EXTOL (NO)

progressive metal

We've never won the lottery, but the fact that Extol headlines Brainstorm Festival 2023 might feel like an even bigger win. We simply did not dare to dream of this, because the band has not been active for years. But sometimes the penny falls in the right direction, and that situation arises now. In short, Extol is our great headliner!

Extol was founded in 1993 and made a big impression with the debut album 'Burial'. The subsequent 'Undeceived' was also a hit, and the Norwegians were picked up by the great Century Media. Then things went fast. The band unleashed their death-metal sound on the thrashy album 'Synergy', experimented on 'The Blueprint Dives' and then abruptly stopped their rapid advance.

In 2013, Extol was suddenly back with the eponymous album 'Extol' that was released via Indie Recordings. But even then it became quiet. Until it was announced that the band would do a reunion show in the United States in the fall of 2023. We immediately contacted the band, and after some negotiations, Extol decided to also play at Brainstorm Festival in Apeldoorn as well. Isn't that great? Don't miss this unique opportunity!

XANDRIA (DE)

symphonic metal

Xandria returns to Brainstorm Festival! The band already played our event in 2017, shortly after vocalist Dianne van Giersbergen left the band. Xandria then disappeared for a while, but the band is back with singer Ambre Vourvahis. The new album 'The Wonders Still Awaiting' is excellent, and we are therefore proud that Xandria is visiting our festival in Apeldoorn again.

The roots of Xandria go back to 1994, although we can only speak of a band since 1999. Although the band occasionally changed vocalists behind the microphone, the Germans grew into a big international name. Albums like 'Neverworld's End', 'Sacrificium' and 'Theater Of Dimensions' found their way to the ever-growing fan base.

With the new album 'The Wonders Still Awaiting' Xandria takes their career a step further. Both musically and lyrically, the band delivers an actual message that cannot be ignored. Xandria has simply grown into one of the biggest symphonic metal bands in Europe. Fantastic to have such a band on stage with us at the Brainstorm Festival!

SERENITY (AT)

symphonic power-metal

Confirming Serenity might have been a little bit obvious. After all, vocalist Georg Neuhauser was present last year with Fallen Sanctuary. He impressed us and the audience so much that inviting his main band, Serenity, was a logical next step to take.

The Austrian band walks the thin line between power-metal and melodic metal, in which the songs are provided with historical stories. Not surprising, because Georg Neuhauser is a history teacher in everyday life. Only his students don't get the lessons packaged as nicely as Serenity presents them at Brainstorm Festival.

Over the years, Serenity has grown into one of the better European bands within the genre, with a growing, loyal fan base. At Brainstorm Festival the band will undoubtedly present a great show with guitar solos, fast guitar parts and the wonderful vocals of Georg Neuhauser. Come and see!

CONFESSIONS OF A TRAITOR (UK)

Melodic metalcore

Aggressive music, to build positive people! That statement is from Confessions Of A Traitor, the English metalcore band that has been growing fast lately. They even managed to score a record deal with Facedown Records. Confessions Of A Traitor, simply COAT, is the only European band on this quality label.

 And aggressive, that's COAT's music absolutely! The volume opens all the way, resulting in an energetic live show. Mosh pit guaranteed! And all this to spread a positive message. ,,We want to provide an escape for people, to embrace their belief when all else is lost'', say the gentlemen. COAT has been working for ten years and now they can finally be seen in the Netherlands!

LEONOV (NO)

post-rock/metal

For the loyal visitors of Brainstorm Festival, Leonov is not an unknown name. In 2016 the band travelled to Apeldoorn for the first time and left a crushing impression. Leonov returned two years later, this time for a special show in our theatre. And again you could have heard a pin drop. That's how overwhelming their show was.

It's time to bring Leonov back. And for a reason: the band is releasing a new album this year. Once again Leonov gets a place in our theater hall, where the Norwegian post-rock/metal band can give us a taste of their music. This undoubtedly promises to be another highlight of the annual Brainstorm Festival!

Angelic Forces (NL)

80's Hardrock

Numerous international artists may be on stage at Brainstorm Festival, but we're not forgetting the Dutch metal scene either. With Angelic Forces we are bringing in a strongly emerging band from the north of our country. The gentlemen play 80's hard rock and do it very well - judging by their new album 'Arise'.

Angelic Forces is now also looking beyond the border. The band takes all that experience to Apeldoorn, for a cool hard rock show that contains everything you could expect from such a concert. Loud guitars, catchy choruses and nice headbanging. Angelic Forces will represent our country well. Douze points!