Zurbarán Rock has become one of the most important metal festivals in Spain, thanks to its unique approach and welcoming atmosphere.
Since its beginnings in 2016, this free-entry festival has grown steadily year after year, reaching an impressive 16,000 attendees in 2025. With three stages, San Agustín Park turned into the beating heart of a true celebration, featuring intense live sets from bands like Stratovarius, Myrath, and a standout performance by BRIDEAR — proving that Zurbarán isn’t just about good metal, but about offering a diverse and electrifying experience.
But Zurbarán Rock goes beyond the music. It’s a festival that’s open, family-friendly, and made for everyone — from young newcomers to long-time metalheads. Its inclusive, down-to-earth vibe makes it the perfect place to enjoy heavy music in a safe and friendly environment for all kinds of audiences.
And the city of Burgos, with its breathtaking Gothic cathedral (a UNESCO World Heritage site) and rich history, offers the perfect backdrop for a festival that’s not only about concerts, but also about getting lost in the culture, food, and warmth of the locals.
In 2026, the festival will move to a new venue: El Plantío. A change of location — but not of spirit. The essence remains untouched: Zurbarán Rock will continue to be a unique meeting point for metal lovers from all walks of life.
BRIDEAR is an all-female Japanese metal band that started back in 2011 in Fukuoka. Their sound blends technical power metal with melodic guitars and high-energy live performances. Their lyrics focus on personal struggle, pushing through challenges, and never giving up. This mix of power and genuine emotion makes their music connect instantly with the audience—something that was clear during their unforgettable closing set at Zurbarán Rock 2025.
It was two in the morning. Many had already spent over eight hours at the festival—some lying on the grass, others with a beer in hand—waiting to see what that Japanese band closing Zurbarán Rock 2025 would bring. And oh, they brought it.
The iconic “wow‑wow‑wow” chant that opens BRIDEAR’s intro echoed through the venue, quickly becoming the shared language between the Japanese band and the Spanish crowd that night.
HARU, the bassist, was the first to speak up, encouraging the audience to clap—and everyone responded. Nobody knew quite what to expect, but one thing was clear: Burgos was ready to let go and dive in.
With “Still Burning” the temperature shot up instantly. The audience, who had so far been more curious than fully immersed, began headbanging in unison as if they’d been listening to BRIDEAR all their lives.
After this first contact, “SCREAM” kicked in-perfect for round two.
BRIDEAR unleashed their most aggressive side.
The title didn’t lie: HARU stole the spotlight with her jaw-dropping vocal technique, shifting from piercing screams to deep growls.The contrast between the chaos of her harsh vocals and KIMI’s melodic voice struck an unexpected harmony. By the second song, they had already bewitched the entire Zurbarán Rock crowd.
The guitar solos from AYUMI and MOE in “Braver Words” coincided with a warm breeze sweeping through the park, a moment of calm after the initial frenzy.
KIMI addressed the audience in a mix of Spanish, English, and Japanese:
“¡Gracias! We are BRIDEAR! Are you ready? Arigatou! Minna, ikou kaaa?… ¡Vamooos!”
“Road” was a full-on energy burst. NATSUMI took center stage on drums, setting the tempo with near-military precision.
Shortly after, AYUMI and MOE locked eyes, trading riffs in a face-off of guitars.
Despite being mid-July, the summer chill had crept into the night (14°C in the middle of a Spanish summer!), but BRIDEAR warmed us right back up with “The Moment” a track that made it impossible to stand still.
The whole pit surrendered to headbanging.
MOE delivered a brilliant solo as a spotlight from above illuminated her, giving the moment a cinematic glow.
The song built gradually until only KIMI’s voice remained—soon joined again by the rest of the band. Like a beast awakening… preparing for the next strike.
And that strike came with “Ghoul” Their signature track cast a spell on the entire audience.
KIMI’s vocals took on a more aggressive tone than usual during the chorus, followed by HARU’s live-exclusive growls. AYUMI joined in on backing vocals, rounding out the sound.
HARU climbed onto one of the platforms to get closer to the crowd, enjoying herself like just another fan.
Then came a short break for words.
KIMI, holding the mic with a shy smile, spoke to us in English:
“This is our first time in Spain. We’re so proud to see you here tonight. We want to come back.”
The audience responded with a roaring “¡Oeeee, oeeee, oeee, oeee!” — the kind of chant you’d hear in a Champions League final, a football roar that brought smiles to every face.
The connection was real.
As the MC wrapped up, KIMI gave us a warning: the next song would be “IGNITE”
And just like its title promised, the guitars set the stage ablaze. The crowd surged toward the front.
This was, without a doubt, the most Western-influenced track of the setlist—heavy, raw, with drums that sounded like a war anthem.
The red glow still painted the stage for the next one: “Light in the Dark”
KIMI got the audience singing along during the chorus, and even without knowing Japanese, the crowd roared that “wow-wow-wow” loud enough to almost break the language barrier.
It felt like BRIDEAR had just gained a sixth member: the Zurbarán Rock audience.
“LAST SONG!” KIMI announced… “Wing of Hope”
Many in the crowd clapped along, blending with the sound and spirit of the song.
And just like they’d started, they closed the show with Burgos chanting “wow-wow-wow” and guitar chords that would be etched in our minds for days to come.
HARU, MOE, and AYUMI began flicking picks into the crowd while KIMI, phone in hand, recorded the moment—bringing a little piece of us back to Japan with her.
As the lights dimmed, the melancholic notes of “Home Sweet Home” by Mötley Crüe played in the background. That piano, along with Vince Neil’s raspy voice singing of the return home, was the perfect closing touch.
Because yes—the festival had ended. But just like the song says, there’s a home we always want to return to.
And in July 2026, when the next edition of Zurbarán Rock arrives, we’ll all come back to that home we share: the home of rock.
From NIPPONGAKU, we can only congratulate the entire Zurbarán Rock team and their sponsors for keeping the metal flame alive and for committing to a bold, inclusive lineup with an ever more global vision.
📸: Txen Yang
