KAISERFEST
After four years of silence, Kaiserfest rises again. The festival, which first took root on a field in Oevel, is this time heading to the big city, namely, the music venue Trix in Antwerp. The mission remains unchanged: a loud and raucous celebration of Kempen punk and the alternative scene.
The Ex / Rancid / Converge / GB / La Fille d’Attaque
Captain Kaiser
Five sons of the Kempen region, punk through and through, and all about no-nonsense energy, that’s Captain Kaiser in a nutshell. But in reality, they are much more than that. This promising rock band keeps delivering powerful, memorable songs that grow rawer and more mature with every release. Their fourth album, 'Belgian Boy', marks another step forward: more authentic, fully realized, and open to new, adventurous sounds. It’s the natural progression after shedding their “promising act” label two years ago with 'RHYME&REASON', a gripping post-punk record where Vansant poured out the grief over his mother’s death. As they celebrate their 10th anniversary, Captain Kaiser do it in style with a proper party at Trix, and they’re not coming alone!
Equal Idiots
Forget everything you think you know about Equal Idiots. Their new self-titled album is far more layered than the Kempen clay they emerged from. Thibault Christiaensen and Pieter Bruurs build a universe of raw riffs, shoegaze haze, acoustic interludes, and epic vocals. Across eleven tracks, they showcase versatility, daring, and emotion, from angry, dark riffs to subtle, intimate moments. This is a band that refuses to repeat itself: this is Equal Idiots 2024, a Kempen peacock proudly displaying its colors, irresistible, intense, and full of character.
The Priceduifkes
After more than twenty years, De Priceduifkes have become a staple of the Belgian punk rock scene. The Kempen trio evolved from local up-and-coming punks into an internationally recognized act, performing over 800 shows across Europe, North America, and Japan. With five full-length albums, a sixth on the way, and numerous appearances on splits, compilations, and tributes, they’ve left an indelible mark on punk rock and continue to be a formidable force on stage.
Rifle
Rifle are a punk band from London, fusing gut-punching UK proto-punk with the raw, relentless aggression of US hardcore at its most extreme. Their sound is revenge screamed from the streets by the damned sons of London’s borderlands, a furious testament to grit, anger, and defiance. A motley crew of loud, unrelenting personalities, Rifle’s members are battered, bruised, and unleashed, channeling their fury into every ferocious riff and pounding beat. Their music hits hard, relentless and uncompromising, leaving nothing but chaos in its wake.
Mixed Waste
Mixed Waste is an explosive post-punk band of five passionate young musicians. Sharp riffs, greasy synths, and sweaty melodies create an addictive live experience, drawing inspiration from Fontaines D.C., Pixies, and IDLES. With raw energy and hyperkinetic stage presence, they conquer every stage.
Dad Magic
Dad Magic is a post-hardcore band from Ghent. With a unique blend of raw energy and danceable rhythms, they create a sound that is both captivating and unpredictable. Catchy melodies collide with snarling vocals, resulting in a set that feels both intense and playful. Sometimes sincere, sometimes bold, but always honest. Dad Magic guarantees a show full of passion, energy, and, most importantly, a whole lot of fun.
Bureau de Change
Bureau De Change is a UK post-punk band that effortlessly combines raw energy, sharp political lyrics, and a healthy dose of sarcastic humor. Flora, Will, Connor, and Louis build a wall of melodic yet dissonant sound that grabs you both live and on record. Their songs tackle questions of power, identity, and feminism, while playfully using irony and absurd imagery. With their debut EP Are You Flirting With Me? and the new single Dumb Men, they show that their explosive, unpredictable energy is not only irresistible but also deeply reflective of the world around us.
Dry Socket
Scathing and brutal hardcore from Portland, Oregon, Dry Socket delivers an overwhelming wall of unflinching intensity and raw aggression. Their music hits hard with relentless riffs, punishing drums, and confrontational vocals, leaving no room for compromise. Known for their ferocious live shows and uncompromising approach, Dry Socket pushes the boundaries of hardcore, channeling anger, frustration, and power into every track.