Concept

Event

DEVILSTONE is an open air festival of extreme / alternative / metal music in midsummer, on the bank of the river Šventoji in Anykščiai Lithuania. The festival is an annual tradition since 2009, aiming to sit shoulder to shoulder with the established European festivals of that kind. Devilish music and mad spirit of rock and roll are the cornerstones of the four-day-long festival. It is the alternative for massive and freedom for the creative!

Extreme and alternative music

DEVILSTONE is open to all genres of extreme music and to alternative, artistic creation, never being limited to particular style. Starting with some cult and worldwide recognised metal figures, involving alternative music experiments, and ending with unique improvisations – the festival welcomes all new and old. No wonder, there are 3 stages for every visitor’s taste. If you are faithful to pure metal – you will not miss The Grand stage. Longing for some alternative, unexpected, unconventional, artistic sound or mad spirit of rock? Stay at the Rock stage. Curious about the new flesh or cannot help but play a little bit yourself? Music Laboratory is right there for you! Each year the festival aims to present creative, unique-sounding, interesting and original performers from foreign countries and all the best what Lithuania has at the given time.

History of line-up

The first three festivals already presented bands such as SEPULTURA, MAYHEM, GRAVE, TANKARD, SINISTER, CODE, KEEP OF KALESSIN, BENEDICTION, SUSPERIA, FORGOTTEN TOMB, IN MOURNING, OCTOBER TIDE, INQUISITION,  and many other interesting and respected musicians from various countries. Not less than 25 bands each year.

Atmosphere and other activities

These extreme music horizons open up in several live concerts. But live music is not everything. For even more impressions and surreal feeling of the festival, there is much more. When was the last time you were dancing like crazy? Believe, the Devilstone Rocktheque has that unexplainable power to make people dance, even if they have that grim black metal attitude and look. Just dare to enter the Rocktheque field in the middle of the night, and see what happens – magic of the old-school rock makes people fly high. If you find yourself stable on the ground the next day – come to play football. And if your throat is ready to express the feeling that you are full of – do not miss the chance to show yourself in MC Growl contest. Ok, you might need some rest the next night – have a chilling time watching some particular movies at the festival night-time cinema. Do not forget the Music Laboratory where you can have a great jam session with other fellows just like you. What else could make you feel the maximum pleasure and comfort? Yes, the river, the sun, cold beer, smiling people and fantastic atmosphere all around. It is the right place and time to get surprised, discover, and go wild with the devils non-stop.

Unique location

One of the reasons, why the Devilstone is so special like no other festival, is its location.  The inspiring surroundings present the opportunity to admire not only the musical performances, but also to appreciate the cultural heritage. The wonderful nature of Aukštaitija (upper Lithuania region), glorified by literary homages for centuries, surrounds the intimate town of Anykščiai, noted for its recognised geniuses. It is very easy to believe in the magical power of this land, awakening one’s creativity, inspiring talent…

The legend

The legend of the huge "Puntukas" stone purposefully lies at the root of the DEVILSTONE name. The rock has been carried above the town by the devil, aiming to crush the Anykščiai church. But he failed, dropping the stone just where he stood at the moment when a rooster scared him away as dawn broke. Some marks are still visible on the stone. The locals say that these are scratches of the Devil’s fingers and nails.

Symbolism

Let the stone be the symbol of the festival, interpreted in a modern way: there are no attempts on the church, but a rush of rebellious and devilish energy, passion, freedom, desire, unbridled creativity and curiosity.