Once again, the cursed echoes of Black Metal rang through the haunted forests of Dinmin as the Ghosts of Dinmin Festival returned in 2024. This year’s gathering proved once more why it has earned its place in the underground as a true homage to the raw, untamed spirit of the genre. A lineup that could stir the very bones of the earth was unleashed, featuring standout acts like KOLDBRANN, ARKONA, HELL MILITIA, ARSGOATIA, THORYBOS, and NAXEN.
Despite the blistering heat—more fitting for the infernos of hell than the shadows of these ancient woods—the festival kept its intimate, welcoming atmosphere. The venue, though more suited for an indoor event, still encapsulated the wild energy that makes Ghosts of Dinmin a sanctuary for the devoted. The relentless heat, though nearly unbearable, did little to deter the fervor of the crowd, which fed off the intensity of the performances.
Bands worth the blood and sweat:
THORYBOS: A crushing force of destruction. Their set was an unstoppable juggernaut of chaotic, warlike blackened sound, bringing the crowd to its knees in submission. The band’s rage is palpable, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake.
KOLDBRANN: Grim and frostbitten, this was a triumphant return for the Norwegian marauders. Their cold, nordic aura radiated through the infernal heat, and their performance was a grim reminder of why KOLDBRANN has stood as a pillar of raw, hateful Black Metal.
NAXEN: While leaning toward a more modern, atmospheric sound, NAXEN was a revelation. Their performance stirred a different kind of darkness, surprising many with its depth and power. They brought a fresh yet still darkly resonant energy to the stage, cementing themselves as one to watch in the future.
ARSGOATIA: Brutal and grim, ARSGOATIA unleashed a malevolent force that gripped the crowd with relentless intensity. Their commanding stage presence was a revelation, as if the very darkness had taken physical form. Every note cut like a cold, sharp blade, and their uncompromising performance left the audience in awe. ARSGOATIA proved they are among the most savage and merciless forces in Black Metal today.
As the smoke cleared and the shadows lengthened, one thing was clear: The Ghosts of Dinmin Festival remains a vital part of the underground. May it haunt these woods again in 2025!