In September 2018, my hometown of Reutlingen became the host of its first-ever GraveArt Festival—a dream I had nurtured for years. Long before we even began planning the event, I had been contemplating the idea of creating something that could breathe new life into the local rock and metal scene. This was more than just a festival to me; it was a chance to reignite the passion for live music in a community that seemed to have lost some of its spark.
The Vision Behind the Festival: Reawakening the Local Metal Community
Over the years, I had noticed a decline in the vibrancy of the rock and metal scene in Reutlingen. Regular underground concerts were happening in the area, but they were drawing in the same small crowd month after month. People had become complacent, thinking, "Why go to a concert tonight if that band will play again somewhere soon?" The energy that once defined the local scene was fading, and I wanted to change that.
The idea behind the GraveArt Festival was to address this growing apathy and prove that there was still a strong heartbeat in the metal community. I wanted to challenge the mindset that people could just stay in their comfort zones and miss out on experiencing the raw power of live music. Our goal was to create a bold statement—a festival that would break the monotony and draw people out to rediscover their love for the scene.
Curating the Lineup: A Diverse Experience for Metalheads
From the beginning, we knew we needed to do something different to catch people’s attention. That’s why we put together a lineup that included headlining acts not commonly seen in the Reutlingen area. We wanted to give people a reason to leave their homes, step away from the usual underground gigs, and experience something truly special.
We also wanted to include fresh talent in the mix, which is why we held a band contest to select the opening act. The contest was fiercely competitive, but in the end, Loss of Charity won the spot. They had the honor of kicking off the festival, setting the tone for the night with their high-energy performance.
The Full Lineup: A Night of Unforgettable Performances
The lineup was carefully curated to provide a diverse range of genres and create an unforgettable night for every type of metal fan. Here’s how the night unfolded:
Loss of CharityAs the winners of the band contest, Loss of Charity opened the festival with a bang. Their intense energy and melodic riffs immediately drew the crowd in, proving they deserved their spot on the lineup.
The Tex Avery SyndromeBringing their blend of metalcore and hardcore influences, The Tex Avery Syndrome cranked up the intensity with a relentless performance. Frontwoman Laura’s commanding presence and powerful screams had the crowd moshing and headbanging non-stop.
ScarsignNext up was Scarsign, who shifted gears with their melodic metal sound. Their set was a perfect balance of heavy riffs and emotional depth, showcasing powerful vocals and intricate arrangements that resonated with the audience.
UnprocessedAs the night progressed, Unprocessed took the stage, delivering their signature blend of progressive metal and technical mastery. Their genre-defying compositions and jaw-dropping musicianship left the audience in awe, proving why they’re one of the most exciting up-and-coming bands in the scene.
Infected RainTo close out the festival, we brought in Infected Rain from Moldova—a band that was making waves in the metal world with their unique mix of nu-metal and metalcore. Frontwoman Lena Scissorhands took command of the stage, delivering a high-octane performance that brought the house down. The grand finale was a whirlwind of raw energy, heavy riffs, and Lena’s powerful vocals that left no metalhead unsatisfied.
Creating a Unique Atmosphere: Uniting the Metal Community
One of the biggest goals of the festival was to create an atmosphere unlike any other. We didn’t want people to just stand around waiting for the show to end; we wanted to bring fans together, reigniting their passion for live music and fostering a sense of unity within the community. From the moment the doors opened, the energy was electric. The Kulturschock Zelle, with its gritty underground vibe, was packed with fans who came out to enjoy a night of pure metal madness.
I also took the opportunity to showcase GraveArt designs and merch, turning the festival into a celebration of both music and art. Fans could browse through T-shirt designs and prints while taking in the music, which added an extra layer of engagement to the event. It was incredibly rewarding to see people wearing my designs and appreciating the art that I had poured so much time into.
The Impact: A Lasting Legacy
Even now, years after that first festival, people still ask me when the next GraveArt Festival will take place. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with fans, bands, and attendees all coming together to create something truly special. The event was proof that the metal scene in Reutlingen was far from dead—it just needed a spark to come alive again.
Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic put my plans for a second festival on hold. The world changed almost overnight, making it impossible to move forward with the event in 2020 as I had hoped. Times became tough—financially, emotionally, and creatively. But the demand for a continuation of the GraveArt Festival remains strong, and knowing that people are still excited about the idea keeps my passion alive.
Looking to the Future: A New Chapter for GraveArt
While I can’t give a definite answer about when the next GraveArt Festival will happen, it’s definitely something that’s on my radar. The success of the 2018 event and the continued interest from fans have only strengthened my resolve to bring it back bigger and better than before.
For now, my focus is on continuing to push GraveArt forward, both through my art and the connections I’ve made within the metal community. The journey isn’t over yet. If anything, the challenges of the past few years have only made me more determined to bring people together again through music, art, and the shared love of metal.
Thank you to everyone who came out to support the first GraveArt Festival, and to everyone who continues to believe in what I do. The future is dark but bright, and I can’t wait to see where the road leads next. Stay tuned, because the best is yet to come!
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