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Beneath the Grave: The Story Behind GraveArt and the Artist Stefan Röhm - Part 2

Writer: Stefan RöhmStefan Röhm

Stefan Röhm of GraveArt working on a dark-themed illustration, merging his love for metal music with Gothic and horror influences.
Stefan Röhm, the creative force behind GraveArt, crafting dark and intricate artwork inspired by metal music and Gothic aesthetics.

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:


  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. Scarsign - A melodic metal powerhouse, they captivated the audience with their powerful vocals and dynamic soundscapes.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.


GraveArt Festival showcasing metal bands, dark art displays, and a passionate underground community at Kulturschock Zelle in Reutlingen.
The GraveArt Festival brings metal music, dark art, and Gothic aesthetics together in a celebration of underground culture and creative expression.



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.


Custom artwork created by GraveArt for the band Mean Deal Devils, blending glam metal vibes with Gothic and sleaze rock aesthetics.
Handcrafted artwork for Mean Deal Devils by GraveArt, capturing the spirit of '80s glam metal with dark, sleaze rock influences.



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:


  1. Mister Misery - Known for their dark theatrical sound, they brought me on board to create artwork that captures their twisted, yet melodic essence.

  2. April Art - Their high-energy rock needed visuals that were just as bold and dynamic, and I was thrilled to deliver.

  3. The Other - A band that perfectly blends horror punk with goth rock, allowing me to fully dive into the darker side of my art.

  4. 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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GraveArt logo symbol with the phrase "Now or Never" in a dark, gothic-inspired design, reflecting the brand's bold and eerie
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Gothic ornamental border with intricate, dark detailing, adding an eerie and elegant touch.
Gothic ornamental border with intricate, dark detailing, adding an eerie and elegant touch.

GraveArt – Where Modern Dark Art Meets Brutal Reality
GraveArt is all about modern, fascinating, and extravagant art that’s brutal, morbid, and relentless at the same time. This art is not for the faint of heart—it’s for those who appreciate dark aesthetics and raw reality, which are embodied in Stefan’s work. What began as a simple hobby has transformed into a renowned graphic design and art label in the metal scene, and today, GraveArt is a must-know name in the world of Dark Art, Metal Art, and Gothic Design.


Stefan Röhm—the creative force behind GraveArt—has established himself with his distinctive artistic touch and unique style within the metal and gothic community. Under the motto "Modern Death Art," Stefan crafts unique pieces deeply influenced by fantasy and horror. His artistic vision is realized through numerous projects, including album covers for well-known metal bands, poster artworks, band logos, and t-shirt designs.


Collaborations and Creations in the Metal Scene
GraveArt is well-established within the metal scene and has worked with numerous renowned musicians and record labels. Projects for bands like Any Given Day, The 69 Eyes, and Ill Niño are just a few examples of the spectacular and powerful designs Stefan has produced. His artworks are not only album covers but an essential part of the visual identity of metal bands worldwide. GraveArt delivers everything the metal and gothic community aesthetically desires—from horror-inspired illustrations to macabre art prints that captivate both fans and collectors.


Gothic Art, Tattoo Inspiration, and Dark Merchandise
In addition to his work for bands, GraveArt is also well-known for his tattoo flash designs and tattoo inspirations, which are heavily influenced by dark art, skulls, and horror themes. Many of Stefan’s works have made their way into tattoo studios and serve as the basis for impressive tattoos that transform the body into a canvas of dark art. GraveArt also offers a wide selection of gothic-inspired merchandise—including t-shirts, bandanas, and posters—perfect for fans of the dark and extravagant style.


Photography and Visual Aesthetics in Metal and Gothic Culture
Stefan’s creative force goes far beyond illustrations. He is also an accomplished photographer, capturing unforgettable moments at live concerts, band photoshoots, and portraits. His concert photography captures the raw energy of metal performances, while his portraits of musicians and singers uniquely convey their charisma and personality. These photographic works complement GraveArt’s artistic portfolio and provide another way to dive into the dark world of gothic aesthetics.


An Artist Without Boundaries – Dark Fantasy and Horror Aesthetic
The creativity of Stefan Röhm knows no bounds. The world of GraveArt is a blend of dark fantasy, horror illustrations, and macabre symbols, always telling new stories. His art speaks to those who feel drawn to dark aesthetics, metal, and gothic culture, and who seek unique pieces that embody the spirit of the unconventional. His works are dark, dramatic, and full of emotion—just what the fans of the scene are searching for.


Modern Death Art – More Than Art, It’s a Lifestyle
GraveArt is more than an art label—it’s a way of life for all those who feel connected to the dark side of art and music. Whether it’s dark album covers, extreme tattoo designs, band photography, or t-shirt motifs, Stefan’s works are unique and aimed at those who turn away from conventional art and seek raw, unfiltered representations of reality. His macabre illustrations and gothic designs are a visual expression of passion for both private collectors and bands, festivals, and the tattoo scene.


Shop and Collectibles – Limited Editions and Exclusivity
GraveArt offers an exclusive selection of limited art prints, produced in small numbers, making them highly sought-after collectibles for fans of gothic and dark art. These limited editions are perfect for those looking to express their love for dark art in their home. The pieces are available in various sizes, from A4 to A3, and all prints are created on high-quality paper ideal for framing.


Find Your Dark Inspiration – Contact GraveArt
Whether you’re interested in custom commissions, tattoo designs, band merchandise, or simply want to learn more about the world of dark art, Stefan Röhm is open to inquiries and is excited to work with you to bring your vision to life. The dark world of GraveArt is constantly evolving, with new projects, collaborations, and artworks that always push the boundaries of what is imaginable.


GraveArt is where modern dark art meets brutal reality, gothic aesthetics, and macabre creativity. Discover Stefan Röhm’s art and let yourself be inspired by the dark side of creativity—perfect for metalheads, gothic fans, tattoo enthusiasts, and anyone seeking the extraordinary.

Gothic ornamental border with intricate, dark detailing, adding an eerie and elegant touch.

All Content Copyright GraveArt 2025 - Images may not be reproduced without permission. GraveArt, Heinrich-Schliemann-Str.25, 72762 Reutlingen

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