Epic Assault Music Fest Invades Josefov
The Brutal Assault festival is known for its unique approach of not featuring any headliners, instead opting for a well-rounded lineup. This year, attendees can expect to see 150 new artists and DJs performing each night. The event traditionally starts on Tuesday with a warm-up event to help visitors ease into the four days filled with music. This year, the warm-up will feature energetic acts such as Carnivore A.D., the heavy doom band from Norway called Funeral, and the iconic American group Macabre. Other performers include Marked As An Enemy, Cutterred Flesh, Pan Lynx, Faüst, and See You In Hell.
The main program launches on Wednesday, and it promises to be intense and unyielding. Headliners such as the American sludge metal giants Mastodon, the legendary industrial bands Ministry and Static-X, along with thrash metal legend Kerry King, will be performing for the first time at the festival. Fans of death metal can look forward to acts like Dying Fetus and Blood Red Throne, while those into black metal will enjoy Rotting Christ and Ruïm.
On Thursday, the momentum continues with the return of the French heavyweights Gojira, along with 90’s metal icons Fear Factory and the Norwegian band Leprous. A powerful trio of American death metal bands will take the stage, featuring Obituary, Suffocation, and Nile, while the core lineup showcases Fit For a King and August Burns Red. Additionally, there will be a tribute performance to the legendary band Bathory through the Blood Fire Death project.
Highlights of Brutal Assault on Friday and Saturday
Even Friday will be packed with thrilling performances. The pioneering black metal band Mayhem and the renowned symphonic metal group Dimmu Borgir will be taking the stage. Modern metalcore will be embodied by Landmvrks and Counterparts, while post-metal artists Cult of Luna and Harakiri for the Sky will bring a darker tone. The gothic metal sound will be showcased by Paradise Lost.
Saturday will wrap up the festival with a grand finale. Expect to see progressive death metal masters Opeth, aggressive bands Brujeria and Benighted, as well as the outstanding Australian prog-metal band Karnivool. Hardcore legends Agnostic Front and thrash veterans Overkill will provide the old-school energy, while Sweden’s The Halo Effect will present their modern melodic death metal sound.
As part of this festival, which takes place across five stages, attendees can also enjoy a variety of additional activities. These include established features like horror cinema, autograph sessions, and various exhibitions. Attendees will find gates leading to other worlds, such as the Pit of Doom, post-apocalyptic Convoy, and Voidmonger. There will also be an exhibition showcasing photographs of ossuaries titled Moments of Silence or Endemic Monsters. Plus, don’t miss the chance to ride the Brutal Express, which will take you from Jaroměř back to Prague!
Pit of Doom, the Post-Apocalyptic World, and Horror Cinema
What else is exciting about this year’s accompanying program? Prepare to explore Pit of Doom, where you’ll encounter ancient Cult of Satanists and followers of Set-hen known as Mesu Betesh, who lurk deep within Ravelin XIV. If you’re not afraid, dive into the depths beneath the Josefov Fortress!
Picture roaring engines, echoes of wild screams, clouds of smoke, and the struggle to survive in a harsh post-apocalyptic world, reminiscent of films like Mad Max or Fallout. There’s also horror cinema featuring themed films and exciting premieres. The festival will include tours of the catacombs and walks along the fortress walls, allowing you to enjoy performances from a unique angle.
Additionally, look out for lectures and workshops as part of the supporting program. Highlights include drum lessons from the legendary Gene Hoglan of Dark Angel, ex-Testament, and ex-Death; George Kollias from Nile; plus a lecture from Attila Csihar, the frontman of iconic band Mayhem. Don’t miss the exhibition showcasing artworks by František Štorm (Master’s Hammer) and Mario Duplantier, the drummer of Gojira from France.
Travel on the Brutal Express to the Festival and Back
This year, the organizers are once again providing their own train service to the festival and back! The Brutal Express will depart for the festival on Wednesday, August 6, at 9:30 AM from Prague and at 11:00 AM from Hradec Kralove; it will return from Jaroměř on Sunday August 10 at 10:30 AM to Hradec and continue to Prague at 10:55 AM, arriving at the Main Railway Station. On board, you can choose your seat based on your music preferences, with options for Thrash, Death, Black, Hardcore, or Alternative cars. During the ride, you’ll also have the chance to swap tickets for your festival wristband. All aboard the metal train! The return ticket costs 480 CZK.
