It's interesting how the wide array of goth scene subgenres is overshadowing traditional gothic rock. But here we have a concert that will delight traditionalists.

A brand-new album by the Jihlava-based goth legend XIII. století was released just a few days ago, and their upcoming ritual concert in Prague will have a special edge. After all, their last major studio album came out a long nine years ago. The long-awaited new release, Noc vlků (Night of the Wolves), has already delivered some dark rock bangers based on the first singles (“Smrtihlav”), a tried-and-true formula that has worked for years. However, this time, Peter Štěpán’s personal reflections play a significant role, especially in songs like „Ze stromů listí už padá“ (Leaves Are Falling from the Trees) and „Můj bratře můj“ (My Brother, My Brother). These genre-themed tracks carry a more intimate dimension, which dedicated fans will surely appreciate.

Introducing the band itself is about as pointless as bringing wolves to Transylvania. The most prominent name in the Czech gothic rock scene has been around for more than three decades, and that longevity is reflected in the confidence with which the Štěpán brothers and company serve up hit after hit in their concerts. Regardless of which period the songs are from, the diverse soundscapes that are products of their time transform on stage into fresh, energetic tracks that provide the audience with an enthralling experience.

Alongside “Třináctka” (The Thirteen), the Belgian gothic rock band Your Life on Hold will perform at Prague’s Akropolis. The band started in 2017 as a solo project by Jan Dewulf, an active musician also known from his electronic project Mildreda. Jan recorded highly melancholic and depressive material for his debut album Burning for the Ancient Connection, which immediately led him to the Solar Lodge label. The second album, My Name is Legion for We Are Many, came out the following year, offering a much fresher and more massive sound. Jan skillfully managed to blend traditional goth elements with modern rock approaches.

For these departures from clichés, Jan prefers to label his band as „post-goth.“ Yet, he doesn't deny or try to escape his roots—quite the opposite. The latest album, Echoes from the Bardo (2020), was recorded as a full band, and their first-ever performance in the Czech Republic will show them in their full strength.

Both bands will shake up Žižkov’s Akropolis on February 15, 2025.