The 2025 edition of Wave Gotik Treffen is upon us, ready to engulf the storied city of Leipzig in a magnificent celebration of dark musical artistry from June 6th to June 9th. As tens of thousands of devoted attendees clad in velvet and leather descend upon its cobblestone streets, Leipzig transforms into an epicentre of shadowy romance and sonic exploration. Scattered across a diverse array of historic and atmospheric venues, the world’s largest Gothic festival offers an expansive lineup, weaving together classic post-punk, brooding gothic rock, ethereal darkwave, elegant minimal synth, pulsating industrial rhythms, and daring experimentalism. From iconic legends to compelling new acts pushing genre boundaries, we’ve meticulously navigated through 199 artists to highlight the most essential performances you should not miss this weekend!
Friday, June 6th, 2025:
Friday’s lineup offers a challenging crossroads, with Leipzig’s diverse venues pulling you in competing directions. Yet two performances remain absolutely essential: German synth-pop legends Alphaville and British gothic romantics And Also The Trees.
Begin your afternoon at the Felsenkeller with Berlin-based Argentine producer Skelesys (17:00), whose evocative blend of post-punk melancholy, lush darkwave textures, and polished synth-pop creates an atmospheric opening. If the evening holds an appetite for synth noir and cinematic mystique, stay at Felsenkeller for Greece’s captivating darkwave duo Selofan (19:30), followed by the pulsating EBM-synthpop-coldwave urgency of Munich’s Rue Oberkampf (21:00).
Alternatively, start your evening at the spacious Agra, where you can experience Sweden’s Then Comes Silence (18:00) as they deliver brooding goth-rock with existential intensity. Stay a while for France’s eclectic collective Nouvelle Vague (19:15), known for their inventive covers that turn punk and new wave classics into dreamy, sultry bossa nova.
The evening then presents a difficult yet rewarding choice:
If gothic romanticism is your compass, head directly to Täubchenthal for an essential performance from the UK’s And Also The Trees (21:20), whose deeply poetic lyrics and pastoral, neo-classical atmospheres promise an evocative and memorable experience.
Alternatively, if you prefer to indulge in nostalgia-laden synth-pop brilliance, stay for the unmissable Alphaville (22:10), the architects of timeless electronic romance through classics like Forever Young and Big in Japan. Afterwards, linger into the night as Sweden’s emotive synth duo Kite (00:00) bring their elegantly melancholic anthems to the festival stage.
Should the night tempt you with alternative sonic adventures, consider slipping over to Moritzbastei for the dark synth-pop of the UK’s compelling Corlyx (22:00), or Sweden’s Aux Animaux (23:10), whose lush, cinematic hauntwave provides a mesmerizing close to your evening.
Whichever path you choose, Friday at Wave Gotik Treffen promises richly layered experiences—a fitting start to Leipzig’s darkly dazzling weekend.
Saturday, June 7th, 2025:
Saturday presents distinct yet equally compelling paths through Leipzig’s Wave-Gotik-Treffen.
For fans of minimal synth and analogue electronics, the lineup at Haus Leipzig is essentially perfect. Belgium’s minimal wave pioneers Linear Movement (18:20) will deliver precise, nostalgic synth compositions. Following this, Berlin-based Serbian duo Sixth June (19:40) offer sophisticated darkwave, marked by subtle emotional textures and analogue warmth. Later, Philadelphia’s Void Vision (21:00) brings stark minimalism paired with haunting vocals, before UK veterans Turquoise Days (22:40) round off the evening with classic minimal-wave elegance.
Alternatively, Moritzbastei showcases two essential contemporary darkwave acts. Chile’s Diavol Strain (21:00) blends darkwave and coldwave with stark minimalism, driven by politically potent lyricism and feminist energy. They’re followed by London-based Night In Athens (23:10), whose acclaimed 2024 album Wasted Reflektions pairs lush melodies with cinematic drama, capturing the emotional intensity of modern synth-wave.
Those seeking an old-school goth experience should head directly to Täubchenthal, offering a strong lineup of deathrock, goth rock, and Batcave revivalists. The night kicks into gear with all-stars Christ Vs Warhol (16:30), known for their dynamic post-punk guitar work, powerful vocals, and politically charged lyrics. Later, the theatrical, deathrock narratives of Lucas Lanthier’s Cinema Strange (19:10) promise dramatic, macabre storytelling. Goth icon Eva O. (20:40) follows with her legendary voice and dark theatrics. The evening concludes with L.A.’s Fangs on Fur (22:20), whose raw goth-punk and deathrock sound will evoke classic club atmospheres reminiscent of the early 1980s goth scene.
Sunday, June 8th, 2025:
Sunday at Wave Gotik Treffen offers a diverse and challenging array of choices.
Fans of the recent resurgence in goth, darkwave, and post-punk associated with labels like Dais Records should begin at Agra, where Los Angeles’s Drab Majesty (19:40) offers their ethereal, androgynous brand of shimmering darkwave. Immediately following is a very special reunion performance by Germany’s darkwave icons Silke Bischoff (23:00). Known for their classic On The Other Side, this set will poignantly honour their late vocalist Felix Flaucher, who passed in 2017. Stay late to witness the provocative and controversial antics of John Lydon’s legendary post-punk outfit, Public Image Limited (01:00), or opt for one of the festival’s vibrant afterparties.
Alternatively, synthpop enthusiasts should head to Felsenkeller to catch the timeless American outfit Anything Box (20:40). Renowned for emotionally resonant tracks like Living in Oblivion, their live performance is guaranteed to be filled with warmth, nostalgia, and irresistible electronic melodies.
For electronic minimalists and synth lovers, Stadtbad presents an outstanding lineup beginning with Belgian noir duo Skemer (17:00), followed by Turkish synthpop favourites Jakuzi (18:20). Los Angeles’ provocative dark-electronic project Patriarchy (19:40) offers a theatrical and powerful experience, setting the stage for the night’s essential highlights: Light Asylum (21:10), driven by Shannon Funchess’s electrifying vocals, and minimal-synth masters Linea Aspera (22:40).
Those seeking newer darkwave voices paired with seasoned veterans can visit Moritzbastei, featuring France’s haunting synth-driven newcomers Sad Madona (22:00), followed by legendary Canadian synthpop pioneers Psyche (23:10).
Fans of guitar-driven darkwave and post-punk atmospheres have a rich offering at Volkspalast Kantine, beginning with Germany’s introspective romantics Bleib Modern (16:35), followed by the atmospheric melodies of Deceits (18:45), and concluding with Dutch synth-driven post-punk ensemble Silent Runners (21:15).
Finally, at Volkspalast Kuppelhalle, Chicago’s French Police (19:50) perform dreamy noir-infused dark post-punk, complemented by the moody post-punk sounds of This Cold Night (22:30).
Monday, June 9th, 2025:
As Wave Gotik Treffen’s closing day approaches, there’s a sense of bittersweet anticipation lingering throughout Leipzig. The wise choice is to stake out your spot at the vast and atmospheric Agra, where the festival’s farewell unfolds in suitably grand fashion. Finland’s glam-inflected goth legends The 69 Eyes (19:55) conjure their trademark dark romanticism, providing an ideal prelude to the sophisticated electronic charm of Germany’s beloved synth-pop veterans Camouflage (21:20). Indeed, Camouflage—are our number one pick of this year’s entire WGT lineup; timeless tracks like The Great Commandment promise nostalgia tempered by elegant modernity. The festival then draws to a profound conclusion with UK post-punk icons New Model Army (22:45), their politically charged, passionate anthems offering both catharsis and communal intensity.
If earlier curiosity leads you elsewhere, Haus Leipzig offers a rewarding detour. Sweden’s emotive post-punk revivalists The Exploding Boy (19:40) deliver heartfelt lyricism and dynamic melodic interplay, before handing over to UK experimental post-punk stalwarts The Membranes (21:10), whose raw sonic textures and uncompromising vision continue to challenge and enthrall.
For those seeking one final touch of theatrical darkness, the Volkspalast Kuppelhalle hosts Berlin’s provocative industrial-cabaret duo Mona Mur & En Esch (20:00), whose rhythmic drama and dark glamour make for an intriguing detour before heading back to Agra for the festival’s climactic finish.
After Parties:
Lastly, Friday through Sunday, if you want to dance after the concerts, we highly recommend the When We Were Young party at NAUMANNs Tanzlokal.
For the full schedule and more information, please visit the official Wave Gotik Treffen website.
Band Information:
Germany’s synth-pop legends Alphaville have painted decades of romantic electronica with hits like Forever Young, Sounds Like A Melody, and Big in Japan. Founded in 1982, their lush, emotionally rich sound blends cinematic storytelling with cutting-edge production techniques. Alphaville seamlessly transcends generations with a timeless appeal. Through dynamic live performances and sophisticated studio craftsmanship, they remain profoundly influential architects of synth-pop culture.
For more information about WGT 2025, visit here.
Since 1983, Camouflage has crafted moody synth-pop infused with seductive rhythms and captivating hooks, epitomized by their iconic track, “The Great Commandment.” Originating in Germany, their refined, nuanced compositions weave introspective lyricism with polished electronic textures, maintaining a profound resonance within contemporary electronic music. Camouflage’s enduring appeal lies in their meticulous artistry and consistent innovation.
Emerging from Britain’s early ’80s post-punk milieu, And Also the Trees craft poetic, pastoral compositions brimming with romantic and gothic imagery. Their music, deeply atmospheric and rich in lyrical detail, uniquely integrates neo-classical elements with brooding, evocative instrumentation. Renowned for their lush storytelling and profound emotional depth, And Also the Trees command enduring reverence, their immersive performances consistently transporting listeners through hauntingly beautiful sounds.
Brooklyn’s Light Asylum blends relentless synth rhythms with Shannon Funchess’s powerful, soul-shaking vocals, delivering urgent electro-goth charged with fierce political intensity. Known for gripping live performances brimming with raw emotional power, their music compels both body and mind, fostering introspection and rebellion. By fusing elements of post-punk, industrial, and new wave, Light Asylum ignites dancefloors and raises consciousness with every pulse-pounding beat.
New Jersey’s synth-pop artisans Anything Box emerged in 1986, swiftly becoming renowned for emotionally resonant club hits like Living in Oblivion. Their music delicately balances infectious electronic melodies with heartfelt lyrical vulnerability, defining an enduring indie charm that resonates across generations. Masterfully blending nostalgic warmth with contemporary freshness, Anything Box continues to enchant listeners, capturing both intimate introspection and universal dance-floor appeal in equal measure.
With fiery political conviction, New Model Army skillfully blends folk-infused rock with driving post-punk guitars, creating an intense and passionate musical experience. Formed in 1980 and led by charismatic frontman Justin Sullivan, their powerful, narrative-rich music addresses social injustices and personal struggles, rallying listeners towards action and unity. Known for deeply committed performances and their unwavering message, New Model Army maintains a fiercely devoted global following, resonating powerfully across generations.
Drab Majesty’s ethereal darkwave floats on lush, otherworldly synth textures, steeped in androgynous mystery. Their hypnotic performances transport audiences through shimmering layers of existential elegance.
Serbian-Berlin duo Sixth June crafts sophisticated minimal darkwave, subtly emotional and steeped in nostalgic analogue warmth. Their refined vocals and brooding beats create an elegantly shadowed sound.
Berlin-based Argentine producer Skelesys crafts a brooding fusion of post-punk, darkwave, and synth-pop, weaving together gothic textures with introspective lyricism.
Greek duo Selofan immerses listeners in alluring synth noir, blending sultry vocals with cinematic atmospheres. Their dark romanticism unfolds through surrealistic stories wrapped in shadowy synth atmospherics.
Chile’s Diavol Strain explodes with politically potent post-punk urgency. Stark synth minimalism meets fiercely defiant guitar work, delivering an empowering feminist call against oppression and societal constraints.
Avant-garde provocateurs Cinema Strange, in a new incarnation led by Lucas Lanthier, deliver theatrical deathrock dripping with macabre whimsy. Their surrealist shows brim with gothic glamour, eccentric storytelling, and elaborate visuals.
Night In Athens is quickly rising with moody synth-wave saturated in lush melodies and cinematic drama. Their ethereal vocals and carefully layered textures evoke midnight reveries.
L.A.’s Fangs on Fur channels wild goth-punk abandon with raw guitars and primal rhythms. Their glam-inflected performances surge with visceral intensity and dark, underground allure.
Chicago’s French Police weaves dreamy post-punk reverberating with cinematic noir moods. Nostalgic guitars and atmospheric synths complement deeply emotional storytelling, evoking twilight cityscapes.
LA Post-Punk outfit Deceits envelop audiences with lush vocals atop atmospheric guitar and synth melodies. Their sound carries understated elegance, balancing romantic intensity and haunting subtlety.
Linea Aspera fuses sleek, minimal synth precision with alluring vocals and icy analogue beats. Their intellectually charged, danceable compositions epitomize seductive austerity.
Veteran synth-pop icons Psyche have shaped electronic scenes since 1982, blending dynamic vocals with lush synth melodies. Their classics continually ignite dancefloors with dramatic emotion.
Philadelphia’s Void Vision crafts stark darkwave with minimal, icy analogue synth lines and entrancing vocals, bringing forth emotional intensity and delicate darkness.
Pioneers of Belgium’s minimalist electronic wave, Linear Movement‘s elegantly spare synth compositions have influenced generations with their poignant, nostalgic allure.
UK post-punk agitators The Membranes deliver raw, experimental intensity through noisy guitars and cerebral lyricism. Their shows brim with avant-garde edge and punk vitality.
Sweden’s The Exploding Boy combines emotive indie rock with post-punk resonance, crafting passionate melodies infused with heartfelt lyricism and dynamic guitars.
Belgium’s Skemer captivates her listeners with noir-infused darkwave. Sultry vocals meet minimalist electronics, conjuring seductive, cinematic tension.
Honouring their legacy at an exclusive WGT appearance, Germany’s Silke Bischoff revisits their emotive darkwave repertoire in heartfelt tribute to their late original vocalist, capturing poignant nostalgia.
Munich duo Rue Oberkampf delivers intense, modern EBM-coldwave hybrids brimming with pulsating rhythms and edgy electronics, embodying urban angst and dancefloor urgency.
Goth-rock stalwarts Then Comes Silence forge powerful tracks steeped in existential tension. Soaring vocals and intense guitar work define their darkly compelling compositions.
Germany’s Mona Mur & En Esch blend industrial edge with dark cabaret sophistication. Their provocative performances electrify audiences through rhythmic drama and artistic daring.
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