Summer Darkness 2009
Posted on Feb 09, 2009 under Nieuws |SUMMER DARKNESS FESTIVAL
5 – 9 augustus 2009
o.a. LACUNA COIL | COVENANT | ROTERSAND |
THE CRÜXSHADOWS | GOTHMINISTER |
DERNIÈRE VOLONTÉ | KLANGSTABIL
De eerste namen voor Summer Darkness festival 2009 zijn bekendgemaakt, waaronder: VNV Nation, Covenant, Rotersand, The Crüxshadows, Gothminister, Dernière Volonté en Klangstabil.
De zevende editie is van 5 – 9 augustus in het decor van de Utrechtse binnenstad. Het festival focust zich op gehele breedte van de dark-underground lifestyle met muziek, literatuur, mode, klassieke muziek in de Utrechtse kerken, unieke crossovers.
Er worden wederom bijzondere samenwerkingsverbanden aangegaan, zoals met de Universiteit Utrecht, Attitude Holland, en Utrechtse musea zoals Museum Catharijneconvent.
Summer Darkness is een uniek multidisciplinair dark-underground festival in de Benelux, georganiseerd door poppodium Tivoli. Muzikaal richt Summer Darkness zich op gothic-metal, wave, cybergothic, electro, dark-folk.
Locaties van het festival zijn verspreid door de gotische binnenstad van Utrecht, waaronder Tivoli, Tivoli de Helling, Domplein, Domkerk, Het Academiegebouw en Museum Catharijneconvent. Deze bijzondere locaties maken dat Utrecht het tweede weekend augustus in zwart wordt gehuld.
Enkele headliners van voorgaande jaren zijn: Within Tempation, Echo and the Bunnymen, Bauhaus, schrijver Patrick McGrath, Paradise Lost, Therion, Front 242, VNV Nation, Covenant, Qntal en Ordo Rosarius Equilibrio.
Update: Emilie Autumn en VNV Nation hebben hun optredens afgezegd.
Voor meer informatie kijk op de geheel vernieuwde Summer Darkness website:
www.summerdarkness.nl
Voorlopige line-up:
5F-X [GER]
*rhythmic noise/industrial*
www.discogs.com/artist/5F-X
When half of the project 5F_55 left, Mike Brun went on solo under the name 5F-X producing a rhythmic noise and industrial assault to be reckoned with. Breaks and drum-n-bass influences galore and the 5F-X show at the infamous Maschinenfest was a blast! Now it’s your turn, exclusively during the Industrial Night 911 on Summer Darkness, to witness this amazing Hands Productions signing in all energetic glory.
ABSOLUTE BODY CONTROL [BEL]
*minimal elecro / synthpop*
www.dirkivens.com - www.myspace.com/absolutebodycontrolbelgium
Influenced by bands from the German and UK (minimal) electronic scene, Dirk Ivens (synths & voice) formed Absolute Body Control early 1980, and was joined by Mark de Jonghe (synths) and Veerle de Schepper (backing vocals). After releasing a track on the “Blitzpop 1″ compilation and the release of their first 7″ single “Is there an exit?” (1981), wich became a local underground hit, Mark leaves the band. Eric van Wonterghem, who was in fact a spectator at the first ABC concert, filled in the gap and became Dirk’s new musical partner for years to come. Releases remained rare with tracks popping up on obscure compilations and tapes, but it would take until 1993 for the first and only ABC cd (’Eat This’) to be released. It took 80s cultact ABC 22 years to reform and return to the stage in 2006. Now the entire ABC catalogue is available and with a new smashing and popular album and single the ABC future is wide open again…
AMENRA [BEL] ***CANCELLED***
*droning dark postmetal*
www.churchofra.com - www.myspace.com/amenra
ATOMIC NEON [GER]
*old school gothic and wave rock*
www.atomic-neon.de - www.myspace.com/atomicneon
Aliens from another time and galaxy? Aliens looking to reclaim the atomic neon lost and hidden somewhere here on earth? A strange superhero story? Or some truth being told by Atomic Neon? A sound of pure mourning and parallels between the now and years gone by… Atomic Neon presents true old school gothic and wave rock pulled straight from the crypts of the bat caves inhabited by the spirits of for example The Cure.
BACIO DI TOSCA [GER]
*dark romantic classical chants*
www.bacio-di-tosca.de - www.myspace.com/bacioditosca
Classically trained voices can not only be found in many a female fronted metal band. Germany’s Bacio di Tosca features the manifold classical chant of Dörthe Flemming as main focal point in their dark romantic style. Although Flemming can be considered to be one of the originators of the heavenly voices genre, she has forged ahead and carved a neoclassical niche all of its own. Recalling the German Kunstlied, popular during the Romantic period, Basco di Tosca puts composers like Schubert and poets like Heinrich Heine and Karoline von Günderrode in a new and gloomy dress. Exclusively at Summer Darkness for a special church concert, Bascio di Tosca is thé voice of sadness.
THE BIRTHDAY MASSACRE [CAN]
*gothic synthrock/emo-wave*
www.thebirthdaymassacre.com - www.myspace.com/thebirthdaymassacre
The Canadian outfit The Birthday Massacre has graced the stages of the Summer Darkness festival several times before. And with good reason that is! For there’s no such thing as a good and splendid ´dark´ party without a genuine “blood bath”, is there? Well: Summer Darkness festival agrees and therefore this band is back due to massive - and kind of overwhelming - public response and demand following the previous festival shows.
If you were there you will know – if you weren’t: The Birthday Massacre is a totally live and energetic young bunch of people that will delight you to the point at which you will declare this band one of the highlights of the festival weekend!
Hits galore for example: maybe you recall ‘Violet’ from your “dark” dance nights? This red thread of catchy dark and ominous styling with a rocking backdrop and backbeat has been carried on to higher planes by these Canadian masterminds. Higher and higher and higher still…
Goth-rock, industrial, emo, wave and synthpop and -rock meet in The Birthday Massacre for one hell of a smashing show. This year Summer Darkness presents both The Crüxshadows ánd The Birthday Massacre so for the newest vibes of the newest of rocking new-wave gothic you’re either there or you know:: | SQUARE | …..
Yep! It’s Summer Darkness festival with an awesome load of surprising acts, plus: The Birthday Massacre back in action due to massive response and demand and with a splendid all new and exciting live show full of dark rocking smash hits!
BRIGHTER DEATH NOW [SWE]
*death industrial / powerelectronics*
www.myspace.com/brighterdeathnow
Brighter Death Now is the personal musical project of Roger Karmanik, the founder of the infamous Cold Meat Industry record label. With Brighter Death Now Karmanik presents one of the most extreme industrial noise acts ever to hit your eardrums. Monstruous walls of cacophonous sound and terrifying noise with harsh squeals of feedback and utterly distorted voices turns your stomach. Skulls, bones, corpses, death and decay are amongst Brighter Death Now’s main issues image-wise, as exemplified by the often overtly explicit album artwork. However - Brighter Death Now also has a strange and maybe somewhat twisted feeling for the dark humorous side of Karmanik’s personality too. Infamous very limited releases, an extreme trilogy of records, a dvd and this year a live-cd, the Brighter Death Now catalogue is horror to completist collectors and severe audio torture for the casual listener. This is pure death industrial at its very finest; yelling, howling, demented - Brighter Death Now sets out to make your blood run cold and curdle. It’s with great pride Summer Darkness 2009 presents this amazing and utterly stunning death industrial act at this year’s festival. Consider yourself warned: Brighter Death Now by far is the loudest, harshest and most far out noise sound the festival not only showcases this year, but has ever had to pleasure to unleash upon its audiences.
CELTS WITHOUT FRONTIERS [NL]
*ball folk*
www.keltenzondergrenzen.nl - www.myspace.com/keltenzondergrenzen
Summer Darkness 2009 presents a lot of ball folk at the special Dom Square outdoor stage. Celts without Frontiers will be on hand for the full three weekend days with a half-hour dance instruction (featuring another dance each day) and a half-hour live set. On Saturday and Sunday this Celts without Frontiers set will feature even a special other musician turning this ball folk special into an XL-edition. Celtic sense and nonsense can be found everywhere, but very few people know the ‘real’ Celtic stories. Which is sad because these are very exciting, especially to the duo of Celts without Frontiers. Combining these original stories with music and dance, Celts without Frontiers takes Celtic lore and legend and turns it into an exciting performance. Expect a lot of dancing vibes, harp and hurdy-gurdy and enjoy this ball folk special at Summer Darkness 2009.
COVENANT [SWE]
*future electropop*
www.covenant.se - www.myspace.com/covenant
Between futurism and tradition Covenant’s electropop has enabled this top band to release awesome records like ‘Northern Light’ (2002) and ‘Skyshaper’ (2006). The Swedish top team hauls minimalist pioneers Kraftwerk and The Human League to the present and submits these influences to a hypermodern makeover. Traditional song structure is central to Covenant’s cold pop. Simultaneously, the drive and passion of dance music paints a picture of future landscapes and worlds to come. Covenant is a total experience for body, mind and spirit: a soundtrack for life itself. Throughout the years, Covenant has touched upon EBM, industrial, futurepop, minimal dance, ambient and new romantic synthpop. Always shifting gears, reshaping its sound, Covenant has searched for the borderline between past and present, history and cutting edge technology, warm and cold. Plus: Covenant live is a smash hit sensation! Thus, Summer Darkness proudly presents Covenant as its Friday headliner, back in action and exclusively presenting the forthcoming album ‘Modern Ruin’
THE CRÜXSHADOWS [USA]
*darkwave*
www.cruxshadows.com - www.myspace.com/cruxshadows
The Crüxshadows are one of the most well known bands in the gothic underground, or at Summer Darkness for that matter. Previous shows on the festival saw totally packed audiences go crazy for this darkwave sensation. So it will come as no surprise that The Crüxshadows are back due to overwhelming demand. Stealing the hearts and minds of dark music lovers all over the world with their poppy and catchy blend of darkwave, EBM, industrial rock, new wave and dark electronics, The Crüxshadows have been a hit for many years with dance beats and dark romantic violin as their trademark. Caitlin Kiernan and New York Times bestselling author Neil Gaiman rank amongst their fans.
Tirelessly touring, The Crüxshadows release record after record and play an amazing amount of shows. Hence: the band is a spectacular live experience to behold – with sold-out venues all over the world relishing in party vibes. The Crüxshadows’ explosive energy has no limits and grows with time; the albums get better, broader in scope and more densely layered. Back in action on Summer Darkness, the unique and powerful The Crüxshadows will surely bring the festival to euphoria once again.
CYBERCIDE [GBR]
*futurepop*
www.cybercide.org - www.myspace.com/cybercide
Formed a while ago, massively in action since 2006 Cybercide is a very promising newcomer in the futurepop field. Exclusively on the Summer Darkness festival, Cybercide will play its very first show on Dutch soil. Think swirling synths, techno beats, a dash of industrial and mesmerizing vocals. Think: VNV Nation or Assemblage23. Cybercide has shared stages with Nitzer Ebb, Angelspit and Panzer AG. The group is currently on tour with Combichrist. The future of futurepop is here and now. The future is called: Cybercide.
DANDELION WINE [AUS]
*ethereal post-dreampop*
www.dandelionwine.com.au - www.myspace.com/aninexactscience
Dandelion Wine are an ethereal post-dreampop band that while based in Melbourne Australia, inhabit a very different world. A world where the centuries bleed into one another to create a seamless whole. A world where medieval instruments collide headlong with electronic beats. A world where angelic vocals soar over waves of distorted guitars. A world where gentle acoustic whispers sit alongside impassioned blasts of inner turmoil. Dandelion Wine will enchant Summer Darkness a the market stage with special acoustic performances on all three days of the festival. So - there’s always a chance to catch this enigmatic band from down under, with their new record ‘Selected Anachronisms’ out now via Black Rain.
DERNIÈRE VOLONTÉ [FRA]
*military pop*
www.dernierevolonte.com - www.myspace.com/dernirevolont
The French band around Geoffrey D. called Dernière Volonté has its roots in martial dark ambient but has evolved into one of the most sexy and poppy offshoots of the military (folk) genre. Merging bombastic and melancholic atmospheres with historical themes and a passion for lust and longing, Dernière Volonté effortlessly crosses over from the neofolk or martial league towards true military pop. Having released numerous (split) singles in often very limited editions, albums like ‘Les Blessures De L’Ombre’ and the most recent ‘Devant Le Mirroir’ are fast favourites among many lovers of mesmerizing dark music. Live shows from Dernière Volonté are very rare indeed. It is therefore with great pride that Summer Darkness announces the very exclusive Benelux show at the festival this year.
DEVIANT UK [GBR]
*synthpop*
www.myspace.com/deviantuk
From the new and kicking British scene, Deviant UK is one of the stars of the European Dark Alternative stage. The debut album ‘Barbed Wire Star’ included anthems like ‘Raptured Saints’ and ‘Access Denied!’. Deviant UK immediately made a mark with a unique and powerful, distinctive sound and instant accessibility. On stage Deviant UK takes this triumphant effort to even higher levels, having played numereous festivals and opening for VNV Nation, The Crüxshadows and Rotersand. Deviant UK is true English synthetic pop with a black heart; angst-ridden and coated in ice. Get your dancing vibes in prime mode for this smash hit sensation!
EMBRUN [BEL]
*traditional ball-folk*
www.embrun.be - www.myspace.com/embrunfolk
During the high days of dance music in Belgium, musicality is often hard to find. But EmBRUN proves that playing for dancers can also be enjoyable and is not only about swing. With five brilliant musicians and a whole load of instruments they can entertain both dancers and listeners. Their compositions sound very traditional and renewing at the same time and are played with lots of dynamics and energy. That’s why EmBRUN is one of the hottest and finest groups in the folk-dance scene. Be there and bring your dancing shoes at the Dom Square stage on the Saturday and Sunday afternoons of Summer Darkness.
EMILIE AUTUMN [USA] ***CANCELLED***
*victorian violin industrial*
www.emilieautumn.com - www.myspace.com/emilieautumn
Sometimes life is a bummer, even for a festival organization like Summer Darkness. This week VNV NATION and EMILIE AUTUMN announced there cancellation for Summer Darkness Festival, Utrecht. Both gave private circumstances as the reason for their cancellation. Both Summer Darkness and the management of Emilie Autumn and VNV Nation deeply apologize for the inconvenience. Because of the cancellation of the Emilie Autumn show on Thursday the 6th of August the 5-day ticket is replaced for a 4-day ticket.
EISBRECHER [GER]
*industrial darkelectro rock*
www.eis-brecher.com - www.myspace.com/eisbrecherkommando
In 2002 a new Ice Age fell over Germany… Eisbrecher was formed on the ashes of Megaherz to aim for music beyond the usual metal clichees. Eisbrecher’s industrial darkelectro rock forges a unique brand of modern electro trip rock. Emotional, honest, forthright and no compromises… a cold seductive journey through human relations in a world getting darker still… Heavy industrial beats clash with skewed electro, pounding guitars and rousing melodic stabs topped by the cynical vocals - that Eisbrecher for you. Dark and sexy, ominous but appealing, sensuous and destructive - two meters tall singer Alexx is a man of controverses, polarising and ensnaring in equal measure. Hugely popular in Germany, it’s about time The Netherlands get to know the mesmerizing and overwhelming power of Eisbrecher! Hoist the flags and raise the storm: Eisbrecher are more than ready to blaze the trail without any holding back - wild, wicked, seductive, dangerous, violent and full of brute force. Are you ready for the new ultimate Ice Age?
THE FORESHADOWING [Italy]
*gothic down-tempo metal*
www.theforeshadowing.com - www.myspace.com/theforeshadowing
Italy’s The Foreshadowing rushed themselves into the abyss of the world in the fall of 2005. Yes- we can trace several band-members back to either Spiritual Front or Klimt 1918 (both presented at Summer Darkness festival before); still: upon perfecting the true line-up of The Foreshadowing, this band’s aim is to bring you into an atomsphere of apocalyptic tragedy and alienation from humanity and everyday life with moody and powerful music.
FRONT 242 [BEL]
*EBM*
www.front242.com - www.myspace.com/front242
Belgium’s Front 242 doesn’t need any introduction. This powerhouse of pioneering electronic music in the eighties and onwards has been a mainstay from 1981 onwards playing all huge festivals in the Lowlands and beyond. Front 242 not only sold over 2 million albums worldwide, the band above all has never dabbled in mainstream pop, but remained at the very forefront of innovative and cutting edge music for way more than twenty years. Front 242 of course is also the founding act of Electronic Body Music (EBM), a style of dance music that’s been extremely important to house, techno, industrial and has served as main influence for vast groups of cybergothic, darkelectro and futurepop acts. Taking cues from the fledgling industrial scene of the early eighties Front 242 takes the heavy,monotonous rhythms, adds pulsating sequencers and brutal, distorted vocals. Clearlyaiming for the dancefloor, Front 242 gives birth to EBM in a mix between Moroder, Kraftwerk, Suicide and D.A.F.. It’s this special blend of synthpop, loud aggressiveindustrial beats and Jean-Luc de Meyers’s haunting voice that rapidly yields attention and success for Front 242. Inspiring and influencing the likes of Ministry, Skinny Puppy and Nine Inch Nails, Front 242 has always remained a brutal live force to be reckoned with. At Summer Darkness 2007 Front 242 presented a mesmerizing best-of show kicking off the festival. This year this amazing and legendary top act is back in true live action at the festival, headlining and spearheading the programme at peak of the festival weekend. Dynamic, pounding, uncompromising; Front 242 is pure electronic live music for body and mind; the father of EBM, the industrial act avant-la-lettre.
GAË BOLG [France] ***CANCELLED***
*mystical experimental folk*
www.myspace.com/gaebolg
:GOLGATHA: [GER]
*ritual ambient / neofolk*
www.ikonenmagazin.de/golgatha/ - www.myspace.com/schaedelstaette
Named after the common name of the site where the Christian prophet Jesus was crucified :Golgatha: started out in 2004 as a one-man sound-art project. With the addition of S. Marleni the band moved its sound from pure neofolk to dark ambient with ritual touches. At the core lies the ideological and religious conflict between east and west, with the music of :Golgatha: being the careful reflecting of this seemingly eternal conflict on a mythical as well as concrete level.
GOTHMINISTER [NOR]
*undead-cyber-metal*
www.myspace.com/gothminister
‘Gothic Electronic Anthems’ is the title of one of Gothminister’s albums. And exactly this style of dark electronic music has brought the group tremendous success in Germany. Gothminister managed to further develop its sound and switch its prime focus to dark electronic metal with the introduction of heavy guitars into its music, complete with bombastic orchestrations. Gothminister is no band for the small stage; expect a grand theatrical show and a lot of bold gestures. Right in the undead middle of cyber and metal!
GRENDEL [NED]
*EBM/industrial dance*
www.grendel-base.com - www.myspace.com/grendel
With ‘Harsh Generation’ the harsh EBM act Grendel returned to the front line of fire. Hammering beats, full bass sounds, rattling noise parts; it’s all there in the club and dance floor oriented darkelectro with dashes from trance. As always, Grendel is heavy, pitch-dark and stunningly energetic. Harsh EBM/industrial dance without compromise, like no other: Grendel. Be there and be part of the harsh generation.
INLINE.SEX.TERROR [Greece]
*darkelectro / industrial*
www.inlinesexterror.com - www.myspace.com/inlinesexterror
George H. is one of Greece’s most well-known organisers and DJs in the dark underground scene, having put on gigs by acts like VNV Nation, Blutengel, Combichrist and the like; apart from being the resident DJ at most of Greece’s dark underground parties and festivals. Now – exclusively at Summer Darkness 2009 – George H’s darkelectro / industrial projct Inline.Sex.Terror will present the brand new EP due to be released on Danse Macabre this fall! This EP will feature remixes by none other than hot-shots like: Suicide Commando, Leather Strip and Wumpscut! So: live on stage, late night, during Friday night’s Cyberia at Summer Darkness 2009: Inline.Sex.Terror live on stage.. Expect: hellectro, Front 242 meets The Retrosic, powerful, club-friendly EBM and as such: a delight for fans of Combichrist and Suicide Commando… High industrial energy for the creatures of the night…
IRFAN [Bulgaria]
*traditional neoclasscial folk*
www.myspace.com/irfantheband
Fans of genuine folk know their way around labels and thus highly appreciate Prikosnovenie. This French label along its many years in splendid practice has enhanted the musical world with amazing folk sounds from all across Europe. In 2003 the label released ‘Same’ by Irfan. This album remains a must-have for all fans of Dead Can Dance; and – for all lovers of ethereal folk and heavenly voices music.
Irfan, from Bulgaria, mixes Balkan’s melodies and percussion, powerful multi-harmony vocals and traditional, yet all too contemporary musical folk moods into a folk-blend which is mystical, enchanting, authentic, traditional, sacral or sacred…. plus: a sound totally one of a kind… Think Dead Can Dance; think Sarband; think Le Mystère des Voix Bulgaires and Soeur Marie Keirou…
KATZENJAMMER KABARETT [FR]
*baroque death rock krautpop cabaret*
www.katzenjammer-kabarett.com - www.myspace.com/katzkab
Katzenjammer Kabarett uses influences found in far too many styles to pin-point this idiosyncratic band to just one genre. Their compositions are diletante and frivolous works hinting back to several past movements, still urgent and peculiar in atmospheres between pop, electronic music, krautrock, classical, jazz, deathrock, baroque stylings and new wave. All of course with a cool and slightly goulish gothic and cabaret touch. Magical, cynical, absurd? All in one? Darkness on the verge of hangover cabaret? Come and judge for yourself: Katzenjammer Kabarett deals in highly original dark underground pop and rock like no-other. It’s with great pride Summer Darkness 2009 announces the exclusive Benelux performance and album presentation by this unique and impressive act.
KLANGSTABIL [GER]
*electronic and industrial sounds from a human heart and soul*
www.klangstabil.com - www.myspace.com/klangstabil
Electronic and industrial music is often cold and devoid of human touch. Not so with the duo Klangstabil. Maurizio Blanco and Boris May specialise in a unique layered and very well produced intelligent electronic/industrial sound that comes straight from the human heart and soul. Experimental and a full display of two men and their personal expression through music, Klangstabil is one of the most inspiring signings on the infamous Ant-Zen label. One step back, two steps forward: with this attitude Klangstabil has, since 1994, created its own niche by taking principal elements of the very beginning of electronic music and relating these to modern times. In order to understand what surrounds us day by day, one has to see things from the perspective of creation; one has to go and live through the decades of a wide musical spectrum and thus Klangstabil takes it all in and continues to give an acoustic answer to the question: “what’s next?” With its most recent album ‘Math and Emotion’ (2008) Klangstabil has reached its momentary zenith. On Summer Darkness Klangstabil will present this album and tracks from the long-lasting career in a smashing and mind-blowing live performance.
KLOQ [GBR]
*dark alternative pop*
www.klow.co.uk - www.myspace.com/kloq
Past, Present and Future – this motto quite aptly sums up the dark alternative pop style of UK-sensation Kloq. A love affair with the early electronic pioneers OMD, Depeche Mode and Kraftwerk paired with Nitzer Ebb, FLA and Cabaret Voltaire and even techno – and acid house influences – this is the backbone for the catchy Kloq cocktail. Groovy dance floor killers all around, so get your dancing spirits up for this!
KORPIKLAANI [FIN]
*folk rock & metal*
www.korpiklaani.com - www.myspace.com/korpiklaaniofficial
Long winters, short summers; sure – Scandinavia is the prime spot for what we, as the Summer Darkness festival, call dark music, right? Right?! Well; think again! Korpiklaani hail from Finland. The winters are very long there. The summers are short. Darkness abounds. So?
So – either you wallow in denial and darkness or you decide to party! Korpiklaani may have started out as a total folk band, meanwhile the group has added rock and metal touches to their sound. Rooted firmly in Scandinavian folk, Korpiklaani is now one of the most prominent forces in the metal-folk movement. Punk, rock, metal and still a lot of folk – it’s all present in the present day Korpiklaani.
This is pounding and crushing metal riffs meeting folk melodies. This is the downer-vibe of metal set next to the happy sounds of pure and unadulterated market folk. This is Finnish folk from yonder and afar set next to Finnish rock and metal from the present-day. This is acoustic snares and bagpipes meeting down-tuned electric guitars and pounding drums.
Cheerful folk meets dark metal sounds. Still: the beat is pounding, the riffs shudder your insides: “beer-metal”? Nope: a genuine cross-over between the dark side (the heavy riffs and drums) and the upbeat folk melodies and tunes….
Where cheers and darkness meet – you will find Korpiklaani for a smashing night of hopping around in the splendour of dancing the night away to tunes either light or dark - or somewhere in between: one thing’s for sure: you WILL enjoy your time at and with Korpiklaani if you’re somewhat into dark-meeting-cheerful folk…..
LACUNA COIL [ITA]
*female fronted gothic rock & metal*
www.lacunacoil.it - www.myspace.com/lacunacoil
Hail from Milano, Italy! Lacuna Coil has made quite an effort to propel female fronted metal to a world-wide audience over the course of much more than ten years. Therefore it is with great pride that Summer Darkness festival 2009 can now announce Lacuna Coil as the very special opening act on the Wednesday night of this years festival!
Summer Darkness festival 2009 now proudly presents the opening spot of this year’s festival for the international superstars: Lacuna Coil.. For over ten years gothic imagery and music has met with swirling keyboards and melodic metal/rock sounds. In recent years Lacuna Coil has managed to down-tune to a heavier and more guitar-driven metal style.
Lacuna Coil has played on Ozzfest, Wacken Open Air and with Bullet for my Valentine, just to name a few. In The Netherlands the massive show on the biggest stage on A Camping flight to Lowlands Paradise in 2007 proved to be an overwhelming smash hit. Therefore, Summer Darkness festival 2009 once again presents a dark and heavy rocking act bound to cross over to the main stream with a totally unique, extremely high quality top-notch female fronted metal/rock style, just like last year, with Within Temptation on kick off day on the Wednesday opening spot.
Remaining true to the vibe of the well-known Lacuna Coil-sound several sparkling new songs may reveal some surprising (Arabic?!) influences… but that’s just natural to Lacuna Coil… Always expanding horizons, always powerful, always totally intense…And above all: straight to the point: to delight in a heavy rocking darkness….!
Discover the next league of the best of female fronted dark metal and rock - discover the new Lacuna Coil album called ‘Shallow Life’ live on Wednesday’s opening concert of Summer Darkness festival 2009! This is where the Summer Darkness starts….
LETZTE INSTANZ [Germany]
*gothic romantic rock-metal*
www.letzte-instanz.de - www.myspace.com/letzteinstanz
Massive in Germany, Letzte Instanz still has to conquer The Netherlands. Summer Darkness 20009 is proud to offer this massive romantic gothic rock and metal band this chance to present its massive and impressive catalogue to the Dutch (festival) audience. No mistake about it! Don’t think twice! Letzte Instanz is not the band to take a second chance or to whither in between! No way! Live at Summer Darkness 2009. Dark romantic (heavy) rock in its most eloborate form doesn’t get any ‘bigger’ than this; than: Letzte Instanz!
MODULATE [GBR]
*darkelectro*
www.modulateonline.com - www.myspace.com/modulate
DJ Geoff Lee is one of the resident DJs at industrial venue The Wendyhouse in Leeds. Modulate is his straightforward, nothing held back dark club electro project. No pissing about here. Straight ahead with pounding beats – a true skull fuck machine of dance beats and driving synths. Modulate takes no prisoners. This is good quality techno-body-music food for the club dance floor. Modulate: in your club, kicking your ass; exclusively for the Benelux at Summer Darkness festival!
MS GENTUR [GER]
*rhythmic noise/industrial*
www.msgentur.de - www.myspace.com/msgentur
Analog rhythmic noise and industrial sounds for the true die-hard lovers of grinding and scratching powernoise and electronic noise mayhem. Machinery gone wrong, annihilation of the bottom-line perception of melody and deconstruction of rhythm and beats – that’s MS Gentur for you! Therefore, this amazing and uncompromising Hands Productions signing will be exclusively present at this year’s Industrial Night 911 on Summer Darkness to blast industrial like it’s supposed to be: in the bleakest of forms through the PA, your eardrums and body.
NEGURA BUNGET [ROM]
*atmospheric blackest metal*
www.negurabunget.com - www.myspace.com/negurabunget
From a deep, dark forest comes the foggy sound of Neguar Bunget - all the way from East-European Romania. Nature with all its symbolism plays a prominent part in the mystical and dark ideology of this band, which members live and breathe the vibes, atmospheres and spirits of their native grounds. Negua Bunget transposes these vibes into a musical dark metal setting that thoroughly and totally transpires its native roots. For Negura Bunget is firmly rooted in the Romanian and East-European tradition. At the same time the band captures the lugubrious drone of Ukrainian black metal, while still maintaining a rather melodic touch. Sombre and pagan – tumultuous and intense – emotionally dark and black, yet somehow mystically pointing towards… towards… towards? A naturalistic, maybe even ritualistic, but above all: a natively and culturally deeply rooted true black metal sound…. Black metal with death and sublime vivacious harmony in close proximity… And also with the splendid sacred next to the profane, mundane… Haunting ánd evocative, Negura Bunget presents the newest of new brands of blackest of black metal on the Summer Darkness festival 2009 – heavy riffs and double bass surely blast, but there’s more, way more, creepingly, seethingly more to this band from the Transylvanian lands… For even in the blackest of blacks in Negura Bunget’s metal there’s light at the end of the tunnel… At the very end - somewhere between the sacred and the profane… Perhaps.
NOISUF-X [GER]
* industrial, electro, EBM *
www.x-fusion.com/n/ - www.myspace.com/noisufx
The world is doomed or worse- just went down the drain in a full frontal melt down apocalypse. What’s left is a wasteland and some zombies dancing on the ruins of what once used to be called Earth and civilisation. The beat drives hard and deep in this cold and hopeless place. Distorted and with pushing sequences; if all just went wrong; at least dance the worries or memories of a better place away… Thanks to the recurrent soundstructures and monotomy of beats full of catchy dance floor grooves provided by one man industrial technoid project Noisuf-X there’s fodder aplenty for the dance crazy ones left around. The last album ‘Voodoo Ritual’ is one hell of a call to arms for all industrial and EBM minded people in the club. Bouncy, fast, furious – a brutal blast for the dance floor for sure; Noisuf-X pumps the adrenaline like XotoX, FabrikC, SAM or Soman. And further. Highly effective, highly addictive: Noisuf-X will be the closing headliner of Summer Darkness 2009 at Tivoli de Helling. One last shot of harsh distorted beats for one last draining hour of pure dancing pandemonium; before the world comes crashing down for good…
NOYCE™ [GER]
*darkwave/futurepop*
www.noycetm.de - www.myspace.com/noycetm
Working under the motto of: The Future is Lost in our Past Noyce™ has mastered to supremely balance futurepop anthems and strong influences from the bygone years of darkwave. Noyce™ - nomen isn’t always omen – isn’t all that noisy. Instead and above all, this band manages to deliver strong and infectious melodic synth melodies, dance beats and mesmerizing vocals. These are songs to dance to in the abyss of your soul…
NULLVEKTOR [GER]
*breaks/industrial/IDM/noise*
www.bodyfunk.de - www.myspace.com/nullvektor
Smack in the midst of IDM, noise, industrial and breaks Stefan Böhm a.k.a. Nullvektor crafts a unique and intelligent highly evolved style of danceable electronic sounds. Always multi-layered, never predictable in flow, clever in beats, breaks and structure, Nullvektor is one of the most ear catching light bearers in the current electro-industrial scene. With two amazing records out on Hands Productions Nullvektor will exclusively bring his electrophrenique set to Industrial Night 911 on Summer Darkness.
ORFEO [NL]
*ball folk*
www.orfeofolk.nl - www.myspace.com/orfeofolk
This young quartet aims at ball folk music - music to dance to, with its roots in France, Belgium and Ireland, although OrfeO also writes its own material. Armed with two lyres, one harp, and (yes!) one actual drum kit, OrfeO creates a danceable atmosphere that equally appeals to young and old, metal fan or pixies hippy. If you really want to know how the paces fit together, OrfeO also gives dance instructions before the show! So you can rejoyce in true ball folk spirit with magic circles, jigues, andros and more.
OTHER DAY [GER]
*wave*
www.otherday.de - www.myspace.com/otherday
For far over twenty years Other Day has been a force to be reckoned with in the wave scene. High acclaim from fans and press for the records befell Other Day throughout the years. Shows however remain pretty scare and far and few in between. Enchanting moods, lyrical mastery, vocal elegance and a splendid mournful atmosphere – Other Day masters all these traits. Magical and with a slightly veiled mystical touch Other Day presents wave in a totally unique guise. At this exclusive Benelux festival performance expect a very special show and atmosphere. Other Day will also present the sparkling new album ‘Passage des sens - Fall: Wockenfuss’ so make sure not miss this rare chance to witness the utter splendour of this amazing wave act.
RED LIMO STRING QUARTET & FLOOR JANSEN (AFTER FOREVER) [NL]
*classical / gothic metal unplugged*
www.afterforever.com - www.redlimostringquartet.nl - www.myspace.com/flooraf
Many a fan of gothic or female fronted metal enthousiast might have shed a tear or two when Dutch international smash hit band After Forever called it quits earlier this year. Summer Darkness 2009 can now proudly present relief in the form of a very special concert by Red Lime String Quartet and After Forever’s Floor Jansen. Songs by After Forever have been arranged for strings by the band’s Joost van den Broek and with the occasional surprise or two these will be performed live and acoustically at a very special venue featuring lead vocals by none other than After Forever’s very own leading lady Floor Jansen. An intimate and highly special moment of relief for all dearly missing these splendid, orchestral sounds which brought After Forever its massive and deserved fame. And to once again have Floor Jansen send shivers down your spine with her amazing voice. Red Lime String Quartet & Floor Jansen (After Forever) will prove to be a sure fire highlight of this year’s Summer Darkness festival.
REAPER [GER/SUI/GRE]
*dark club-electro*
www.reaper-music.de - www.myspace.com/reapermusic
Vasi Vallis (NamNamBulu, Frozen Plasma, tour band member of VNV Nation and Combichrist, remixer of Suicide Commando, [:SITD:] and Absurd Minds) wins whole club dance floors with his ‘Angst’ EP and ‘Hell Starts with an H’ album. Towards the end of 2007, Reaper surprised again with a blasting and infectious EP of Suicide Commando-meets-Soman club dark-electro/industrial, entitled ‘The Devil is Female’. Stirring, seething, trance, danceable –must-see for fans of Kombat Unit and Grendel.
ROSA CRUX [FRA]
*martial / experimental neoclassical*
www.rosacrux.org - www.myspace.com/rosacrux
A martial and apocalyptic atmosphere! The band brings us directly to the heart of things. Obsessional, never brutal, Rosa Crvx explore the questions of life and death, of the anguishes and the human’s fears. They face the darkness; at the edge of the abyss, their steps progress on an unknown way which exists in the dark and opens to the light when we understand that the only solution is in the acceptance of mysteries. Rosa Crvx reaches down in the depths of the soul… Rosa Crux - a band who is face to face with what we are, will be or will not be any more. The new album ‘VeniteÝ’ will be released this fall and Rosa Crox will present this record exclusively for the Benelux at Summer Darkness. Expect a fully staged and highly theatrical show you will be hard pressed to forget…
ROSE KEMP [United Kingdom]
*down-tempo progressive rock with folk*
www.rosekemp.info - www.myspace.com/rosekemp
OK- listen- So: here we go: Just sit down and listen: for Rose Kemp is something really out of the ordinary… OK?! Just bear with us! Just trust us for a second: ok?! One might call Rose Kemp a ‘singer-songwriter’; in a way, of sorts… Sure.. Although: Rose Kemp begs to differ… For: she is no Nick Drake or Bob Dylan; she’s no Damien Rice or PJ Harvey… Rose Kemp is Rose Kemp! And that’s it. Seriously. Nothing compares to Rose Kemp; for she blends old school heavy and dark rock and folky.
ROTERSAND [GER]
*dark techno-electro*
www.rotersand.net - www.myspace.com/rotersand
Three guys, three musical styles; one band: Rotersand. Rasc – former member of The Fair Sex – brings first rate EBM to the table, Gun is responsible for the pop vibe and Kirschan’s remix and DJ experience keep the focus firmly on meaty club dance beats. But Rotersand is more than just these elements. Rotersand is a top club techno EBM act with a truly unique sound, effortlessly excelling in emotional dance hits, soundscapes and ballads. Strong grooves, powerful vocals and melancholic, yet catchy melodies put Rotersand right in the frontline position of today’s electro scene. ‘1023’ is a smash hit album, the last show on Summer Darkness was a huge success and now, back in full swinging action, Rotersand returns to the main stage of the festival for yet another anthem-laden set.
SCHWARZBLUT [NL]
*gothic electro / industrial*
www.schwarzblut.com - www.myspace.com/schwarzblut1
All is fair in love and war… Fair enough: but in a way this kind of IS Schwarzblut’s ‘mission statement’. This Dutch band is hard to pigeonhole… Sure: one might easily categorise this act into the electro-industrial sector… Still: Schwarzblut is a true live act! Schwarzblut also knows its way around wave and gothic rock. Schwarzblut can and WILL provide pounding beats. Plus: Schwarzblut above all: is not your average electro-industrial act per se! Schwarzblut may be Dutch; the vocals may vary from English to German; the music is equally varied from wave to gothic electro to industrial to darkelectro to gothic rock. Still: above anything else: Schwarzblut’s truest of bloods carreering through its veins and music is truly dark and black along the lines of: Goethes Erben and Skinny Puppy, of: VNV Nation and Das Ich… Plus: there’s even a dash of the mesmerizing Qntal to be found or even Joy Division or The Cure; somehow, somewhere… True black blood emerging from the true underground? Be there to check it out yourself! Schwarzblut is for sure one of the most promising new-comer acts from the Netherlands!
SEVEN PINES [France] ***CANCELLED***
*experimental psychedelic folk*
www.myspace.com/sevenpines
SIEBEN [GBR]
*neo-classical folk*
www.matthowden.com - www.myspace.com/matthowden7
Sieben is Matt Howden’s one-man show. Known from collaborations with amongst others Sol Invictus, Howden was a smash hit at last year’s edition of Summer Darkness. Back to popular demand he will once again delight Utrecht with his amazing looping skills and intense solo folk performances, both in club setting and at the outdoor Dom Square stage. Neoclassical, folk, multi-layered and above all utterly hypnotic: Matt – Sieben – Howden.
SPETSNAZ [SWE]
*EBM*
www.outofline.de/spetsnaz - www.myspace.com/spetsnazebm
Swedes Pontus Stålberg and Stefan Nilsson felt there was an emptiness in the EBM scene to be filled. True to the old school EMB style of forerunner bands like Front 242 the duo set out to stray from the fashionable futurepop or darkelectro. They took it upon themselves to carry the torch of DAF, Die Krupps and Nitzer Ebb. Spetsnaz has since then become the most prominent current EBM act in the scene; a missing link between the heavy scene and the more pop-oriented world. 100% intense and energetic, Spetsnaz hits the Summer Darkness festival with an exclusive Benelux performance presenting a new breed of classic EBM.
SPHERICAL DISRUPTED [Ger]
*ambient, electro, IDM*
www.disruptede.de - www.myspace.com/sphericaldisrupted
Spherical Disrupted is the current main musical project of Mirko Hentrich. Hentrich has produced electronic and experimental music since 1988 under various names and with various bands (e.g. Experimentum Crucis and Sick En For). As Spherical Disrupted Hentrich has made several releases since 1995 (on Audiophob since 2004) and has done remixes for P•A•L, Xabec, KiEw and Zero Degree. The mesmerizing ambient and experimental electronics project Spherical Disrupted played live all over Germany and Europe, including at some bigger festivals like Maschinenfest, Elektroanschlag, Schlagstrom festival and now for the first time at Summer Darkness. The sound of Spherical Disrupted may be described as a mixture between dark ambient and IDM including electronics, metal percussion and field recordings, with a dash of industrial’s chill. Mirko Hentrich is also co-founder and owner of the ambient industrial label audiophob and is working under the name of Paradroid as a DJ for EBM and ambient music in several clubs and at many festivals. Spherical Disrupted is set to play a show of ambient and electronics at the intimate and perfectly suited SJU venue early in the Saturday afternoon, so set your alarm clock and make sure you get there in time to chill out and relax to these mellow and incisive ambient sounds and moods.
S.K.E.T. [GER]
*rhythmic noise/industrial*
www.sket-hq.de - www.myspace.com/sketofficial
Rhythmic noise project from Rostock / East- Germany that began in 1994. The Rostock dockyard at the Warnow River, full of industrial noises and steel workers, proves to be a strong and lasting influence on S.K.E.T. The group fills the uncanny silence left when the docks were closed. It’s also the cathartic effect of music on negative emotions that gives S.K.E.T. its motivation to play. When the air is filled with noise of industrial sounds S.K.E.T. feels at home and safe. The band will surely be safe and sound and snugly at home exclusively live on Industrial Night 911.
SUICIDE COMMANDO [Belgium]
*EBM-industrial / darkelectro*
www.suicidecommando.be - www.myspace.com/suicidecommando
For way more than ten, make that: TWENTY! years, Belgium’s Johan van Roy’s Suicide Commando has carried the darkelectro heritage of acts like DAF, Front 242 and Skinny Puppy in its heart and musical soul. Bearing these influences on his sleeve: Van Roy turns these inspirations into a superb high-octane and highly aggressive, danceable EBM-industrial / darkelectro hybrid with distorted sequencers and vocals – aiming straight for the club-dancefloors.
This year at Summer Darkness 2009 Suicide Commando will not only present the new smash-hit single ‘Die Motherfucker Die’ live on stage, but also giving a live preview of new material to be featured on the forthcoming album ‘Implements of Hell’ (due: late 2009 / early 2010).
THE [LAW-RAH] COLLECTIVE [NL]
*ambient, IDM *
www.darkambient.net - www.myspace.com/darkambient
Working from the emotional perspective, Bauke van der Wal - under the name the [law-rah] collective - started experimenting with analogue equipment. Since the start the Collective has taken on different shapes and styles. Ranging from thickly layered drones, ambient noise and frequency manipulation to IDM-ish beats and melancholic ambient moods, the [law-rah] collective has released albums on Pflichtkauf, Force of Nature, Spectre and the most well-known: Ant-Zen. One of the true catalogue high lights is ‘1953’ narrating the disastrous flooding of the south-west of Holland. Recited by Hiekelien van den Herik, the one hour long story about a little girl who lives through and experiences this traumatic chain of events and the aftermath, is sure to send chills down anyone’s spine. On ‘..as it is..’ Van der Wal once again teams up with Van den Herik for another chilling foray into the imaginative force of music as a soundtrack for the film the listeners themselves direct. The last offering: ‘Inspiration’ (on Ant-Zen) is often described as the most accessible. This stunning co-production with Martijn Pieck offers impressive immersive depth in texture and soundscapes and even pulsating beats and IDM-glitches. The Collective is currently working on new material which might very well be included in this performance. Last year at Noise Central Festival the [law-rah] collective and SJU’s impressive PA-system proved to be a match made in heaven. Sub-basses, extreme frequency twists and turns and crystal clear melodies flowed perfectly. You just never know what to expect next from the [law-rah] collective, apart from a truly expert level of drones, dark ambient and experimental electronics! Now back at Summer Darkness for another surprising set: the [law-rah] collective.
TENEK [United Kingdom]
*electro / synthpop*
www.myspace.com/tenekuk
You think you’ve heard it all in electro and synthpop?! Well- think again! For Summer Darkness presents the exclusive Dutch live show of the Mesh sideproject Tenek! These Brits have been known to smash club dancefloors across Europe with tracks like ‘I Don’t Cry for You’ and ‘If I Should Fall’. Live in action at the Saturday Summer Darkness Cyberia Dance Night Tenek will not only blend in perfectly with the ‘greatest hits from the dark underground’ sound of this amazing Dance Night at Summer Darkness – Tenek will above all bring the pure synthpop spirit live (!) to not only the ‘dark music’ audience; no! – Tenek aims for, strives for, IS perfectly made for: the bigger audience(s) with its wonderful sound and top ‘anthem’-like synthpop dance songs.
TRIARII [GER]
*EBM*
www.triarii.de - www.myspace.com/triariiheadquarters
It is with great pride that Summer Darkness festival announces the very exclusive and unique live performance of German martial folk/industrial project Triarii. Lovers of neofolk, martial folk and pop and the likes, pay notice! Shows by Triarii are rare and seldom occasions! Taking its name from a tape of Roman legionary, this martial act takes the genre to a totally new dimension in terms of quality and depth. Thematically very well thought-out, musically cleverly achieved and utterly imposing in martial tones and atmosphere, Triarii send shivers down your spine and back up again. Desperate and strangely comforting all at once. To be the officer of the triarii was an honour. It made the individual one of the best men in the legion. A triarii officer’s pay would be superior to that of the other middle-class officers. This is the climax of martial neofolk! This is your chance to witness this summon of martial folk in full splendour. Check out the recent ‘Muse in Arms’ record and you know all you need to know: Triarii live at Summer Darkness 2009 is one of those shows you just cannot afford to miss!
TYR [FRO]
*viking metal*
www.tyr.net - www.myspace.com/tyr1
Exactly 999 years after Christianization of the small, scenic yet striking “Fyroyaland” began, a small group fondly remembering the archaic gods and rites came together to form the only Faroese Folk Metal band, TYR.”A thousand years ago, our people believed in gods such as Tyrur, Yyin, and Loki,” explains band mastermind Heri Joensen. “Another was named Tyr.”
The one-armed God of War-the bravest of all-became the eponym of the nordic quartet. Yet Joensen is no war monger in disguise and points out that T?r (also known as the God of Justice) is also revered for first seeking the avenues of diplomacy - an attribute that does not take away from this God Of War’s drive.
The band is a touring monster stampeding across Europe at an unprecedented speed. With almost every song based on Faroese or Nordic lore, TYR creates very true Viking Metal, sometimes bordering on or including elements from Folk Metal; above all - catchy reminders of the good old days of the Viking era and its Gods and lore.
Hymns of nordic Folk and pounding Metal summon the ghosts of TYR’s ancestors. Scandinavian mythology, Viking warriors, and heroic battles become the lyrical backdrop that accompany powerful Viking choruses, traditional melodies, and timeless Heavy Metal. TYR have refined their trademark sound in their latest work, Ragnarok. Now at Summer Darkness festival: the original Viking Metal sound on full metal display.
TYSKE LUDDER [GER]
*darkelectro/industrial*
www.tyske-ludder.de - www.myspace.com/tyskeludder
Mixing the overpowering styles of darkelectro, EBM and industrial Tyske Ludder has graced the Utrecht stages several times before, to mass acclaim. Focusing chiefly on the predominance of technology in our present day society Tyske Ludder paints nightmarish pictures of a world of machinery gone horribly wrong. This is ominous dance music with the aroma of a post-nuclear world. Be forewarned when this Frisian aggressive force descends upon Utrecht once again for an exclusive show presenting the new album ‘SCIENTific technOLOGY’. We guess Tom Cruise et al might not be too happy with that title and themes…
UBERBYTE [GBR]
*darkelectro*
www.vampirefreaks.com/uberbyte - www.myspace.com/uberbyte
Sturm und Drang killers from the UK – nothing more, nothing less. Highly prolific, Uberbyte made a smash impact not only with its highly energetic live shows across the globe, this newcomer also managed to brand its own style of EBM/industrial. Old school influences from Cubanata, Leather Strip and early :Wumpscut: are mixed with present and future sounds like those we know and love from Grendel or HOCICO. The result? A relentlessly rhythmic assault that will get stuck in your head for days to come. Uberbyte is the most promising darkelectro newcomer of 2009 and very much so on a rocket speed rise to greatness. On Summer Darkness, Uberbyte plays an exclusive Benelux festival show in which it presents its new album, due to be out in March 2009!
VELJANOV [GER]
*wave, dark*
www.veljanov.de - www.myspace.com/veljanov
For more than twenty years Alexander Veljanov has been one of the most enigmatic voices in dark wave and avant-garde. Originally from Macedonia and living between Munich, Berlin and London, little is known about his personal life. However, in 1985 the former film- and theatre history student joined Ernst Horn in Deine Lakaien; one of the best-known bands ever. One of the key elements for Deine Lakaien’s legendary status lies surely with Veljanov’s unique and enigmatic voice and delivery. Reaching deep into the hearts of his audience, his warm and soft, totally immersive and utterly impressive voice enchants either on record or from the live stage.
Apart from Deine Lakaien Veljanov has released three solo records and several singles. Him most recent album ‘Porte Macedonia’ traces his personal roots back musically to his native country of Macedonia. Not easily classified or pigeonholed Veljanov not only covers rock, folk and dark wave electronics styles, he also switches between English, German, Macdeonian and even more languages with great ease. This unique talent and legend shies away from clichés and expectations to express his highly idiosyncratic and vocally stunning musical ways with Deine Lakaien as well as solo as Veljanov at Summer Darkness 2009 festival.
VNV NATION [IRL/GBR/GER] ***CANCELLED***
*the grandmasters of futurepop*
www.vnvnation.com - www.myspace.com/vnvnation
Sometimes life is a bummer, even for a festival organization like Summer Darkness. This week VNV NATION and EMILIE AUTUMN announced there cancellation for Summer Darkness Festival, Utrecht. Both gave private circumstances as the reason for their cancellation. Both Summer Darkness and the management of Emilie Autumn and VNV Nation deeply apologize for the inconvenience. Because of the cancellation of the Emilie Autumn show on Thursday the 6th of August the 5-day ticket is replaced for a 4-day ticket.
WHISPERS IN THE SHADOW [AT]
*new wave / gothic rock*
www.noizeart.com - www.myspace.com/whispersintheshadow
No edition of Summer Darkness can do without true new wave and gothic rock. Basically bands like Bauhaus and The Cure born the soul child of the dark underground as we know it now. Taking the band name from a story by the infamous H.P. Lovecraft and lyrically dealing with the occult and mystic concepts, Vienna’s Whispers in the Shadow produces TRUE gothic rock, heavily indebted to original new wave. Taking cues from The Cure’s ‘Pornography’, but also psychedelic and progressive rockers like Pink Floyd, Whispers in the Shadow plays a special Benelux exclusive “vintage” set at Summer Darkness 2009. The show will include numerous classics and new wave styled tracks culled from the band’s massive over ten year spanning catalogue. Furthermore: this show is also the exclusive live presentation of the new Whispers in the Shadow record ‘Into the Arms of Chaos’. Therefore gothic rockers and new wavers both old-school and new-school unite! for these shadow figures on the prowl once again and still going strong along the new wave…
XPQ-21 [GER]
*electropunk / EBM / industrial*
www.xpq-21.net - www.myspace.com/xpq21
XPQ-21 is a band with two faces. One the one hand the band attracts fans of The Prodigy, Underworld, HOICO or Front 242 with its mix of electro punk, EBM and industrial. It brings aggressive infernos - such as ‘Dead Body’ or ‘Jesus Was Gay’ (both from the album ‘Alive’ [2005]) -that are very suitable for the dance floor. On the other hand the band uses a calmer minimal electro approach with melodic soundscapes. And if that isn’t enough, XPQ-21 as easily takes a nibble of EBM and techno as of rock and ambient. Add to this a decadent way of singing and you do not know what way to turn with XPQ-21. Maybe it helps to know that Funker Vogt, once a great example to XPQ-21, now likes XPQ-21 well enough to contribute a couple of remixes? Are you also ready for this intelligent crossover between techno and EBM? XPQ-21 proved to be an amazing live act at Summer Darkness festival before. This year the band is back with a vengeance and brand new songs, so expect a smashing and pounding electropunk show full of dancefloor killer tracks.
ZEROMANCER [NOR]
*electro industral*
www.zeromancer.com - www.myspace.com/zeromancerzentral
In the early 2000s Zeromancer was the new flavour of sex, drugs and technology hailing for Norway. The best newcomer of the moment received massive acclaim from both press and audiences around the world. Their intense and dynamic, energetic live shows paved the way for quite a success story. After a few year sub-radar Zermancer returned to grace with ‘Sinners International’. Huge expecatations are met with masterul meldodic finesse and topnotch electro-industrial. The album once again proves Zeromancer has the depth, the edge and the intensity to genuinely be th? band to beat in this genre. Exclusively at Summer Darkness 2009, Zeromancer presents the new record ‘Sinners International’ live on stage. Get ready for a heft dose of the finest electro-industrial around.