Agalloch Reunite for Prophecy Fest, Will Play “Limited Shows”

Folk/black metal institution Agalloch, who broke up in 2016, have announced that they will reunite to play Prophecy Fest in Balve, Germany this year. They confirmed that they will also play limited shows moving forward. Guitarist Don Anderson had this to say about the news:

“After nearly eight years since the band broke up, Agalloch are reforming with the intent of playing limited shows. The line-up remains the original three: vocalist and guitarist John Haughm, guitarist Don Anderson, and bassist Jason Walton. We will be aided by Hunter Ginn (Canvas Solaris, Sculptured, Radical Research Podcast) on drums. We will re-emerge, perhaps fittingly, from the Balver Höhle, which is a cave used by humans since the stone age, at this year’s Prophecy Fest. We’ve been fans of Prophecy Productions’ roster of bands since their inception and are pleased to make this fest our debut after being gone for so long.”

Prophecy Productions owner Martin Koller added:

“As long time admirers of Agalloch, literally everybody at Prophecy is stoked about welcoming this exciting and important band back on stage in Balve for an exclusive European show!”, the label’s founder enthuses. “The American metal pioneers are the perfect fit for the billing, the cave, and the festival. We sincerely hope that you love this announcement as much as we do.”

Perhaps the coolest thing about Prophecy Fest—other than the fact that fucking Agalloch are playing—is that it takes place inside the Balve Cave in Germany. A brief explanation of its history, courtesy of the fest organizers, explains what exactly makes the cave venue so special:

The naturally formed karst cave has been used by humans already during the palaeolithic age. Is is an important archaeological site that yielded remains from many periods up and until medieval times. According to legend and the old Icelandic Thidreksaga, the mythical blacksmith Wayland learned his magical trade from dwarven masters in this cave.

The gravity of its history and the special acoustics of the Balver Cave provide a unique atmosphere that fits the musical programme of the Prophecy Fest perfectly.

Prophecy Fest 2023 Lineup:

AGALLOCH
AMENRA
BETHLEHEM
DARKHER
DARKSPACE
DISILLUSION
DORNENREICH
E-L-R
GRÀB
ILLUDIUM
LASTER
MY DYING BRIDE
NOVEMBERS DOOM
VEMOD
THE VISION BLEAK