Graspop Metal Meeting's third day starts hot, Fleddy Melculy features surprise act

The third day of the Graspop Metal Meeting festival kicked off under a scorching sun, with temperatures climbing to a sweltering 33 degrees Celsius. Festival-goers were urged to stay hydrated, apply sunscreen, and seek shade, as the heatwave continued to grip Dessel. Local thunderstorms were also a possibility by evening.

On the South Stage, Fleddy Melculy opened the day's performances, complete with masks despite the heat. Metal professor Didier Goossens noted the increasing trend of masks and anonymity in the metal genre, citing bands like Blackgold, Hollywood Undead, and Avatar. This marked Fleddy Melculy's fifth appearance at Graspop.

The biggest surprise of the opening act came with the appearance of a mysterious female singer, who kept her mask on throughout the performance. This fueled fan speculation, with many hoping it was Pommelien Thijs, though it is more likely to be the daughter of frontman Jeroen Camerlynck. The band plans to reveal her identity in October with the release of their new album.

Looking ahead, the festival featured performances by a new generation of headliners, including Bring Me The Horizon, Architects, and Bad Omens, drawing a younger crowd. Other notable acts on the lineup included Babymetal, Sepultura, and Three Days Grace.