As the weather becomes increasingly better, thoughts turn more and more to the upcoming festival season, with one of the first festivals coming up being the second instalment of Germany's Out and Loud Festival, previously known as Beastival. With an absolutely phenomenal lineup that has something for everyone, this year's festival is marked by numerous highlights, guaranteeing a delectable and debaucherous party for all. Last year festival can't be described as anything other than a resounding and memorable success, and this year is certain to be just as fantastic!
Set in picturesque countryside, this festival is one of my all-time favourites. With all the amenities you could possibly need within walking distance of the festival, the location is still isolated enough to completely forget about the outside world for the weekend and just kick back and enjoy the Metal. Due to this, getting to the festival by train is a bit tricky, but Out and Loud do offer shuttle services and taxi pooling specials, so be sure to organise these prior to the festival! The two main stages (one indoors and one outdoors) ensure that there is constantly something going on, and that even if it rains, you at least can watch some of the best international top acts with a roof over your head. Added to this is an indoor newcomer stage, where you can catch all the up-and-coming acts in the Metal scene, from DEAD ALONE to RAVENPATH. And of course there are the usual food and merch stands that sell pretty much everything a metalhead's heart could desire!
Kicking of the festivities is the Napalm Records Label nigh on 3[sup]rd[/sup] June, featuring a slew of bands from the label, including bands such as MOONSPELL, AHAB, VISIONS OF ATLANTIS, and MY SLEEPING KARMA. The festival itself runs from Thursday the 4[sup]th[/sup] (a public holiday!) to the 6[sup]th[/sup] of June, and features some truly leviathan bands such as TESTAMENT, HELLOWEEN, FREI.WILD, and HAMMERFALL. Death Metal fans are also guaranteed an all-out mosh-fest to the likes of ABORTED, CARCASS, and DYING FETUS, whilst for fans of Pagan Metal, the triple tap of ELUVEITE, EQUILIBRIUM, and INSOMNIUM is an incredible must-experience. However, the lineup really has something spectacular in store for everyone regardless of particular predilections, ranging from the elaborate cascading melodies of WINTERSUN, to the drunken shenanigans of ALESTORM, and the much-beloved anthems of GRAVE DIGGER. There will of course also be meet-and-greets available with various bands, so be sure to bring stuff for your favourite bands to sign.
And for those who don't feel like lugging a tent around, there is a hotel located minutes' walk away from the festival, or you also have the possibility of renting a pre-setup tent (see https://www.mein-zelt-steht-schon.de/ for details). In short, what better way to spend your long weekend than at Out and Loud Festival? So keep your eyes on Metal Temple for updates or check out the festival's page (OUT AND LOUD Festival - official site - OUT AND LOUD Festival - Official Website). Even better, go get your tickets to this incredible party now (www.hardticket.eu)!
