Sivert Høyem on the ARTmania 2025 Stage in Sibiu’s Large Square
by November 29, 2024The former lead singer of Madrugada joins the lineup alongside the legendary band Dream Theater.
ARTmania Festival 2025 promises a memorable evening for rock and alternative music lovers in Sibiu’s Large Square. On July 26, the festival’s main stage will host extraordinary performances: Dream Theater, one of the greatest progressive metal bands, and Sivert Høyem, the captivating Norwegian artist with an unmistakable voice. More surprises will be announced soon.
Sivert Høyem – The Melancholic Voice of Norway
Born on January 22, 1976, in Sortland, Norway, Sivert Høyem rose to fame as the lead singer of Madrugada, a band that left a lasting mark on the music scene in the ‘90s and 2000s. After the band’s dissolution in 2008, Høyem embarked on a successful solo career, releasing internationally acclaimed albums such as Ladies and Gentlemen of the Opposition (2004), Moon Landing (2009), Long Slow Distance (2011), Endless Love (2014), and Lioness (2016).
In 2024, Høyem released his latest album, On an Island, recorded in the historic Zoar Church in Nyksund. The album marks a new chapter in his career with a timeless and profound work that immerses listeners in a melancholic Nordic landscape. Created in an improvised studio over just 14 intense days, the album was co-produced by Christer Knutsen and drummer Børge Fjordheim, who will also accompany him on his 2025 tour.
Høyem’s voice, distinctive and deeply emotional, combines Nordic melancholy with rare depth, securing him a unique place in the international music scene. His performance at ARTmania promises a captivating and unforgettable moment.
Dream Theater and ARTmania’s Coming of Age
That same evening, the stage will be electrified by Dream Theater, one of the most influential progressive metal bands in the world. Their presence at ARTmania underscores the festival’s commitment to bringing top-tier artists to a magical setting in the heart of Transylvania. The 2025 edition also marks ARTmania Festival’s 18th anniversary, a milestone the organizers plan to celebrate with a special edition full of surprises for the fans.
ARTmania Festival was the first event in Romania to merge rock music with various art forms, turning it into a symbol of contemporary culture. With its unique concept, the festival has offered audiences not only concerts but also art exhibitions, book launches, and film screenings, all set in the historic and vibrant atmosphere of Sibiu’s Large Square.
Over the years, ARTmania’s stage has welcomed legendary bands such as Meshuggah, Nightwish, Serj Tankian, Porcupine Tree, Helloween, and many others. The 17th edition featured major names like KORN, The Flower Kings, Spiritbox, Borknagar, Igorrr, Satyricon, Lavina, Alpha Q, Awake the Demons, and TAINE. The three-day festival drew 25,000 attendees.