short walk away. Despite being sold out, the site never felt overcrowded. The crowd was respectful, laid-back, and genuinely passionate about the music.

This year’s line-up delivered on all fronts

Bølzer (CH) impressed with their signature sonic weight.

Dead Congregation (GR) tore through their set with unrelenting force.

Wolvennest (BEL) created a haunting, immersive atmosphere that stood out as one of the festival’s true highlights. Other strong performances came from Hell Militia (FRA), Fleshcrawl (DE), Hierophant (ITA), Antikvlt (AT/SWE), and Draugr (AT).

Hell Militia

Beyond the music, Sick Midsummer stood out for its thoughtful details: homemade, regional food instead of generic fast food, smooth logistics, and a setting that felt more like a communal ritual than a commercial event.

Verdict

Sick Midsummer may be small in size, but it’s rich in character. With its focus on quality over quantity, a distinctive venue, and a loyal, music-loving audience, this festival continues to offer one of the most authentic experiences in the underground metal scene. A must for those seeking intensity without excess.

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