DESERTFEST ANTWERP

Carlton Melton is not your average band. These Californians are known for their trippy, experimental sound that blends elements of psychedelia, drone, and space rock. Their music is a true trip, both figuratively and literally - it's the kind of sound that makes you want to close your eyes, let go, and float away on a sea of pure, unadulterated rock and roll. This is a band skilled in blowing minds while expanding musical horizons at the same time so we couldn’t be happier to invite them to Antwerp to do their magic.

Cult of Luna is a post-metal band hailing from Umeå, Sweden that brings forth a crushing sonic experience. With over two decades of experience, they have become a force of its own by constantly testing and expanding the boundaries of what is considered heavy. From monumental riffs through delicate melodies all the way to suffocating vocals, their music will pierce right through your soul and leave you exposed to the vastness of the void.

Dopelord is a Polish doom metal band blending crushing riffs with psychedelic vibes. Formed in 2010, they draw from classic doom and stoner rock. Albums like Hippie Killer and Sign of the Devil showcase their heavy, hypnotic sound. They are known for intense live shows and their devoted cult following across Europe.

Los Angeles is a wishing well in terms of bands from a variety of musical corners, so here’s one that escapes easy categorization. Blackwater Holylight seamlessly blends heavy psychedelic rock with ethereal shoegaze, creating a sound that is both haunting and uplifting. Their presence at Desertfest Antwerp will be felt across time and space so brace yourself for what’s to come.

Texan heavy rock ‘n’ rollers under the banner of Duel are a joy to witness live due to their effortless charisma and a bucketful of lethal riffs they always carry along. Inspired by 70s proto-metal sound and aesthetic, Duel take it a step further and spice up the formula with a fat dose of psychoactive magic. If you’re a sucker for mean and addictive riffage, then look no further, as Duel got you covered on that very front.

Hailing from the gritty streets of Philadelphia, Heavy Temple combines the epic power of doom metal with the hypnotic grooves of psychedelia to create a sound that is both primal and supernatural. Calling themselves purveyors of fifth dimensional riffs, we have a feeling they are up to some mad business.

Howling Giant blast forth a cosmic convergence of pulpy sci-fi themes and blistering psych-metal. Across numerous tours and festival appearances, three EPs and their first full album, the trio harness heavily nuanced progressive riff-rock complemented by otherworldly storytelling and the enduring message that the universe in which we live could stand to loosen up.

King Buffalo’s sound oscillates somewhere between hyper focused progressive rock and kraut- driven psychedelic void cruising. Hailing from Rochester, New York, this power trio is no stranger to the European scene as they’ve toured around quite extensively over the years. Their steady development during that time has been a wonder to admire. Aside from kicking ass and taking no hostages, they’re also known for their unique blend of heavy psych, blues, and dreamy ambient soundscapes. Something stellar to experience live!

Where walks Mantar, destruction and agony follow. This German two-piece band creates an explosive blend of blackened doom with hints of punk and drops of sludge. Known for their rabid sound, relentless live shows, and a fierce DIY attitude, Mantar has been carving their own path in the heavy music scene since their formation in 2012. No words can do justice to what they deliver on stage, so make sure to come and see for yourself.

Hailing from the home of metal, Birmingham UK, Margarita Witch Cult are the Sabbath City’s newest heirs to the throne of darkness serving a merciless connotation of stoned sludge, demented thrash and proto-metal weirdness. From the smoky depths of their rehearsal space to the bright lights of the stage, Margarita Witch Cult is not as much a band as it is an unholy collective of riff fiends. So grab a drink, light some candles, and join the cult.

Nebula draws its power from both the desert and the cosmos. Orbiting the underground for more than 20 years now, it’s fair to say they have mastered the craft of feedback-drenched tonal bonanza to utmost proficiency. Their music bursts with grit, contains heavy traces of blues and just flows all so organically – seemingly into infinity. Expect a wild ride through galaxies as distant as they may seem familiar.

No stranger to the scene, Siena Root returns to the Desertfest grounds to bring about a kaleidoscope of sensations any keen soul can get hooked on. Where genres blend and music flows untamed, there graze the creative minds behind this endeavor. With their captivating sound, they bring together elements of rock, blues, and traditional folk music to create a unique, foot- stomping sound that will have you hooked from the first note.

With a band name like this you kind of know what territory you’re getting into. The Atomic Bitchwax brings forth a furry of cosmic blows to the head, ravaging drum blasts, wacky lyrics and a hella groovy take on the wider stoner rock aesthetic. This lethal power trio has been around for more than two decades now and have a solid reputation for delivering, so make sure to catch them when the time is nigh!

This Icelandic trio has been gradually establishing itself as an unstoppable rock and roll machine for the past 15 years now. Considering they’re all about 18 years old each – it’s quite an accomplishment! Jokes aside, The Vintage Caravan is a force to be reckoned with as their concerts are explosive, leave people shoeless and with their minds stranded in parallel dimensions. Expect a wholesome celebration of classic rock and roll that draws both from the past and the future to bring you an experience of a cosmic scope.

Born to rock and built to roll, Truckfighters are the ultimate desert rock pioneers. Hailing from Sweden, these riff-wielding warriors have been tearing up stages and burning roads with their thunderous sound since 2001. The Desert Stage shall crack under the fuzzy might of Truckfighters once again!

Yawning Man is the real deal. Drawing from the source, respecting the source and staying true to the source is what their music is all about. Warm basslines guide the listener as one ventures out into the landscape of sun-baked riffs and spacious drum beats. Brant Bjork himself once said it was one of the greatest bands he saw live. Hard to argue with Brant, so if you haven’t had the chance yet, make sure to check these legends out.

Year of No Light is a post-metal band that will throw you to the outer reaches of your mind. Hailing from Bordeaux, France, these sonic architects have been carving their signature style since 2001. With a sound that combines the crushing weight of doom metal with the ethereal beauty of post-rock, Year of No Light conjures an otherworldly vibe and then drags you through places you never knew existed. So come, join Year of No Light on their sonic pilgrimage, and lose yourself in the darkness.

What is it that makes Scandinavia such a proving ground for totally out-there spaced-out jam bands? With ties to the equally zonked Øresund Space Collective, Black Moon Circle tends to lean towards a darker shade of groove, but the approach remains the same: launch yourself head-first into a prolonged jam without any care where you'll end up. Without fail, it will be a blissful place for all involved, band members as well as their audience. Brace yourselves, this one's for experienced psychonauts only. But... this includes you, right?

Butch Kassidy have recently emerged as a curious novelty from the underground London scene and made quite some noise with their unusual blend of abrasive and hypnotic experimental compositions. Inspired by bands like Swans, Slint and Godspeed You! Black Emperor, their deafening live performances place them amongst London’s most compelling recent projects. Word has it that Butch Kassidy relies on improvisation when playing live, so a surprise is guaranteed.

Drawing inspiration from classic doom and morbid fascination, Dead Witches' music is characterized by distorted, slow riffs and a foreboding atmosphere. The band's lyrics explore themes of witchcraft, mysticism, and the occult, adding to their eerie aura of their haunting shows. If you see the classic (Slow Heavy Metal Music playing in the background) caption ever again, it is Dead Witches you should instantly think of from now on. After all their music is precisely that and they fully embrace with a confident approach and a pocketful of hypnotic riffs.

Monkey3 are an unstoppable force of introspective space exploration. Their take on instrumental psychedelic rock is nuanced and carries the listener through progressive soundscapes that together form a captivating spectacle that must be witnessed to be fully understood. Monkey3's music is the perfect soundtrack for a journey into the deep unknown, with each song taking the listener on a trip through imaginative landscapes.

Shellac are a class of their own. Hailing from Chicago, Illinois, they can be instantly recognized by their angular and blistering sound that is unrivaled. With no other than Steve Albini on guitar and vocals, Bob Weston on bass guitar and Todd Trainer on drums, Shellac sticks to the core power trio concept all so faithfully ever since the band’s inception in 1992. Despite their relative obscurity in the mainstream, Shellac has gradually developed a cult following and continues to influence a new generation of bands.

The Ocean flows to us all the way from Germany and brings music that defies expectations and buries conventions. Since forming in 2000, they have consistently pushed the boundaries of what metal can be, incorporating elements of post-rock, classical music, and even spoken word. Led by the enigmatic frontman Loïc Rossetti, The Ocean's live shows are a visceral experience with a unique sense of magnitude. Whether you're looking to be buried under walls of sound or drift away to calm and intricate compositions, this is something you will resonate with as their music draws from both sides of the coin.

This Will Destroy You is an American post-rock band that's been evolving ever since they formed in 2004 in Texas. With their soaring, spacious soundscapes they create music that's both epic in scale and intricate in execution by carefully layering guitar melodies together with ambient textures. There comes a strong sense of introspection and cinematic grandeur whenever This Will Destroy You hits the stage, so for anyone looking to climb some metaphorical mountains or float around in pure sonic bliss, this will be worth your time.

Sourvein is a sludge metal band hailing from Cape Fear, North Carolina. For over two decades, they have been roaming the underground metal scene and gradually sculpting their rabid sound and uncompromising attitude. Led by founding member T-Roy Medlin, Sourvein's music is a menacing assault of heavy riffs and raw emotion that speaks to the struggles of everyday life. With a dedicated following and a reputation for killing it on stage, the band lives on to tell the wicked tale. We are already bracing for the very impact it will have on us all.

Born of love for doom, fungi and herbal infusions straight to the lungs, Moonstone hails from Kraków, Poland and will bring some monumental cargo with them. Drawing inspiration from the likes of Pallbearer, Type O Negative or Sleep, they effortlessly blend epic harmonies with primal riff worship. Their music bears the risk of setting both minds and amps aflame. Come and lose yourself in the low frequency vortex of Moonstone!

LLNN have been making quite a stir in the dark corners of extreme metal these last couple of years with their sound exploring places of the most unsettling nature. They forge music that infiltrates every level of consciousness, tearing the listener from inside out and shutting all doors back to sanity. Expect nothing less than an abrasive trip to hell and beyond.

Louisiana’s finest, Eyehategod are an absolute essential act to experience. With their violent sound and uncompromising lyrics, the band embodies the very essence of Southern sludge metal. Their music is a visceral assault on the senses, leaving listeners confused, drenched in moral ambiguity and with an addictive craving for more.

After a fantastic display of classic doom metal showmanship at our 2023 edition, The Obsessed return to Antwerp for another round. It’s a class act whose cards are stacked with some genre-defining cult tracks. Heavy blues, sabbath swagger and that sweet distortion all coming together in perfect alignment. 

Apex Ten is a Belgian band that incorporates elements of space psychedelia and desert rock while leaving plenty of room for improvisation and intricate experimentation in between. Painting soundscapes made of dreams and mysteries, Apex Ten guarantees a flight high above without any particular assurances for a return back to Earth. 

Words can hardly describe the joy with which we welcome Rezn to Desertfest Antwerp. Drawing from a variety of influences, the band can be best characterized by their effortless navigation between the heavy and the light. What they bring to the table are riffs of galactic magnitude, plenty of instrumental variety and a strong affinity for the occult. This is just a mere taste of what’s to come and we kinda have a gut feeling this is simply going to be an epic spectacle.

Norwegian progressive black metal pioneers Enslaved combine the ferocity of black metal with intricate, atmospheric passages and forward-thinking compositions. Known for their ever-evolving sound, Enslaved continues to push the boundaries of metal while honoring their roots.

Post-hardcore icons of Quicksand aren’t easy to digest but that’s precisely what makes them stick. Hailing from New York and having formed in the early 1990s, Quicksand has left an indelible mark on the music scene by melding contrasting tones and delivering razor-sharp shows since day one. Their fine mixture of abrasive tones and clean, melancholic vocals stands the test of time and sees them continue their legacy after a recent reunion. An absolute must see of a show, be there or be square!

Brought to life by the enigmatic Kid Congo Powers, a legend known for his part in The Cramps, The Gun Club and Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, this fierce four piece dares to venture beyond the ordinary. Walking a four-dimensional tightrope through the sonic realm, the music of Kid Congo and the Pink Monkey Birds is infectiously groovy and kind of quirky at the same time. Expect a transformative  journey where vintage cool meets untamed innovation. Essential position for a curious explorer!

Please welcome Melbourne’s finest, Khan! While Australia may seem further away than the Moon itself, this band warps time and space in a way that bridges any distance. With each consecutive release Khan strikes gold and proves that heavy psychedelia is a realm bound only by one’s imagination. Considering our beloved Desertfest audience loves to drop out to music of introspective nature, we got something special cooking here!

No strangers to this unholy celebration, Belgium’s Black Mirrors return to Desertfest Antwerp to cast a spellbinding blend of garage and blues. With their magnetic frontwoman leading the charge, Black Mirrors' shows resemble a storm of sonic sorcery guided by commanding vocals and soul-piercing riffs. There’s no hiding, time to embrace the lure of darkness…

La Muerte is a cult Belgian band born in the early 80s that had achieved proper international success until they disbanded in 1994, only to return in 2015 to reignite their unholy flame. From brooding and suffocating to explosively aggressive, their music explores all things obscure. The depth of human emotions knows no limits and La Muerte delves right into the bottom. Dare to tag along?

Crucial component of the Belgian heavy underground, Fire Down Below ignites one hell of a sonic ride with their enthralling blend of stoner rock, sludge, and heavy psych. The groove is strong with these guys, as is their confident stage presence and emphasis on delivering a killer show every time they storm the stage. Don’t take our word for granted though, check them out for yourself! 

Bushfire is an international rock band that dabbles and dwells in the sounds of blues, stoner doom and southern rock. Members of the band hail from across the globe, starting from Portugal through Germany, Italy, Sweden all the way to the USA, but what binds them together is embracing the DIY spirit to the fullest. No cheap thrills, no masks. Pure gut-wrenching riff-bonanza!

Riff-spittin’, trail-blazin’, desert-cruisin’, Red Sun Atacama are on their way to light up the party. Once on stage and plugged in, these French beasts know no limits and transport their audience to a realm where the sun never sets, and their music ignites the soul. Get ready to surrender to the magnetic allure of Red Sun Atacama and embark on a musical journey like no other.

Featuring members of The Devil’s Blood, Death Alley, Shaking Godspeed and Birth of Joy, Iron Jinn unleashes a sonic onslaught that rattles bones and leaves audiences stranded high above. Their music summons the spirits of classic metal while forging an intricate path all their own. Prepare to be swept away by the relentless force of this Dutch powerhouse, a stellar sonic ritual is coming your way!

Astodan is a Belgian band that has been crafting a unique blend of alternative rock, post-metal, and post-rock since 2017. What started as an instrumental project evolved into an immersive sound where melancholy and power merge. With the addition of Bart Van der Elst on vocals, their music gained a new dimension, evident on 'Évora' and soon on 'Dirges', set for release in 2025 via Dunk! Records and Athousandarms. Inspired by bands like ISIS, Deftones, and Mogwai, Astodan continues to reinvent itself without losing its signature atmosphere.

These guys are bringing a fresh batch of vinyl, as their new release drops at the end of April. Heavy grooves mixed with metal-marinated stoner and a southern-flavored sauce on top. A Belgian battering ram reminiscent of High On Fire, Kyuss, or Cathedral. In the aftermath of COVID, they shared stages with heavy hitters like The Obsessed, Belzebong, and local force Gnome at festivals such as Desertfest and Reeferfest. This time they’ll serve up their classics alongside their new material. Not to be missed.

Satanic Witch is a secret commission project formed in 2022 by S, K, I and S, musicians from the dark ritual black metal scene. STNC VVTCH will introduce their first album “4:44” through cult label Ván Records and play their first live show at Desertfest Antwerp 2023.

Playing instrumental post-rock in Spain might not be the most obvious career choice, but Toundra has pulled it off. Formed in Madrid in 2007, they've come up through the tried-and-true method of hard work, working hard and then working even harder. Of course, it's all for naught if the quality isn't there to begin with, but that's where Toundra shines the most - creating a rich, sonic realm that their listeners want to revisit time and time again.

Embracing the ethos of musical freedom and exploration, Acid Rooster are a sweet fruit of Germany's vibrant underground scene. Hailing from Leipzig, they are here to drill their tunes into your mind and stay by the means of a killer mixture of kraut, psych and space rock. Their music is all instrumental and of an adventurous spirit.

Our favorite South African band makes their way to Antwerp again and we’re beyond thrilled to have them back! It’s been some long 5 years since we last welcomed Ruff Majik to our grounds so now’s the best time for a reunion, especially considering they were supposed to play here last year as their European tour got scrapped. Now with nothing in the way, the road to the ultimate party is wide open.

Opening the evening, Belgian trio Gnome will warm up the crowd with their adventurous blend of fuzzy stoner rock, progressive twists, and fantasy-driven storytelling. Their energetic riffs, playful atmosphere, and unmistakable stage presence make them a perfect opener for a night dedicated to epic heaviness

Three amigos from Brugge, Belgium who ride their vintage riffs on extended journeys into outer space. No words are needed, just pure instrumental jams that borrow heavily from all the classics but excel in addictive fun and free-range psychedelics. Check out their latest 'Moving In Silence' to hear what that means, but be aware that this is one trip best experienced live.