Rock Monsters Romania

SUBCARPAȚI, SPP, THE MONO JACKS, MIHAIL, NIȘTE BĂIEȚI, E-AN-NA, and MACHIAVELLIAN GOD are the first bands announced for the fourth edition of the ASTRA Rock Festival, taking place August 15–17, 2025, in the stunning natural setting of the ASTRA Open-Air Museum in Sibiu. The lineup will be completed by international headliners as well as more top Romanian music acts.

SUBCARPAȚI is one of the most beloved Romanian bands of the last decade and a true powerhouse in live performances. Founded in 2010 by Alexe Marius Andrei – Bean MC – the band blends traditional Romanian folk with modern electro and hip-hop influences. SUBCARPAȚI reinterprets folklore in a distinctive way, described by The Guardian as “an explosive mix of old and new, an eclectic fusion of Romanian folk melancholy, traditional instruments, and trip-hop, dubstep, hip-hop, and dancehall beats.”

SPP is an anonymous musical project that emerged in 2018. Although its lineup has not been officially confirmed, rumors suggest it is an all-star band featuring members from Romania and beyond. From its debut, SPP achieved unexpected success, releasing over 100 songs in its first three years. Their live shows are always memorable, with sold-out club concerts and festival performances that surprise, impress, and move both long-time fans and first-time listeners.

THE MONO JACKS are a key name in Romania’s alternative rock scene, with a track record of sold-out clubs, large hall performances, and full-scale tours featuring a full orchestra. Founded in 2008 by charismatic frontman Doru Trăscău (also known for leading the early-2000s grunge band AB4), the band delivers authentic stories through music, sung with unmistakable passion.

MIHAIL is one of the few experimental artists who has successfully broken into the mainstream. With a unique sound that combines pop, funk, alternative, and electronic influences, he gained recognition with hits like “Mă ucide ea” and “Who You Are.” He has since found success abroad, particularly in Italy, Spain, and Poland. His achievements include a spot at the Vatican’s prestigious Christmas Concert, winning the “Top of the Top” Award at Sopot Festival in Poland, earning a platinum disc, and having Italy’s most successful international hit at the time.

NIȘTE BĂIEȚI describe themselves as “the only band in Romania playing ‘party music with distortion and a glorious finale.’” The group is well-known for its punk-rock renditions of unforgettable Romanian hits from the 1980s. Their repertoire includes reimagined classics from artists like Gică Petrescu, Margareta Pâslaru, Mirabela Dauer, Dan Spătaru, Semnal M, and Compact, all performed in their own distinctive style.

E-AN-NA debuted in Romania’s metal scene in 2015 and quickly rose to become one of the most loved young bands. Just two years later, they proudly represented Romania at Wacken Metal Battle 2017, winning second place. In 2022, they received the most public votes in Romania’s Eurovision selection with their track “Malere,” which quickly stirred controversy and went viral on Spotify and YouTube. With five albums, hundreds of shows, and a reputation for high-energy, complex live performances, E-AN-NA continues to win over crowds everywhere.

MACHIAVELLIAN GOD has been delivering unique melodic death metal since 2017, infused with elements of doom, black, atmospheric metal, and other distinct sounds. Each track is a journey through philosophical themes, myths, and ancient beliefs, perfectly matching their sonic identity. Beyond appearances at nearly every relevant Romanian festival, MACHIAVELLIAN GOD has significantly expanded its live activity abroad over the past year, with shows in France, Italy, Sweden, Czech Republic, and Bulgaria.

More international headliners and notable Romanian acts will soon be announced, with performances set to take place across the festival’s two stages.

Beyond the music, the ASTRA Museum will host daily activities from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., introducing visitors to Romanian rural life, where natural and cultural landscapes and local communities continue to preserve material and intangible heritage. How do these resources contribute to the Green Transition? Why must sustainability be understood and embraced through practical approaches? For three days, 200 artisans, 30 museum specialists, and key figures in the sustainable development of protected areas will demonstrate how history leads us toward sustainable development. And yes, we’ll all see how Culture Develops!

A limited number of 3-day early bird passes are now available for 200 RON at https://muzeulastra.funticket.app. Afterward, full passes will be available for 250 RON. Single-day tickets will also be sold during the festival. ASTRA Museum members can access a limited number of discounted passes at the museum’s physical location. Festival passes also include access to the museum and all related cultural activities during the weekend of August 15–17, 2025. As ASTRA Rock is a family-friendly event, children under 12 can enter for free when accompanied by an adult with a valid ticket or pass.

ASTRA Rock Festival is organized by the ASTRA Museum and Sibiu County Council, in partnership with the Rock Culture Association.