%100 Metal Proudly Presents: Haggard, the world’s most crowded and comprehensive symphonic rock/metal band, live at Zorlu PSM Turkcell Stage in Istanbul on Sunday, October 11, 2026!
One of the most listened-to metal bands in Türkiye, Haggard was founded in Germany in 1989. Their debut album, “And Thou Shalt Trust... The Seer”, released in 1997 with a 16-member lineup, quickly drew attention with its classical and symphonic elements and received outstanding reviews from major music magazines. After a three-year break, the band released their second album, “Awaking the Centuries”, featuring a remarkable 21-member lineup. With this album, Haggard became the first band to fully merge classical music with rock/metal, rather than merely using classical influences in their sound. Through lyrics written in English, German, and Latin, they theatrically narrated stories of Medieval Europe, influential philosophers, and intellectual movements using the language and expressions of the people of that era.
The sold-out concert they performed in Mexico during their highly successful 2001 American tour was later released by their record label as the DVD “Awaking the Gods”, proving the band’s powerful stage performance as well.
After a short break filled with concerts, the long-awaited third studio album arrived in 2004. Titled “Eppur Si Muove” (“And Yet It Moves”), the album was met with critical acclaim in the rock/metal press. Focusing on the struggle between science and faith faced by the famous 16th-century philosopher and mathematician Galileo against the Roman Catholic Church, Haggard once again demonstrated its unique identity not only through its music but also through the literary and historical depth of its lyrics. In August 2008, the band released “Tales of Ithiria”, another album centered around historical characters and stories.
Beloved by fans of classical and rock/metal music alike, as well as admirers of experimental and high-quality genres, fantasy literature, and history enthusiasts, Haggard will hold a special gathering at Zorlu PSM Turkcell Stage on Sunday, October 11, 2026, as part of the %100 Metal Series.
Organization: Vera Müzik, Freebird Agency
Media Sponsor: Karnaval
