Samhain Festival 2024: One of the Best Festivals of the Year



This year’s Samhain Festival was a monumental celebration of all things heavy, dark, and atmospheric. Nestled in the heart of the season, it was the perfect setting for an unforgettable weekend of metal, camaraderie, and introspection. The lineup was a treasure trove of diverse subgenres, each band offering a unique flavor while staying true to the festival’s soul.

My close friend Ayhan, a talented tattoo artist (check him out on Instagram: @coldlife.ttt), and I attended Samhain 2024 at Muziekgieterij in Maastricht, the Netherlands. We were both excited to experience the festival live and immerse ourselves in the incredible atmosphere. It was an unforgettable experience, and we’re already looking forward to next year!

While every band brought passion and energy to their performances, some truly stood out, leaving an indelible mark on the festival experience.





The Performances: A Journey Through Metal's Depths

  • Amenra: As expected, their set was an emotional and cathartic journey. The weight of their doom/sludge sound washed over the crowd, immersing us in a shared sense of transcendence. Connecting with members of the band afterward deepened my appreciation for their art, as their words mirrored the profound emotions they bring to their music.

  • Russian Circles: Post-metal giants Russian Circles delivered a mesmerizing set, weaving intricate instrumentals that were both powerful and haunting. Their ability to balance aggression and beauty was unmatched.

  • 1349: The raw, unrelenting energy of 1349’s black metal was a spectacle to behold. Their ferocious performance was a reminder of why they were such an iconic act in the scene. Speaking with some of the members revealed their unwavering dedication to their craft and a deep respect for their fans.

  • Imha Tarikat: This black metal powerhouse brought an intense performance, but the highlight for me was meeting Levent. His kindness and genuine enthusiasm for connecting with fans made the experience special. Through him, I had the chance to meet members of Spectral Wound, Amenra, and 1349, further enriching the festival experience.





  • Spectral Wound: Their raw and visceral black metal struck a perfect balance of melody and chaos, captivating the crowd with every note. Offstage, they shared fascinating insights into their creative process and the modern black metal scene.

  • Messa: Their doom-infused soundscapes were hypnotic, drawing the audience into an otherworldly experience. The band’s ability to shift from delicate passages to crushing riffs was spellbinding.





  • Ghost Bath: Known for their depressive black metal, Ghost Bath brought an emotional intensity that resonated deeply with the audience. Hearing them discuss the personal nature of their music added a new layer of meaning to their performance.

  • Afsky: Their haunting black metal set was one of the festival's highlights, combining stark beauty with devastating heaviness. People were amazing on stage, and what stood out even more was how down-to-earth the people behind them were.

  • Fluisteraars: Fluisteraars was the first band on stage, and they absolutely killed it with their performance. Their energy set the tone for the entire festival, and it was clear they gave it their all. The crowd was immediately drawn into their atmospheric black metal sound, and it was an amazing way to kick off the event.

Other bands like Living Gate and Sugar Horse added their own distinctive flavors to the festival, ensuring there was never a dull moment.




Reflections and Connections

What made Samhain 2024 so remarkable wasn’t just the stellar lineup but the sense of community that permeated every moment. Levent from Imha Tarikat played a pivotal role in this, introducing me to other artists and creating connections that extended beyond the music. Whether it was swapping stories with Spectral Wound or sharing laughs with Amenra’s members, these interactions turned the festival into a deeply personal and memorable experience.

Looking Ahead to Samhain 2025

As the festival came to a close, I couldn’t help but reflect on how incredible this experience was. Every band brought their A-game, the atmosphere was electric, and the personal connections I made will stay with me forever.

Samhain Festival is more than just a gathering of incredible talent—it’s a celebration of the metal community. It’s where fans and artists alike come together to share their love for the genre and forge lasting memories.

If 2024 was anything to go by, Samhain 2025 will undoubtedly be another legendary chapter. I can’t wait to return, reconnect with old friends, and discover even more amazing bands and performances.

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