Mammoths Are Coming: Reeferfest 2025 – 5th Anniversary to Shake The Garage -

The heavy sounds of Stoner Doom Metal will descend upon The Garage on August 30 as Reeferfest celebrates its milestone fifth anniversary. The one-night festival, supported by Festivals Malta, promises an unmissable lineup of crushing riffs, psychedelic grooves, and underground spirit.

“This year’s edition is going to be massive,” said event organisers. “We’ve got mammoths heading our way – both metaphorically and sonically – and we’re ready to make the ground shake.”

The bill features Malta’s own Rankin and Hemplifier, alongside Greece’s fuzz-laden titans Acid Mammoth and Italian legends UFOMAMMUT. Between sets, DJ Noel Mifsud will keep the atmosphere alive, while visual art from Maria Baldacchino will add a creative dimension to the night. Attendees will also find stalls from sponsors Sigritwal and Kewn Records, plus exclusive band merchandise.

Rankin, formed in 2018, has swiftly risen in the Maltese scene with their filthy, bluesy groove-metal infused with sludge, thrash, prog, and alternative metal influences. Their debut album Chrysalis (2022) showcased dynamic range, heavy grooves, and cemented their place as one of Malta’s most exciting metal acts.

Hemplifier, a Stoner/Doom trio from Malta, formed in 2019 and features veterans Emanuel Portelli (guitar & vocals), Alfred Burd (bass), and Dino Mifsud Lepre (drums & samples). Their debut album The Stoner Side of The Doom, released in June 2023 via Electric Valley Records, channels sci-fi, supernatural, occult, and local folklore themes, driven by a deep appreciation for vintage gear and heavy riffs.

Acid Mammoth, hailing from Athens and formed in 2015 by high school friends Chris Babalis Jr. (vocals/guitar) and Dimosthenis Varikos (bass), later joined by Marios Louvaris (drums) and Chris Babalis Sr. (guitar), are known for their soaring, fuzzy, psychedelic doom rooted in Sabbathian tradition. After signing with Heavy Psych Sounds in 2019, their albums—including Under Acid Hoof (2020) and Supersonic Megafauna Collision (2023)—have earned critical acclaim for their crushing riffs, hypnotic vocals, and unrelenting heaviness.

UFOMAMMUT, the legendary Italian psychedelic doom trio from Tortona, Italy, have been active since 1999. Founded by Poia (guitar/effects), Urlo (bass/vocals/synths), and original drummer Vita (2000–2020), the band has crafted a unique sound blending droning vocals, massive effects, and cosmic visual art. Now back with drummer Levre (since 2021), they recently celebrated their 25th anniversary and released their tenth full-length album, Hidden, in May 2024—cementing their status as pioneers of psychedelic sludge.

In a statement, organisers emphasised the importance of community: “Your presence helps, and gives courage to all of us to keep performing and organising such events. Always support the local bands, local music scene, and underground venues. Support the bands by buying their merch – it’s what keeps the scene alive.”

Tickets are available directly via Facebook or through Revolut on 99802413. Doors open at The Garage for what promises to be an intense celebration of sound, art, and camaraderie.

Reeferfest 2025 is sponsored by Play Vintage, RocknRoll Malta, The Garage, Rock The South Malta, Tolminator, Sigritwal, Kewn Records, Tal-Kuġini at St Martins Grill, and Deaths All Folks.

As organisers put it: “Stay Hemplified – and see you in the pit.”

Further reading: Reeferfest press release