Amenra

One of the Most Striking Collectives of Avant-Garde Post-Metal, Amenra, at Paribu Art on May 15, 2026

Set to take the stage at Paribu Art on May 15, 2026, Amenra is a singular musical force that emerged in 1999 in Kortrijk, Belgium, and has since become one of Europe’s most compelling post-metal collectives. Founded under the leadership of Colin H. van Eeckhout and Mathieu Vandekerckhove, the band now continues its journey with Bjorn Lebon, Lennart Bossu, and Amy Tung Barrysmith—creating a sonic universe where dark atmospheres meet spiritual intensity.

Amenra’s music exists at the intersection of doom metal, hardcore punk, and post-rock—defined by its weight, fragility, and deep emotional resonance. Over the years, the band has gained international cult status with its Mass series. Albums like Mass VI and De Doorn climbed the Belgian charts, expanding the band’s reach even further. Released in 2021, De Doorn marked a significant turning point as their first album written entirely in Flemish, distinguished by its ritualistic depth.

Their live performances further elevate Amenra’s artistic vision. Accompanied by intense visual storytelling, their concerts have long been described as “moments of catharsis,” inviting the audience into a shared emotional experience beyond music alone. The wider artistic community they collaborate with—Church of Ra—forms a vital creative network that enriches both their aesthetic and conceptual world.

Amenra’s music carries a narrative that seeks light within darkness—embracing and transforming pain. As Colin H. van Eeckhout puts it:

“We have only one story to tell—the pain of life. We try to bend the darkness into light.”

This special night at Paribu Art on May 15 invites everyone to experience Amenra’s depth, avant-garde power, and ritualistic live presence.

Balina Live Before Amenra

Balina is a powerful duo blending diverse musical styles—from rock and jazz to psychedelic textures and metal—into a distinctive sound that is both heavy and emotional, dark yet fluid.

Formed in 2011 in İzmir, the band consists of Alican Öyke on guitar and Burçin Esin on drums. After playing together in their previous band Soygun, they founded Balina and quickly gained attention with their 2013 debut album. Their performance as an opening act for Mogwai and their presence on international music platforms helped them secure a solid place in Turkey’s alternative scene.

With their 2017 album Kaybetmenin Mitolojisi, they moved toward a more narrative-driven approach. The album tells a story set in the city, shaped by themes of loneliness and confinement—retaining their powerful sound while deepening their storytelling. Following canceled concerts and tours during the pandemic, the band turned inward, focusing on new material. In 2022, they recorded the Ateşten Yıllar EP in their own studio in İzmir.

Line-up

Balina: 20:00
Amenra: 21:00

Balina Members
Alican Öyke – Guitar
Burçin Esin – Drums