The tenth edition of ZOBENS UN LEMESS will be held on 6–8 June 2025

ZOBENS UN LEMESS (ZL) is an open-air extreme metal and folk-pagan music festival in Latvia that combines powerful music (various metal genres and folk) with living history and Baltic cultural heritage. Founded in 2015, ZOBENS UN LEMESS has grown into a distinctive festival, celebrated for its intimate atmosphere and strong connection to Baltic heritage.

ZL takes place in Bauska hillfort park, where two rivers – Mūsa and Mēmele – converge to form the Lielupe. The park, with its scenic beauty, is located next to the historic Bauska Castle, offering opportunities to visit the museum and explore nearby walking trails.

Since 2018, ZL has been held in this unique location, bringing together music and history in perfect harmony. The festival features two main pillars: performances by metal bands from Latvia and beyond, and an immersive historical program, including a reconstructed medieval village, traditional crafts, medieval games, and reenactments. ZL also creates a space that symbolically honors and remembers the pagan roots of Baltic culture.

Every year, the innovative event assumes new forms of expression, including performances by Baltic and foreign artists, lectures on history, Baltic cultural heritage, and the alternative music scene, ancient rituals, interactive art projects such as kinetic fire sculptures, and live performances.

ZL has carved out a distinct niche with its balance between raw energy and cultural depth. It is a festival with its own character—a place where tradition meets modernity, a space for freedom, creativity, and unrestrained togetherness, where visitors immerse themselves in powerful music and vibrant cultural experiences. Each year, the festival continues to grow, maintaining its strong character and special aura that resonates with its dedicated audience.

See you on 6–8 June in Bauska!

“Zobens un Lemess” 2025 in Bauska 

From June 6–8, the 10th edition of the “Zobens un Lemess” festival will take place at the Bauska hillfort park. For three days, the festival will bring together extreme music, an alternative crowd, and historical reenactors from all three Baltic states – this year joined by a group from Finland. The event also features two thematic lecture cycles: Saturday’s “On Freedom” (on Semigallians, local guardsmen, riflemen, and post-war partisans), and Sunday’s “On Roots” (on food in Livonia, ancient Semigallian water routes, the soundscape of the Middle Ages, and modern mapping of hillforts).

“Zobens un Lemess” is a space where metal genres converge and become a bridge across generations, connecting history with the present, and Baltic roots with contemporary cultural practice. In synergy with performers and audience, the festival creates an alternative atmosphere – a free space where cultural heritage meets extreme music in an informal setting with a distinct voice.

Entry to the festival grounds and camping area begins on Friday, June 7, at 15:00; concerts start later that evening. Friday will open with a symbolic fire ritual in the historical camp – the ceremonial launch of the 10th “Zobens un Lemess.”

Music stage highlights

The festival will feature a mix of acclaimed artists and underground acts with the potential to become major discoveries. The musical lineup spans folk and post-folk to folk metal and more intense subgenres of metal. Despite the diversity, many artists share an affinity with ethnomusicology, folklore, mythology, paganism, history, and nature – reimagined through today’s lens.

“We don’t chase big names that force a festival down the commercial path,” says festival organizer. “ZL is about powerful metal, authentic atmosphere, and sound quality. We highlight underground acts – and among them are raw musical gems. Metal fans appreciate real sound, intensity, and artists who walk their own path.”

This year’s lineup includes bands from Spain, Finland, Sweden, Ukraine, Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia. Among the most anticipated debuts in Latvia are the Spanish death metal veterans “Avulsed,” Finnish black metal cult legends “Archgoat,” and Swedish doom masters “Isole” – known also through “Ereb Altor.”

“Severoth” (currently based in Poland) will deliver its atmospheric black metal performance live in Latvia for the first time. Its music blends themes of poetry, philosophy, and Ukrainian nature. Ukraine will also be represented by “Khors,” returning with their new album “Letters to the Future Self.” “Dymna Lotva,” born in Belarus and now based in Poland, brings a blend of doom, post-black, folk, and DSBM with an intense emotional delivery – forged through resistance and exile.

A symbolic highlight: the return of pagan/folk/doom legends “Gods Tower” (BLR/LT) – part of the very first “Zobens un Lemess” in 2015. Touring under the banner “End of All Times,” this might be their farewell. Their sound weaves heavy arrangements with mythological and historical themes.

Lithuania will also be represented by “Gyvata” (Klaipėda), whose sound evolved from neofolk into doom/black-infused folk rock rooted in coastal melancholy. Another special performance comes from Latvian doom outfit “Druun,” who will play the entire cult album “Stronger Than Love” by Grindmaster Dead live – a first in history.

The Latvian scene also shines with “Frailty,” “Māra” (Death/Thrash/Groove Metal), “S.A.D.” (performing a classic set by “Skumju akmeņi”), the progressive and psychedelic “Asinis,” post-folk newcomers “Kaligo,” and the blackened doom project “Eremos” – recently transformed into a full band.

Also performing are Juris Kaukulis (“Rokkoncerts Solo”), Dambis from “Inokentijs Mārpls” (acoustic set), “Gleb Belyaev – Piano Metal Covers,” and “Father Andy.”

Living history: Senais ciems

The historical camp will be open on Saturday, June 7, from 10:00. Visitors can explore Baltic history through crafts, weapons, tools, and attire. This year brings reenactment groups from all Baltic states – and for the first time – from Finland: “Finnish Vanguard,” who will demonstrate Viking-era combat techniques and reflect on Baltic–Finnish ties.

Hands-on activities include forging, amber work, bronze casting, and the chance to try ancient instruments or take part in vocal competitions. Children’s activities and interactive workshops ensure engagement for all ages. A highlight: a Viking-age warfare lecture by Finnish historian Harri Hihnala in authentic attire.

Lecture tent: “On Freedom” and “On Roots”

Saturday will feature four historical talks under the theme “On Freedom” (starting at 10:30). Sunday’s session “On Roots” will be held in Bauska Castle courtyard and will explore Semigallian waterways, medieval cuisine, sonic archaeology, and experimental mapping of hillforts.

The fire sculpture “Ugunskuģis” (The Fire Ship)

On the night of June 8, artist Andris Džiguns will ignite “Ugunskuģis” – a large fire sculpture shaped like an ancient seafaring vessel. The work references the iron-age maritime heritage of Semigallia and is surrounded by ritual symbols crafted from wood and straw. Visitors are invited to help construct these elements during Friday’s public workshop.

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