The Ladies of Metal Festival is not simply an event featuring women on stage and that might be its most important element. It doesn’t aim to present women in metal as a “special category,” but as what they already are: an active, creative and integral part of the modern scene.
Day 3 at Temple Athens followed exactly that path. From newer acts to performances that showed what a well-built live presence really means: stage identity, confidence, and a genuine connection with the audience.
Guiltera from Cyprus, a band formed in 2024, opened the night and from the very first moments it was clear that they know exactly how they want to present themselves. Despite being such a young act, they held their ground on stage, showing that they have already started shaping their identity.
Vikki’s strong stage presence and distinct metal attitude did not go unnoticed, while the band as a whole delivered an energy that kept you engaged throughout the set. There were moments where that natural nervousness of a newer live act showed, but it came together with drive, intensity, and a clear intention to own the stage.
Musically, they move within a modern hard rock / alternative metal sound, enriched with progressive and melodic elements. Songs that carry rhythm and translate well live. Standout moments included their recent single “Fight,” released just ten days before the show, which came across with a different intensity on stage, as well as “Far Away,” where the band felt tighter and more confident.
They continued with tracks like “Left Behind,” “They,” “You Learn,” “Human” and “Undone,” maintaining a steady flow without losing energy neither on stage nor from the audience, who responded strongly.
Guiltera achieved exactly what an opening act should: they won over the crowd and set the tone for the night, showing clear potential and room to grow.
Setlist
• Left Behind
• Fight
• They
• You Learn
• Human
• Undone
• Far Away
The night then shifted direction, moving into more symphonic metal structures, darker atmospheres, and a more theatrical aesthetic. Athens-based Mystfall, led by Marialena on vocals, a singer with a strong classical and operatic background, established their identity from the very beginning.
The setlist moved between “Celestial Vision” and their latest album “Embers of a Dying World” (March 2026), featuring tracks such as “Centuries,” “Moral Compass,” “Whispers in the Tempest” and “Kings of Utopia.” It became clear that this is a band that doesn’t simply rely on its existing material, but moves forward with a defined direction, a new release, and most importantly its own audience following along.
It was a performance built on atmosphere and emotional intensity, with Marialena’s delivery and the band’s overall presence pulling you into their world.
The only element that didn’t fully work in their favor was the sound at certain points, which didn’t do full justice to the vocalist’s capabilities.
Setlist
• Intro
• Celestial Vision
• Centuries
• Moral Compass
• Silence
• Whispers in the Tempest
• Sleeper in the Abyss
• Kings of Utopia
• Freedom Path
Symfobia from Slovakia were clearly one of the standout performances of the night. They stepped on stage with confidence and from the very first moments showed that they know exactly how to build a live show.
Hana on vocals and Alica on bass held the stage with a natural presence that doesn’t come easily, while the band as a whole had that kind of chemistry that pulls you in without even realizing it.
Tracks like “Bury It,” “Smog of Tomorrow” and “Dragon” highlighted a band that blends theatrical elements, melody and energy without ever losing its metal core. Symfobia didn’t just come on stage to perform material from Smog of Tomorrow or their latest single “Liar” (2025).
They came to deliver a show.
The most interesting moment came with the presentation of unreleased material. With “Addict In Me” and “Gone For Good,” they offered a first glimpse of what’s coming next, making it clear that they are preparing a strong return to the metal scene.
According to their management, the new album is currently being recorded and, if everything goes according to plan, is expected to be released towards the end of 2026.
Setlist
• Addict In Me
• Bury It
• Sun, Redeem Me
• Smog of Tomorrow
• Karma
• Gone For Good
• Broke Your Pride
• Liar
• Dragon
And then Kosmogonia took the stage.
This wasn’t just a live performance.
It was a ritual.
Their sound moves between folk, symphonic and melodic death metal, but what truly remains is the feeling - the way they build the space and pull you into it.
The magical flute, the keyboards, the heavy guitar sound, and the vocal interplay between Kostas’ death vocals and Dimitra’s melodic voice created an experience that placed you between two worlds: the mortal and the divine. Somewhere between light and darkness, balancing between the human and the mythical.
And that’s no coincidence.
Their setlist reflected exactly that, moving between “Enthrone The Gods” and their more recent album “Aella” (2025), with tracks like “Raven’s Call,” “Melody of Persephone,” “Hold Me,” “Eimarmeni – The Fate” and “The Oracle.”
The contrasts weren’t just aesthetic.
They were essential. They gave depth.
Kosmogonia closed the night by transforming the stage into something ritualistic. They stood out not only for their musical precision, but for their ability to merge seemingly opposing elements into a world of their own.
And most importantly?
It’s not a world you simply observe.
It’s one you want to belong to.
Setlist
• Prologue – The Gods Are Near
• Raven’s Call
• Melody of Persephone
• Hold Me
• Eimarmeni – The Fate
• Elixir
• Enthrone The Gods
• The Oracle
Full Photo Report – Ladies of Metal Festival 2026 (Day 3)Captured live at Temple Athens.
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