An introduction:
Beyond the Gates is an annual black metal utopia situated in the heart of Bergen, western Norway. Nestled among seven majestic mountains, Bergen has been the birthplace of renowned bands like Immortal, Gorgoroth, Gaahl’s Wyrd, Taake, and Burzum. The inception of Beyond the Gates, an extreme metal festival, took place in 2012 following the retirement of its predecessor, Hole in the Sky (2000-2011).
Every year, Beyond the Gates graces the city of Bergen in the summer month of August, captivating metal enthusiasts. The festival primarily takes place at USF Verftet, a cultural powerhouse that was once a sardine factory. In the 2022 edition, Beyond the Gates expanded its horizons by utilizing the renowned venue, Grieghallen.
Beyond the Gates understands the frustration metalheads often face when their favorite bands clash or overlap in performance times. To alleviate this concern, the festival ensures that there are no band schedule conflicts. Attendees can take breaks between performances to relax, savor delicious food, and enjoy refreshing beverages before heading to the next band.
The festival has announced their first set of bands for the event taking place from the 31. July to 3. August 2024. A total of eleven bands are found on the first festival flyer and includes: Behemoth, Satyricon, Venom, Watain, Trelldom, Vreid, Djevel, Dødheimsgard, Cult of Fire, Darkspace, and Manbryne.
First festival flyer!
Beyond the Gates has this to say:
We say this every time, but we do promise that next year is going to be something you’ve never experienced before.
On the back of that statement, please welcome the juggernaut that is Behemoth. The band hasn’t played in Bergen since 2012 and the fans has been eager to see this powerhouse of a live band on the West coast of Norway for a long time.
We’re also very excited to be able to present Satyricon, who is releasing a new album next spring. The band will return to the live scene for the first time in five years!
Founders and innovators are a description that fits the two headed demon, Venom and Watain. Both bands will grace Beyond the Gates with a visit next year with their spectacular and energetic live shows.
Now this is a gem, Trelldom, featuring the iconic singer Gaahl, who will do their first live appearance ever since their formation in the early 90s we can’t wait to see what the enigmatic singer has in store for us.
Vreid will celebrate 30 years of Sognametal, while Norwegian black metallers Djevel and Dødheimsgard will grant us with exclusive sets.
Completing the first round of names are the Czech’s Cult of Fire with their massive liveshow, the mysterious Darkspace from Switzerland and Polish Manbryne, who will do their first concert outside of their home country.
As always, the festival will be stacked with numerous activities you can experience in addition to the live concerts: Guided tours, fairs, market and so forth. Grab your limited Gold Passes now. These includes all live concerts, including the Day and Night Shift concerts.
Beyond the Gates | Management
A taste of the black metal bands performing!
Behemoth
The Polish black / death metal band Behemoth fronted by Adam “Nergal” Darski has brought twelve full lenght albums to their fans. Behemoth are known for their theatrics and majestic live performances and satanic / blasphemous lyrics and imagery!
Satyricon
Satyricon does not need much of an introduction, the well established Norwegian band consisting of frontman Sigurd “Satyr” Wongraven and drummer Kjetil “Frost” Haraldstad has 30 years of experience in the scene. Satyricon has a total of ten full length albums and the eleventh coming up spring 2024!
Venom
Venom is one of the most experienced bands on the poster, since their establishment in 1979 in the United Kingdom, Venom has influenced and paved way for the musical genre we all love! Venom is often considered as the first black metal band.
Watain
The Swedish legends Watain from Uppsala was formed in 1998 and are known for their blazing inferno on stage. With a total of seven full length albums in their catalogue Watain never disappoint!
Trelldom
Norwegian band Trelldom hailing from Bergen was formed in 1992 and is led by front man Kristian “Gaahl” Espedal known from bands like Gorgoroth, God Seed and Gaahls Wyrd. Despite existing for over 30 years the band has never performed live, Beyond the Gates will be their first show!
Vreid
Vreid was formed in 2004 by members of legendary Windir. Windir split-up after their founder, main composer and vocalist Valfar died of hypothermia after being caught in a blizzard. Vreid has released nine albums bearing a melodic and groovy black metal style often called sognametal.
Djevel
Djevel is another Norwegian band formed in 2009. Djevel is the Norwegian word or name for “devil”. The three piece band consists of guitarist Trånn Ciekals, drummer Bård “Faust” Eithun and vocalist and bassist Eskil “Kvitrim” Blix. Together the band has released eight albums!
Dødheimsgard
The Oslo band Dødheimsgard was formed in 1994 and has established themselves as a force to be reckoned with. The band has ties to other black metal acts such as Ved Buens Ende and Dold Vorde Ens Navn. Dødheimsgard has a total of six albums released so far.
Cult of Fire
Cult of Fire hails from the city Prague in Czechia, since its formation in 2010 the band has released four albums. The band change their logo with every major release. The band is heavily themed within Hinduism and Buddhism and have beautiful aesthetics on stage!
Darkspace
Darkspace was formed in 1999 in Bern, Switzerland. The space themed atmospheric black metal band has released four albums and two demos!
Manbryne
The rather new band Manbryne was formed in 2017 and hails from mighty Poland. The band has released one full length album and has their second album arriving in autumn 2023. Manbryne are signed to record label Terratur Possessions!
Links
Festival Homepage: Beyond the Gates Official
Festival Facebook: Facebook | Beyond the Gates
Festival Instagram: Beyond the Gates | Instagram
Official Tickets: Tickets – Beyond the Gates Official
Official festival photos: Gallery – Beyond the Gates Official
BMZ festival review: Beyond the Gates: 4 Days of Unparalleled Darkness
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