Extreme, Headliner at ARTmania Festival
by February 11, 2025Vestige and Eihwar Bring the Contrast Between Modern Metal and Ancestral Rhythms on July 25-26
ARTmania Festival enriches this year’s lineup with three impactful names: Extreme, the legendary American hard rock band; Vestige, a rising force in modern metalcore; and Eihwar, the Nordic group reviving the sounds of the Viking era. This exceptional event will take place on July 25-26 in Large Square, Sibiu. This edition marks 18 years of ARTmania Festival.
These bands join an already impressive lineup featuring Dream Theater, the pioneers of progressive metal, returning to Romania after almost 25 years in their classic lineup with Mike Portnoy on drums; Sivert Høyem, the former Madrugada frontman, known for his distinctive voice and remarkable solo career; and Sylvaine, an artist renowned for her unique fusion of post-metal and shoegaze.
Extreme: Making Their ARTmania Debut
One of the most respected bands in the hard rock scene, Extreme is known for hits like More Than Words and Get the Funk Out. The American band will take the stage in Large Square, Sibiu, on July 26.
Formed in Boston, Extreme consists of Gary Cherone (vocals), Nuno Bettencourt (guitar), Pat Badger (bass), and Kevin Figueiredo (drums). The band remains one of the most dynamic and unpredictable forces in rock, blending explosive riffs with introspective ballads. With over 10 million albums sold, they have topped the charts with classics like More Than Words and Hole Hearted.
Since their 1985 debut, Extreme has secured a place in pop culture, with their music featured in productions like Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure and Stranger Things. Their breakthrough album, Extreme II: Pornograffitti, reached the Top 10 on the Billboard 200, while the ballad More Than Words hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming one of the most iconic rock songs of all time.
Extreme has performed on some of the world’s biggest stages, including the Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert, and has collaborated with legends like Tom Morello, Brian May, John Mayer, Steven Tyler, and Rihanna. Gary Cherone was also the lead singer for Van Halen on the Van Halen III album, while Nuno Bettencourt is widely regarded as one of the most gifted guitarists of his generation.
In 2023, Extreme made a comeback with Six, an album that reaffirms their versatility and power. The first single, Rise, is a bold statement on fleeting fame, elevated by Nuno Bettencourt’s unmistakable virtuosity. From the raw energy of #Rebel to the acoustic beauty of Other Side of the Rainbow, the band proves they remain a dominant force in rock. Always evolving, Extreme continues to deliver unforgettable live shows, fueled by the same passion and energy that made them legends.
Vestige and Eihwar: A Journey Between Modern and Ancestral Sounds
Joining the festival, Vestige, one of the most promising metalcore bands of the moment, brings a powerful and melodic blend of modern influences and high-energy stage presence. The French band will perform on July 25, ready to conquer the Sibiu crowd.
From Northern Europe, Eihwar will take the audience on Saturday, July 25, into the fascinating world of Nordic traditional music, fused with folk and metal elements. Using authentic instruments and ancestral rhythms, the band promises a unique sonic experience, transporting listeners to another era.
The anniversary edition of ARTmania Festival will be unforgettable, uniting renowned artists and emerging bands from across the rock spectrum.
