Unmaintained space

blacksmith
computers
drumming
bujutsu
gaming
metal
beer
diy
...


Last week, I had the pleasure of attending the Hellfest, which is one of the greatest Metal festival in Europe. I only did the first week-end, because three days are already very exhausting, and I wasn't available for the second week-end anyway.

Pro-tips against the heat

Yes, it was hot! Apparent temperature was, according to Meteo France, more than 42°C! Here are some advices to support that with style:

  • sew a ghetto-style hooded cloak for a medieval festival a few years in advance
  • add a white pirate-style linen shirt
  • wear a traditional burgundy lab coat from your school around your hips so that it falls down your legs

You now should have every square-centimetre of skin covered, and shouldn't fear sunburns too much. In exchange, everybody will ask you in awe if you're not too hot with all that fabric, to what you can answer that Tuareg people live in the middle of the desert with more clothes than that. Moreover, moistening them gives a very long lasting fresh feeling that makes standing under the sun for hours almost easy. And rest assured that by more than 40°C, it's not the clothes that make you sweat, but they rather prevent you from drying too quickly!

I find astonishing that after almost two decades of Hellfest, people still think it's a good idea to wander shirtless across the festival, and even more, are surprised by someone wearing clothes!

Also, don't forget the golden rule: one pitcher of cider, one pitcher of water!

The shows

As always, the shows were really over the top in the best possible way! Just to name a few, in no particular order:

  • Alestorm
  • Skáld
  • Ensiferum
  • The Inspector Cluzo
  • Five Finger Death Punch
  • Leprous
  • Soen
  • Frog Leap
  • Perturbator
  • Devin Townsend
  • Jinjer
  • and of course, Gojira

The final with that last, awesome band, followed by the greatly orchestrated fireworks with some music on was really memorable!

As always, the wonderful setting, the fire everywhere at night, the food, the relaxed and friendly atmosphere, the numerous volunteers and crew members working hard all day and night, I really can't recommend enough this experience, even for someone not really fond of Metal.

\m/ See you next time in Hell \m/