GRIMM wishes you a fearless and epic New Year – and cheers to 10 years

To every curious passerby, dedicated reader, devoted follower, band member, partner, volunteer and fellow lover of alternative music: from the bottom of our hearts, thank you.

As another year closes and a new one begins, we like to take a moment to pause, reflect, and appreciate the journey we’re on together. Over the past year, we’ve once again had the privilege of diving deep into new music, sharing stories from stages near and far, and shining a light on artists and scenes that deserve to be heard. From in-depth interviews and honest reviews to sweaty club shows and massive festival moments. It’s been yet again a year powered by passion, curiosity, and community.

But GRIMM has never been just a website.

In 2025, we continued to bring that same spirit into the real world. One of the standout moments was the second edition of Litha Fest, our own folk festival and a celebration of atmosphere, tradition and alternative sounds that showed just how powerful and intimate community-driven events can be. Seeing artists and audiences connect in that setting reminded us exactly why we believe in building spaces where music can breathe.

On the other end of the spectrum, hosting Aborted at the Wintercircus venue in Gent, together with one of our valued booking partners, was another defining highlight of the year. A night that was loud, intense and uncompromising. And a perfect example of how GRIMM continues to move between different corners of the heavy music spectrum, always with the same passion and intent.

These moments, alongside countless shows hosted and attended, scenes supported and connections strengthened, are a big part of what keeps GRIMM grounded. They also tie in closely with Asgaard Gentbrugge, our venue and creative home, which continues to function as a meeting place for underground music, ideas and community: a physical bastion of everything we stand for. Keep an eye on the calendar for some excellent shows and events!

But 2026 isn’t just another new year for us.
It marks 10 years since the GRIMM online publication started to take shape to become what you know it to be today.

A decade of late nights behind keyboards, cameras raised in dark photo pits, conversations that ran longer than planned, and countless moments of music-induced goosebumps. Ten years of choosing substance over hype, quality over quantity, and heart over algorithms. Ten years of supporting alternative music in all its forms: loud, fragile, experimental, confrontational, and beautiful.

That journey wouldn’t exist without the people behind the scenes and around the scenes. Our writers, photographers, contributors and volunteers, the bands who trusted us with their stories, the labels, promoters and partners who continue to support us, and, of course, you… the readers who keep coming back, sharing our work, and reminding us why this all matters. We’re endlessly grateful.

Looking ahead, the 10th anniversary year of our webzine is something we want to celebrate together thoughtfully, creatively, and in true GRIMM fashion. Throughout 2026, we’ll be digging into our own history with a series of retrospective articles, revisiting defining moments, favourite features, and scenes that shaped us. One of the cornerstones of this will be our “10 Years, 10 Stories” column, where we’ll highlight ten moments that helped define GRIMM as a publication and a community.

We’ll also be dusting off the archives uncovering forgotten, unpublished or overlooked gems that deserve a second life, and reflecting on why they still resonate today. Because sometimes, looking back is the best way to understand why we keep moving forward.

This year also marks 10 years of supporting and covering Tuska Festival, as well as events organised by the passionate people behind it, a collaboration and connection we’re incredibly proud of, and one that perfectly reflects our long-term commitment to the scenes we believe in. And this year’s edition promises to be yet another banger in our books with an exciting and diverse line-up: https://www.grimmgent.com/tuska-adds-13-more-confirmed-names-to-its-2026-lineup/

And as always, the future is something we want to build together. If you’ve ever felt the itch to write, shoot photos, help behind the scenes, contribute ideas, or simply be more involved… this is the perfect time to reach out. Whether you’re a seasoned creative or just starting out, local or international, there’s always room for new voices and fresh perspectives within GRIMM. Don’t hesitate to contact us here if you want to apply to become part of our team of dedicated volunteers supporting the scene and communities, whether it’s for editorial purposes or to take part in bringing our activities and events in real life to a good end.

Here’s to the next chapter.
Here’s to ten years and to everything still waiting to unfold.

Let’s make 2026 a year to remember.

Horns up and cheers,
The GRIMM Team