After the unforgettable opening of Release Athens 2024 last Sunday, it was time for the first metal night of the festival and the long-awaited return of Megadeth to Athens.

Grand Magus kicked off things in the most ideal way, as the Swedes confirmed that they are a powerful band on stage. Their set brought the packed Plateia Nerou to its feet as the trio played all their greatest hits, including ‘Steel Versus Steel’, ‘Iron Will’ and the incredible ‘Hammer of the North’.

Then it was Blind Guardian’s turn, one of our favorite bands and a point of reference for the local metalheads. The Germans, with Hansi Kürsch in fine form, put on another amazing show, which reached its climax with the fantastic trio of ‘The Bard’s Song’, ‘Mirror Mirror’ and the ultimate anthem, ‘Valhalla’.

And just like that, the moment had arrived for the great Dave Mustaine and Megadeth to take the stage. The first notes of “The Sick, the Dying… and the Dead” were enough to send the Droogies, who had filled every corner of the venue, into raptures. The American thrash metal titans performed a greatest hits set, confirming Mustaine’s claim that the group is in great shape. “Tornado of Souls”, “Symphony of Destruction”, “Peace Sells” and of course “Mechanix” were huge highlights and moments that will be hard to forget.

Release Athens 2024 continues today, Saturday June 15^th, with a Saturday night party featuring Parov Stelar, Jain, Telenova and El Siciliano.