The first evening of Heavy Weekend at Nancy Open Air on Friday, June 6th, set the bar high for the rest of the festival. With a line-up that combined old-school legends and modern metal energy, the night delivered everything fans of heavy music could hope for.
The festivities kicked off with Vandenberg, who wasted no time launching into a hard-hitting set filled with soaring guitar solos and solid classic rock vibes. The band, led by the ever-charismatic Adrian Vandenberg, proved that age has only sharpened their edge. Their energy was contagious, immediately igniting the crowd and laying the foundation for an electrifying evening.
Next up, Battle Beast brought a new dimension to the night’s program. After a solid start to the festival, we had the chance to witness a performance that stood out in more ways than one. As the only woman on stage for the entire festival lineup, Noora Louhimo, Battle Beast’s powerhouse vocalist, represented the women of the alternative and metal scene with fierce elegance. Her stunning outfit, magnetic stage presence, and, above all, her incredible voice made this set one of the night’s most memorable. She commanded the stage with a confidence and authenticity that resonated with the entire crowd, proving that metal is not only inclusive, it thrives on diversity.
Then came the heavy metal institution that is Saxon. With their decades of experience, Saxon showed us what true stage mastery looks like. Their setlist was a beautiful journey through their legendary discography, and the band’s tight performance reminded us why they remain such a vital force in the genre. From the first riff to the last roar of the crowd, Saxon literally delivered a masterclass in live performance.
But it was Powerwolf who closed the night with a performance that was more than just a concert, it was basically a ritual. Clearly boasting the most beautiful and elaborate scenography of the weekend, their stage was transformed into a cathedral of metal, complete with gothic arches, pyrotechnics, and dramatic lighting. Every detail was crafted to transport the audience into their theatrical world. The atmosphere was electric as fans sang along to their greatest hits like ‘Incense & Iron’, ‘Fire & Forgive’ and, of course, the iconic ‘We Drink Your Blood’.
As predicted in the festival’s earlier announcements, Powerwolf’s fans were ‘Sanctified with Dynamite’, their minds blown by the spectacle, their spirits lifted by the music, and their hearts full of unforgettable memories. It was a communal experience, with thousands chanting in unison.
The first night of Heavy Weekend was a triumph, a perfect combination of power, passion and of course music. With such an epic start, the bar is now sky-high for what’s to come. But one thing is certain: on June 6th, Nancy was not just a city, it was the epicenter of heavy metal.
