Five things we learnt from Inferno Music Conference 2025

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Every year, the Inferno Music Conference stands as a vital pillar of the Inferno Metal Festival experience, offering a space not just for networking and industry insight, but for meaningful, progressive dialogue about issues and topics impacting the world of metal and the wider music industry. Held at Oslo’s Clarion Hotel The Hub, the 2025 edition once again delivered a compelling programme that tackled some of the most pressing issues facing the global metal community today. From the cultural reclamation of Norse heritage in In Defense Of Valhalla to the urgent call for mental health awareness in The Back Lounge, or the powerful spotlight on gender equity in Head Bitch in Charge, this year’s conference proved that metal is more than just the riffs.

With over 90 delegates in attendance and a packed schedule of panels, clinics, and workshops, the Inferno Music Conference continues to cement its reputation as the largest and most influential metal conference in the world. Here’s five things we learnt from this year’s conference.

The music industry must collectively address the scourge of mental health struggles 

It’s no secret that physical and mental challenges in the music industry is a rampant issue. This was exacerbated during the pandemic years where live music ground to a standstill and for the thousands of individuals working in the industry, the subsequent lockdowns and international travel restrictions saw huge spikes in loneliness, desperation and other mental health challenges. The pandemic may be behind us but the challenges remain, against a backdrop of an increasingly unstable world. Suzi Green – founder of peer support group The Back Lounge – and Rowan McDonagh (The Cowshed Talks) and Joanne Croxford (Touring With A Twist) delivered a fascinating live session that highlights just how vital community and support with our peers can be. Initiatives and support groups like this can be make the difference in helping shape the music industry into a better, safer, and healthier environment to live and work in.

We must all defend our cultural heritage against the bastardisation by the far-right 

Against the backdrop of a country rich in Norse history and symbolism, In Defense Of Valhalla stakes a claim as one of the most intriguing and thought provoking panels of the entire Inferno Music Conference. A panel of historical juggernauts, including AMON AMARTH‘s Johan Hegg, Ben Raffield of Uppsala University in Sweden, and Iceland’s former president, 
Guðni Th. Jóhannesson, the panel explored how hate groups across history bastardised old Norse symbolism for their ideology and propaganda following a highly educational and insightful presentation from Jóhannesson. This dangerous appropriation of heritage by extremist groups is a scourge, one that poisons old Norse sagas and symbols, and the panel underlined the importance of defending our culture, our history, and our heritage against distortion and misuse for malicious means.

Remaining fit and healthy is essential for a long and fruitful career in music

Gone are the days of sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll, remaining fit and healthy is the new mantra. Whether this is a reflection of the wider trend of younger generations taking more care and consideration into their physical and mental wellbeing, within the world of metal and the music industry, we’re seeing a move away from the raucous, high-energy, party lifestyle that has been commonly associated with our world since its inception. Demonstrated clear as day in Inferno Music Conference‘s Let’s Get Physical panel curated by publicist Katy Irizarry of Suspiria PR, the session took a dive into the importance of staying healthy on and off then road, and how to ultimately maintain a lengthy and healthy career.

Women have never been more prominent in the metal music industry than before

With an apt title like Head Bitch in Charge, the women that work tirelessly in the metal industry are unsung heroes. With a staggeringly impressive panel helmed by Suzy Cole of Apple Music, the panel took a collective journey throughout their careers and the numerous trials and tribulations they faced along the way, and the totally unnecessary bullshit gender barriers placed before them. A session that was truly empowering that looked beyond diversity for diversity sakes, Head Bitch in Charge reflects the strength and undeniable passion for working in metal. And that is something we stand firmly behind.

In a world of chasing engagement, traditional metal journalism is crucial for cutting through the noise 

In days gone by, the best metal would be curated and gatekept by a legion of devoted scribes. Today, the digital age has revolutionised not just the way we hear about new music, but how we consume it too. Streaming services, TikTok-driven viral moments and can now make bands overnight sensations, and the proliferation of online content has raised serious question marks over the longevity of traditional music journalism. However, and as a fellow editor, traditional journalism still has a seat at the table. Through passion for their craft and subject matter and a desire to champion truly fantastic art, the best journalists can cut through the tsunami of bands vying for the spotlight. As a society, we are embracing technological advances and for metal journalism, through innovation, we will continue to champion the music that deserves to be heard.

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