FROM GARAGE SOUNDS TO POST-APOCALYPSE
The opening day of the fourth Slaughter Festival erupted with unrestrained energy, as heavy metal and artistic horror merged into a unique panorama of sound and shadow. The first evening drew nearly a thousand devoted fans of extreme genres, transforming the grounds of the former slaughterhouse in Doljevac into a hub of raw creativity.
The musical blast across two independent stages, ranging from garage rage to cosmic metal, delivered an explosive start. Wan Žulj thrilled the audience with their new material, while Niš-based Stellar Tomb captivated with atmospheric, space-themed metal. Bulgarian band Unbaptised confirmed their reputation as a rising force in the regional death metal scene, and Manitu tore up the stage with a ferocious hardcore charge.
The horror film lineup transported the audience from medieval curses to post-apocalyptic visions. The dark Latvian tale Dog of God set a chilling tone, followed by the Serbian psychological horror Dartakum, which left viewers breathless. The night climaxed with the Japanese urban horror Bakemono and the Austrian dystopia 2551.01: The Kid, while fans of claustrophobic suspense praised the British film The Cellar and the apocalyptic 2551.03: THE END. The jury also viewed the first batch of short Serbian films competing for the Golden Sledgehammer award in the short film category.
WHAT’S COMING NEXT – DAY TWO PREVIEW
Saturday, July 5 starts at 1 p.m. with a panel discussion at Deli prostor in Niš titled: “DIY HORROR: self-published Books, Zines, and Low-Fi Film Production in Serbia.”
Speakers include: Jovan Ristić, co-founder and lead selector of the Serbian Festival of Fantastic Film; Dr. Marko Pišev, author and early contributor to the fanzine Emitor; Milan Kovačević, writer and editor of Crnoslovlje zine. The discussion will be moderated by Dr. Dejan Ognjanović, Slaughter Festival’s program director and founder of Ghoul Press.
MUSIC PROGRAM: FOUR DIRECTIONS – FOUR STRIKES
Saturday night’s lineup brings four acts from four different parts of the world. Opening the evening is Lakrdija (Alternative Metal/Gothic Rock, Niš), combining dark metal edges with gothic melodies and socially charged lyrics. Vocalist Mateja Radić shifts from whispers to piercing screams, while the rhythm section weaves a fluid, haunting groove. Next up is Evolucija (Symphonic Heavy Metal, Switzerland/Serbia), led by powerful vocalist Ilana Marinješ von Arx. Their latest album The World is Full of Wrath (2024) was recorded in Sweden, and the band has toured with Paradise Lost and Children of Bodom.
From Finland comes Extinguished (Death Metal), with raw riffs and a philosophy of: “One vocal, two guitars, a touch of reverb – that’s all we need!” Their 2025 EP Foul Stench Adoration was released by cult label Caligari Records. Closing the night is the Italian band WakeUpCall (Alternative Rock), known for their energetic blend of rock styles. Finalists at the Sanremo Festival, they’ve performed with Silverstein and Crossfaith, and gained recognition for their bold cover of “Volare”.
FILM PROGRAM: FROM OCCULT SECRETS TO CHAINSAW MADNESS
The main cinema hall in Doljevac opens at 7:30 p.m. with The Conclave of Shadows (Argentina) – an occult horror about a secret lodge trying to unleash the apocalypse upon discovering the legendary Crown of the Sun. Directed by Leandro Bartoletti. At 9 p.m., the main screen features Chainsaws Were Singing (Estonia) – a wild horror comedy musical in which two lovers are torn apart by a maniac wielding a chainsaw. Described as Monty Python meets The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, this cult epic took ten years to make. Directed by Sander Maran. At 11 p.m., the main cinema closes with the next block of Serbian short films in competition for the Golden Sledgehammer.
Meanwhile, Air Movie Screen at 9 p.m. will screen thirteen short films by Miroslav Lakobrija. At 11 p.m., The Lottery (Mexico) follows: Valentina enters a strange game at a village fair and is drawn into a world of folklore and mystery. Directed by Vadir Sotelo, this horror anthology draws inspiration from Mexican myths and beliefs.
At the Water Movie Screen by the pool, the 9 p.m. feature is Telepathic Letters (Portugal) – a visionary, experimental film-essay about two great dark writers of the 20th century: Portuguese poet Fernando Pessoa and horror icon H.P. Lovecraft. Created entirely with artificial intelligence, this hallucinatory film is directed by Edgar Pêra. The second night wraps up with 2551.02: THE ORGY OF THE DAMNED (Austria, 2023), continuing the surreal saga of the man with the monkey mask.
Reminder: Individual tickets are available via Tickets.rs and at the festival entrance. Free transportation from Niš departs daily at 6:30 p.m. from the parking lot in front of the House of the Serbian Army. Return shuttles from Doljevac operate each night after the end of the program.
Slaughter Festival brings together fans of extreme music and artistic horror, offering a one-of-a-kind fusion of sound and shadow in the authentic industrial setting of Doljevac’s former slaughterhouse. It’s not just an event – it’s a nightmare you’ll learn to love.
Festival sponsors: Municipality of Doljevac and the Ministry of Tourism and Youth of the Republic of Serbia.