Entering its 24th year, Chania Rock Festival continues to raise the bar, bringing the biggest names in hard rock and heavy metal to the beautiful island of Crete in Greece.

This year, pioneers of symphonic metal, Swedish legends Therion, will headline the festival in an exclusive European show! The festival will take place on August 1st and 2nd at the Eastern Moat Theatre in Chania, with Therion leading the first day in a performance that promises to combine theatricality, energy, and symphonic grandeur.

Founded by mastermind Christofer Johnsson, Therion initially played death metal but soon began incorporating elements of classical music and opera, creating a hybrid sound that was previously considered unthinkable.

Exactly 30 years ago, in August 1996, they released their fifth album, the iconic Theli, redefining the boundaries of metal.

Choirs, symphonic orchestrations, and mystical themes shaped a work regarded as a cornerstone of symphonic metal, particularly with the now-classic To Mega Therion.

Albums such as Vovin, Deggial, Lemuria, and Sirius B followed, establishing Therion as one of Europe’s most ambitious acts.

They have never hesitated to follow their artistic vision, even releasing a triple album, Beloved Antichrist.

The group is renowned for its grand stage productions and has even performed with full symphonic orchestras and large choirs, also releasing a live album recorded under such conditions.

Their concert in Chania will be a complete audiovisual experience — one that, in 2026, can only be witnessed in Europe by those attending Chania Rock Festival.

The first day will culminate with Therion’s headline performance, while the second day will continue with a dynamic line-up to be announced soon, in a festival that every summer serves as a meeting point for the international metal community in one of the most beautiful destinations in the Mediterranean.

The countdown has begun.

Visit ChaniaRockFestival.gr for further details.