Check out Down the Hill 2025 bringing in a few classic proggers. Gong, Focus? Seven That Spells are playing too. Being no slouches in the heavy prog department themselves, I bet those guys are gonna freak out to see Gong. I get it.

This is the full lineup for Down the Hill this year. The Belgian-based fest did two, and so everybody is included here to best of my knowledge. I don’t know about you, but I look at the poster, who’s gonna be there with bands like Monkey3, Skyjoggers with Sula Bassana sitting in on guitar, Travo, Neptunian Maximalism and The Bevis Frond alongside The Atomic Bitchwax and Pendejo and Godsleep and I think you get an immediate sense of vibe in and out of progressive and psychedelic and driving heavy rock and roll, a bit of sludge snuck in.

I don’t imagine I’ll be there to see it, but it looks good from here. I’ve been in Belgium once, just long enough to transfer trains and screw up ordering coffee. Perhaps redemption someday:

🔥 DOWN THE HILL – FINAL BAND WAVE UNLEASHED! 🔥

You thought it couldn’t get any crazier? You thought the first wave was intense? Buckle up, because we’re about to send seismic shockwaves through the valley!

THE FINAL WAVE OF BANDS IS HERE!

Modder – Crushing sludge that will swallow you whole!
Astodan – Cinematic post-rock to lose yourself in.
Atonia – A musical force defying borders and genres.
Neptunian Maximalism – NNMM – Psychedelic doom-jazz from another dimension.
Pendej0 – Horn-fueled stoner madness straight from the gutter.
The Atomic Bitchwax – New Jersey’s high-octane rock ‘n’ roll power trio!
Tangled Horns – Dirty, dark and dangerously addictive.
RONKER – Belgium’s own speednoise wrecking crew!
Sula Bassana & Skyjoggers – A cosmic trip like no other.
Focus the band – Prog legends bringing timeless rock mastery.
Hedvig Mollestad Trio – A jazz-rock firestorm you can’t escape.
Gong – The psychedelic pioneers return to take you on a cosmic ride!

But wait, let’s not forget the first wave of killer acts that have already been announced!

Apex Ten – Hypnotic, space-infused krautrock madness.
Capitan – Heavy-hitting rock that grabs you by the throat.
Godsleep – Greek stoner grooves set to shake the earth.
Hemelbestormer – Cosmic post-metal that bends time and space.
Motorikofficial – Krautrock propulsion at its finest.
TRAVO – Fuzzed-out psych sounds that hypnotize.
Wheel of Smoke – Riff-driven journeys through sonic dimensions.
Seven That Spells – The masters of high-energy psych explosions.
monkey3 – Swiss instrumental rockers taking you to the stars.
The Bevis Frond – Legendary psych-rock brilliance from the UK.

🔥 DOWN THE HILL 2025 is set to be the most explosive edition yet! 🔥

🎟 Tickets are moving FAST! Don’t miss your chance to witness this lineup LIVE! 🎟

www.downthehill.be/tickets

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Gong, Unending Ascending (2023)

There are some powerful performers here between the likes of Croatian progonauts Seven That Spells, the fury-prone heavy rock/metal wrought by Godsleep and the classic classy class class class (plus charm) of watching The Bevis Frond on stage, but both that and the aural variety are to be expected from Down the Hill, which with this announcement reveals the first of its 2025 lineup. Set to take place over two days in Belgium this August, the festival has yet to give any word on who’ll be headlining this year’s edition, but with Swiss psych-prog instrumentalist mainstays Monkey3 and the aforementioned The Bevis Frond at the top of the poster-thus-far, you couldn’t really call the initial reveal lacking. Good on Travo getting out, too.

Early-bird tickets — as opposed to the super-early-birds, which, yes, were a thing, and I believe are sold out — go on sale as of today. The Frédéric Genêt poster (with more names to come) and announcement text follow here, as per the ol’ social medias:

A New Year and the First Wave of Bands!

The wait is over! We’re thrilled to unveil the first 10 bands that will electrify our stages. From psychedelic legends to rising stars, this year’s lineup promises an unforgettable mix of powerful performances, mind-blowing riffs, and immersive soundscapes. Whether you’re here for the heavy grooves or dreamy melodies, there’s something for everyone. Let’s dive into the first wave of confirmed acts:

monkey3

Prepare to be mesmerized by the Swiss masters of instrumental psychedelia. Monkey3 delivers immersive, cosmic journeys that blend stoner rock with progressive elements. A guaranteed mind-expanding experience you don’t want to miss!

The Bevis Frond

With over three decades of psychedelic rock brilliance, The Bevis Frond remains a cult favorite. Nick Saloman’s timeless melodies and fiery guitar work will transport you to another dimension. A must-see for fans of classic psych-rock.

Hemelbestormer

Belgium’s own post-metal titans, Hemelbestormer, craft massive, cinematic soundscapes that are equal parts heavy and atmospheric. Their live shows are an intense, hypnotic experience. Prepare to be overwhelmed in the best way possible.

Seven That Spells

Croatia’s psychedelic warriors, Seven That Spells, are known for their explosive and experimental live performances. With a fusion of krautrock, prog, and heavy psych, they deliver music that defies boundaries. Expect chaos, energy, and pure sonic magic.

Godsleep

Hailing from Greece, Godsleep brings thunderous stoner rock grooves infused with bluesy riffs and soulful vocals. Their high-energy performance will have the crowd moving from the first note to the last. Get ready to rock out!

Apex Ten

This up-and-coming band is a force to be reckoned with in the alternative rock scene. Apex Ten combines intricate melodies and dynamic arrangements for a fresh, modern sound. Don’t sleep on this rising star!

Wheel of Smoke

A hidden gem from Belgium’s underground rock scene, Wheel Of Smoke delivers a unique blend of space rock and psychedelia. Their atmospheric jams and groovy rhythms will take you on a sonic journey. Let them light your fire!

Travo

Travo’s gritty, blues-infused rock ‘n’ roll is raw, intense, and utterly captivating. Their sound pays homage to classic rock while carving out its own rebellious identity. A perfect addition to this year’s lineup.

MOTOR!K

Dive into the hypnotic world of Motor!k, a Belgian band that channels the spirit of krautrock legends. Pulsating rhythms, repetitive grooves, and a touch of modern flair create an entrancing live experience. Perfect for fans of Neu! and Can.

Capitan

This promising new act is making waves with their fresh take on alternative rock. Capitan blends catchy hooks, introspective lyrics, and powerful instrumentation to create a sound that sticks. A band to watch as they rise to the top!

Stay tuned for more lineup announcements, and grab your tickets tomorrow at 5PM!

www.downthehill.be/tickets

It’s going to be a weekend to remember.

We’re thrilled to unveil our 2025 artwork, crafted by the incredibly talented Frédéric Genêt! 🎨✨ His unique style and impeccable attention to detail bring our vision to life in the most stunning way.

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Monkey3, Welcome to the Machine (2024)