PitKings

Living on the edge!

Into the Grave returned in 2025 with a twist: a temporary venue near Leeuwarden’s train station. Gone was the iconic Oldehoofsterkerkhof square for one edition, replaced once by a grittier, more industrial site surrounded by office buildings and concrete. While some longtime attendees were skeptical, the change turned out surprisingly well—offering good logistics, easy access, and enough raw character to suit the festival’s relentless tone.

The lineup was stacked with both nostalgia and surprise. Orange Goblin delivered their final Dutch performance with heavy-hearted power, while Powerwolf closed the weekend in a blaze of fire and grandiose theatrics. Newer acts like Feuerschwanz and Wind Rose brought comic relief and infectious energy, reminding everyone that metal can be as fun as it is ferocious.

Into the Grave 2025 balanced old-school ferocity with new-school spectacle, delivering a tightly-run, high-impact weekend without losing its underground soul. The new location may not have had historic towers looming over the stage, but it offered a blank canvas for something refreshingly raw. It was proof that metal thrives anywhere—as long as there are amps, grit, and thousands of loyal fans ready to scream.

Our photographer Rick Lablans was on-site all weekend to document the madness. Below, you’ll find his complete photo set, from A to Z, capturing every blast, crowd-surf, and flame-drenched finale.

COFFIN FEEDER

CRO MAGS

DEATH ANGEL

ELVEN KING

EXODUS

FEUERSCHWANTZ

HIRAES

INSANITY ALERT

MARTYR

ORANGE GOBLIN

PHIL CAMPBELL AND THE BASTARD SONS

POWERWOLF

PRO-PAIN

ROTTING CHRIST

SAVATAGE

TAILGUNNER

VADER

VULTURE

WASP

WINDROSE

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