Mountain Fest 2026 CYGNUs

On January 17, 2026, CYGNUS ascended into the mountains of Dosquebradas, Risaralda, to claim the stage at Mountain Fest 2026. The journey was shaped by the road itself, by anticipation, and by the sense of brotherhood that defines every shared expedition. Once on stage, sound, pulse, and the crowd’s response forged a night of intensity, energy, and character.

From the march toward the venue to the silence that followed the final strike, each member experienced the day as a different battle. Here, we gather their voices to share how the journey felt, how the fight was held on stage, and what echoes remained when the mountain finally returned to calm.

⚔️ THE JOURNEY – The road to the mountain

Who was the most punctual, and who was the last one to be ready to leave?

Deneb: Everyone was on time. I think the one who took the longest to arrive was Ruxx, but I’m not sure—there were many things happening at once.

Stef: Ruxx took sooo long! hahaha. I was ready like two hours earlier 🤣

Ruxx: Me, of course! Hahahahaha. Advantages of being the first one to get picked up.

Jota: Me... and Stef was the last… I think.

Drew: I think we were all ready when the van passed by… I don’t know.

What was the most random thing that happened during the trip?

Deneb: We crashed into a pickup truck while picking up Jota before heading to Pereira! Hahahahaha. It wasn’t serious, but there was damage to the other vehicle ☹ and a lot of risk throughout the trip.

Stef: It was a high-risk trip! Jota had to drive for a while.

Ruxx: Our star driver gently “caressed” another car hahaha.

Jota: Unexpected stops, absurd conversations, questionable music, etc… the many times we almost died hahaha.

Drew: That we almost killed ourselves several times jejejeje.

What song or band became the soundtrack of the road?

Deneb: Everyone listened to music with headphones—the van stereo isn’t great—but we talked a lot and shared songs. In my case it was Kyu Sakamoto – “Sukiyaki” (which Stef showed me…), and I showed them Miki Matsubara – “Stay With Me”. I also shared a new song for the next album.

Stef: Very mixed. We had headphones and the trip was pretty chill.

Ruxx: For me, Sleep Token and Dream Theater.

Jota: None. I talked the whole way.

Drew: For me, Gn’R, because that’s what I was already listening to.

Quick travel round (one word)

Deneb:

• Travel mood: Nervousness

• Landscape: Beauty

• Tiredness: Always

• Hunger: Zero

Stef:

• Travel mood: Chill

• Landscape: Beauty

• Tiredness: Zero

• Hunger: Always

Ruxx:

• Travel mood: Cool

• Landscape: Beautiful

• Tiredness: Destructive

• Hunger: Berserker

Jota:

• Travel mood: Adrenaline

• Landscape: Beautiful

• Tiredness: Total

• Hunger: Cutting

Drew:

• Travel mood: Chaotic

• Landscape: Nice

• Tiredness: Normal

• Hunger: Not much

⚔️ THE CONCERT – The battle on stage

What went through your minds when you arrived at Mountain Fest and felt the atmosphere?

Deneb:It’s always a dignified and powerful stage. The organization treats us incredibly well and makes us feel at home.

Stef:Mountain Fest always has a very cool vibe. The people from Pereira really bring it, and that day was no exception.

Ruxx:“We’re going to tear the roof down, HPTA!”

Jota:Such brutal energy.

Drew:There was a great vibe and a lot of excitement.

At what moment during the show did you think: “ok… this is working”?

Deneb:After finishing the first song and hearing those applause that make you fly. You’re in unfamiliar territory, playing original music, and yet the connection was huge.

Stef:During “Valhalla”. The hit of hits.

Ruxx:When the intro kicked in and the crowd was left stunned.

Jota:When they started dancing Celtic circles 😅

Drew:From the very beginning.

Which song felt the most connected with the audience that night?

Deneb:Fenrir the Wolf and Gästabud. They clap along and it turns into a brutal Viking feast.

Stef:Fenrir, the zombie song, and Gästabud. Total connection in all of them.

Ruxx:Valhalla.

Jota:Skål.

Drew:Valhalla.

Was there any mistake, scare, or moment of chaos that only the band noticed?

Deneb:Nothing serious. Some sound details, but musically everything flowed really well.

Stef:Yes… but shhh 🤫 only the band noticed.

Ruxx:Sound-related stuff, but we fought until the end 🩸

Jota:The monitor returns going in and out.

Drew:I don’t remember anything significant.

If the Mountain Fest crowd were a mythical creature, what would it be and why?

Deneb:Jörmungandr. Huge and powerful. Their energy makes CYGNUS vibrate the way it should.

Stef:A dragon. Fire, strength, and total activation.

Ruxx:A friendly hobbit who opens their home and invites you in for tea ❤️

Jota:Fenrir, because of their animal strength.

Drew:A little goblin, because the show felt way too short.

Who was the MVP of the show and why?

Deneb:The audience, without a doubt. Loving and wonderful.

Stef:The crowd and that warm reception.

Ruxx:The organizer, the root of everything.

Jota:The people and their energy.

Drew:The band.

🍻 POST-SHOW – After the storm

What was the very first moment like right after stepping off the stage?

Deneb: Pure adrenaline. The stage crew took care of our gear and were amazing with us. Outside, incredible people were waiting for photos and conversations. Being so far from home and living that moment is something truly special. and women! so beatiful women everywhere!

Stef: It was like: “Nooooo… is it over already?” Let’s keep going!

Ruxx: A terrible underarm smell from someone around 😂 and lots of hugs and photos. Very beautiful women.

Jota: Lots of photos and laughs.

Drew: A lot of excitement from having played and knowing the show was really solid.

What was the first thing you did after the show?

Deneb:Hydrate, take photos with many people who wanted pics with us, talk to them, listen to their thoughts about the show and their passion for the Celtic, medieval, magical, mystical, and of course Viking world. Some play instruments or sing—every story matters and we love meeting them after the show. Later, we drank two bottles of whisky! Hahahahaha. Then we went to a viewpoint in Pereira and almost watched the sunrise. After that, we made it back to the hotel to keep the party going with more whisky… and finally sleep.

Stef:Photos, hanging out with fans, listening to the next band for a bit, and eating :D

Ruxx:Drink!!!

Jota:I was offered a lot of shots.

Drew:Have a drink.

Was there any phrase, comment, or gesture from the audience that really stayed with you?

Deneb:Many. People who knew about Leif Erikson, people from New Zealand who left enchanted by our music, people drinking beer—or something stronger—from my horn… they offer you a lot of alcohol, all kinds! It’s beautiful. Wanting photos with you—people are amazing!

Stef:Being told that my flute gives the band its mystical touch.

Ruxx:An epic photo at the end that stayed engraved in our hearts.

Jota:Seeing them jump, dance, and truly enjoy the music.

Drew:Being told we’re a brutal band and being asked for photos.

If the post-show had a meme image, what would it be?

Deneb:

Stef:

Ruxx:

Jota:

Drew:

⚡ Final lightning round

Deneb

• Best moment of the day: Playing for the entire Mountain Fest audience.

• Hardest part: The trip there and back. Our driver wasn’t feeling well physically and we were really worried.

• Biggest surprise: Revealing on stage that it was Jota’s birthday.

• What you’d repeat without hesitation: Everything… except crashing into that truck.

• What you’ll never forget about Mountain Fest 2026: These are the kind of events you keep forever in a small corner of your heart.

  
  

Stef

• Best moment of the day: The show.

• Hardest part: The soundcheck.

• Biggest surprise: The people.

• What you’d repeat without hesitation: Playing and playing again.

• What you’ll never forget about Mountain Fest 2026: People rocking and folking out.

  
  

Ruxx

• Best moment of the day: Arriving at the show.

• Hardest part: Technical issues.

• Biggest surprise: The audience.

• What you’d repeat without hesitation: Coming back.

• What you’ll never forget about Mountain Fest 2026: The crowd singing our songs.

  
  

Jota

• Best moment of the day: Playing.

• Hardest part: Getting back home.

• Biggest surprise: The audience.

• What you’d repeat without hesitation: Playing for them again.

• What you’ll never forget about Mountain Fest 2026: The people.

  
  

Drew

• Best moment of the day: Arriving at the venue.

• Hardest part: Getting started.

• Biggest surprise: The hotel.

• What you’d repeat without hesitation: Playing again.

• What you’ll never forget about Mountain Fest 2026: The care and organization.

🛡️ Epic closing

Finish the sentence

Deneb:“Mountain Fest 2026 was, for CYGNUS, a reward sent by the gods to be enjoyed in its entirety.”

Stef:“Mountain Fest 2026 was, for CYGNUS, a mountain conquered through distortion, sweat, and truth.”

Ruxx:“Mountain Fest 2026 was, for CYGNUS, a new conquest.”

Jota:“Mountain Fest 2026 was, for CYGNUS, an absolute surge of energy.”

Drew:“Mountain Fest 2026 was, for CYGNUS, a truly great experience.”