A Captivating Journey into the World of Darkness
WAVE – GOTIK – TREFFEN, 17–20/05/2024
Review by Malice F. & George P. for Electrowelt.com
Electrowelt.com, staying true to its tradition as the only Greek Dark Alternative online magazine to consistently cover the biggest event in the scene, proudly presents the highlights from the 3ist Wave-Gotik-Treffen (WGT) in Leipzig, Germany. This year marked 31 consecutive editions of the world’s largest goth and dark alternative festival, with over 20,000 attendees from across the globe—USA, Japan, Australia, Mexico, and beyond—once again transforming Leipzig into the international capital of dark culture making WGT THE biggest international gathering of the dark family.
A City Transformed
Held across 50+ venues, this year’s WGT featured 200+ bands spanning Electro-Pop, Goth-Metal, EBM, Neofolk, Medieval, Post Punk, Minimal Synth—and more. Beyond the concerts, the festival offered an expansive cultural program: art exhibitions, author readings, lectures, film screenings, and classic autograph sessions. Fans also had the chance to experience classical and opera concerts, choir and organ performances, and immerse themselves in Leipzig’s rich architectural history, with free museum access included in the WGT pass.
The city turned black once again, welcoming darkly dressed festival-goers to iconic happenings such as the Victorian Picnic at Clara Zetkin Park, the medieval market and Heidnisches Dorf Pagan Village, and legendary afterparties at Moritzbastei. Meanwhile, the AGRA-Messepark hosted the world’s largest gothic marketplace—a paradise of clothing, shoes, accessories, records, and rarities that fans could (and did) spend hours exploring.
Friendly Locals & Festival Logistics
One of WGT’s most unique features is its seamless integration with the city. Locals are not just accepting—they’re warmly welcoming. Free public transportation for all wristband holders, affordable camping (with the Obsorgekarte), and excellent organization by the WGT press office and crew ensure a smooth experience for all attendees.
We also recommend downloading the WGT app for easy access to schedules and updates, and taking time to explore lesser-known artists—
One of many reasons we love the WGT festival: apart from famous bands of the scene, the WGT program always includes several hidden treasures and discoveries regarding lesser-known bands that delivered outstanding concerts. Therefore, before visiting the WGT, we definitely suggest to take a closer look into the program and to listen to some sample tracks of the artists you do not know.
Festival Highlights
Thursday 16/05 – Warm-Up Parties
The festivities kicked off with DJ sets and warm-up parties across Leipzig: AGRA 4.2, Moritzbastei, Darkflower, KÄTZ Club, and Felsenkeller (home of the traditional WGT EBM night). A fantastic way to set the tone.
Friday 17/05 – Live Music Begins
Dernière Volonté (FR), Ladytron (UK) – Midnight Special
by Malice F.
From the moment we arrived in Leipzig, the magic began—troubles forgotten, absinthe in hand, surrounded by familiar faces in black, setting the mood for yet another awesome and memorable WGT experience for everyone. After wrapping up press duties and catching up with friends at AGRA Park, we headed to Volkspalast’s Kuppelhalle for a powerful set by Dernière Volonté. a favorite French neofolk duo among music fans. I just had time to enjoy 2-3 tracks of the lyric Italians ARGINE at the Kantine, before taking my place at the front, the venue was packed Their return to WGT after several years was met with enthusiasm; highlights included “Mon Mercenaire,” “En Espagne,” and “Au travers des lauriers.”
We had a brief chat with Backworld, whom we unfortunately missed but planned to see live in Athens soon after.
Then it was off to AGRA for the Midnight Special: Ladytron, performing live in Germany for the first time since 2008. Helen Marnie, Mira Aroyo and Daniel Hunt travelled exclusively from Liverpool for this performance, the setlist included songs from all their studio albums. We listened to “City of Angels”, “Faces”, “Ghosts”, “Deadzone”, “True Mathematics”, “The Animals”, “Misery Remember Me”, “International Dateline”, “Discotraxx”. Their minimal Electro Pop, strong visuals, and classics like “Seventeen” and “Destroy Everything You Touch” created an energetic, danceable atmosphere. Personally, I lean toward more theatrical midnight acts (à la Peter Murphy or Current 93), but Ladytron delivered a stylish and entertaining set to cap off the night.
Saturday 18/05 – Goth Rock Reveries & Our DJ Set
Other Day (DE), Dorsetshire (DE – Farewell), Two Witches (FI), Bellwether Syndicate (USA), Ausgang (UK), Umbra et Imago (DE – Reunion), Electrowelt.com DJ Set @ KÄTZ Club
by Malice F. & George P.
We focused Saturday on two nearby venues—Felsenkeller and Täubchenthal—with a lineup of classic gothic and post-punk acts. Both venues are so beautiful with gardens where you can relax, drink a beer, grab a bite to eat, have a discussion in such wonderful surroundings. So, our day started at Felsenkeller.
Other Day impressed with their theatrical presence and blend of Darkwave, Neoclassical, and Neue Deutsche Todeskunst. Front man Sad’s haunting vocals and the performance’s ethereal dance elements created a dreamlike world early in the afternoon. We were indeed impressed with their theatrical performance, costumes and atmosphere they created. Sad was an imposive and simultaneously ethereal figure on stage with his flamboyant presence and dark vocals, Niha-Céta at the cello and vocals contributed a great deal to the magical as well as the ethereal dancers. Their goal and intention were to carry us through a dreamworld, although it was pretty early in the afternoon, they definitely succeeded. The concert setlist was “Im Tanz vereint”, “Hiding”, “Tränen keinen Blick”, “Hauch der Schatten”, “Nur in Sonnen”, “Der Sinne Blau”, “Lichthauch”, “Schrei der Worte”.
Dorsetshire, a 90s electro act, delivered an emotional farewell show. Their socially charged tracks “Straße der Verdammnis” and “Herzschlag” were received with love—and a surprise cover of Invincible Spirit’s “Push.”
We left quickly for Täubchenthal to check out the Americans The Bellwether Syndicate. They describe their music as dark alternative/post punk (I am not sure I would agree with the post punk part), many guitars not so dark or goth for my taste. They showcased their new album Vestige & Vigil., which was released in April 2023 and took them six years in the making. Front man William Faith (former member of goth acts Christian Death, Shadow Project, Mephisto Walz, co-founder of Faith and the Muse and current member of The March Violets) moved from his native Los Angeles to Chicago in 2010 to form the band with his wife, Sarah Rose Faith aka “Scary Lady Sarah”, a well- known DJ in the scene. They were supported by three more musicians on stage, so the live lineup included Corey Gorey (bass), Philly Peroxide (keyboards/percussion) and Stevyn Grey (drums). Ι definitely wanted to check out their music and stage performance. Faith is an experienced musician and performer, they didn’t disappoint and led a tight, guitar-heavy performance. Highlights were “Dystopian Mirror”, “The Night Watch”, “Clarion”. Their closing cover of “Sovereign” was heartfelt and memorable.
I was also excited to see the next legendary post punk band. Ausgang, a British band founded in the 80s, active then for 4 years. They play pure early post-punk or even gothic in the likes of Sex Gang Children, Skeletal Family or Theater of Hate. They followed with a fiery set of pure 80s post-punk—sharp guitars, tribal drums, and goth energy. “I Am a Horse” and “Weight” stood out.
I then returned solo to Felsenkeller for a deeply nostalgic show by Finland’s legendary Two Witches. beloved cult band for me, since my first baby goth steps. Anne Nurmi from Lacrimosa started her career and co-founded Two witches with Jyrki back in 1987. The band based their lyrics and imagery on vampiric themes. From “Bites and Bloody Kisses” and “Requiem”, to the encore “Vampire Empire” and “Burn the Witch,” it was pure gothic theatre.
Umbra et Imago closed the venue with bombastic performance. After a 7-year break, fans were thrilled. Mozart’s stage entrance was as dramatic as expected, candles and all., with two backup singers for vocals, one of them his beautiful wife, fully clothed this time. He entered the stage in a hooded robe, his face hardly visible and stood in front of a music stand lighted with candles. Their sound is mainly gothic metal with elements of what the Germans call “Neue Deutsche Härte”. After a seven-year hiatus their fans were excited to see them live again. Powerful riffs and vocals, we listened to “Märchenlied”, “Requiem der Nephilim”, “Lieber Gott” Unfortunately, I missed “Amadeus” while rushing off to our own set…
Electrowelt.com DJ Set – “Nasty Noir” @ KÄTZ Club
While I was finishing my photo duties, George kicked off our Electrowelt.com DJ set at KÄTZ Club alongside the fantastic DJ Lumpi. The party—Nasty Noir: The Dark Music Dance—was packed and wild from 21:00 onward. I joined later and spun everything from post-punk and old-school EBM to minimal synth. A massive thank-you to the crowd, KÄTZ staff, and DJ Lumpi for making it such a successful and joy-filled night. We always aim at paying tribute to WGT’s line up and always try to cover all tastes with anthems of the scene and our target is for everyone who attends our parties to dance and enjoy themselves.
We DJ for the people—not for ourselves—and seeing everyone dance made it all worth it. Thank you for the love and support!
Sunday 19/05/2024
Camerata Mediolanense (I), Beauty of Gemina (CH), The Danse Society (UK), Diva Destruction (USA), Prayers (USA), Editors (UK)
by Malice F and George P
We started off early, heading to the Kirchenruine Wachau. The weather was a bit rainy on Sunday, but in a way that added to the romantic mood. Many had gathered to see Camerata Mediolanense live—an Italian neofolk treasure. I was beyond excited, especially given the majestic backdrop: a 14th-century temple, the kind of location only WGT can offer. Although they had played the Schauspielhaus the day before, this venue felt like the perfect setting.
We struggled to get in—it was packed and the band had already begun—but we made it. Their performance, based on the traditions of Italian and European classical and folk music, was breathtaking. Martial percussion, divine vocals, keyboards, and electronic layers formed a spellbinding atmosphere. They performed from their latest album “Atalanta Fugiens”, inspired by Michael Maier’s 1617 alchemical book of the same name. Three vocalists, four percussionists (who also sang and played accordion), and the magical Elena Previdi on keyboards, harpsichord, and piano made for an unforgettable experience. They closed with the classics “Il Trionfo di Bacco e Arianna” and “L’Homme Armé”, which delighted the crowd. Simply magnificent.
After a quick glass of wine, we headed to Agra for a night of old-school goth and dark wave. At around 17:30, Beauty of Gemina took the stage. With a new album, Songs of Homecoming, set for release in late summer 2024, they gave us a taste of what’s to come. Michael Sele’s presence on stage was, as always, magnetic. They performed favorites like “Suicide Landscape”, “The Lonesome Death of a Goth DJ”, and “One Million Stars”. Their cover of “Nine While Nine” by Sisters of Mercy surprised me—in a good way. A truly energetic and emotionally rich set.
By 19:00, Agra was buzzing. It was time for UK post-punk legends The Danse Society. Formed in 1980 in Barnsley, they now feature Maethelyiah (ex-Blooding Mask) on vocals, which sparked some mixed opinions among fans, but she delivered an outstanding performance. We heard “Shake Shake”, “Somewhere”, “We’re So Happy”, and a brilliant cover of “Love Like Blood” by Killing Joke.
After a short absinth break, we returned for the iconic Diva Destruction. At 20:40, Debra Fogarty emerged slowly holding a candle lamp like gothic royalty—tiara, long flowing hair. She danced and sang with hypnotic grace, using thread-like props and commanding every moment. We were deeply moved by “The Broken Ones”, and danced along to “Snake” and “Enslaved”. A rare and emotional live moment.
As the night deepened, headliners Prayers brought something entirely different. Rafael Reyes, husband of tattoo icon Kat von D, led the set with two tattooed bodyguard-like men holding swords and intense visual backdrops. Not exactly in our usual sphere, but interesting to witness. Songs like “From Dog to God” and “Paloma Negra” stood out, though it was a love-it-or-leave-it kind of act.
At 1:00 am, the British giants Editors closed the Agra stage. While they’ve played Leipzig 4 times before, this was their WGT debut. After 20 years, they still deliver: Tom Smith was charismatic and captivating, backed by a solid band. Highlights included “Bricks and Mortar”, “Smokers Outside the Hospital Doors”, “Two Hearted Spider”, “Munich”, and my personal favorites “Sugar” and “Papillon”. They even threw in a fierce cover of Adamski’s “Killer”. A powerful end to a packed day.
Monday 20/05/2024
Merciful Nuns (D), Welle:Erdball (D), Kirlian Camera (I) & Final Impressions
by Malice F
Our final WGT day began—and ended—at Agra. Despite a tinge of melancholy, we were thrilled to catch two of our all-time favorite bands: Merciful Nuns and Kirlian Camera.
We entered the wonderful Agra Gelaende, chatted with friends from England and managed to catch a couple of songs by Gothminister, full of power and energy, before securing front row spots for Merciful Nuns. Born from the ashes of Garden of Delight, they gave with their aesthetics, music and lyrics a new modern perspective to the classic gothic rock music genre, their shows are more than concerts—they’re dark rituals. Smoke, shadow, and myth. As Jawa Seth and Jacques Moch appeared, anticipation grew. Then, Artaud Seth arrived to thunderous applause. They delivered haunting versions of “Kvltan: The Origin”, “Karma Inn”, “Eternal Decay”, and “Pyramid”. I only wish more merch had been available at Agra’s market!
As Artaud put it: “I am driven by the search for the origins of faith, the source of all world religions and the eternal question why we dwell on this Earth.”
Originally scheduled to follow were Vive La Fête, but due to unforeseen circumstances, Welle:Erdball heroically stepped in. Center stage, Honey and crew led us into their whimsical retro-futurist electro world. Always a fan favorite, their performance was a joyride through minimal synth nostalgia. Tracks like “Schweben, Fliegen, Fallen”, “Ich bin nicht von dieser Welt”, and their anthem “Starfighter F-104G” were delivered with flair, style, and an irresistible wink.
Then, at just before 23:00, the beloved Kirlian Camera took the stage. Elena Alice Fossi looked stunning in her vinyl ensemble and, as always, her voice was pure magic. Behind her stood the ever-enigmatic mastermind Angelo Bergamini, orchestrating the moody soundscape. We were treated to “Nightglory”, “Heldenplatz”, “K – Pax”, “Götter geht weg”, and for the finale, the classics “Eclipse” and “Blue Room”. A flawless end to an unforgettable festival.
Final Thoughts, Impressions & Conclusion
Friends often ask: “Why WGT again? What’s so special?” The answer is simple: WGT moves the soul. Every year, Leipzig transforms into a gothic dreamworld where creativity reigns and acceptance is absolute.
This isn’t just a festival. It’s a communion of kindred spirits, where music, art, fashion, and philosophy intersect in a way that no other event offers. From the awe-inspiring architecture to the eccentric Victorian Picnic, from darkwave to industrial, and the most obscure hidden gems—WGT is pure magic.
The 2024 edition delivered incredible diversity and excellence in music and performance. The community? Unmatched. It’s a place where strangers become friends, where every corner of the dark scene feels represented and respected.
Leipzig’s historic architecture and cobblestone streets provide an enchanting scenery for visitors united by a shared passion and celebrating music. Walking through the streets, one is able to see a beautiful fusion of fashion, art, and identity. The atmosphere is always an inclusive one; no judgment, only acceptance, and strangers becoming friends.
The lineup was a mesmerizing tapestry of musical genres, from postpunk and darkwave to thundering industrial and EBM, offering an electrifying array of established bands, as well as many rising stars and hidden gems.
WAVE GOTIK TREFFEN is a celebration of individuality, creativity, and the darker aspects of culture. Leipzig opens its arms to embrace the enigmatic in a romantic sense, and the extraordinary, making WGT an unforgettable journey.
We hope that you will find our media coverage yet again interesting and informative, we tried as always to cover the festival for you guys in the best way possible and with the means available. Your feedback and comments are always welcomed. You know where to find us!
Thank you WGT, for sticking to quality with always really unique band selections.
We’re already counting down to WGT 2025, happening June 6–9!
Athens fam: stay tuned for our warm-up party and the lineup roster preview!
Catch all our coverage—including videos and our full photo gallery—on our YouTube channel:
🎥 Electrowelt.com YouTube
See you in Leipzig, for the 32nd gathering of the dark! 🖤
Take care and control! 🖤