A vast genre, spanning over multiple different roots and inspirations, post metal keeps fans invested both musically and emotionally. At the same time it knocks people out of their boots – what’s not to like?
Belgian Psychonaut took some inspiration from their fellow countrymen, Amenra, but they also welcome more progressive elements. Their melodies writhe around the listener in the most intricate fashion, hold tight and won’t let loose until the last note of the concert. That will definitely leave a mark, figuratively and literally.
One would say that doom metal with lady vocals is the most boring thing in the world. However The 3rd And The Mortal are nothing of that sort. They gravitate towards multiple different influences that go from darkwave, ambient, then trip hop at times to end up sounding like David Lynch movie soundtrack. Best part of it is how effortlessly they mix these, it’s not forced at all! Band was on almost 20 year hiatus but reunited in 2024 and will play in Josefov for the first time.
The pathfinder of blackgaze, Neige and co are back in Josefov after 4 years! Their leader definitely releases his more mellow side with music of Alcest while undoubtedly being black metal to the bone. Neige allows many various influences which melt to an eerie, ephemeral listening experience.
American Deafahaven is another representative of blackgaze however the music is way more fiercer in comparison to French Alcest. George Clark’s vocal range is impressive and would fit in an early 90s black metal band (had their albums been recorded on half broken vacuum cleaner and production was non-existent). One can feel however the post-rock flare and emotions the band is showing to the audience.
Ethereal A.A. Williams is a London based multi-instrumentalist that coined the name of death gospel for her music. Despite the slightly menacing name, there’s extremely introspective music, almost an intimate variant of post-rock. Music personal like touch. Not often you get such a beautiful breather during the fast paced festival.
Poland is establishing their position as S-tier exporters of extreme music and this year we’ll be treated with Dom Zły (which translates to “bad house”). Their variant of post-black metal is lyrically personal, almost intimate, with crushingly gloomy and poignant music. They can also really transpose those feelings on the audience during the concert, making listeners relate in seconds.
Belgian Doodseskader (which translates to “death squad”) is a weird pony (or rather two ponies). The band consists of a former member of Amenra and present member of Kapitan Korsakov. This duo somehow managed to make a combo of distorted synths, heavy, underline, heavy bass,rapping, singing and pure unadulterated rage work. Not only they make it work, but in a fashion that makes sense and has enough energy to power a local plant. A definite must see.
Being present on the Czech posthardcore scene since 1995 Lvmen has nothing to prove to anyone. They are a respected brand already. Many consider them as the Czech response to Neurosis but that couldn’t be further from the truth. It’s gloomier, sludgier, more chilling. One might experience an existential crisis during the gig, but what a beautiful crisis this will be!
The Pacific Northwest seems like a perfect place for a black / post metal project to bloom. Ragana is one example of it. Two witches (Ragana means exactly this in latvian) behind it are Maria and Coley who effortlessly mixed black metal with sludge, punk, ambient folk, wailing screams and clean vocals. Add to that plenty of soulful and sometimes politically charged lyrics and you have a recipe for an intense show.
