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wgtlogoLeipzig, Germany
22nd to 25th May 2015
24th Wave Gotik Treffen with Agent Side Grinder, Dupont, Escape With Romeo, Fields Of The Nephilim, Samsas Traum, Sólstafir, Sol Invictus and many more

Twenty-four years ago, two Gothic people from Leipzig had an unusual idea: They didn't want to create yet another dark music festival but rather a supra-regional gathering of like-minded fellows for relaxed meeting, chatting and celebrating. When the 1st Wave-Gotik-Treffen took place in 1992 at the edge of Leipzig with about 2,000 visitors and just a handful of bands, it is unlikely that anyone imagined that within a few years the WGT would become the largest meeting of Gothic people in the world, taking possession of a whole city every year at Whitsun. In 2015 the WGT takes place for the 24th time. From May 22nd till 25th again more than 20,000 Gothics from all over the world are expected to come together again in Leipzig to celebrate the Wave-Gotik-Treffen as THE international gathering of the dark family.

All over the city there will be about 200 bands performing, projects and single artists covering the whole wide range of Gothic music: from Electro-Pop to Goth-Metal, from EBM to Neofolk, from medieval music to Industrial. Apart from famous bands of the scene, you are invited for new discoveries with several less-known real underground bands or artists from the edge of the Gothic music universe. The concerts and events take place at around 40 venues spread throughout Leipzig, for instance in the vaults of the Moritzbastei, in the splendid neo-antique cupola hall of the Volkspalast, and in the green village at the Heidnisches Dorf, as well as in large concert halls. The WGT program will also include beautiful classical music again, such as opera, musical and chamber music.



From its beginning the Wave-Gotik-Treffen has been much more than a music festival: its guests may step back to the romantic atmosphere of ancient times at the medieval market place at the Pagan Village (Heidnisches Dorf). We will present authors reading and unusual theatre; cinematic performances will take place as well as a big live action role play. People in historic clothing will gather in the park for a Victorian Picnic. For four days a large hall at the agra-Messepark will be transformed into the biggest Gothic-wares marketplace in the world. In numerous clubs DJs from all over the world will invite you to dance until dawn. There will also be a large fetish party where entrance is only possible by following a strict voluptuous dress code. A stroll through the winding passages of city centre of Leipzig with its historical buildings of the Renaissance, Baroque and Jugendstil (Art Nouveau) eras is especially worthwhile for art and culture lovers: the entrance to several of Leipzig's museums is free for WGT-guests.

Cheap and entertaining accommodation is available at the huge Treffen camping ground. To enter, you need a special ticket (called Obsorgekarte) which includes also the extensive WGT-program-book. Public transport in the city is free for all WGT-guests from Friday morning until noontime Tuesday.

The inhabitants of Leipzig have become familiar with the Treffen over the last two decades – there are no longer any prejudices and the Gothic guests are very welcome here. The most fascinating aspect of the Wave-Gotik-Treffen is surely its unique magic atmosphere that covers the whole city. Gothics from all over the world celebrate their gathering in a peacefully relaxed manner, turning Leipzig into a diverse wave of black. Once a year about twenty thousand Gothics come home: to the Wave-Gotik-Treffen.


Bands

Currently, following artists are confirmed (as of 17th March 2015)
.com/kill (D) - Accessory (D) - Agent Side Grinder (S) - Alex Kaschte (D) - Alexander Nym (D) - Andre Ziegenmeyer (D) - Anja Bagus (D) -Antimatter (GB) acoustic and electric performance - Ari Mason (USA) - Arkona (RUS) - Ash Code (I) - Ashes You Leave (HR) - Ashram (I) -Astari Nite (USA) - Asynje (DK) - Automelodi (CDN) - Axel Hildebrand (D) - Axel Thielmann (D) - Beborn Beton (D) - Bella Donna (D) -Bergtatt (N) - Birdmachine (D) - Black Lung (AUS) - Blackhouse (USA) world premiere - Blood And Sun (USA) - Blutengel (D) - Cacophoneuses (F) - Capella Fidicinia (D) - Centhron (D) - Cesair (NL) - Chor Und Ballet Der Musikalischen Komödie (D) - Chor, Kinderchor Und Jugendchor Der Oper Leipzig (D) - Christian Von Aster (D) - Clan Of Xymox (NL) - Claudia Gräf (D) - Client (UK) - Clock DVA (GB) - Combichrist (N) -Crash Course In Science (USA) - Cromdale (D) - DAF (D) - Dalriada (H) - Dark Funeral (S) - David Splittgerber (D) - David Wonschewski (D) -Dear Strange (D) - Death In Rome (D) world premiere - Deine Lakaien (D) - Denny Wilke (D) - Der Weg Einer Freiheit (D) - Die Kammer (D) -Diorama (D) - Dirk Bernemann (D) - Distel (NL) - Donnertrummel - Doppelgänger (RUS) - Dr. Mark Benecke (D) - Dragóna (D) - Dupont (S) -Eisbrecher (D) - Eisler Trio (D) - Eisregen (D) - Eluveitie (CH) - Empathy Test (GB) - Ensemble Wilde Jagd (D) - Esa (GB) - Escape With Romeo (D) - Euzen (DK) - Evi Vine (GB) - Faey (D) - Falloch (GB) - Feuerdorn - Fields Of The Nephilim (GB) 30th anniversary show - Fixmer/McCarthy (F/GB) - Frank The Baptist (USA) - Freiraum Syndikat (D) - Frigoris (D) - Front 242 (B) - Gerechtigkeits Liga (GB) - Gewandhausorchester (D)Ghosts Of Dawn (D) - God Seed (N) - Goethes Erben (D) - Grendel (NL) - Greta Helten (D) - Haggard (D) - Harmjoy (D/USA) - Heldmaschine (D) - Hezzel (LV) - Hologram_ (F) - Hubertus Schmidt (D) - In Ruin (USA) - Ingo Martin Stadtmüller (D) - Isabel Gabbe (D) - Ivo Nitschke (D)Jamey Rottencorpse and The Rising Dead (D) - Jäger 90 (D) - Jörg Scheidt (D) - Jo Quail (GB) - Jordan Reyne (NZ) - Kathrin Christians (D) -Kaunan (D) - Keluar (D/GB) - King Dude (USA) - Kirlian Camera (I) two shows with early works and current material - Klutae (DK) - Koffin Kats (USA) - Konzertchor Wümme-Wieste (D) - L'ame Immortelle (A) - L.E.A.F. (NL) - Last Dominion Lost (AUS) - Laura Carbone (D) -Leipziger Ballett (D) - Lex Wohnhaas (D) - Liebknecht (D) - Lights Of Euphoria (D) - Lisa Cuthbert (IRL) - London After Midnight (USA) - Luci Van Org (D) - Luigi Rubino (I) - Lukas Dreyer (D) - Lukas Heinig (D) - Lydia Bennecke (D) - Lydia Gorstein (D) - Majdanek Waltz (RUS) -Markus Heitz (D) - Männerchor Leipzig-Nord (D) - MDR Rundfunkchor (D) - Megaherz (D) - Metal Cambra (E) - Michael Schönheit (D) -Midgards Boten (D) - Mila Mar (D) first show since 2004 - Minimal Consort (D) - Minuit Machine (F) - Mirja Dahlmann (D) - Modulate (GB) -Mono Inc. (D) - Mono No Aware (D) - Monolith (B) - Moonspell (P) - Morthound (S) - Murkeley - Mushroom's Patience (I) - Nachtmahr (A) -Nachtwindheim - nemus!-Ensemble (D) - Nosferatu (GB) - NZ (A) - Orchester Der Musikalischen Komödie (D) - Orphx (CDN) - Otto Dix (RUS)OWLS (I/GB) - Phase Fatale (USA) - Phasenmensch (D) - Postscriptum (N) - Qntal (D) - Rabbit At War (D) - Reliquiae (D) - Rezurex (USA) -Roma Amor (I) - Samsas Traum (D) - Sólstafir (IS) - Schonwald (I) - Sea+Air (D) - Seasurfer (D) - Sektion B (D) - Shield Patterns (GB) -Skaluna (D) - Skyforger (LV) - Snog (AUS) - Soko Friedhof (D) - Sol Invictus (GB) perform the album "In The Rain" - Sophia (S) - Soror Dolorosa (F) - Spencer (CH) - Spiral 69 (I) - Steinkind (D) - Stoneman (CH) - Substaat (N) - Surturs Lohe (D) - Svartsot (DK) - Sweet Ermengarde (D) - Tüsn (D) - Tehôm (HR) - Tempers (USA) - Terrolokaust (E) - Terrorfrequenz (D) - Thalia Lauer (D) - The Beauty Of Gemina (CH) - The Essence (NL) perform the album "Glow" - The Exploding Boy (S) - The Frozen Autumn (I) - The Juggernauts (B) - The March Violets (GB) - The Other (D) - The Present Moment (USA) - The Saint Paul (D) - Thomas Manegold (D) - Thomas-Michael Gribow (D) - Tibetréa (D) -Tilo Augsten (D) - Tommi Stumpff (D) - Trio Concordia (D) - Twisted Nerve (GB) - Two Witches (FIN) - Unterschicht (D) - Unto Ashes (USA) -Uwe Nolte (D) - Valéry Suty (D) - Vannina Horbas (D) - Veil Of Light (CH) - Virelai (DK) - Vive La Fête (B) - While Angels Watch (GB) -Wrangler (GB) - XMH (NL) - Youth Code (USA) - Zackenflanke (D) - Zeena Schreck (USA) - Zombiesuckers (S)
For more information about the confirmed artists, there is a list of their official webpages here: http://www.wave-gotik-treffen.de/forumwgt3/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=21362
On the WGT website, you can enrol for a newsletter which quickly informs you about the latest program updates.




Tickets

Event Ticket
4-days tickets for all events during the 24th Wave Gotik Treffen 2015 are available for 99 EUR in presale (incl. presale charges). The event ticket includes the authorization to use the following public transports (Cable Cars, Busses, Regional and City Trains) of the MDV ("Mitteldeutscher Verkehrsverbund") Zone 110 from 22nd May2015 12:00 PM to 26th May 2015 12:00 PM (without special routes). Like every year, there will be extra tours of the line until wee hours especially for attendees of the Wave Gotik Treffen.

Parking Vignette
In order to use the parking places on the Treffen Area, a parking vignette for 15 EUR (incl. presale charges) for the whole time of the festival is necessary. Important! Without a vignette you’re not allowed to park at the area.

Camping
Possible with Obsorge ticket, limited up to 9,999 tickets for 25 Euro (includes advance sale charges), contains the following service-package:
- Camping at the Treffen-Campground (agra-fairground)
- "Pfingstbote" ("Whitsun-herald") - the WGT program book
Important! Without an Obsorge ticket the entering and the use of the camping grounds is not possible. The Obsorge ticket is only valid in combination with an event ticket and has to be bought for each person separately.

You can order your tickets here:
http://www.wave-gotik-treffen.de/karten.php (Germany)
http://www.wave-gotik-treffen.de/english/karten.php (Foreign Countries)


Additional festival information

Location
Leipzig, eastern Germany (at about 40 venues, spread all over the city); camping site and main venue at the edge of town at the “Agra- Messepark” Markkleeberg; for information on the city you may check http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leipzig or the official city website http://www.leipzig.de/int/en.

Music styles
All kinds of dark music: Gothic; EBM; Industrial; Ambient; Neofolk; Synth-pop, Goth-Metal etc.

Expected number of visitors
About 20,000

Info line
0049-341-2120862 / Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

"low emission zone" in Leipzig
Since the 1st of March 2011 about 60 per cent of the urban area of Leipzig has been declared a "low emission zone" to protect the environment from air pollution. Therefore within this zone only vehicles which have an official green sticker placed on the front windscreen are allowed. To obtain such a sticker, the vehicle must meet certain standards (i.e. age, type of fuel, diesel particulate filter etc.). This regulation is also valid for foreigners who travel to Leipzig by car. If you cannot show a valid sticker during a traffic check, you will have to pay a fine of 40 Euros. The stickers are available for about 5,- Euros at most car repair shops in Germany or via internet, e.g. the website of TÜV-Nord (6 Euros).

ATTENTION: The agra-area with parking lot and camping site can be reached via A38 / B2 without having to enter the "low emission zone"! (Please see the map of the zone below) That means it is possible for visitors to park their vehicle at the agra-parking lot (you will need a WGT parking ticket in this case, which can also be obtained on location) and reach all other locations by public transport. Please use the following links to find more information: http://www.lowemissionzones.eu




WGT special tips

Apart from famous bands of the scene, the coming WGT program will again include several hidden treasures whose names are maybe not known to everybody, but which will surely perform outstanding concerts. So before visiting the WGT, it’s worthwhile to take a closer look into the program and to listen to some sample tracks of the artists you don’t know. Here are some hints on a few less known, yet interesting bands and artists which will play at the WGT 2015:

Agent Side Grinder - Electronic, Post Punk | Sweden
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5eTBMIoK0I
It's hard to call this band a secret tip since their particular nature has been known for some time. The raw power craft of The Klinik or Suicide paired with catchy synths and melodic bass tracks which could turn Peter Hook pale. Their live shows involve more than opening a laptop, instead they amaze with authentic classic synthesisers and tape-loop machines filling the stage – a feast for the ears, eyes and dancing feet.

Ash Code - Post Punk | Italy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIqgiu4RcfM
A young band riding the Post-Punk revival wave, for fans of The Soft Moon, She Past Away or Ulterior

Automelodi - Minimal Wave, Synthpop | Canada
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1PDnNdTNwY
Danceable, melodic analogue Synth-wave presented by a charismatic front-man with truly dynamic stage presence. For fans of their label mates such as Martial Canterel or Xeno & Oaklander, who have already graced the WGT with their performances.

Black Lung - Electro, IDM | Australia
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ZUMLgRHhPo
The somewhat more straightforward techno-project of David Thrussell, alias SNOG. For fans of labels such as Ant-Zen or Warp.

Blood And Sun - Neofolk | USA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kpEbW0ecI4s
Ok, with a name like that, it's hardly necessary to tell you what genre they play. But putting aside the clichés, this a lovely new addition to an otherwise nearly dead genre.

Empathy Test - Synthpop | Great Britain
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SxFGMVUb2mo
A very young duo from London whose catchy tunes have already rightfully earned them a larger audience.

Evi Vine - Post Rock, Ethereal | Great Britain
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOv7W-13zQs
Although she deserves to be idolised by millions, she's shockingly still playing tiny clubs. Some are already familiar with her from her collaboration with The Eden House. She recently released her second album and it seems fitting that this exceptional artists will receive the attention she deserves. There are very few female voices which are so magnetic and embedded in dreamy music which captivates the heart.

Keluar - Minimal Synth | Germany/Great Britain
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wIZmtzUCGjk
The quasi follow-up project from the divine Linea Aspera. In comparison, somewhat colder and harder, yet just as stunning as ever, owing above all to the voice of "Zoè Zanias" which goes straight under the skin.

Last Dominion Lost - Industrial | Australia/Great Britain
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=phFZ9qkyZgY
Cult-project from former members of the Industrial pioneers SPK. Guaranteed 101% glow stick free.

King Dude - Dark Folk, Americana | USA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BiSnI8vyxx0
Some refer to him as the reincarnation of Johnny Cash. While not entirely accurate, the sombre American folk of Thomas Jefferson Cowgill is certainly thrilling in its own way and capable of producing a consensus among members of widely varying sub-scenes.

Lisa Cuthbert - Alternative, Dark Rock | Great Britain
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pvFcY7p0lHk
The press labels her as "the dark Tori Amos", which comes fairly close. Some of you may have seen her WGT debut in 2010 or her appearances as guest singer with Antimatter or the Sisters. In any case a worthy experience.

Minuit Machine - Minimal-Synth, Wave | France
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FR_KwstD7dM
After the dissolution of the magnificent Phosphor one of the follow-up projects from the pen of incomprehensible talented Hélène de Thoury comes to Leipzig. Their debut album "Live & Destroy" is the standard for everything that happens in this genre in 2015. Each title is a milestone.

NZ - EBM | Austria
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZL3BdTpzC0
A young project with clear role models: Pouppée Fabrikk and Nitzer Ebb.

Orphx - Industrial, Techno, IDM | Canada
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5QzeanQTYI
Cult project from the high-grade technoid industrial scene – for the first time at WGT, finally!

Polaroid Kiss - Synthpop, Alternative | Great Britain
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fw1RiP618sY
Highly promising project from producer Brandun Reed with the ex-drummer from Placebo (Steve Hewitt) and other guests.

Seasurfer - Indie, Shoegaze, Dreampop | Germany
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IvQC-ECRRts
Slowdive-guitars paired with Brian-Molko-vocals. That's what Seasurfer sounded like, at least until recently when the former singer left the band. They are currently working with the Dark Orange singer Julia Beyer, who moves the sound slightly towards the Cocteau Twins' "Heaven Or Las Vegas" era. It will be interesting to hear how that comes across live. With Dirk Knight (also Dark Orange), Jojo Brandt (The Convent) and Volker Zacharias (Cassandra Complex, Girls Under Glass) these are definitely seasoned professionals on stage.

Snog - Electro, Experimental, IDM | Australia
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dFaqsc4lNyk
A band which absolutely cannot be shoved into just one drawer. Over the course of their career techno touches upon country, EBM encroaches upon folk. The live implementation should hold us all in suspense.

Sólstafir - Post Rock, Black Metal, Alternative | Iceland
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GL3LVlDtoUY
"Sigur Rós goes Metal" writes the press. And they're both right and wrong. A typical Icelandic band which falls between the lines and brings a weary smile to the lips when trying to classify their genre. Their videos are also impressive.

Sweet Ermengarde - Gothic Rock | Germany
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42Q0sNZ9yR4
Interesting new band which doesn't need to reinvent the wheel to delight. They obviously have at least two albums from the Fields on their shelf, but what could be wrong with that?

The Present Moment - Minimal Synth | USA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hs_r2_iuVo
Another band from the Mannequin Records milieu (Sixth June, Frank (Just Frank), Martial Canterel), which has never before played at WGT. It's time!


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