Opeth Rocked Istanbul: Headbangers’ Weekend 2025 Delivered an Unforgettable Night

Special report by Semra Tekin – Anadolu Media Agency, Turkey Correspondent The legendary Swedish progressive metal band Opeth gave fans an unforgettable night with their closing performance at Headbangers’ Weekend 2025, held on Sunday, July 6 at Istanbul’s Life Park. The festival, which drew nearly 15,000 attendees, brought together some of the most prominent names in global metal music on one stage in Istanbul. Among the audience was Semra Tekin, Turkey correspondent and seasoned reporter for Anadolu Media Agency, who attended the event with friends and provided firsthand impressions, both as a journalist and a music enthusiast. A Minute-by-Minute Celebration of Metal The festival kicked off at 11:00 a.m. with the gates opening to a sunny day of heavy music. Local act Alkera opened the show, followed by powerful performances from Sabhankra, Pitch Black Process, Leprous, Hypocrisy, Ensiferum, Paradise Lost, and Katatonia. Each band brought their unique sound, pushing the festival’s energy to new heights. At exactly 10:25 p.m., Opeth took the stage, delivering a 90-minute set featuring a mix of their classic hits and fresh material from their latest album. After the concert, Semra Tekin shared her thoughts: > “Opeth’s stage presence, energy, and musical brilliance were truly inspiring. Experiencing this night with my friends made it even more meaningful.” A Metal Festival in the Heart of Nature Set in the lush forests of Bahçeköy, Life Park offered a unique festival atmosphere. The venue’s natural surroundings, food and beverage stands, rest areas, and well-organized stage setup all pointed to a high-quality production. Attendees described the event as “on par with European standards.” Buzz Across Social Media The festival created a stir on social media. The back-to-back performances of Katatonia and Opeth were widely hailed as “the highlight of the night.” One attendee posted on X: > “This lineup can’t be real. Opeth and Katatonia on the same night... We witnessed history in Istanbul.”  # opeth #istanbullifepark @official opeth #istanbultaksim