SONIC SLAUGHTER: A SYMPHONY OF CHAOS AND FREEDOM - SLAUGHTER FESTIVAL 2025
The fourth Slaughter Art Horror & Heavy Metal Festival, taking place from July 4 to 6, 2025, in Doljevac, transforms an old slaughterhouse into a sanctuary of raw, untamed sound. As the curator of the music program, I’m thrilled to see this festival, now in its fourth year, weave together the diverse threads of punk, metal, and alternative scenes, creating a space where primal energy and artistic freedom collide in an unforgettable experience. This isn’t just a festival – it’s a rebellion, a celebration of passion and authenticity.
This year’s lineup is a sonic kaleidoscope: the ferocious punk-rock of Wan Zhulj, the raw hardcore edge of Manitu, the cosmic fury of Stellar Tomb’s progressive metal, and the melodic death metal mastery of Bulgaria’s Unbaptised. Add to that the symphonic grandeur of Evolucija, the unrelenting deathgrind of Finland’s Sonic Poison, the gothic-metal artistry of Lakrdija, the avant-garde dadawave of Figurative Theatre, and the Iron Maiden reverence of Iron Made in NI.
Each band brings a unique fire – technical precision, raw aggression, dystopian narratives, or biting social commentary. The concerts are the festival’s beating heart, pulling the audience into a visceral sonic ritual. Slaughter Art is a call to surrender to music that shakes the earth and stirs the soul. See you in Doljevac!
FRIDAY, JULY 4, 2025
WAN ZHULJ
(Punk-Rock, Vlasotince/Ladovica, Serbia)
Wan Zhulj is a punk-rock band with roots in Vlasotince, conquering the scene with their energetic sound and elusive attitude since 2007. After a brief hiatus, the band reunited in 2011 under frontman Bratislav Vukadinović’s leadership, returning with stronger drive and fresh material.
With their EP “Tragovi prošlosti!” (2013/2014) and the upcoming album “Mi nikuda ne žurimo”, Wan Zhulj proves punk isn’t just about speed – it’s about raw authenticity. Their explosive live shows have become legendary, sharing stages with bands like Six Pack, Jorgovani, Orthodox Celts, Dža ili Bu and Vox Populi, and rocking festivals across Serbia from Belgrade to Aranđelovac.
Current lineup:
Bratislav “Batica” Vukadinović – guitar, vocals (main punk engine)
Aleksandar Stamenković – guitar, solos (riff surgeon)
Dragan “Gargi” Stojković – bass, vocals (earth-shaking low end)
Dejan “Čaki” Đorđević – drums (unstoppable beat)
MANITU
(Punk/Garage Rock/Hardcore, Niš, Serbia)
Manitu is a Niš-based band formed in 2021, delivering a raw fusion of punk energy, garage rock swagger and hardcore intensity. Their name – inspired by the spiritual tradition of Native Americans (Manitu = Great Spirit) – symbolizes the boundless power and passion they channel into their music.
With their upcoming debut album “Frustracije jednog Indijanca” (Frustrations of an Indian), Manitu proves they’re not just another underground act – but an uncompromising sonic escape. Their released singles only hint at what’s coming: savage riffs, unrestrained lyrics and shows that leave scars.
Lineup:
Dimitrije Nikolić – vocals, guitar (war cry in the concrete jungle)
Ilija Nikolić – guitar (psychedelic distortion waves)
Jakov Živković – bass (subterranean wall-shaker)
Marko Korunović – drums (war drum rhythms)
STELLAR TOMB
(Progressive Extreme Metal, Niš, Serbia)
Stellar Tomb is a cosmic force of progressive extreme metal hailing from Niš, Serbia, forged in 2018 with a singular mission: to defy genre conventions and create a sound that transcends regional expectations. Their music is a vast, atmospheric collision of melodic death, black, thrash, and progressive metal, woven into multi-layered compositions that demand attention.
In 2020, they unleashed their debut album “Souls at the Event Horizon” – a conceptual voyage through cosmic dread, existential philosophy, and sonic experimentation. Tracks like “The Shadowtheater” (recorded at Heretik Studio under producer Marko Marčić) showcase their ability to merge technical precision with raw, otherworldly aggression.
Stellar Tomb’s performances are intense, immersive rituals – where dissonant riffs, haunting synths, and relentless drums pull the audience into their sonic black hole. After pandemic delays, they are finally ready to erupt on stage, delivering their music the only way it deserves: loud, unrelenting, and alive.
Line-Up:
Marko Tričković – vocals, synths (a voice from the cosmic void)
Mladen Stojanović – guitars (atmospheric riff architect)
Mihajlo Janković – guitars (chaos and melody intertwined)
Miloš Đorić – bass (the gravitational low-end pull)
Dejan Pavlović – drums (astral blast beats and tectonic grooves)
UNBAPTISED
(Melodic Death Metal, Bulgaria)
Emerging from Bulgaria’s underground in 2022, Unbaptised has rapidly become one of the country’s most promising young metal acts. With 20+ explosive shows under their belt and shared stages with international acts like Jungle Rot and Rapture, they’re now poised to conquer Running Free Festival 2025 (alongside Asphyx, Coroner, Destroyer 666) and Slam Over Sofia (with Esophagus, Traumatomy).
Fusing: Swedish/Finnish melodeath (At The Gates, Insomnium); Greek blackened melodies (Rotting Christ); Pagan stage theatrics.
Their signature track “Buried in Heaven” encapsulates their doom-infused melodeath sound with psychologically charged lyrics exploring inner turmoil and catharsis. Debut Album: Buried in Heaven – Release: June 2025 via Rotten Tape Records; Format: 9-track concept album.
Lineup:
Yoan Vladimirov – Vocals/Guitars (Lyricist & founder)
Viktor Stankov – Lead Guitars (Melodic architect)
Luchezar Vladimirov – Bass (Sonic foundation)
Dobromir Angelov – Drums (Brutal precision)
SATURDAY, JULY 5, 2025
LAKRDIJA
(Alternative Metal/Gothic Rock, Niš, Serbia)
Lakrdija is an alternative metal/gothic rock band formed in 2024 in Niš. Their songs serve as social commentary through the prism of a harlequin – their sound represents a dark, dynamic collage where the following elements collide: Razor-sharp metal edges; Gothic rock melodies; Unbridled pop sensibility,
Through their lyrics, the band assumes the role of a mad jester – simultaneously an observer and editor of modern society’s absurdities. The band is currently working on their new material.
Lineup:
Guitars: Aleksa Skočajić builds atmospheric yet sharp soundscapes
Rhythm section: Marko Marčić (bass) and Nikola Vidanović (drums) create unusually fluid grooves
Vocals: Mateja Radić, whose voice ranges from whispers to hysterical explosions.
EVOLUCIJA
(Symphonic Heavy Metal, Switzerland/Serbia)
Evolucija is a Swiss-Serbian symphonic metal band with female vocals, founded in 2007 by bassist Dragiša Marinješ. With their latest album “The World is Full of Wrath” (7Hard Records, April 2024), the band has solidified their position as one of the most significant symphonic metal acts in the regional scene.
Recorded throughout 2023 under the production of Marko “Wolfy” Vučković (Alister), the album represents a perfect fusion of classic heavy metal and orchestral grandeur. Mixing and mastering was done at Sweden’s prestigious Fascination Street Studios (Nightwish, Opeth, Amon Amarth). Signature Sound: Powerful female vocals by Ilana Marinješ von Arx; Blend of traditional heavy metal riffs and symphonic arrangements; Lyrics exploring themes of human emotions and social phenomena
Notable Achievements: “Album of the Year” (Innocent Award 2018 for “Hunt”); “Best Metal Band in Serbia” (Royal Oscar 2023); Collaboration on German film “Die Templerherren” with song “Pale Rider”. The band has toured across Europe sharing stages with legends like Paradise Lost, Doro, Children of Bodom, Tyr and Pestilence.
Lineup:
Ilana Marinješ von Arx – vocals (powerful and expressive voice)
Darko Konstantinović – guitars (technically precise riffs)
Marko Vučković – guitars, producer (sound architect)
Dragiša Marinješ – bass (founder and creative force)
Aleksandar Kastevarac – drums (dynamic rhythms)
EXTINGUISHED
(Death Metal, Turku, Finland)
Extinguished is a Finnish death metal band from Turku, formed in 2020 by a group of friends with one goal – to play only the music they love. Their philosophy is simple: one vocal, two guitars, bass and drums – with some vocal reverb. That’s all they need to create an authentic, raw death metal sound.
Releasing under the cult label Caligari Records, the band has so far published: Demo: “Vomitous Manifestations” (2022); EP: “Foul Stench Adoration” (2025)
Lineup:
R.A. – vocals, guitar (guttural horde)
JP – guitar (riff monster)
J.V. – bass (underground pressure)
K. – drums (brutal metronome)
WAKEUPCALL
(Alternative Rock, Rome, Italy)
WakeUpCall is an Italian rock band from Rome blending alternative rock, punk and metal influences into an explosive sonic cocktail. Known for their relentless touring (300+ shows across Europe and Asia), they’ve built a reputation as one of Italy’s most dynamic live acts.
Career Highlights: Debut album “Batteries Are Not Included” (2012) with indie-charting single “Just Wanna Dance”; Groundbreaking concept album “If Beethoven Was A Punk” (2017) – a rock opera accompanied by a graphic novel and app; Shared stages with Silverstein, Crossfaith, Palaye Royale; Sanremo Music Festival 2019 finalists (top 60 out of 800 artists); Award-winning rock cover of “Volare” (2020)
Signature Sound: Genre-defying rock with punk energy and metal edge; Multimedia storytelling (music + comics + apps); Electrifying live shows – once played 150 shows for a single album cycle.
Lineup:
Tommaso Forni – vocals, guitar (chief visionary)
Oliviero Forni – guitar (melodic revolutionary)
Francesco Tripaldi – bass (rhythmic backbone)
Tommaso Pompa – drums (human metronome)
SUNDAY, JULY 6, 2025
FIGURATIVE THEATRE
(Neo-Dada/Dadawave, Niš, Serbia)
Figurative Theatre is a cult experimental project founded in 1999 as a collaboration between multimedia artists Peđa Živanović and Vladimir Popović, later joined by Katarina Živanović. The band pioneered the unique “Dadawave” genre – a dark fusion of EBM, industrial and neo-dada performance art.
Career phases: 1999-2006: EBM/electro era with albums “Sound Ability Algebra” and “Analogue Monstrosities”; 2006-2016: Development of Dadawave style through “Atrocious Camera”, “Story of DADA”; 2016+: Radical sound transformation in “Svet će opet biti savršen” diptych. Signature style: Industrial EBM with noise elements; Dada performances – fusion of music, dance and visual art; Dystopian themes through abstract narratives;
Current lineup:
Peđa Živanović – electronics, concepts (dada visionary)
Katarina Živanović – performance, vocals (physical expressionist)
IRON MADE IN NI
(Iron Maiden Tribute, Niš, Serbia)
Iron Made In NI is a tribute band from Niš, born in 2017 out of pure love for the heavy metal legends Iron Maiden. Faithfully recreating Dickinson’s iconic vocals, the signature guitar harmonies and epic tempo synchronization of the originals, they’ve established themselves as local heroes of the tribute scene.
Through numerous performances at the legendary “Black Stage” venue and humanitarian collaborations with the “BalkanRock” association, the band proved their dedication. Their 2023 appearance at the “Overload” festival in Vladičin Han demonstrated they’re more than just fans – they’re true torchbearers of the genre’s legacy.
Lineup:
Stefan Đokić – vocals (human megaphone for Bruce’s high notes)
Milan Milenković, Mihajlo Janković, Igor Ilić – guitars (triple guitar machinery in finest Maiden tradition)
Blažan Pavić – bass (Harris-style foundation in every riff)
Dragan Stojanović – drums (beats of the beast)
ORB OV GOD
(Black/Death Metal, Novi Sad, Serbia)
Orb Ov God is a black/death metal band from Novi Sad, formed in 2020 by experienced local musicians. Founded by Drago and Aleksandar, the band took its final shape in 2021 with the addition of Tara and Mihajlo. With members who played in bands like Obscured, Delmats, Terra Slaves and Wolfram, ORB OV GOD combines experience and energy into a dark, brutal sound.
Currently recording their debut album, inspired by genre legends like Emperor, Dissection and Dark Funeral, their music represents a perfect balance of technical precision and raw aggression.
Lineup:
Drago – guitar, vocals (dark visionary)
Mihajlo – guitar (melodic destroyer)
Aleksandar – bass (ominous undertow)
Tara – drums (stormy strikes)
SONIC POISON
(Deathgrind, Finland)
Sonic Poison is a Finnish deathgrind power-trio that has been terrorizing the global underground scene for nearly a decade with their relentless sound. The band has earned a reputation as one of the most intense live acts, sharing stages with legends like Blood Incantation, Gatecreeper, and Agathocles.
Discography: “Eruption” (2023) – Debut full-length via Me Saco Un Ojo; “Grinded Leftovers” (2024) – Boundary-pushing EP; Demo & splits on Caligari Records
Sound like Brutal deathgrind with punk ferocity; Volcanic live energy – praised by Michael Poulsen (Volbeat); Uncompromising production – raw and unfiltered.
Band members:
Jussi – guitars, vocals (Grind general – architect of chaos)
Niko – bass, vocals (Low-end destroyer – subterranean pressure)
Eetu – drums (Brutal metronome – human machine)
How to get to the Slaughter Festival