Around this time next week, I'll be submerged in fuzz, riffs, drums and probably one or a few of those delicious Johnny Cash burgers. It'll be the third incarnation of the travelling stoner circus, and it will be the third time Merchants Of Air covers the whole thing, not bad since we're only two years old. Over forty bands will battle for a place in our top-10-of-2016 (although they don't know that yet). And in this Songs With Stories spin-off, I'll try to predict the 15 best gigs, five for each day. Of course, we'll compare this list with the eventual result next week.

I deliberately left out some of the bands that everybody wants to go see at Desertfest. I mean, there will already be a ton of people in front of Pentagram, Goat, Elder Uncle Acid & the Deadbeats and Belgian noise rock heroes La Muerte. And I'm sure each and every one of them will deliver a massive performance. But if you only come for these bands, you could be a bit more loyal to a hard working scene and come early. There's so much to discover, and I think these fifteen bands will stun, awe and surprise you.

To some people, Alkerdeel will forever be known as 'the band with the farting demon on the album cover', but for me, this just might become a 'finally'. Somehow, I've never gotten the opportunity to see them live. I heard their album, 'Lede' (read our review) but that's about it. Their concerts have always slipped through my fingers for some reason At Desertfest, I'll finally get the chance to undergo their filthy mix of black metal and doom. Chances are big that I'm going to return home with a farting-demon-t-shirt. I mean, just check out their appearance at Roadburn in the video below and try to tell me that this is not going to be a blast.

Of course, Yob is going to be the absolute highlight on Friday. For starters, they have been here before and second, I can't remember any Yob gig that hasn't completely mesmerized me. Since I saw them at Incubate a few years ago, this trio has been my ultimate standard for today's doom metal scene, much like My Dying Bride was the standard in the nineties. I know, both bands have little in common musically, but they have both been on top  of their scene in their respective decade or so. Without Yob, no Desertfest, no Roadburn. Well, that might be a bit exaggerated but still, they're one of the most important band in this scene.

Here comes another band that returns to the Trix-desert ànd one that definitely has a home-advantage. They can come to the festival on foot, or by bicycle, roll over the stage like a freight train and quickly return to their safe havens in the city of Antwerp. Your Highness has a reputation for being a wild live act and they have been proving that quite a few times already. Raunchy bluesy stoner metal at high volume and enough energy to light up the entire venue, what else could you possibly want on this edition of Desertfest. I see a lot of familiar faces and bandshirts in the awesome video below and I'm sure I'll be seeing a lot of familiar faces on front of the stage as well.

Not long ago, after a lot of deliberation, I decided to check out Subrosa's new album (read review). The album had been waiting in my inbox for a while. In fact, there was a chance that is was going to be left behind in the massive puddle of releases I still had to go through and which might simply not make it. However, very soon, the unique sound of Subrosa completely overwhelmed me. The bewitching vocals, the deep, hypnotic riffs and the epic sound of the violins, the whole thing easily became an intense experience instead of just another listening session. Now I noticed that Subrosa is coming to Desertfest, I can't wait to see them. 

If my memory is correct, I missed Joy at Incubate a few years ago because I wanted to go see No Joy. So I'll get another chance on this year's edition of the mighty Desertfest. Their psychedelic rock reminds me a bit of some of the things I used to listen to when I was just a kid, way back in the late seventies. With my ears firmly focused on the radio I absorbed the sounds of Hendrix and co. I hope they bring the same kaleidoscopic projection to the festival as well. We might be in for some psychedelic magic...

Ever since I've seen these Swiss psychedelic rockers in an unspecified bar in Antwerp, I've been a big fan of their music. With their new album, they keep on exploring the outer limits of their sound and evolving as a band and I can't wait to experience what that's gonna give on stage. Their latest appearance at Desertfest was one of my personal highlights on that year and I'm quite positive that this Saturday will be pretty much the same. Nothing can go wrong with a Monkey 3 gig, I assure you... Well, actually, a lot can go wrong, but none of it will be their fault.

This mysterious band suddenly popped up on the Desertfest line-up, making me wonder who they were exactly. So I clicked the play button on the video you can find below and all of a sudden found myself making facial gestures like the Magikarp boy. Their blend of atmospheric black metal and krautrock is so damn infectious that I have to see Wolvennest perform. I suggest you do the same and buy me a beer afterwards. This just might become one of this year's revelations.

A late surprise addition from the friendly people at Desertfest and a damn interesting one. Austrian psychedelic rockers Mother's Cake describe their music as a mix of The Mars Volta and The Red Hot Chili Peppers. I like to call it infectious groovy rock with brilliant psychedelic keyboard and a heap of raw energy. I don't know the band yet, as I only heard the song in the video below, but I'm damn sure that will chance very, very, very soon.

Well, as I mentioned in my recent review: Well, it's about time I start preparing for the upcoming edition of Desertfest, and what better way to do that than with a decent blast of stoner rock. Greek stoner rockers 1000Mods will be playing this year's edition in support of their third album 'Repeated Exposure To...' and, judging from the songs on this full-length, their gig will be a party you shouldn't miss. In short: this is 1000Mods most mature and attuned album, showing a band that has been growing and evolving in the past eleven years.
You don't wanna miss out on this one.

It's been awhile since I heard from this German doom band. They were recommended to me by a friend a few years ago and I immediately liked their music, but gradually Ahab slipped out of my attention span. That is until they suddenly appeared in the line-up for Desertfest. Now, again, I can't wait to see them live, purchase some merchandise and start writing about how awesome their performance at this festival really was.

"Hey, it's that guy from the Rodeofest poster".  Yes, that's true. His name is ​Sam De Roeck and he fronts Antwerp's own Black Swarm. Their appearance on this year's Desertfest will be a smasher. After all, they have the home-advantage and their music is as energetic as nuclear powered dildo up your ass. How that feels? Well, you come tell me after their gig. Oh man, this Desertfest is going to be so much fun...

A few years ago, German duo Tau impressed me at that year's edition of Incubate. Their exotic psychedelic music is certainly worthy of a decent meditation session and I can't wait to see them again. According to the biography, the collective project by Shaun Mulrooney (Dead Skeletons) and the Venezuelan multi instrumentalist Gerald Pasqualin was inspired by Shaun's shamanic experiences in the magical desert of Real De Catorce. I'm sure this will be a hypnotic and ritual experience as well.

While writing my review for their 'Fears Of The Dead' album, American doomers Duel provided me with an awesome trip back in time. And if you doubt my predictions, check this one: I hope that Duel will come over to Europe and play a few festivals here, namely the Up In Smoke and Desertfest events. They would be a solid addition to the line-up and possibly one of the most convincing acts on stage.  So, my fellow ancient rockers, get this album now.  You know you want it...

I don't know a lot about these guys from the Belgian city of Leuven, but my expectations for their gig at Desertfest are pretty high. They play a blend of psychedelic rock, doom and noise and recently recorded a split with Bethmoora which I will be reviewing shortly after Desertfest. Yet, it was the video below that aroused my interest. As far as doom metal is concerned, I feel like these guys can make a serious impression in the Trix venue. Perhaps that'll be another t-shirt I take home with me...

Another act I only know from the one video provided on the Desertfest website is Josefin Öhrn and The Liberation. With their blend of sixties pop and krautrock, I feel they pretty much guarantee an immersive experience and a lot of dancing people. Chances are big that I myself try a little dance but I guess nobody wants to see that. But hey, for me, this music is a journey back into my childhood and the discovery of that little thing we call 'music'. So every opportunity I get to check out some delicious vintage songwriting with psychedelic touches, I'll damn well be there.

The plan was simple, go to Rodeofest, sell a bunch of Metal Decks, see a bunch of bands and write a review about the whole thing. Unfortunately, things don't always go as planned. Yes, we went to Rodeofest. Yes, we sold a bunch of Metal Decks but no, we didn't see a lot of bands, not enough to write a decent review about them. So, no, this is not a review. Not in the strict sense of the word. What you are reading right now, is merely a blog post about the sparks that set the Antwerp metal scene on fire again. But first, perhaps I need to explain a little something about myself, someone who rolls in an out of the scene on a regular basis.

​I'm not the world's most social guy. I used to be a lot better around people back in my years as a shop and bar owner. Nine years ago, when I quit those activities, everything changed. Even though I still lived in the same city, I never really got to meet my ex-customers again, mainly because I didn't really go to metal gigs anymore. I switched to noise, drone and ambient, the first one fueled by anger, frustration and an enormous financial hangover. Gradually, my wife and I crawled out of our misery and got our lives back together. Fast forward to that Tuesday morning when I invented The Metal Deck, and things would start changing again; for the better this time.

Rodeofest was the very first festival I contacted about The Metal Deck, and they were the first ones to say yes too. So we reserved a spot in the merchandising tent, gathered a box of decks and grabbed a heap of cds to sell to the fine people at the festival. Björn, my companion for the day, picked me up around noon and we drove off in his awesome, almost ancient, Volvo. About an hour later, we were all set-up and ready to go. We had to expand the merch-tent a little in order to make room for Dopethrone and Eat The Turnbuckle, our neighbours for the day. Before even talking to them, we knew who the guys from Eat The Turnbuckle were. One's leg was plastered, his forehead showed cheese-grater wounds. Another one was limping and still another one could barely walk. It had been a busy tour for these guys, that's for sure. And still, moments after, we saw them walking around with TL-tubes, garbage cans and hockey sticks, getting ready to bash each other's brains in (again).

But for now, all was calm, except for some people from Rodeoshows and Antwerp Music City, who walked around nervously. They were fine-tuning the preparations, hanging arrows towards the toilets and the entrance, making sure every stage, merch booth and food-stand received electricity and water, unloading cars... Organising something like this is not an easy task, but since you already read through this whole thing, now might be a good time to assure these people that I think they did an excellent job. In short, Rodeofest was a massive party with plenty of people, plenty of drinks and plenty of fun.

I started chatting with Robrecht Van Steen, a rocker and a wrestler. In October, we will be selling Metal Decks on Rocktoberfest, which is organised by vzw Into The Pit. However, we mainly talked about wrestling and Robrecht invited us to an upcoming wrestling event. That's cool, I like wrestling and I'm sure it will be a great experience. I have been to a WWE show a few months ago, but this surely will be something different. I'm very much looking forward to that. For the record, no Robrecht, I will not be wrestling. I saw what it does to Eat The Turnbuckle and I don't want to be in a wheelchair at forty-five. I will write some storylines if you like. Anyway, back to the festival.

Along with the first visitors, the first customers started arriving and soon the beautiful fort of Wommelgem would be crowded with bearded, pierced and tattooed people, much to the surprise of the police I think. I remember seeing a man and a woman in uniform looking at all those society-critics in disbelief. They smiled nervously at first but started enjoying themselves quickly after that. Soon after, I saw three or four festival goers taking a selfie with another pair of constables. It even looked like two of the festival goers were holding a joint while taking the picture, which surprised me quite a bit. 

From a distance, I could hear Interstellar Deathroll kicking off this festival in style. They rocked hard, immediately igniting the torch of success, so it seemed. From then on, things would become nothing short of awesome. Soon after, Daedalus would do something similar. Or, again, so it seemed from a distance. I didn't get to see many bands, but what I heard did not irritate me so it must have been good. At 'The Hill', The Reeves blasted a nice set of garage rock and what somewhat sounded like melodic punk rock over the grass. It was a bit of a surprise because I mainly expected metal and sludge at this festival.

Dario Mars and the Guillotines also didn't sound very metal to me. I watched them for a short time during my much-needed coffee break and I like what I heard. With their psychedelic cosmic rock, apparently interlaced with some soul, they quickly gained my attention and I'm quite looking forward to their full-length in October. In 'The Bunker', things would get violent with Marginal and the highly aggressive Carnation, covered in blood. The searing hot venue was packed to capacity, loaded with headbangers, moshers and deranged noise. Yep, party time, the heavy way. Coming out of the venue, I saw someone from the organisation with a tired but happy grin on his face.

Headliner Dopethrone did what headliner Dopethrone always does, deliver a solid set of sludge doom. It was a great set, but I felt that it missed a bit of power on that small stage. Nonetheless, Dopethrone proved to be a worthy main act for a festival like Rodeofest, and I think the audience agrees with me on that one. Back in 'The Bunker', Eat The Turnbuckle came up with their specialty: groovy but heavy rock 'n roll and a decent dose of hardcore wrestling. I didn't see the show, but I heard it from behind my table full of cds and metal decks. In fact, at the time we were keeping an eye on Dopethrone's and Eat The Turnbuckle's merch stand, because that's what colleagues do.

About that, during a little chat with Dopethrone's manager, we learned that recently they had a vinyl stolen from their merch stand. It was the first thing stolen in years but it pissed him off. Earlier, I did indeed see him taking the vinyl and the cd out of the items and I wondered about that. I never saw that happen before and I wondered where he lost his trust in the fans, but now I know. Later, I had a funny ad-lib with a fan who wanted to purchase the vinyl but couldn't because no one was there. He suggested he'd steal it then, on which I replied that it would be useless because there's nothing in the sleeve. 'Yeah', he said, 'that would look stupid when I got home'. 'Yeah, and then send them an email to complain about nothing being in an item you stole'. We laughed a bit. But people, please, don't be a fucktwat, don't steal from bands (or fans). Respect your scene because it's pretty much the only thing that respects you...

I learned a lot about respect over the last couple of years, and, although I'm still not a very social guy, I respect the hell out of the people behind this smashing festival. In times when festivals are coping with severe issues, ranging from exuberant pricing to shitty visitors who don't give a flying fuck about the artists, Rodeofest clearly proved that things can be different. The feeling of oneness can still be present. Everyone was welcome, from little children over scary looking pierced giants to gently smiling old ladies and everyone was allowed his or her moments of joy. I saw a lot of familiar faces this Saturday, and I'm sure I'll be seeing them a lot more from now on. We'll surely be at their Winter fest, as we were so kindly invited by Sharon. 

In December, we will probably make another list of best-ofs and I'm absolutely positive that Rodeofest will be somewhere in the festival-section. Well, unless the remaining festivals will be ecstatic of course. This one is growing, hopefully not too big because I no longer believe in that the-bigger-the-better nonsense. All I can say is: splendid job people, from the organisation over the volunteers to the bands and the crowd. Everyone seemed to be elated by this event. I'll finish with a big "THANK YOU" to Sharon and company, to Bjorn, to our customers (including the sweet lady from Antwerp Metal Fest, hopefully we'll see you at AMF next year).


Serge

In about ten days, the Belgian town of Zottegem will be transformed into heaven for slow music aficionados, or at least about a thousand of us. The Merchants will be there again, for the second time now. Last year, we were simply ecstatic about the whole event. It won our festival of the year award (read) which we still need to find an award for. Four gigs at Dunk 2015 want into our 'best concerts' list, and there is a good reason for that too. Anyway, here's a number of things you need to know and a few bands you definitely need to check out.

1. Dunk! redefined the meaning of 'festival', and you're helping

Many Belgian festivals take on the 'Clear-Channel' approach, trying to become as big and expensive as possible. Dunk! doesn't. These guys want to remain what they are: small, with reasonable prices, free camping, free parking, free coffee, free tea, free breakfast. Yet, still they manage to come up with a crystal clear sound and a stunning light show. Last year, we watched an excellent band like Alice In The Cities blast out a brilliant gig, mainly because of the sound and light, but also because of the contagious enthusiasm in the crowd and crew.

Last year we also witnessed a spontaneous after-party. Someone found some speakers and a Bob Marley CD. It worked, crew, artists and audience were dancing the night away. It was just one of the many examples of how nice this festival has become.

It's also one of the cleanest festivals in the world. Our environment could be pleased with these people. No litter, no huges piles of vomit, just green green grass. It surprised Wout too, as you can read in our interview with him after last year's edition. 

2. Financial issues.

For the second time in eleven years, the organisation faced some financial problems, resulting in a gap in their income. However, unlike most festivals, Dunk! refused to raise the ticket price. Instead, they made sure there is plenty of room for a few hundred people extra. Yes, Dunk! Festival is the only festival that gets bigger because it has less money. They also put up a load of merchandise and a donate-button on their website. 

3. Beautiful surroundings

That little forest next to the festival site is one of the most fairylike areas I've ever seen, certainly when lit at night. Feel free to stroll around anytime and breathe in the fresh air. You don't have that in the city where you live. The experience might even add a few days to your life. You might even spot some squirrels and frogs. Last year, Thisquietarmy played a gig at the forest, a magical experience for a few hundred drone/doom fans who gathered in flocks to see the master at work.

4. Music

But off course, in the first place, people will visit Dunk! Festival for the music, mainly slow, atmospheric music. True, Dunk! may have started out as a post-rock festival but now there's much more to see, including drones, sludge and modern-classical music. Allow me to guide you through and recommend some bands you certainly don't want to miss on this year's edition. Of course, you'll all be eager to see 65 Days Of Static, Russian Circles, Pelican and This Will Destroy You but there's much more goodness to be found.

Spoiwo

Do not miss Spoiwo, you will severely regret it if you do. This Polish act is one of the best that the post-rock genre has to offer today and I'm quite positive that they will be one of the highlights on this edition. 'Salute Solitude' (read our review) was one of the best albums in 2015 and the band is preparing a tour to promote this masterpiece. 

Wyatt E. 

A quote from my review for their 'Mount Sinai/Aswan' release: "It doesn't often happen that I start writing a review right after an album comes in.  So when I do, something special must be going on.". Now, I'll tell you a little secret. This band from Liege, Belgium sent me a message right after they were announced for Dunk! 2016. They think my review has been partially responsible for getting them on the line-up and I'm quite pleased with that. Post-rock, doom and drone, this gig is going to be awesome, I promise.

Environments

Ambient post-rock, dressed as an experimental electronic music outfit, creating elaborate and immersive soundscapes. In my review I said "as if Tangerine Dream and The Kilimanjaro Darkjazz Ensemble recorded an album together.". I still stand by that and I hope these Romanians put up a nice show, but I'm quite sure they will. Nobody puts up a less than decent show at Dunk.

Consouling Friday

"Wait, that's not a band, that's a whole stage", you might say. And yes, that's true, but what a stage it is. The Belgian label Consouling Sounds received a carte-blanche for one day and they will put some nice acts on the second stage, including CHVE, Illuminine, IIVII, Barst & Yodok III. Quality guaranteed!!! Hell, every festival should do a Consouling day....

Kokomo

German post-rock at its finest, here and there enhanced by some sludge and metal influences. I can imagine that the people at the Dunk headquarters were extremely pleased with their new album and a spot on this year's festival. This might become one of the darkest gigs on Dunk! this year and I'm very much looking forward to a good slab of gritty darkness. 

5. Practical

dunk!festival2016
Edition #12
May 5-6-7th


VENUEJeugdheem De Populier
address: Letterkouter 8 (GPS: Kouterken, 9620 Zottegem)
9620 Zottegem (Velzeke-Ruddershove)
Belgium
The main stage is located in the biggest tent and is equipped with a highly professional sound and light system. The second stage tent is at the other side of the building that contains the restaurant and ticket office. New this year is a third tent where the merch will be located together with an interview stage and lounge area. Plenty of room to relax and have a chat with fellow post-rockers.


FOOD AND DRINKSLike always we'll have our very own catering team at your service, preparing delicious meal. Sometimes typical Belgian dishes, sometimes more exotic meals such as our famous Paella. Of course the legendary Belgian fries guys will be there again! We have a dedicated chef that knows how to prepare a very tasteful vegan or vegetarian meal. Also this year we will have Potatolicious cooking some potatoes in their food truck at the festival.
Drinks will be available at three bars this year.


TRANSPORTIONPeople driving by car just need to set there gps to Kouterken, 9620 Zottegem. That will guide you to the camping and parking entrance. Zottegem is only 10 minutes driving from the E40 highway. If you're coming from Brussels you can take the Zottegem/Erpe-Mere exit or if you're coming from Ghent you should take the Zottegem/Wetteren exit.
People coming by train or plane will need to take a train to Zottegem. There's good connection with Brussels and Ghent. There will be adunk!shuttle driving from the railway station in Zottegem to the festival. We’ll make sure there is a shuttle waiting at the back entrance (Broedermareslaan) when trains from Brussels and Ghent arrive between 14:00 and 18:00 on Thursday and between 12:00 and 14:00 on Friday and Saturday.
Also check out Flixbus to get to the festival from anywhere in Europe. Their busses look pretty cool (they have wifi!) and they're not expensive at all.


ACCOMMODATIONCamping site is free and right next to the festival area.
There will be breakfast on Friday and Saturday. Coffee is free during the whole festival.
Camping site officially opens on Thursday. We understand that a big amount of visitors are coming from far away so we will allow people setting up their tent on Wednesday as well. Only rules for the camping: no bbq (or fire) and no glass.
Flexotel & Flexotent
New this year is the availability of the Flexotel rooms and Flexotent tents.
A Flexotel is a comfortable event hotel on the site. They offer heated cabins for 2-4 people. The Flexotel opens on Thursday around noon and closes on Sunday around noon. This is only available as a combi package for three nights and includes:

• Double room with boxsprings (bunk bed(s) for 2+ cabins)
• Towels and bed linen
• Table with two chairs
• Storage space for clothes
• Power supply
• Light
• Lockable room

Besides these fantastic hotel rooms there will also be the Flexotents. Same principle but with tents. This package includes:

• Tent with boxsprings (bunk bed(s) for 2+ cabins)
• Towels and bed linen
• Storage space for clothes

As always, toilets and showers are free at dunk!festival. We plan to provide extra showers and toilets near the Flexotel Village.