This September, prepare for an extraordinary aural experience with an afternoon and evening dedicated entirely to the metal scene – welcome to Métal Up Opera II festival.
On Saturday, 6th September, 2025 the Esplanade de l’Opéra in Nice will resonate with the rhythm of distorted guitars and screaming vocals. The party kicks off with DJs and bands offering an eclectic metal-themed lineup, guaranteeing an amazing Before in the lead up to the main festival that evening.
No fewer than six bands will take to the stage to thrill the audience, each bringing its own colour and energy, offering a rich panorama of the current metal scene.
PROGRAMME FOR THE AFTERNOON
DECEATES
A French band that combines groove metal and modern influences, Deceates delivers a massive sound and hard-hitting compositions, driven by a fierce live energy. The band is gradually establishing itself on the underground scene and showcases an effective and catchy repertoire.
KAAGORAH
Hailing from the Côte d’Azur, KAAGORAH are very much a band in the Brutal Stoner style. With a blend of stoner, metal groove, and heavy breakdowns, they offer a formidable stage presence. Their debut EP, released in 2024, confirmed their ability to rouse crowds, with tracks definitely tailored for live performances.
ALIORE
Starting as a solo project in Nice in 2019, Aliore became a quartet in 2024. A post-black metal band, their music is dark and captivating and draws on esotericism and introspection. With its profound lyrics, the band shapes a universe that is both mystical and melancholic.
MERAKAAZAN
Nice-based double bassist Merakhaazan explores soundscapes that lie between acoustic and electronic music. Using real-time loops, he transforms his instrument into a one-man orchestra. An immersive performance, blending trance, texture, and improvisation.
DJESS
Expect an intense and unique performance from this metalcore combo.
SOUL SPLITTER
Soul Splitter was formed from the ashes of Sail To North, Grandline, and Mindwake. This quartet from Cannes delivers ultra-violent, uncompromising metalcore, in the vein of Kublai Khan, Varials, and Knocked Loose.
This open-air event is an opportunity to discover the diversity of the metal scene in a unique setting. An afternoon open to all, with a rich programme, free admission, and six hours of music to thrill the audience in the heart of Nice.
METAL UP OPERA II
The main event in the evening, Metal Up Opera II, is a unique festival which aims to bring together two seemingly opposing worlds: melodic metal and symphonic music, all in the prestigious and unexpected setting of Opéra Nice Côte d’Azur.
After a legendary event three years ago which certainly caused a stir across France, this edition promises to be epic!
FESTIVAL LINEUP
AZELMA | Nice (Death Metal)
A rising force in modern technical death metal, redefining the codes of extreme metal through an immersive and unique approach. By blending technicality, brutality, and cinematic aesthetics, the band has established itself as a pioneer of post-death metal.
HEART ATTACK | Nice (Thrash Metal)
A band that has has established itself at the spearhead of French Thrash Metal with the release of its 4th album “Negative Sun” along with an appearance on the Mainstage of Hellfest and extensive touring in France as headliners and in Festivals. The band has planned another unique show for this second edition of the event to promote its upcoming releases, with guests and new tracks.
SEPTIC FLESH | Greece (Symphonic Metal)
Founded in Athens in 1990 by Sotiris Anunnaki V. (guitar), Seth Siro Anton (bass, vocals), and Christos Antoniou (guitar), its music can be described as Death Metal meets classical instrumentation. The band finds its inspiration in Greek, Egyptian, and Middle Eastern mythologies.
The festival takes place from 8pm and tickets may be purchased online or from the usual outlets, including Hit Import in Nice.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Venue : Opéra Nice Côte d’Azur : 4-6 rue Saint-François de Paule, 06300 Nice
Date : Saturday, 6th September, 2025
Times : Afternoon 2-8pm, main festival 8pm – midnight
Admission : Free admission (afternoon) | Main festival ticketed
Lead image courtesy Opéra Nice Côte d’Azur (cropped); other images courtesy Imago Records & Production
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