With less than 6 months until Blacken Open Air kicks off in the dead centre of Australia, it's time to start preparing your road trips (or flights) to join in festivities because the official first lineup has dropped and it's certainly going to be one hell of a heavy onslaught in the Northern Territory.
Joining the first named band, Blood Duster - who are returning for an exclusive one-off show following an 18 year hiatus - will be Portland enigmatic black metal act Uada alongside San Diego psych-rock titans Earthless. They'll lead the charge with Czech Republic grindcore kings Gutalax not far behind. Godfathers of stoner rock Brant Bjork Trio (Kyuss / Fu Manchu) are tipped to leave their mark with a stack of Aussie acts guarantees to get the party going.
Featuring Battlesnake, Hidden Intent, Terminal Sleep, Southeast Desert Metal, Nicolas Cage Fighter, Kilat, Witchskull and DAHTM from Aotearoa’s underground scene will also take to the stage in September. Scarnon, Slim Krusty, Carcinoid, Fuxache and Dawn round up the first announcement and if that's not worth the price of admission then you're in the wrong place, buck-o.
Australia’s iconic camp out heavy music festival, Blacken Open Air, returns for its ninth incarnation! Gathering on Arrernte country, against the ancient backdrop of N’Dhala Gorge, Blacken provides a uniquely Australian experience. Run by Alice Springs’ own heavy music record label, The Black Wreath, this is a festival like no other. Featuring a monstrous lineup of bands from across the nation and beyond, as well as Arrernte cultural performance, art installations, sideshows, workshops, skating and an array of gourmet food, there is something for everyone. Experience the most unique heavy music event in the country when Blacken returns to the Dead Centre, 19-22 September, 2025
For those without a fear of flying, Webjet have announced a sale on flights into Alice Springs covering dates for Blacken Open Air! Flights depart all capital cities and will be the cheapest on offer this year, so don't miss out.
On top of the four days of heavy metal on offer, just down the road at Uluru, a celestial event known as In The Shadow of Uluru - Vernal Equinox will take place for one night only on Tuesday September 23rd. This awe-inspiring event is hotly tipped to be the add-on your pals need to include on your trip and if you've never visited the big rock, what better chance to kill a few birds with one stone.
Tickets are already selling fast - do not miss your chance to experience one of Australia best (heavy) kept secrets in our own backyard.
Blacken Open Air Festival 2025
Earthless, Blood Duster, Uada, Battlesnake, Southeast Desert Metal, Gutalax, Hidden Intent, Terminal Sleep, Witchskull, Brant Njork Trio, DAHTM, Fuxache, Nicholas Cage Fighter, Carcinoid, Scarnon, Kilat, Slim Krusty, DAWN and more...
September 19-22 @ Ross River Resort, NT
