Every edition of Hellfest is different. Every year, the festival provides us with an unique and diverse cast of artists and bands, pushing the boundaries of what an extreme music festival can host. Not only that, but every single year we see structural improvements, new and fresh ideas implemented, new sights and cuisine to explore. But one thing is always a constant at Hellfest: the sense of community. At the end of the day, what makes Hellfest a rare gem among its peers is not just its impressive lineup or how perfectly timed everything feels; it is also the people that gather around year after year and form a community we adore so much. Between moshing, there are hugs. Between headbanging and air guitaring, there are smiles and laughs. Every single gesture tells a story of love, of acceptance and of feeling right at home. It is extremely easy to just stand still and get inundated with emotions, absorbing every small detail that catches our eyes and our ears – there is no feeling quite like it.
As the infamous Hellgates of the festival’s cathedral entrance are opened, it all started over again. The races to the Sanctuary for some devilish merch, the scouting of the new Valley, the exploration of the expanded areas of the festival, the tasting of delicacies and beverages from the various food stands, the dances around the fires, the insane Brutal Caddie battles, the raving campsite afterparties, the hilariously brilliant cosplaying, the moshing, the crowdsurfing and the headbanging; all done like a ritual in communion with one another. The world is becomign a very dangerous place as the days go by, with no end to war and famine in sight. And it is because of it that year after year, we are ever grateful and incredibly happy to be a part of such a loving community on such an amazing festival. More so now than ever before, we have to stand as one against those that would endanger our lives and those of our community. We truly believe that music can have a larger role in changing lives as well as mentalities, so let us remain steadfast in our resolve and never back down. We stand together, as we always have, in infernal company.
The photo galleries below call upon these sentiments that make music so special and dear to us. It’s all about community, the support felt through it and how it can change the world, turn something beautiful into something perfect.
Words by Filipe Silva
Photos by Alexandra Ramos
