BELLS ECHO IIIII-IINTERIIIII-IIM - Krallice & Petra Hermanova - 24.10.2026 Evang. Ref. Kirche zu Leipzig

BELLS ECHO has been an integral part of Leipzig’s experimental music scene for over 10 years and is known for its unique fusion of space, sound, and visual elements. It all began with the idea of bringing experimental music by local artists—which otherwise reaches only small niche audiences—into large venues. Soon, the BELLS ECHO group’s drive led them to develop and perform their own compositions, such as those created with a choir from 2015 to 2019. Added to this was the desire to invite renowned artists—who might otherwise never perform in Leipzig—to the city’s unique venues, as is the case for the upcoming concert:

On October 24, 2026, the New York-based quartet Krallice will perform in Leipzig for the first time and, together with Petra Hermanova, will break the mystical silence of the sanctuary at the Evangelical Reformed Church in Leipzig.

Breaking with Old Habits

Petra Hermanova ’s music draws us into unimagined depths. It breaks with the hopeful gaze upward that seizes us like a reflex beneath the high church ceilings. The zither sounds like an eerie, almost demonic force. At first, the notes advance on tiptoe, take a whimsical course, and condense into an aura in which the beguiling sound envelops itself. This sound is driven by the steady pulse set by the organ. It whispers, shimmers, and grinds, and even during moments of respite, the instrument’s tranquil, sumptuous depths permeate the music. And it is precisely there that the singing of the Czech-born composer—who now lives in Berlin—shines through: her voice haunts us, beautiful and effortless. It sounds like a resonant mirage through which we are cast back onto our own essence, sinking into a personal abyss. Hermanova’s solo debut, *In Death’s Eyes*, was released in 2023 (Unguarded). For her concert in Leipzig, she (zither, vocals) will perform alongside an organist.

Afterward, Krallice, with all their force, shatter the contours of the soundscapes we’ve just begun to sense through Hermanova. The New York-based quartet channels all its energy into this: the guitars tremble and quake through the unstoppable tremolos. Thus, captivating, disharmonious soundscapes build up layer by layer whenever Krallice takes the stage. Labyrinthine guitar solos flare up the moment one threatens to sink too deeply into the fierce sounds. The rhythm thunders relentlessly and ceaselessly. At best, the vocal track manages to assert itself—a primal scream, over and over again. Since their formation in 2007, Mick Barr (vocals, guitar), Colin Marston (guitar), Lev Weinstein (drums), and Nick McMaster (bass, vocals) have championed a progressive, sophisticated form of black metal and are among the genre’s most exciting representatives. After nearly 20 years, the New Yorkers have lost none of their raw power and are now embarking on their first European tour. They’ll make their Leipzig debut as part of the BELLS ECHO IIIII-IINTERIIIII-IIM.

In addition, a spatial concept is being developed specifically for the evening, in which light, sound, and church architecture blend seamlessly together.

Presented by Frohfroh and gangart.