Header Photo: Rock am Ring 2025 [Jonas Tellkamp – @bookings_always_closed]
The final stretch of Rock am Ring 2025 arrived so quickly – and what a finale it was! Sunday marked the last day of the festival’s epic 40th anniversary edition, and while Korn, Falling In Reverse, and Sleep Token headlined the big finish, things were far from winding down during the day. Despite rain and three days of nonstop partying, fans showed no signs of slowing down and turned the Nürburgring into one massive mosh pit all over again.
We’re here to share our impressions and highlights from Rock am Ring Sunday!
Photo: Cat Eye Photography
Our Live Highlights from Sunday at the Ring
Fit For An Autopsy kicked off the final day on the Mandora Stage with one of the heaviest sets of the entire weekend – punishing deathcore, razor-sharp breakdowns, and pure energy that had necks snapping even in the early afternoon. No warm-up needed, just a full-on sonic assault!
Right after, Polaris delivered an emotional, melodic counterbalance – and sparked one of the biggest mosh pits of the day. A crowd favorite performance with maximum intensity!
Photos: Jonas Tellkamp – @bookings_always_closed
Soon after, Jinjer brought one of the modern metal scene’s true powerhouses to the stage. Frontwoman Tatiana Shmayluk captivated everyone with her commanding presence and staggering vocal range.
Photos: Cat Eye Photography
Still on the same stage, The Ghost Inside didn’t just deliver musically – they touched hearts. Few bands can bring as much hope and heaviness to a stage. Their performance was a celebration of resilience, unity, and sheer passion.
Photos: Cat Eye Photography
Over on the Orbit Stage, Whitechapel proved once again why they’re one of deathcore’s most enduring forces. Technically flawless, sonically crushing, and incredibly tight – the ground in front of the stage practically shook.
Then came thrown, the breakout hardcore act from Sweden, who tore through their set with raw aggression and modern edge. Their short, explosive tracks fueled a Day 3 adrenaline rush that no one saw coming – especially during “on the verge,” when chaos took over completely!
No doubt about it – Lorna Shore delivered one of Sunday’s absolute musical highlights. Epic, brutal, and backed by pyrotechnics galore. Deathcore anthems like “To the Hellfire” pushed both band and crowd to their limits, with Will Ramos and crew igniting every last reserve of energy.
Photo: Cat Eye Photography
Falling In Reverse brought the provocation and nostalgia to the Utopia Stage in the evening, with an energetic set that had the crowd singing along at full volume.
Then came Korn. The nu-metal legends proved once again they’re still a live powerhouse. With classics like “Freak on a Leash” and “Falling Away from Me,” they struck the perfect chord between nostalgia and raw intensity – a worthy headliner after decades of shaping the scene.
And then: one of the most polarizing and eagerly anticipated acts of the entire festival – Sleep Token. Headlining Rock am Ring for the first time, they delivered a truly different kind of closing act. Haunting, emotional, ritualistic – and powered by material from their new #1 album Even In Arcadia. Tracks like “Caramel” stirred deep feelings, while older fan-favorites like “The Offering” and pieces from Take Me Back To Eden kept the faithful locked in. One surprise highlight? The rare inclusion of “Thread The Needle” from their debut EP One. With stunning production and a captivating stage show, Sleep Token fully earned their headlining status.
Looking Ahead: Could Metallica Headline Rock am Ring 2026?
One of the most talked-about moments after this year’s finale: was it just a tribute – or a teaser? Just before the very end, Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” blasted across the festival grounds. A nod to rock history? Or a hint at what's to come? We’re hoping that one of rock’s biggest names joins Linkin Park as a 2026 headliner!
Rock am Ring 2026 is set to take place from June 5 to 7, 2026.
And if you’re already counting the days – you’re not alone. This year’s 40th anniversary edition was something special, and it made us love this festival even more.
Photo: Jonas Tellkamp – @bookings_always_closed
Final Signing Sessions at the Impericon Tent
Even on the final day, things were buzzing over at our Signing Session tent:
Jinjer, The Ghost Inside, Lorna Shore, Fit For An Autopsy, and Polaris all made time for their fans – signing posters, shirts, and keepsakes until the last moment. Massive thanks to everyone who came by – you made the tent come alive.
And a huge thank-you to our entire community on-site for an unforgettable weekend at Rock am Ring 2025!
Photos: Jonas Tellkamp – @bookings_always_closed
Grab Merch Now – 15% Off in the Online Shop!
Whether you followed along from home or just didn’t have time to shop between all those killer sets: you can now grab merch from Rock am Ring 2025 bands at 15% off in our Impericon Online Shop. Stock up and hold onto the memories – while supplies last!
