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VĖLIŲ NAMAI (Lithuania)

“Vėlių Namai” (Home of spirits) is a Lithuanian Baltic dark folk project founded in Prague, 2006. The project creates a ritualistic fabric of live instruments and dark post-folk electronics. Their musical journey into the otherworldly world is accompanied by the signs of the old Baltic faith and visions of spiritual transformations. The group return to the stage after two years spent in the steppes of Central Asia, bringing some ancient shamanic instruments with them that will enhance their magic trance under the starry cloak of the night. “Vėlių Namai” welcomes you to experience the darker side of nature and existence. Through the trails of the spirits, to feel the other world shrouded in mists and mysticism; to visit your home that lies beyond.

OF THE WAND & THE MOON (Denmark)

“Of The Wand & The Moon” ir dāņu neofolka projekts, ko aizsāka Kims Larsens 1998. gadā. Mūziķi spēcīgi ietekmējuši agrīnie tumšie folkmūzikas skaņdarbi un šobrīd – tā ir sava žanra pērle – tumša un melanholiska akustiskā mūzika. Arī senām un pagāniskām tēmām ir ievērojama loma grupas mūzikā, mākslas darbos un dziesmu tekstos. Bet koncertos – tēmas uzjundī šīs nepiedzīvotās atmiņas neatkārtojamos un unikālos melodiskos priekšnesumos.

KANNABINÕID (ESTONIA)

“Kannabinõid” is an Estonian metal-doom trio known for their crushingly heavy soundscapes, seamlessly blending doom, psychedelic rock, and ambient elements.

Their immersive live performances and distinctive sonic identity have established them as a force within the underground scene. With a career spanning over a decade, “Kannabinõid” has earned critical acclaim, securing the Best Metal Album award at the Estonian Music Awards twice – first for their 2020 release 3, and again for their latest album MASS (2024), which was also nominated for Best Album Design.

Fusing hypnotic riffs, atmospheric textures, and raw intensity, “Kannabinõid” delivers an unparalleled experience both on record and on stage, making them a must-see act for fans of heavy, transcendent music.

HARAKIRI FOR THE SKY (AUSTRIA)

In the past decade, “Harakiri for the Sky” have become pioneers of the post black metal movement, gained a significant worldwide following with “III: Trauma” and even entered the German charts on #4 with their latest album “Maere”. Ever since their conception in 2011, the Austrian duo has drawn fans and critics deeper and deeper into the maelstrom of their melancholy, self-hate and anger, and toured relentlessly in Europe, Asia and North and South America. With M.S’s captivating guitar melodies and J.J.’s lyrics, ridden with trauma, delirium and loss, their unique mixture of extreme metal and post rock has created an inescapable void.

MARS RED SKY (FRANCE)

An ethereal and melodic voice emerges from a thick and complex rhythm, carried by sci-fi literature lyricism… Almost cinematic, “Mars Red Sky” sounding has a peculiar and unique flavour, standing out within the heavy rock scene. On stage, they manage to recreate their sophisticated studio atmospheres and to deliver the special sonic touch that characterises them. Their live shows absorb the listener, allowing to get lost into a visual and vibrant limbo and transcend into another dimension. Beyond a simple concert, it is a real sensorial experience that is proposed.

DJ KRANKENWAGEN (LATVIA)

The band “DJ Krankenwagen” holds deep respect for Latvian folk songs, German industrial music, and healthcare workers worldwide. The members of “DJ Krankenwagen” create their music from the heart – and all other organs.

At the end of 2024, the band released their second studio album, “Lēnā palīdzība” (“Slow Help”), which explores themes of health and caregiving as a long, deliberate, and mindful process – akin to rehabilitation, physiotherapy, or psychotherapy. The album was nominated for the “Zelta Mikrofons” award in two categories: “Best Alternative, Indie, or Experimental Music Album” and “Best Album Design”, winning the latter.

During the album recording, “DJ Krankenwagen” collaborated with the mixed choir “Dziesmuvara”, led by conductor Laura Ozoliņa. The choir performed the song “Dzemde” and contributed backing vocals to several tracks. This collaboration has since evolved into a close friendship, with “Dziesmuvara” becoming not just an auditory highlight of live performances, but also a vibrant element of the band’s stage presence.

DZELZS VILKS  (LATVIA)

The well-known Latvian rock band “Dzelzs Vilks” was founded in 1991 in Mālpils by its leader Juris Kaukulis. Over more than three decades, the band has conquered Latvia’s biggest stages and earned widespread recognition from audiences. As “Dzelzs Vilks” approaches its 35th anniversary, a special concert program titled “Dzelzs Vilks. Izspūrušiem matiem” has been created, bringing the band back to the raw, intense sound of its early years. The program’s premiere will take place on June 12.

“Although “Dzelzs Vilks” has never strayed far from the music of its early days and we often include older tracks in our concerts, this will be the first time that our earliest, rougher works are performed together in one show,” reveals Juris Kaukulis, the voice of Dzelzs Vilks.

BEL TEMPO (Latvia)

“Bel Tempo” is an indie/electronic music duo from Riga, influenced by artists like “Caribou”, “Jungle”, “Sampha”, “Toro y Moi”, and others. Their music blends sensual beats and analog synthesizers with soft vocals and pulsating guitar riffs, creating a sound that is both danceable and intimate. The duo first met at the RIGaLive songwriting camp but initially worked remotely – producer Andis Ansons was based in Riga, while singer-songwriter Jūlijs Melngailis was studying composition in London. The name Bel Tempo means “good weather” in Italian – an ironic choice, considering their roots in Riga and London. However, it can also be interpreted as “having a good time”, which is exactly what Bel Tempo aims to offer: a refuge from gray skies, puddles, cold winds, and weary faces.

In June 2022, the duo released their debut EP “Pessimismus”, featuring London-based rapper Eliza Legzdina. The record earned two nominations at the Latvian Music Recording Award “Zelta Mikrofons” – for Best Electronic and Dance Album and Best Debut Album.

JUUK (Latvia)

The band “Juuk” draws its musical roots from European and American folk as well as rock music. At times, their sound unfolds into dark, immersive storytelling, while in other moments they bring lyrically beautiful melodies or the spontaneous joy of friends jamming in a crowded room. Last year, “Juuk” performed at venues like Liepāja’s “Lielais dzintars” concert hall and Latgale’s GORS cultural center, as well as at village and city festivals, major events, and intimate cultural spaces across Latvia and Lithuania.

DZELTENIE PASTNIEKI (Latvia)

The band “Dzeltenie Pastnieki” was founded back in 1981 and quickly became a cult phenomenon. In its early days, news of the band did not spread through radio or television, as their music was never broadcasted. Until the late 1980s, “Dzeltenie Pastnieki” did not perform live, functioning solely as a home studio project. Their recordings were painstakingly edited, cut, and spliced together from the best takes of their songs. For a long time, their music was never officially released – instead, it spread organically, with fans copying tapes and cassettes from one another. It was only years later – when the band’s leader Ingus Baušķenieks established his own record label, that all of “Dzeltenie Pastnieki” classic albums finally experienced official releases.

NOVA KOMA  (Latvia)

For the past 10 years, “Nova Koma” has been captivating listeners with music inspired by various genres, distinguished by catchy melodies and striking dynamics. Every performance is played as if it were their last – delivering raw energy in heavier tracks and genuine emotion in softer ballads. With two “Zelta Mikrofons” nominations and stage experience that spans from small kebab shops to Latvia’s biggest festivals, “Nova Koma” remains a force of energy that doesn’t just play songs but tells stories – simple, real, and profoundly honest.

DZ  (Latvia)

“DZ” is a band formed in Riga, consisting of members from several well-known Latvian musical projects, including Staņislavs Kuļikovs, Aleksandrs Aleksandrovs, Kārlis Heimrāts, Adrians Grīns, Katrīne Sabīne Kalniņa, and Inga Vamze. The musicians are known for their work in bands such as “Nē,” “Martas Asinis,” “Nikto,” “Les Attitudes Spectrales,” “Aston Kais,” and “Rīgas Modes,” among others. The sound of “DZ” features atmospheric and experimental instrumental and rhythmic lines. “DZ” can be described as controlled chaos. The band released their debut album in 2021 and is currently working on their second studio album. 

NIELSLENS LIELSLIENS (Latvia)

“Nielslens Lielsliens” is a Latvian band active since 2009. Known for acoustic performances, they’re praised for energetic and engaging live shows in unique venues. The band consists of Mareks Kaminskis (drums, vocals, kilimanjaro), Klāvs Kalnačs (vocals, guembri, guitars), and since 2021 – Vija Moore (balafon, vocals, violin). “Nielslens Lielsliens” has four albums and the latest album “Negaidīti varoņi” (2024), is a mix of soulful Latvian tunes, North and West African heritage-inspired rhythms, melodies and attitude. The album is dedicated to stories of real heroes and antiheroes spotted in Latvian and international media as well as in barbershops.

EDGARS RUBENIS UN MARIJA LUĪZE MEĻĶE (Latvia)

Guitarist Edgars Rubenis and poet Marija Luīze Meļķe have invented a two-headed creature, where its heads – music and poetry – never interrupt one another. Their approach is listener-friendly, allowing space for perception rather than overwhelming senses. This balance maintains a respectful dialogue between the two art forms, ensuring that neither text nor instrumental composition dominates the other. Yet, at its core, this creature has one heart, with both voices flowing from the same source.

ERNESTA LĪBIEŠA ROKMŪZIKAS SKOLA (Latvia)

Founded in 2017 in Riga, Ernests Lībietis Rock Music School has been based in the historic Bišumuiža Manor for the past eight years. The school takes pride in its achievements, traditions, and events that have shaped its journey.

Many of its students continue their music education at high schools and universities, both in Latvia and abroad. The school also organizes summer workshops, educational masterclasses, student concerts, band gatherings, and the “Battle of Bands” competition.

Several bands have emerged from the school, including “Yr,” “Velvet In Spite,” “Jebunte,” and “Katastrofa”, whose recordings have been played on Latvian radio stations. Additionally, the band “Five Inch Mayo” performed at the festival “Bildes 2019” alongside Ernests Lībietis. Over the years, students have recorded 35 original songs in professional studios.

Information about the festival program, participants, and artists will be updated!