Eluveitie are finally returning to Croatia after more than 12 years! The Swiss folk metal legends will perform for their loyal fans on December 16, 2025, at Boogaloo. Known for their unique fusion of melodic death metal and traditional Celtic music, Eluveitie have long been one of Europe’s most distinctive and beloved metal acts. Their live shows blend raw power with spiritual depth and storytelling rooted in ancient myth. The band’s name comes from the Etruscan language, symbolizing a deep connection to heritage and ancient traditions. This is set to be one of the most anticipated metal events of the season, made even more special by the appearance of Zagreb’s own Rum Smugglers, Croatia’s first pirate metal band.
Eluveitie are finally returning to Croatia after more than 12 years! The Swiss folk metal legends will perform for their loyal fans on December 16, 2025, at Boogaloo. Known for their unique fusion of melodic death metal and traditional Celtic music, Eluveitie have long been one of Europe’s most distinctive and beloved metal acts. Their live shows blend raw power with spiritual depth and storytelling rooted in ancient myth. The band’s name comes from the Etruscan language, symbolizing a deep connection to heritage and ancient traditions.
This is set to be one of the most anticipated metal events of the season, made even more special by the appearance of Zagreb’s own Rum Smugglers, Croatia’s first pirate metal band.
Tickets and sales info
Early bird tickets are sold out. Presale tickets cost €36 and are available via the Hangtime website. If any remain, tickets at the door will cost €39. Physical (hard copy) tickets are available at Dirty Old Shop (Tratinska 34).
Two decades of folk metal mastery
For over 20 years, Eluveitie have built a global following with their powerful blend of heavy riffs and ancient instruments – bagpipes, violins, flutes, and mandolas. On stage, the eight-piece band creates an immense wall of sound, merging aggression and melody into something both primal and emotional.
From Wacken to Zagreb
Throughout their career, Eluveitie have performed at the world’s biggest metal festivals, including Wacken Open Air, Hellfest, and Metal Days. Their shows consistently sell out, and Croatian fans already know their power — the band previously played in Močvara and Tvornica kulture, leaving a trail of admiration and energy behind.
Info block
📅 Tuesday, December 16, 2025 📍 Boogaloo, Zagreb 🎫 Tickets: €36 (presale) / €39 (day of show) 🎟️ Sales: Hangtime website & Dirty Old Shop 👥 Organizer: Hangtime
Conclusion – Eluveitie in Zagreb
Eluveitie in Zagreb, joined by Rum Smugglers, promise an unforgettable night filled with epic melodies, intensity and top-tier production. Tickets are on sale — secure your spot on time, and join us on December 16 at Boogaloo!
Eluveitie was formed in 2002 in Winterthur, Switzerland, under the leadership of Chrigel Glanzmann, a charismatic frontman and multi-instrumentalist. Their debut album Spirit (2006) drew the attention of the metal community with a rich sound where electric guitars, bagpipes, fiddles, flutes and mandolins coexist in perfect balance. Their lyrics, often written in Gaulish, explore ancient Celtic myths and history.
Celtic myths and historical inspiration
The band’s music has always been closely tied to Celtic culture. Lyrics in the Gaulish language evoke the spirit of ancient tales and mythical heroes. Eluveitie is more than a metal band; they are also guardians of cultural heritage translated into modern music.
Albums and breakthrough in the metal scene
Their major breakthrough came in 2008 with the album Slania, after which they signed with Nuclear Blast and became a leading force in folk metal. The album Helvetios (2012) achieved commercial success across Europe and further solidified their status as a key folk metal band.
Lineup changes and a new era
Significant lineup changes occurred in 2016. Soon after, vocalist and harpist Fabienne Erni joined, along with Michalina Malisz on hurdy-gurdy. Their contributions are evident on albums Evocation II: Pantheon (2017) and Ategnatos (2019), where the band reached new levels of maturity and dynamism.
Eluveitie at major festivals
Over the years, the band has performed at all major metal festivals, including Wacken Open Air, Hellfest and Metal Days. Their concerts regularly sell out clubs and halls, with the blend of folk instruments and metal power making them one of the most sought-after live acts.
Eluveitie as a leading force in folk metal
Today, Eluveitie is regarded as one of the most influential folk metal bands worldwide. Their ability to merge history and mythology with modern metal makes them a unique phenomenon on the scene.
Zagreb-based Rum Smugglers formed in 2011 and are widely recognized as Croatia’s first pirate metal band. From the very beginning, they built a musical world inspired by the sea, battles, adventure and classic pirate mythology. Their influences include Alestorm, Running Wild, Skyclad and The Real McKenzies, shaping a sound that is both theatrical and full of raw metal energy.
Early releases quickly gained attention within the local underground scene. Their blend of folk melodies, heavy riffs and humorous pirate storytelling gave them a unique position in Croatian alternative music.
Debut Album “I” – A Fusion of Two EPs
In early October, Rum Smugglers released their debut album “I”. The record combines their first two EPs into a more polished, cohesive whole. It features fast-paced rhythms, melodic folk lines and choruses built for loud sing-alongs.
“I” showcases the band’s ability to merge folk elements, metal intensity and playful pirate humor. As a result, their fanbase continues to grow, and they have been invited to perform more frequently across the region.
Musical Identity and Style
Rum Smugglers craft their sound through a combination of folk metal, pirate metal and punk energy. Their songs evoke seafaring adventures, tavern gatherings, bravado and mischief — all wrapped in catchy melodic hooks.
A defining trait of the band is the presence of three vocalists, which adds depth, variety and dynamic layering to their music. On stage, they often incorporate thematic elements, creating a lively atmosphere that invites the audience to join their “crew.”
Band Members
Marin Barišić – vocals, guitar
Goran Zovak – vocals, guitar
Vanja Štrukelj – vocals, keyboards
Josip Vuksan – bass
Marko Vučković – drums
This lineup delivers the full Rum Smugglers sound — energetic, melodic, humorous and unmistakably pirate-themed.
Conclusion
Rum Smugglers stand today as one of the most distinctive acts in Croatia’s folk-metal and alternative scene. Their pirate metal identity brings originality, fun and high-energy performances, while the album “I” highlights their musical maturity and clear creative vision.
To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
Functional
Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
