As a metal fan, I seek out the extreme, the cinematic, and the epic. What if I told you there was an entire metal festival where you get all of that in one setting? All of those things await you from within the picturesque mountains and sacred lands of Montana. Let me introduce you to the Fire In the Mountains Festival . The festival runs July 25-28th at the Red Eagle Campground in Blackfeet Nation, Montana. What started out as a one-off DIY festival, truly bloomed into a massive festival that fuses nature with heavy music and incorporates you into the mix. The last time this festival happened was in 2023, making this year a longed-for comeback. Wardruna, The Blackfeet Nation, Fire In The Mountains, AISA Music, By Norse Music, and the non-profit Firekeeper Alliance came together to create this year’s festival where the intention is to make a positive impact, bring attention to several great causes/awarenesses, and showcase several internationally celebrated metal projects.
Norway's Wardruna sends in members Lindy-Fay Hella & Dei Farne to headline the festival. Their band has over twenty years of Norse storytelling for fans dedicated and new. Their use of traditional Nordic instruments such as the mouth harp and goat horn will surely ring throughout the Rockies. Earlier this year the band released the ambient "Birna" (Sony Music, By Norse Music), their sixth studio album, and have taken that energy on the road with them. Not only is the music quite the experience on its own, the live performance is something that sets this band apart from any other in the metal world. They do not need special effects or any additives, rather, their raw emotion and talent do the heavy lifting.
With support from a plethora of exciting and well-respected metal community family, this lineup with have something for every metal-head. Bardspec (By Norse Music) is the name of the compelling electronic project of Ivar Bjørnson, who you may know best from the legendary Enslaved. Playing higher up on the bill means it should be dusk when this band plays, and that will absolutely add to the overall experience. We will also see a festival-exclusive, Old Man Child (Century Media) for their first performance in the US. This is Norwegian Black Metal that you will not want to miss (who knows when you will have a chance to see them again in the states?). Book your next chiropractor visit, no necks will remain unbroken during this set.
California's Chelsea Wolfe (Loma VIsta Recordings) and Massachusetts' Converge (Epitaph | Deathwish) are both acts that will summon your attention. Chelsea Wolfe is set to perform an acoustic set that will be sure to both haunt, hypnotize, and inspire you in a beautiful way. Those who only know the metal-forward Hiss Spun side of Chelsea will be floored by the way she sings intricacies and incorporates textures into her bare-bones acoustic performances. Some selections from her 2019 Birth Of Violence album such as “The Mother Road” and “Erde” would be great choices for this setting. Converge has been a staple in the metal and hardcore scenes for many years; with their ability to fit onto any festival that is remotely metal or hardcore. They will come out of the gate with earth shattering percussive onslaught, creative guitar work, and a mosh pit will surely form as soon as they start. They are solid and true in their foundation, but not afraid to get experimental. Both bands collaborated a few years ago on the album "Bloodmoon: I" (Deathwish Records), and many wonder if there will be a sequel to that work.
Blood Incantation will be performing their dark and ambient “Time Wave Zero”, as well as what they are calling “heavy set”. The band is serving a balanced meal for the festival’s main course, satisfying the appetite of even the most OG of their fanbase. All of the artists on the lineup express a multitude of thankfulness and are honored to be a part of this festival. Check out the full lineup here.
Rooted in love for the earth and the people, this festival offers several ways for fans to give back. The Firekeeper Alliance shines a light on youth suicide, and creates programs on the Blackfeet Reservation to prevent it. Donations toward this cause are accepted during your ticket checkout experience, along with your chance to help aid in the reduction of the festival’s carbon footprint. FITM will invest the money raised in the carbon footprint reduction efforts in local reforestation projects or in renewable energy. The festival is making on-site recycling and composting efforts by way of Win-Win Productions, and offering scholarship opportunities in exchange for manual labor by dedicated volunteers. It's rare and monumental that this festival will be taking place, as it will one-in-a-lifetime. Flames will burn bright and shine upon the sentiments of hope for a better tomorrow, cultural appreciation, togetherness, respect, and peacefulness. This festival will be a dry-campus, and here is where you can read more about that decision. You will find that being present without alcohol will unlock your truest essence and you’ll benefit yourself and others from a fully present experience.
This festival is sponsored by The Blackfeet Nation, Metal Injection, IndieMerchStore, Best Day Brewing, and The Pathfinder. More sponsors may be announced as we near the festival weekend, and there are many wonderful Vendors projected to attend.
Now that you are sold on the idea of attending, there are a myriad of options for Camping, Glamping, and RV parking. FITM even offers camping supply rentals, car/motorcycle parking, shuttle services, and a wonderful Farm-To-Table BBQ experience for the entire weekend to really get a taste of the region. Your ancestors, the ancients will surely be in attendance. A historic and memorable weekend will be yours if you secure a festival pass today (full weekend passes available).
