For over twenty-five years, Schleswig-Holstein has been the center of the international heavy metal scene each August. Every year, around 100,000 people make the pilgrimage to the small village of Wacken in order to experience the unique festival of the same name. Over three days, legendary music giants and newcomers meet their fan community. Numerous films and TV documentaries have already attempted to make the fascination of “Wacken” tangible.

The photographer Jens Nolte has now provided a first photo book with a fine selection of unique snapshots and portraits of festival visitors. For four years, he recorded in photos not only the passion and the devotion to music, but also the final moment—the ravaged site after the festival.