The countdown is on until one of Europe's biggest festivals: ROCK AM RING and ROCK IM PARK. Although technically two different festivals happening at two different locations (whilst ROCK AM RING takes place in Nürburgring, ROCK IM PARK happens in Nüremberg), the festivals take place concurrently, and both share very similar line-ups. With upwards of 80000 guests expected at each festival, the sheer size of the festivals is just mind-boggling, and make the combined festivals one of the biggest in the world.

Both ROCK AM RING and ROCK IM PARK feature line-ups that offer something for everyone, regardless of your particular musical predilections. Having said that, we at Metal Temple are obviously most excited about all the amazing Metal and Rock bands that the festivals have line-up for this year. SLAYER, who have been busy with their "Final World Tour" over the past several months, will also be putting in an appearance at the festivals. SLAYER has really become one of the most iconic bands in this genre, and for many fans, this show will be the last chance to completely rock out with these kings of Thrash Metal. A further absolute highlight which will undoubtedly attract many fans is TOOL, who have just recently revealed the release date for their much-anticipated new album. If you want a chance to hear some of their new material, this is definitely not a show you want to miss. The legendary SABATON will also have released their new album soon and are also sure to deliver a bombastic and stunning performance that should be seen. Speaking of amazing live shows, it's impossible to forget an AMON AMARTH show, with these crazy Vikings conquering the stage and the audience alike with their powerful and captivating shows. Other greats in the Metal scene, such as SLIPKNOT, BEHEMOTH and ARCH ENEMY will also be putting on memorable shows, and will be making sure that ROCK AM RING and ROCK IM PARK festivals go down in the books of history.
 

And if you're into the lighter stuff, be prepared to take a trip down memory lane with some of the Hard Rock, Emo, Core, and Nu-Metal giants like BRING ME THE HORIZON, ATREYU, TRIVIUM, THREE DAYS GRACE, and GODSMACK. This line-up looks like a best-of playlist of the early 2000s, and will definitely be worth reminiscing about. Speaking of the good old times, golden oldies like THE SMASHING PUMPKINS and ALICE IN CHAINS will also unquestionably be high on the list of priorities. These veterans of the music industry have gotten to where they are thanks partly to their musical talents, but also in part because of their phenomenal live shows, and should certainly not be missed. Moving towards the Rocky and Folky end of the spectrum, we have TENACIOUS D and DROPKICK MURPHYS, who are guaranteed to get your feet moving. But again, this is just a small selection of the bands line-up for the festivals, with dozens upon dozens of other fantastic artists waiting to blow your minds. Check the festival home pages or the festival apps for the full line-ups.

As can be expected from festivals of that magnitude, there are several dedicated camping and parking areas at each festival. There will also be special areas for those arriving by campervan or motorbike. The festivals also each have their own mini-infrastructures to make your festival experience just that much more enjoyable. These include things like supermarkets within the camping areas where you can pick up pretty much all of the necessities for a camping weekend. There are also spots where you can charge your phones, get breakfast, use the storage lockers, or use the ATMs. A wide selection of food and drink stands will also be available, featuring a wide selection of reasonably priced refreshments to choose from.

And for those of you who will be using public transport to get to the festival, ROCK AM RING and ROCK IM PARK have also got you covered. There will be shuttle buses that depart from nearby train stations and airports, and will go directly to the festival grounds (check out the festival home pages for more details). A taxi rank is also located at the festival locations, so leaving during or after the festival is also no problem. All in all, getting to and from the festival has been completely taken care of. And, as mentioned, food and drink as well as other necessities, will be for sale in the camping areas. All you need to do is sit back, relax, and have fun!

No summer is complete without a music festival, and regardless what type of music you listen to, ROCK AM RING and ROCK IM PARK are guaranteed to have something for you. And with the two festivals happening on either side of Germany, accessibility of the festivals is also not an excuse. With only a limited number of day-passes available, be sure to get your tickets fast before they sell out! And to help you plan your festival, don't forget to download the festival apps. Metal Temple looks forward to seeing you there!