Ever wondered what it’s like to be sunburnt in the middle of a thunderstorm, all while being blasted by bass heavier than the thunder itself? Welcome to Heaven and Hill Festival – where the journey is just as intense as the destination.
Michelle
Harder styles above the clouds
On May 31, 2025, the Halde Norddeutschland in Neukirchen-Vluyn transformed into a sanctuary for electronic music lovers. Perched 102 meters above sea level, this unique venue offered panoramic views of the Ruhr area and the Lower Rhine, setting the stage for an unforgettable open-air experience.
Heaven & Hill Festival 2025 featured five musically and visually distinct stages, each carefully curated to showcase the best in each genre. The festival’s atmosphere was unparalleled, with each stage offering a unique vibe. The Red Stage delivered future & bass house, EDM, and drum & bass. The Silver Stage catered to techno enthusiasts. Hosted by Heile Welt, the Green Stage brought bounce and hyper trance, while the Yellow Stage offered a mix of genres. And, most importantly, deep in the pit of the Halde: the Black Stage, home of the harder styles, where bone-rattling rawstyle and hardstyle madness reign supreme.
Climbing the hill – the journey begins
As usual, we rolled up by car and parked in a meadow at the foot of the hill. Parking tickets were available on-site and could be paid in cash – quick and easy. Right next to the parking area was a bus stop where we hopped on the free shuttle that took us to the VIP Shuttle point. From there, it was about 800 meters uphill to reach the summit of the Halde Norddeutschland – a choice between hiking or riding up with the VIP shuttle for 4 €.
We chose to walk, and honestly? Totally worth it. Along the path were two small bars serving ice-cold beers for the road – perfect for a “Wegbier” (beer for on the road) to kickstart the day. Midway up, the Local Stage caught our attention with its mix of groovy tech house and summer vibes, adding a welcome musical interlude to the climb. Local talents delivered rolling beats and funky percussion that made it almost impossible not to dance on the way up.
As the path curved through the open fields, the full beauty of the venue unfolded. A panoramic 360-degree view offered a breathtaking look over the entire valley – and, more importantly, a view down onto the festival itself. From above, the whole site looked like a miniature playground of madness. But the absolute eye-catcher? The gigantic circus tent of the Silver Stage – standing tall like a temple of (hard) techno power, waiting to be conquered. A first glimpse of the Black Stage was also possible. Its design was just as striking: a dome-shaped roof crowned by LED screens reaching into the sky, pulsating with lights and visuals that hinted at the madness waiting below. A fortress of harder styles – ready to unleash chaos.
Baptized by bass
What started as a sun-drenched paradise quickly turned into a trial by fire – 30 degrees, blazing skies, and no mercy. A cap, sunscreen and an ice-cold drink weren’t just accessories – they were your survival kit for the first half of the festival. But we all knew: the real heat was about to come from the speakers.
Opening the Black Stage was Tylight, setting the tone with a driving blend of hardstyle and industrial influences. His sharp kickdrums and intense buildups lit the spark – the first ignition of what would become a full-blown inferno. Next up: G4bby, a true veteran of the German club scene. With his energetic reverse bass drops and hard trance-inspired melodies, he connected oldschool vibes with a modern punch – a style that always gets the crowd moving.
Then it was time for a shift in energy: Keltek took over and brought a wave of euphoria. Known for his melodic, anthem-like tracks and immaculate productions, he created that goosebump atmosphere that defines the golden core of hardstyle. Tracks like “Down To Earth”, “Through The Night” and “One Tribe” hit deep – and the crowd felt every note.
Primeshock kept the energy high with their signature happy-hardstyle twist – full of nostalgia, bouncing kicks and euphoric mashups. Their sound is like a love letter to the golden era of hardstyle, combined with next-gen power. And it worked – smiles everywhere, hands in the air, and yes: plenty of room for kickrolls, hakken, and pure expression.
The stage design perfectly matched the vibe: a dark monolith of light and LED structures, surrounded by an open plateau that gave the entire crowd space to move. The acoustics were crisp, the visuals dynamic – and the panoramic view from this hilltop stage? Nothing short of breathtaking. You could dance to the hardest kicks while staring straight into the wide valley below – a contrast that burned itself into memory.
We made a short detour to the Silver Stage – and stepped right into a different dimension. The circus tent revealed a 360-degree stage setup in true Boiler Room fashion, surrounded by fans from all directions. At the center: Holy Priest, working the decks like an exorcist with bass instead of incense. His hard techno, infused with distorted kicks, dark synths, and almost ritualistic vocal samples cast a spell over the crowd – a sonic bridge between techno and the darker edges of hardstyle. And the tent? Packed to the brim. The air was heavy, the strobe relentless – a pure underground experience. Just as the energy peaked, Gebrüder Brett took over with their trademark style “brettiger techno” – hard-hitting beats, catchy hooks, and full of tongue-in-cheek attitude.
But no time to lose – it was straight back to the Black Stage, where Lost Identity had taken control. Known for his genre-crossing productions and high-energy performances, he delivered an emotional rollercoaster full of uplifting vocals, euphoric leads, and pounding kicks. The set brought unity, energy, and just the right amount of drama to fire up the crowd once again.
The weather held up beautifully – sun still high, sky wide open, the vibe pure bliss. Everyone was dancing, smiling – the kind of collective energy that only happens when music and weather align perfectly.
And then: Dual Damage. One of my personal favorites – and judging by the crowd’s reaction, I wasn’t the only one. The duo didn’t hold back for a second: explosive combination of powerful kicks, screech-heavy drops, uplifting melodies and their signature bounce-core energy – creating a raw experience that set them apart. You could feel how much fun they were having on stage – jumping around, hyping the crowd, giving 110%. They turned the hill into a warzone of explosive rawstyle chaos. Before none other than Warface was about to take the stage, it was time to refuel – physically, not just spiritually.
A quick detour led us to the Red Stage, nestled in a natural trench – and honestly? What a hidden gem! Artists like Marten Hørger, Eskei83, Gestört aber Geil, and Noisetime delivered a genre-diverse mix from bass house and EDM to drum & bass. The sun dipped lower, casting golden light across the dancing masses – a moment of calm euphoria before the next impact. From the top of the hill, you had the best view of the entire festival – a breathtaking panorama with dancing silhouettes below and the sky exploding in color above. From the bottom, standing close to the artists, you were part of a living, breathing crowd – 360 degrees of movement, sound, and celebration. Heaven & Hill truly lived up to its name – a place between sky and bass, built for people who came to feel alive.
On the way to grab something to eat, we passed the Green Stage, which provided a playful contrast with its uplifting, bouncy, and trancey vibes from artists like DJ Guestlist or Hotboi2300 – the perfect spot for those who wanted to float while others stomped.
From fuel to food – mud, madness, and fat basslines, aka a true festival ride
Arriving at the food court, we were pleasantly surprised by the wide variety of options available. From loaded fries, currywurst, Asian noodles, and doner kebab to burgers and even Subway – everything your hungry raver heart could desire. We went for a combo of stir-fried noodles and crispy truffle fries – and honestly? Chef’s kiss.
At the food stands, you could pay using both cash and card – smooth and easy. Bars were scattered all over the hilltop. For the cocktail lovers among us, Peter Pane had even set up a proper cocktail bar next to the Yellow Stage. But – and here comes one downside – drinks were handled differently. You had to purchase drink vouchers in advance, which could then be exchanged at the bars. While that worked in principle, it did cause confusion – especially when it came to refunds and deposit returns, something that can become a significant issue when a festival faces unexpected interruptions. A unified system across all vendors and better handling of unused credit would definitely be valuable upgrades for future editions. Also worth noting: not all bars sold water – so if you were stuck in the wrong line, hydration could be delayed. A great idea for next year? Provide free tap water stations. Simple, efficient, life-saving.
And speaking of water – it came. From the sky. With force.
While we were still enjoying our meal under a small roofed bench area, I looked up – one side of the sky was still shining in brilliant sunlight while the other had turned ominously dark. And just as I wondered “how much time do we have left?” – the answer hit us, literally. Rain. Instant and intense. Within seconds, our little shelter was packed, and people scrambled to find cover.
Unfortunately, the festival grounds didn’t offer many roofed areas. The Heaven & Hill team reacted quickly and started distributing rain ponchos, while everyone else made the best of it. However, all stages had to be cleared temporarily for safety reasons. A tough call, but absolutely the right one.
After about 30 minutes, the skies calmed down and we dared to venture back out. The stages were re-opened gradually, and we made our way to the Silver Stage, where Klaudia Gawlas was next in line. It took a little while before the music returned – but when it did, it was pure magic. The crowd that had gathered around her was electric. The anticipation, the unity, the raw hunger for bass – all fused into one explosive moment when the first pounding kicks of her signature driving techno rolled through the tent. The cheers, the lights, the instant ignition of energy – it was unforgettable. This was resilience in rave form. With the fire reignited, it was time to head back to the Black Stage – because what came next was nothing short of legendary.
While the main paths were covered with ground plates, the rest of the festival terrain had clearly taken a hit from the heavy rain. The grass was soaked, the earth had turned to mud, and every step squelched underfoot. But instead of frustration, it sparked something else: freedom. Dancing barefoot in the mud, feeling every drop, every kick – it added a raw, primal energy to the day that no dry weather ever could. As far as the eye could see, the crowd was back in full force – people waving flags from the hillsides, groups hugging, laughing, raving, glowing under the lights as if nothing had happened. The view from the top was surreal: a sea of motion, drenched in bass and unity.
During the downtime earlier, MC DL had already done what he does best – roaming through the crowd, hyping people up, handing out shots like an underground preacher spreading the faith. The energy never really died, it just smoldered – waiting to explode again.
And it did explode – Krowdexx took over next and immediately turned up the heat with their trademark high-voltage rawstyle. Their drops were sharp, screechy, relentless – exactly the kick in the teeth the crowd was waiting for. People lost it. But the real madness began when Dr. Donk entered the stage. Accompanied by fat bass, Donk energy, and an ever-thickening layer of mud under our feet – this set was pure chaos in the best possible way. Feet slipping, fists flying, smiles everywhere. It was dirty. It was loud. It was perfect.
And then – right on cue – the rain started again. Light at first, then steady. But by this point, nobody cared. You could see it in people’s faces: the moment had taken over. Even as people stumbled through the puddles and tried not to fully wipe out, the vibe never dropped for a second.
Still, a few practical improvements could elevate the experience even further for next year. Based on lessons learned and suggestions from attendees, some additional ground reinforcement in high-traffic areas, such as the spaces directly in front of the stages, would be a smart move. Options like perforated floor mats or temporary rubber flooring could help keep the footing secure without sacrificing that open-air feel. Additionally, creating a few “dry zones” with wooden decking or covered chill areas could offer some relief for those in need of a quick break from the madness – without having to retreat all the way from the action.
Until then, we danced in the mud. Because when the drops hit and the bass rolls, there’s no better place to be than knee-deep in sound and soaked to the skin – smiling as if you wouldn’t want it any other way. The Doctor delivered a madness-infused treatment that etched itself into our minds – lightnings flashing as if it was staged, and every slip in the mud felt like it belonged to the choreography.
When thunder calls – the final descent
Just as the energy was rising again, dark storm clouds returned – but this time, they didn’t come to play. Around 9 p.m., the music stopped once more, followed by the final announcement: the entire festival area had to be evacuated due to approaching thunderstorms and lightning risks. A truly heartbreaking moment. The crowd was buzzing, the artists were fired up, and there was still so much energy left to unleash. But when you’re partying on a mountaintop – elevated, open, and exposed – there’s no room for hesitation. Safety must always come first.
This is exactly where smart planning becomes critical. Safety doesn’t begin with the evacuation – it starts with preparation. For future editions, the organizers could consider clearly marked gathering points, visible on-site instructions on LED walls, or even real-time app notifications to make evacuation communication faster and clearer. The messaging during the first weather interruption left some uncertainty, and a more unified communication strategy would have improved the experience. Additionally, implementing mobile lightning protection masts could offer targeted defense against electrical discharges, safeguarding key areas such as stages and congregation points. Equipping large structures like tents and stages with proper lightning conductors and grounding systems is essential to prevent potential hazards.
Still, the crowd handled the situation like pros. In our surroundings, everything remained peaceful and understanding – people helped each other out and even managed to smile through the chaos. According to the police, the entire evacuation was carried out without any major issues.
That final descent from the hill felt almost surreal – like a slow-motion ending to an intense movie. One last look back at the stages, the muddy paths, the distant flashes in the sky – and then, step by step, we made our way back to the cars. As we sat inside, safe and (reasonably) dry, thunder rolled across the horizon. On the car roof: rain, confetti, and mud. A bizarrely perfect symbol for the entire day. To our surprise, the exit was smooth and completely traffic-free. No long waits – just headlights cutting through the misty roads.
Despite the early end – we had an unforgettable time. From sunshine to storms, kickrolls to rain-drenched raves – Heaven & Hill Festival delivered an emotional rollercoaster of a festival day.
Let’s just say: Mother Nature may have shut it down, but we’ll be back next year – louder, wilder, and ready for the next round.