Pounding basslines, extravagant performances and genre-defying forces - a night for those who live for the pulse of the dark dance floor. From legends of the scene to boundary-pushing newcomers, Friday celebrates power, legacy and innovation in industrial and electro.
KLLSIGNL: Masked new blood on the scene with a sound that fuses dark and experimental electronics, trap, witch house and techno. Expect something raw, forward-thinking and full of edge - one for the heads and the curious alike to kick off Friday night.
They just launched yesterday a new single and confirmed siging a record deal with Out Of Line, so a good reason to show us why they got a spot here! To me it sounds like a raw mix of Pagan metal with industrial and hip hop / triphop. Clean vocals, screaming, grunting but also some rap: the masked singer does it all. I can see the audience loves it. It is indeed a great discovery and a good first timer! Congratulations!
ANY SECOND: Berlin-based dark electro warriors Any Second bring a fierce hybrid of aggressive beats, dystopian lyrics and driving rhythms. Their live sets are sweat-soaked and intense, so get ready!
To me they look and sound a bit lke a mix between Front 242 and Oomph! Although without the heavy guitar play, they conquered the hearts of the crowd. I like the visuals and bringing in a female dancer to heat up the game always helps and the beats do the rest! It was also clear that this is their hometown when I look at the reactions of the fans. Yet another nice discovery for me!
KLUTAE: Claus Larsen (of Leæther Strip fame) returns with his punk-infused side project Klutae – chaotic, energetic, and industrial to the bone. It’s wild, noisy fun with a fierce sense of humour.
This is the first highlight of the day as Berlin was clearly waiting for this one! Claus is filled with raw energy, happy and in the best shape ever! It feels like coming home for him and the fans cheer as loud as possible whilst dancing their ass off! To me the set is a best off that could have lasted one extra hour! Just like the crowed I felt like screaming: I WANT MORE!
TORUL: Slovenia’s Torul blend synth-pop elegance with darkwave moods, creating cinematic soundscapes that shimmer with emotion. Think moody, modern, and unexpectedly catchy.
Synth pop meets future pop with great vocals, all a bit sweat and romantic. The feedback from the crowd was not as strong as with Klutae (I would have switched them in the line-up), but still: it was good and we all enjoyed it! 'Wishing Upon A Star' was a highlight according to me. I noticed the fans appreciated the mix of old songs with fresh ones.
DIVE: old school electro industrial from Belgium bringing a mix of own songs mixed with a best off The Klinik (you know the link). What you see is not what you get: all music on back tape and just a guy swinging and screaming. I have seen him many times in the past and although it all sounds like a best off: once you have seen it’s enough. Well, there are fans who clearly love it: they cheer and dance. So let them enjoy the party.
SOLITARY EXPERIMENTS: Melodic, anthemic and deeply emotional, Solitary Experiments deliver synth-driven EBM with powerful vocals and massive hooks. Long-time scene favourites who know how to move a crowd.
Nice to see the venue suddenly filled as it is now (more than yesterday). It’s clear that this is one of the bands of tonight. I can’t even get close enough to take decent pictures of the band as the fans dance from the first notes and was already waiting for them from the moment the previous act ended. The music is a bit softer, hence even a bit romantic. I feel the love in the air! Fans are dancing, clapping, cheering … It’s a highlight! I’m glad I was here tonight and be part of it!
HOCICO: One of the most iconic names in harsh electro and dark industrial, Mexico’s Hocico are known for their explosive live shows, razor-sharp beats and unfiltered aggression. A masterclass in dark adrenaline that's certain to heat up the venue. Hocico joins forces on stage with Tlilik Tekuani – La Tribu del Jaguar Negro, bringing a fierce and immersive show rooted in ancient Mexican warrior traditions. This will be a night where aggro-tech and industrial chaos meet Mexican ancestral power.
I have seen them many times in the past and thus expecting a lot from this headliner and I must say that I really love them in this venue and with the extra help they get from the above mentioned artists! Just the intro is worth it and points out this has to become their final form! I feel this is it: ultimate perfection! It’s the perfect setting for their raw energy! It’s also the highlight of today and maybe even the highlight of this festival (for sure until now)! They are bombing us: hit after hit whilst the large crowd is cheering, dancing, working out the right vibe! Even the tired fans are getting up and giving all they have! It’s a feast! The roof is on fire, waking up the whole neighbourhood with their passion and raw energy! This is it! I could write pages about how good, how excellent this was: this is how every gig should be! It’s a master class! Happy this new form is their final destination!
Wow, it will be hard getting sleep after such a highlight, so see you tomorrow for the last blow as today was EPIC!
PS: no way I could work myself towards the front to shoot some pics for this last one. But the words say enough.
