Last week, I had the absolute pleasure of attending the De Mortem et Diabolum X festival in Berlin, an event that has become a December staple for extreme metal enthusiasts. Berlin’s ORWOhaus provided, yet again, the perfect venue, with its intimate yet commanding atmosphere setting the stage for some truly great performances.
Reflecting on last year’s edition, I was reminded of the incredible shows by Misþyrming, Shores of Ladon, and Afsky, among others. This year, however, the festival somehow managed to outdo itself. The crowning jewel for me was the performance by Germany’s The Ruins Of Beverast. As a long-time admirer of this phenomenal project, witnessing them play the debut album, Unlock the Shrine, in full was nothing short of magical. The seamless blend of black and doom metal elements that defines their sound was amplified by the raw and mysterious energy of the live setting, making it an experience I’ll never forget. This is my fifth time seeing The Ruins of Beverast live (and the second at ORWOhaus!), and each time I am utterly amazed by the sheer talent, boundless imagination, and creative brilliance behind this project.
Another standout for me was the German band Praise The Plague, whose blackened doom sound was both ferocious and captivating. Their set brought to mind Regarde Les Hommes Tomber, but with an added edge of aggression and a more direct intensity, making their performance feel profoundly visceral.
The Flight Of Sleipnir deserves a special mention. This unique band from the U.S. brought something different to the lineup, combining atmospheric elements with doom metal. While perhaps not entirely aligned with the festival’s predominantly black metal focus, they were received with immense enthusiasm from the audience. It was so heartwarming to witness such a strong connection between band and fans, further proof of the open-mindedness and passion that defines the festival’s crowd. Well done.
Other personal favorites include Schammasch, GROZA, and Horns Of Domination, all of whom delivered fantastic performances that further enriched the festival’s already impressive lineup.
De Mortem et Diabolum X was a triumph, showcasing a meticulously curated lineup and an unbeatable atmosphere. If you’ve never been to ORWOHaus, make it a point to visit, as this place hosts many of Berlin’s metal events. And better yet, plan a trip for this festival next December. It’s definitely a must for anyone who cherishes the darker corners of our existence… See you next year!
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Gallery: The Ruins of Beverast
Gallery: Praise the Plague
Gallery: The Flight Of Sleipnir
Gallery: Horns of Domination
Gallery: Drowned
Gallery: Schammasch
Gallery: GROZA
