PARADUMb

We start the evening of with some grungy Rock. The local heroes brought some nostalgic vibes to the Copenhagen venue. A raw sound where it is easy to pick up on and get things started. The band has been around for a few years now and seem to have gathered some enthusiasts that came out early to see them. A solid start of the night.

Helge

In the other hall we are seeking some Black Metal here tonight and we get that in the blend with some Folk and a whole lot of atmospheric elements. The band is from Denmark and released their second full length album “Gidinawendimin” just a few months prior this performance. Enough to discover and the band does not hesitate to bring a powerful impression. From a more energetic track to a haunting sound where the band brings in some different instruments to give the sound just a bit extra. The variety is there and the songs seem composed with clever thought on how to catch the listener. One to watch if they appear on your local gig calendar.

Headstag

The next band made their way from Sweden to present us with some punk. Think skatepark energy and that times hundred. At least. Headstag is their name and they have a lot of enthusiasm along. The band has been around for some years now and seem to have a solid mind of what to bring. Sure, this may not be the most unique thing, but for some careless enjoyment, a wild energy and an evening to let yourself go, you are certainly in good hands with these guys.

Killing

For each genre there is something to find here at Dark Mental Festival, for now are switching to Thrash. The Danish Killing has been around for over a decade already and thus not a completely new name on the scene. A debut came out in 2021, we are unaware of something new is in planning, but for now we have enough to fill the set. An energetic performance helps the guys in bringing their sound across. They had a stand in for the guitars but it seems they found a good match here. A strong and entertaining set to watch.

Djevelkult

Djevelkult played the festival before and thus it was nice to see them appear on the bill again. The Norwegian Black Metal formation has been around since 2010 under this name. Three full length albums have been released since, of which the latest dates back to 2022. The band brought a lot of people inside to witness their darkness where the band mixes the chaos with a vibrant feel of atmosphere.

Haunting you from front to back, no matter where you are located, the guys have capabilities to keep you drawn in with ease. What we loved about them most is how their song structures are giving you all. It builds you up and takes you along. The band brought a guest along, Erik of the band Sarkom as a guest vocalist. A nice add to the show. Whether the guys are working on some new material is unknown, but we keep our eyes open for it as this show was the highlight of the day.

Stügg

Stügg brought a smile to our face. They are making Thrash and are local to the scene. Within seconds of the set you could see them flying around everywhere, an energetic show was ahead of those who came in and watched their set. Their album “Shepherd of the Pit” came out two years ago and we can certainly see that title come alive. Today the crowd was relatively mellow in their response, but some fanatics were giving back some of the energy given here today. It may be cold to walk from one venue to the other, but you certainly get heated with these guys.

Air Raid

Up next were the Swedish guys from Air Raid. They brought some Heavy Metal to the festival with a certain flare we did not see here before. Whilst the venue is not that large in capacity, the band made it look like there were performing for a couple thousand people. A charismatic touch that not everyone is given. Now sure, the band has some years on the counter, being active since 2009 and with four full length albums released they has plenty of ammo to draw from. Seems like the band had some dedicated fans along and this helped in getting it started here tonight.

Bulletsize

Also Bulletsize has been no stranger to Dark Mentak Festival. The band performed here before and it seemed that quite a bunch remembered their previous performance was the word of mouth goes round. Nearly two decades of existence for these guys and a good amount of released to pick their set from here tonight. Compared to other acts on this stage here tonight the Swedish Death formation is perhaps a bit static in performance, but the strength is found in their sound that rolls over you like a tsunami. Powerful tracks, fast and skilfully brought are leaving you with no time to get bored. The band has enough variety in the tracks as well, leaving you after a set which is always going to be too short.

Kirkebrann

The very last act of this year’s edition of Dark Mental Festival is Kirkebrann. A Norwegian Black Metal formation with a raw attitude exists for over two decades and have besides a substantial list of splits also two albums out. The last one was released about a year ago. The band has a chaotic and cold feel over them right from the start.

The sound is thick and present, a performance that seems distant at first but easily sneaks up on you if you dare to have your thoughts run off while watching them. A solid sound where all songs are much in line with each other, leaving it for the purist to dive deep and seek the details. Once you found your way into the set and the band brings it a bit closer to their audience, also literally by having the vocalist step into the audience, you can get the most out of this show. A nice closer to the night, for people who invest the time to listen with care.