The Mexican metal music scene is gearing up for two exciting festivals in 2025, with organizers making significant moves to heighten anticipation among fans. First up is the Cacique Metal Fest, which has undergone rebranding following previous tumultuous events for Cacique Entertainment, the festival’s organizers. Originally launched as the México Metal Fest back in 2016, the event made its debut in Monterrey, showcasing heavyweights such as Megadeth, Venom, and Overkill. Throughout the years, the festival has grown immensely, attracting larger venues each time, including the Explanada del Palacio Sultán and the Expo Guadalupe.
Recently, the company found itself needing to rename the festival to MxMF Metal Fest due to legal issues with former partners. Fortunately, they have confirmed their return to Monterrey, and with it, they announced a new rebranding to Cacique Metal Fest! The excitement is palpable as fans await the upcoming lineup announcements and ticket sales.
One highlight already confirmed for the Cacique Metal Fest is the Hungarian avant-garde metal project Thy Catafalque. Established by Tamás Kátai, the group has been captivating audiences for 27 years with its unique sound. Their latest album, XII: A gyönyörű álmok ezután jönnek, released earlier this year, has already made waves within the heavy music community.
Details about ticket sales for Cacique Metal Fest are still sketchy, but fans can expect them to be available through Arema, the official ticketing service. The festival is scheduled for October 18, 2025, and the location will likely be one of the popular venues like Expo Guadalupe or the Explanada del Estadio Mobil Super.
Simultaneously, another event is also drawing attention: Candelabrum Metal Fest IV. Now entering its fourth edition, this festival promises to continue its impressive growth, silencing earlier rumors of its cancellation with high-profile confirmations. Set for September 6 and 7, 2025, at the Velaria de la Feria de León, Guanajuato, this year's lineup showcases both iconic bands and exciting newcomers.
The festival has announced the participation of Tygers of Pan Tang, the famed British heavy metal band whose historic roots date back to the early 80s. They share the stage with Repulsion, pioneers of grindcore, marking their first-ever performance on Mexican soil. Fans can also expect to see Morbid Saint, known for their classic thrash metal sound, bringing nostalgia for many attendees.
Joining these legendary acts will be Agalloch, renowned for their fusion of doom, folk, and post-rock elements, making their return after years away from the scene. The festival's lineup also includes international acts like the Finnish group Shape of Despair and U.S. metal veterans Absu.
Ticket sales for Candelabrum Metal Fest are already underway through eticket, with pricing tiers providing various options for interested fans. With multiple payment plans available, attendees are advised to purchase their tickets early to guarantee their attendance, particularly since León will also play host to a large veterinary conference around the same time, increasing the demand for accommodations.
Music lovers considering attending either festival should also book their hotels early, as the influx of visitors will certainly fill up local accommodations quickly. With two major festivals upcoming, the metal community should prepare for two unforgettable weekends of music, camaraderie, and celebration.