Discover the mesmerizing soundscapes of Cult of Luna, an atmospheric metal band from Sweden that pushes the boundaries of heavy music. With their haunting melodies, dynamic compositions, and emotionally charged performances, the Swedis band has captivated audiences worldwide. From the ethereal beauty of their ambient passages to the immense weight of their intense riffing, their music takes listeners on a transformative journey through darkness and light. The latest album ‘The Long Road North’ from 2022 is an awe-inspiring sonic odyssey that balances crushing heaviness with atmospheric beauty, creating an immersive and emotionally resonant experience that showcases the band’s mastery of post-metal. With its intricate compositions and haunting melodies, this album solidifies Cult of Luna’s place as one of the genre’s most influential and compelling acts. Experience the sonic mastery of Cult of Luna and immerse yourself in a world where heaviness meets transcendence.

Alcest are a constantly evolving band, offering something new and enticing with every new release. The shimmering guitars and lush vocals coalesce into celestial harmony before giving way to angular shards of black metal; the result is surely the epitome of the blackgaze scene that Alcest have spearheaded. The French band takes listeners on a journey through otherworldly landscapes, weaving together light and dark themes with poetic lyrics. For this show they will play their masterpiece ‘Écailles The Lune’ from 2010 in it’s entirety. Don’t miss your chance to be swept away by the enchanting music of Alcest.

Founded in 1991 by the then precociously young Ivar Bjørnson and Grutle Kjellson, Enslaved were determined to set out on a different course from their Satanic, church-burning peers, turning their attention towards Viking lore and writing the majority of the lyrics for their 1994 debut album, ‘Vikingligr Veldi’, in Icelandic for its proximity to Old Norse.

Contained within their fevered, sloshing riffs and pomp-infused atmospheres were swells of anticipation and an embryonic sense of destiny. They were tantalising glimpses of the wide-open spaces that have become Enslaved’s guiding principle as they’ve come to straddle the extreme and progressive worlds, with their restless spirit the source of an ongoing journey of wide-eyed discovery.start of the route to all self-knowledge. Of course, even themes of introspection were transformed into kaleidoscopic sonic adventurism, ranging from blackened, frostbitten charges, through lush, billowing, groove-bolstered updrafts to view-above-the-cloudline vistas and even dives into syncopated, krautrock-inspired wormholes. For Enslaved, each stage of a journey plants a seed for the next. Their latest album ‘Heimdal’ is another tangential act of discovery, a reflection of paths travelled, a promise of a new beginning, and a rite of passage between the two. Truly an album for all times. We’re honoured to welcome these adventurous black metal masters to Soulcrusher.

Discover the haunting beauty of Afsky. This Danish black metal project of mastermind Ole Pedersen Luk takes you on a dark and emotionally charged journey. As can be heard on the new album ‘Om hundrede år’. With mesmerizing guitar riffs, penetrating vocals, and atmospheric melodies, Afsky creates an atmosphere that resonates deep within your core. Creating those atmospheric soundscapes is where Afsky shine. The mix of beautiful acoustics, raw vocals, blistering guitars, and sublime melody all come together under one man’s vision, and form a very complete identity. Let yourself be enchanted by their masterful compositions, soaked in melancholy and despair. Afsky weaves a web of intense sounds that grips your soul and transports you to a world full of raw emotion.

As one of the titans of funeral doom metal they hardly need an introduction but for those living under a reef, AHAB exemplify towering, deathly, funeral doom metal with a nautical theme. Their music is heavily influenced by the works of American author Herman Melville, particularly his novel ‘Moby-Dick. The sound of the German band is characterized by slow and heavy guitars, deep growling vocals, atmospheric soundscapes. The dynamic shifts between tempo, melody and instrumentation, including layering and de-layering which is so gradual as to be imperceptible, indicate that they are masters of their craft. The music deftly morphs from gentle ambience to deathly doom and it’s a bewildering but enjoyable experience.

Glasgow, Scotland-based avant-garde metal act Ashenspire craft notable, theatrically-charged meld of various non-heavy rock anti-alliterations of folk, jazz and black metal infused craft — music which is emotive yet almost entirely “felt in the dark” for the sake of sheer idea overflow and the natural frustration of accumulated thoughts in process. Their second full-length album, ‘Hostile Architecture‘, expertly conveys the pressurized sensation of miserable unease, an unsure razor’s edge felt under the boot of ruthless corporate-comptrolled capitalism while exploring both subtle and outraged examples of exactly how this now “traditional” economic system becomes a psychotic grinder for humanity as population surges, personal freedoms wilt to new lows, and apathetic attitudes begin to appear by design. Ashenspire needs to be applauded for its bold yet timely exploration of ideas (both musical and political) from a place of admirable intensity, conviction which should ring through and captivate most listeners willing to hear a dissenting voice in fine pairing with avant-garde music.

Belzebong is a Polish stonerdoom metal band that has carved out a distinctive niche in the heavy music scene. Formed in 2008, the band is known for their mesmerizing and hypnotic sound, characterized by slow, crushing riffs and a heavy, fuzz-laden atmosphere. Belzebong’s music draws inspiration from classic stoner and doom traditions, creating a sonic landscape that is both entrancing and powerful. Their music often evokes a sense of cosmic exploration, taking listeners on a journey through dense, riff-driven expanses. With their impactful live performances and a dedication to crafting a unique musical experience, Belzebong has gained a dedicated following among fans of heavy and psychedelic music.

The Devil’s Trade is a Hungarian musical project led by singer-songwriter Dávid Makó, known for his captivating blend of dark folk, blues, and Americana. With a haunting voice and a mesmerizing presence, Makó weaves introspective tales of sorrow, introspection, and existential contemplation. Armed with his acoustic guitar and occasional use of other instruments, he creates a raw and emotionally charged atmosphere that draws listeners into his unique musical world. The Devil’s Trade’s music is characterized by its stripped-down arrangements, poetic lyrics, and a sense of melancholic beauty that transcends genres. From delicate and introspective moments to intense and powerful outbursts, Makó’s music navigates through a range of emotions, leaving a lasting impact on those who delve into his sonic realm. With a growing international following, The Devil’s Trade continues to captivate audiences with their evocative and soul-stirring compositions, solidifying their place in the contemporary folk scene.

Although Fvnerals is only a duo, the sheer weight behind their songs makes the music feel tenfold, which could be attributed to the crystal clear production, giving plenty of room for the ambience and echoing guitar tremolos to linger in the background and fill that negative space between each beat of the percussive elements. From the songwriting to the production, everything is just so masterfully done. Bringing together doom, shoegaze, and dark ambient the band based in Leipzig channel atavistic feelings of isolation, loss, misery, and despondency, but do so with the silken caress of a doomed lover. It is dark and haunting, sinister in expression and dense with apocalyptic grace.

The music of GGGOLDDD latest album ‘This Shame Should Not Be Mine’ is uncomfortable by design, not through dissonance or alien song structures, but through the lack of obfuscation of its subject. The smart songwriting balances ease of access with musical depth and thematically appropriate atmosphere. It makes for a memorable experience, if you allow GGGOLDDD to take you by the hand through painful, personal trauma, through seething anger and, true to its title, through misplaced shame. Shame that should be on someone else’s shoulders. It’s an unsettling, cathartic yourney and charts a path both through extreme vulnerability and the strength gained from reclaiming one’s past seemingly effortlessly. While it’s harrowing and unsettling, and will hit close to home for far too many, it’s masterfully crafted; every detail is thought through and deserves to be heard and appreciated, hopefully to bring some small comfort or relief to those who need to hear it.

Helen Money (Alison Chelsey) is a renowned American cellist and composer, known for her mesmerizing and genre-defying music. With her distinctive blend of classical, metal, and experimental sounds, she pushes the boundaries of what can be achieved with a cello. Helen’s captivating performances and haunting melodies have captivated audiences worldwide, earning her critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base. Her music evokes a wide range of emotions, from melancholy to aggression, creating a unique sonic experience that leaves a lasting impression. With her latest album ‘Atomic’ Helen Money has created a direct and emotionally stunning album which can flip between tenderness and fear, rage and serenity. A perfect example of a universal story being told by a master of their craft. The music is hauntingly beautiful, violent, joyous and filled with deep sorrow; each one confronts those emotions head-on, expresses them in its own unique language, and in bringing it all together, Alison has produced a truly extraordinary record. We are looking forward to hear this live on stage.

Iskandr has gained recognition for its captivating blend of atmospheric and raw elements within the black metal genre. Founded by musician O. in 2015, Iskandr’s music is characterized by its evocative melodies, immersive atmospheres, and potent emotional depth. O.’s compositions often transcend traditional black metal boundaries, incorporating folk-inspired passages and introspective moments that add complexity to their sound. The lyrical themes of the Dutch act explore nature, mysticism, and existential reflections, contributing to the overall depth of their artistic expression. Through their unique sonic approach and thought-provoking lyrics, Iskandr stands as a notable contributor to the contemporary black metal landscape. For this show O. will be accompanied by Mink Koops (Fluisteraars) for percussion and Thomas Cochrane on several brass instruments. We’re in for something special…

The music of the Danish four-piece LLNN is brutal, uncompromising, visionary and heavy, very heavy. Combining elements of post-rock, sludge, and black metal, LLNN crushes everything, not with technicality, nor with speed. It would be wrong to suggest that the Danes focus on heaviness at the expense of subtlety. There is more than meets the eye. With their uncompromising approach to music and live performances, this band from Copenhagen has become a force to be reckoned with. Don’t let the slow build of some of the songs lull you into a false sense of security: find something bolted down, hold tight and brace yourselves, this is going to hurt. LLNN will kick the living shit out of you, just to remind you that you’re still alive.

Lys Morke (Irene Talló) is a singer-songwriter, producer and visual artist based in Barcelona and born in the nearby town of Terrassa. Through ambient, electronic music and dark pop, she blurs the lines between genres and invites us to explore the inner emotional world with a nostalgic look. Whether with intimate ballads drenched in dark electronic landscapes – or with reggaeton, techno, autotune and thick bass sounds – her songs tell us stories of desire, cruel love and loss. An exercise of introspection and vulnerability that reflects the therapeutic process: feeling and materializing emotions in order to heal and rebuild oneself.

By their hammer let none be saved – the Icelandic band Misþyrming return to lay down the law with their new album ‘Með hamri’. It resembles the sound of the iron heel of black metal trampling the face of musical modernity. The music is deeply saturated with the vibrantly alive energy that Misþyrming capture so effectively on stage. The drums sound organic and powerful, the guitar distortion has a vicious bite, and D.G.’s vocals are as brutal and evocative as ever. The underlying spirit is one of action. There is melancholy, bitterness, and filth, but one of the album’s foremost characteristics is its relentless surge of determination. Never before have Misþyrming sounded livelier and more confrontational. Perfect ingrediënts for a show at Soulcrusher!

Múr is an Icelandic band that beautifully combines elements of post-rock, shoegaze, and dream pop to create a mesmerizing sonic experience. Formed in Reykjavik, the group crafts ethereal soundscapes that evoke a sense of otherworldly beauty. With their shimmering guitars, atmospheric textures, and haunting vocals, Múr transports listeners to a realm where introspection meets sonic exploration. Their music is characterized by a delicate balance between delicate melodies and expansive walls of sound, creating a captivating and immersive listening experience. Drawing inspiration from the Icelandic landscape and their own personal introspections, Múr weaves together a tapestry of emotions through their music, inviting listeners to embark on a journey of self-discovery and contemplation. With their unique blend of atmospheric textures and evocative songwriting, Múr has garnered critical acclaim both within Iceland and beyond, solidifying their position as one of the country’s most promising and exciting musical exports.

Mütterlein brings doom, dark ambient and industrial, with a blackened aura cloaking everything. Drawing inspiration from various musical influences, their music seamlessly blends dreamy melodies with hypnotic rhythms. Mütterlein’s atmospheric compositions create a transcendent experience, layering, anger and harrowing darkness to express a peculiar and solitary grief. Led by vocalist Laure Le Prunenec, a doom-drench ritualistic feeling is apparent in much of the material, as if the listener is an unwilling participant in summoning, (or exorcising), these otherworldly sensations that shouldn’t exist in our environment. The music’s menacing and malevolent vibes give off this aura in spades and reeks of foul esoterica and destructive preternatural ambitions.

The music of Dutch artist Norn is quite an esoteric trip to say the least; densely layered melancholic drones collide with brick-wall ambient effigies, while the disquieting narration and grain-ridden dirges both build up hazy, unworldly vistas and subsequently warps them by placing the focus back on the perceiver of these very things. His latest full-length album ‘Oneirophant’ continues a meandering journey through the subconscious and presents us with nine new tales of destruction and transcendence. Norn uses it to allow subtle activity to ‘show itself’ as the random force pushes it across the lower limit of what is consciously discernable – something that aligns perfectly with the dream-based content and enhances the way it captures that what is lingering below the threshold of perception. This truly is apocalyptic ambient from another realm.

Panzerfaust is a Canadian black metal band known for their intense and atmospheric soundscapes. Formed in 2005, the band draws inspiration from historical events and themes, incorporating them into their music and lyrical content. With their powerful and captivating performances, Panzerfaust has gained recognition in the metal community for their unique blend of aggression and melancholy. Their music often explores dark and introspective themes, touching upon the human condition, war, and existentialism. Throughout their career, Panzerfaust has released several critically acclaimed albums, showcasing their ability to create immersive sonic experiences. Their sound is characterized by blistering guitar riffs, thunderous drums, and haunting melodies, all combined to create a sense of despair and catharsis. With their artistic vision and uncompromising approach, the band continues to captivate audiences and solidify their place within the metal scene.

The Toulouse have made their career defying categorization, and pushing each release to be something new, something more. From blackened mathcore to sludgy, dissonant black and death metal. With their latest effort ‘Rien ne Suffit’ Plebeian Grandstand have smashed their sound and rearranged the shards into a transfixing mosaic, mortared in concrete frantic noise. It is truly an avant garde work, building off the foundation created on earlier records of panic chords and blastbeats with a broad array of influences ranging from industrial, noise rock, post-metal, and jazz. Plebeian Grandstand have surpassed expectations and delivered one of the more remarkable and frightening extreme metal records of 2022.

London trio Pupil Slicer are a relentlessly savage proposition, and is sure to be one of the most exciting extreme bands of recent years. Pitched between mathcore and warped grindcore blur, the band grasp enough dynamics, hooks and melody to never let their music feel like an exercise in aimless white noise. Pupil Slicer is aimed at discomfort and jaggedness. Paired with eerie atmospherics, brutal severity, and a heart beating in the aftermath somewhere, it is a stunning meditation on chaos and clarity. What a show this will be…

Rorcal is an avant-garde metal band hailing from Switzerland. Known for their intense and atmospheric sound, Rorcal blends elements of doom, black metal, and post-metal to create a unique sonic experience. The band’s music often explores dark and introspective themes, and their performances are characterized by their raw energy and captivating stage presence. Rorcal has gained a dedicated following within the community for their willingness to push boundaries and experiment with different musical styles, making them a standout presence in the Swiss and international music scenes.

Silverburn is the new project of the Welsh multi-instrumentalist James Isaac, better known as Jimbob. As a member of both the brilliant TAINT and HARK, Isaac made great riff-filled albums and both bands gained reputations for powerful must-see live shows. The new album ‘Self Induced Transcendental Annihilation’ is a truly a ferocious, crushing and captivating experience, resulting in a lesson in passionately noise-laden music. It is a powerhouse of visceral noise, a savage cross between metal, sludge and hardcore, and when all bets are off, it’s a fight to the death.

Slow Crush is a Belgian shoegaze band that delivers a captivating and immersive sonic experience. An elemental of darkness is ever-present, but the lambent beauty of their music will offer comfort and hope in the longest of winters. With their second album ‘Hush’ the band offers an atmospheric journey, lulling the listener into a blissful trance state which persists in the memory. The flickering flames of this album are as engulfing as any raging inferno. Driven by emotion, romanticism and escapism, Hush is a captivating listen from start to finish and sees Slow Crush deservedly take their place as one of the finest bands the genre has to offer.

Svalbard is a UK-based post-hardcore band that streamline their assets into hard-hitting and emotional songs featuring stunning songcraft and necessary messages. With two critically acclaimed albums and numerous tours under their belt, Svalbard stunningly conveys exhaustion, frustration, and melancholy with every fiber while never forsaking its hardcore roots. Their live shows are a visceral experience that showcases their passion and intensity, making them a must-see band during Soulcrusher 2023.

Violent Magic Orchestra from Japan, often abbreviated as VMO, is an experimental music collective that defies conventional genre categorization. Founded by members of the noise and electronic music scene, VMO’s sonic creations transcend boundaries, fusing elements of noise, industrial, techno, and avant-garde into a cacophonous yet mesmerizing auditory experience. Their performances are known for their intense and immersive nature, combining visceral soundscapes with mesmerizing visual displays. VMO’s innovative approach pushes the boundaries of musical expression, challenging listeners to embrace the uncharted territories of sound and emotion.

Formed in 2017 from the throes of Philadelphia, Witching have emerged as one the underground’s most exciting bands to watch out for. The band’s sound has evolved into genre-bending, nightmarish, blackened melodic death metal that embraces and embodies the fusion of pitch-black intensity through black metal, sludge, post-metal, and more. With a handful of independently released EP’s, singles, and a full length album under their belts, a new lineup featuring Jacqui Powell (vocals), Nate Zagrimanis (guitar), Tatiana Buonassisi (bass), Samantha Hyla (drums), and Hazel Whitman (guitar), Witching are calling out to unify the masses by bludgeoning their way into a world where everything is formulaically stacked against them. Witching is marking their own path and marching head-on into a hellish ouroboros of self-destruction and self-discovery to share triumph and perseverance.

The music of Witte Wieven lays bare a stark-yet-sumptuous canvas of shimmering black metal and delirious doom, threaded together with the subtly unfolding dynamics of the best post-rock. It’s an incredibly physical experience and one that’s ghostly and atmospheric, its ripples of shadowy sound revealing everything and nothing simultaneously; one must possess the fortitude to peer deeply into their abyss to see the full fathom of emotions and sensations lurking down there. One minute compared to the other might suggest combative contrasts, but each minute is as crucial as the last as well as the next: with songs at their briefest being five minutes and stretching all the way to ten, the journey itself is arguably more important then the destination. Put another way, Witte Wieven are like the beings that lurk in the mist – a pretty sight, but with a tempting, dangerous darkness. And the landscape of their debut ‘Dwaallicht’ seemingly stretches infinitely…