As the dark shadows of the past give way to new horizons, the story of GraveArt and my journey as Stefan Röhm continues to evolve. It’s been a wild ride, full of triumphs, setbacks, and endless hours of hard work—but one thing remains constant: my relentless passion for metal, art, and the communities that embrace both.
The Birth of the GraveArt Festival: A Dream Realized
In 2018, I decided it was time to take a bold step forward and bring my artistic vision to life in a completely new way. Together with a friend from Infected Music, we launched the very first GraveArt Festival at the iconic underground venue Kulturschock Zelle in Reutlingen. This event wasn’t just another gig—it was a celebration of everything that GraveArt stands for: music, art, and the unbreakable bond within the metal community.
The lineup for the festival was nothing short of epic, featuring a range of incredible bands that brought the house down:
Loss of Charity - These rising stars kicked off the night with their hard-hitting riffs and passionate energy, setting the tone for an unforgettable event.
The Tex Avery Syndrome - Bringing a fierce mix of metalcore and hardcore influences, their set was a relentless assault on the senses that had the crowd roaring.
Scarsign - A melodic metal powerhouse, they captivated the audience with their powerful vocals and dynamic soundscapes.
Unprocessed - Known for their technical prowess and genre-defying compositions, they took the stage to deliver a mind-bending performance that left everyone in awe.
Infected Rain - The headliners of the night, hailing all the way from Moldova, brought their signature blend of nu-metal and metalcore. Their explosive energy and charismatic frontwoman, Lena Scissorhands, closed the festival on an electrifying high.
The GraveArt Festival was a resounding success—beyond my wildest dreams. Seeing the crowd come alive, the bands tearing it up on stage, and the artwork displayed throughout the venue was like a dream come true. It was proof that all the years of grinding away, designing art for the metal community, had finally culminated in something tangible and powerful.
The Pandemic Strikes: A Plan Deferred
Buoyed by the success of the first festival, I was determined to host a second GraveArt Festival in 2020. I had big plans, a killer lineup in mind, and a fire in my soul to make it even bigger and better. But then, the unthinkable happened: COVID-19 hit, and the world came to a standstill.
Suddenly, everything was thrown into chaos. Like so many others, I found myself in a tough spot—financially, emotionally, and creatively. Money was tight, friendships frayed under the pressure, and the atmosphere was tense, both within the metal community and in my own personal circles. It was a dark time, and it felt like everything I had worked so hard to build was slipping away.
A New Musical Chapter: Mean Deal Devils and Lasting Friendships
During the pandemic, I turned back to music to find some solace. I joined a new band, Mean Deal Devils, which was an electrifying blend of '80s glam-metal and sleaze rock. It was a new creative outlet, one that allowed me to channel my frustrations and passion into something tangible. But beyond the music, this band brought something even more precious—incredible friendships that have lasted to this day. The bond we formed while writing and creating music together during such challenging times is something I will always treasure.
Despite the difficulties of the pandemic, we poured our hearts into writing a full album, crafting songs that were a tribute to the wild spirit of Heavy Metal. Unfortunately, internal tensions eventually led to the project being put on ice. But the friendships that were forged remain strong, proving that sometimes the journey itself is more important than the destination.
A Career Shift: Going All-In with GraveArt
By this point, it was clear that if I wanted GraveArt to reach its full potential, I had to commit myself entirely to it. So, I made a drastic decision—I quit my day job and went full-time with GraveArt. It was a risky move, especially during uncertain times, but I was driven by my unwavering belief in what I was creating.
These days, I work 14-hour days on my art, pouring everything I have into each piece, each project, each commission. It's a grueling schedule, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. The passion that started in my childhood, nurtured by years of metal music and artistic exploration, now fuels me every day.
2024: A Year of Triumphs and New Beginnings
This year, all that hard work is finally starting to pay off. 2024 has already been a breakthrough year for GraveArt, with some of my biggest dreams coming to fruition. I’ve had the honor of working with major bands like:
Mister Misery - Known for their dark theatrical sound, they brought me on board to create artwork that captures their twisted, yet melodic essence.
April Art - Their high-energy rock needed visuals that were just as bold and dynamic, and I was thrilled to deliver.
The Other - A band that perfectly blends horror punk with goth rock, allowing me to fully dive into the darker side of my art.
Doomcrusher - Crafting artwork for this powerhouse band was a dream project, allowing me to merge my love for heavy riffs and dark, atmospheric visuals.
It’s surreal to walk into events now and have people recognize me, stopping me to chat about my artwork or GraveArt. The recognition, the growing fan base, and the connections I’ve made have been a source of constant motivation.
Gratitude for the Support: To All My Followers, Fans, and Friends
Through all the ups and downs, one thing has kept me pushing forward: the unwavering support from every single one of you. Whether you’ve been with me since the early days, discovered my art through social media, or stopped me at an event to share your appreciation, I am eternally grateful. Every comment, every like, every word of encouragement has meant the world to me.
The road has been tough—especially during the pandemic, when it felt like everything was falling apart. But knowing that there are people out there who believe in my vision and support what I do is what keeps me going. You all inspire me to push my limits, to dream bigger, and to keep fighting for my passion, even when times get hard. It’s because of you that GraveArt continues to grow, evolve, and reach new heights. Thank you for every message, every commission, every bit of support that makes all the late nights and long hours worth it.
Looking Forward: The Future of GraveArt
But I’m not done yet—not even close. The gears are already turning for a second GraveArt Festival, though everything is still in the planning stages. I want this event to be bigger, darker, and even more immersive than the first. My goal is to bring together the metal community once again for a night of unfiltered, unapologetic music and art.
In addition to the festival, I’m also revamping my merchandise line. I’ve got plans to drop some killer new T-shirt designs that reflect the evolution of my style. It’s time to push GraveArt into new territory, both in terms of art and fashion.
Going Solo: A New Musical Endeavor
On top of all that, I’ve also been working on something that’s been a long time coming—a solo EP. It’s a collection of 4-5 tracks, each one written, performed, and produced entirely by me. This EP is an expression of everything I’ve been through over the years: the highs, the lows, the struggles, and the triumphs. It’s my way of channeling all that energy, pain, and passion into something meaningful.
The Future is Dark, but Bright
As I look ahead, the future of GraveArt is nothing short of exhilarating. There are no limits, no boundaries—only the drive to keep pushing forward, to keep creating, and to keep embracing the darkness that has always been my greatest source of inspiration.
To everyone who’s supported me on this journey, whether you’ve commissioned art, attended a show, or simply followed along on social media—thank you from the bottom of my heart. The ride isn’t over yet, and I promise you, the best is still to come.
So here’s to 2024 and beyond—because for GraveArt, there truly is no end in sight.
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