No matter what genres of metal you are into, there’s no doubt you’ll find something for your taste. If you’re focused on headliners, then you’ll probably be delighted to see some iconic bands of various metal genres: want to hear Gojira? Sure. Legendary Ministry with the one and only Al Jourgensen? They’re here. Absolute Norwegian black metal icons Mayhem? Why not? Gothic/death/doom/forever changing Paradise Lost? Alright, come and see them. Fear Factory, Kerry King, Dimmu Borgir, Mastodon – it’s going to be a hell of a party.

However, there are plenty of less-know bands worth checking out. It’s simply impossible to know them all, but as you wander between 5 different stages, music just goes on and on, and you become weary and tired, yet still keep looking and hearing new things, discovering new bands. It’s all about metal music and metal souls.

Built in an 18th-century military fortress, Brutal Assault has this dark historic atmosphere with heavy gates, dusty cool tunnels, moats and thick walls. Moreover, the paths between different parts of the fortress have their own street names. Lemmy street or Dimebag Boulevard adds a sweet touch to the overall metal atmosphere and gives some more special atmosphere.

The environment is incredibly “brutal” and suitable for metal music lovers. The beautiful main entrance is colossal, but if you’re curious enough, you can sneak out through a small entrance/exit and find yourself in the small beautiful town of Jaroměř with only around 12,000 locals living there. Take a look around, and you’ll find bars and restaurants tweaked namely for Brutal Assault. Bar “Satan’s place” sounds quite impressive, doesn’t it?

Brutal Assault is consistently praised for great sound. Having in mind that the festival is held in the old fortress, it’s quite a challenge which the organizers and sound people cope with. But still they somehow manage to time after time deliver through sheer professionalism and dedication to heavy metal!

Sometimes you might be too tired of metal music or simply don’t know what to listen to. It’s always worth visiting the “Keep Ambient Lodge”  (K.A.L.) and listening to some experimental music, including ambient, industrial, noise, dark folk – you name it. It’s a very special place and the cosy yet dark environment will keep you busy and interested until morning. If you’re living outside the festival camping and are too late for the last bus to the hotel, K.A.L. might be a great way to spend your time and even try something at the absinthe bar.

Brutal Assault has the motto “Against Intolerance and Violence” written on the main stages. And in fact, you will be surprised what relaxed, diverse, respectful and friendly crowd surrounds you during the festival. No matter if you go crowdsurfing, have a drink or a few, eat ice cream or run in the epicentre of a moshpit, you are with a bunch of really bright-minded people and really have that sense of community around.

And they don’t stop there with their socially awareness, every new edition they try to be even more aware about ecology and their footprint with this year putting even more effort in sorting waste, introducing reusable shot cups, cigarette butt recycling on top of the already put in place things like a rich and diverse range of vegetarian and vegan food, support of fair trade and the “Brutal Forest” where they plant trees to reduce the event’s footprint.

You buy a ticket to Brutal Assault, see the lineup and understand it’s not that expensive if compared to the majority heavyweight fests in Europe. However, when you go there, see how well things are organized, how sincerely people work for your comfort and safety, it’s overwhelming. And then you see the prices for the Czech beer, and then you faint. Brutal Assault is extremely affordable.

No matter what metalheads eat, there are plenty of things to choose from. Anything from vegan and vegetarian food to carnivore dream of various meat options, from national Czech cuisine to Thai dishes. You will surely not stay hungry within the festival grounds.

It’s extremely convenient: you have a wristband with a chip. You top it up, and there you go: no matter where you go or what you buy within Brutal Assault, you use this wristband. And contrary to what we’ve heard of other events, they actually figured out a way to make it work properly. No cash, no problem.

We already mentioned that Jaroměř is a beautiful town, but it’s near to Hradec Králové which is also great (be sure to visit the zoo if you like tidy and beautiful zoos with lots of different animals). Even more, there are so many interesting things to see in East Bohemia, and the land is so beautiful that you will almost surely fall in love with this part of Czech Republic.

Brutal Assault just sucks you in: once you go there, you’re looking for the next festival immediately after it ends. It has a long history, good reputation and top line-ups as well as great surroundings and atmosphere, the one that you cannot long for year after year. Wacken is often named as THE metal pilgrimage you need to do once in your life as a metalhead, but we believe Brutal Assault should be on your list as well!