The sounds of guitars and pounding drums still hung in the air as you walked out of the main stage and weaved through the crowd of people still living to the rhythm of the last band. The air was heavy with the smell of sweat, spilled beer, and cigarette smoke from the fires around the tents. A metal festival was a place where everyone found their place — you came here mainly for the energy that these moments brought you. You’re standing at the bar, waiting for your drink, when a guy nervously approaches you – a typical metalhead. He has long, messy hair, a black T-shirt with the band’s logo, metal bracelets, and ripped jeans. He smiles at you, and you smile back.

“How are you enjoying the festival?” he asks quietly.

“I really like it here, it’s really special for me this year,” you answer. “And you? Are there any bands you’re looking forward to seeing?”

“Yeah, I was really looking forward to Septicflesh, Kanonenfieber and Marduk. They really put on a great show,” he nods enthusiastically. Then he gets a little unsure: “Weren’t you at the Octagon stage yesterday? I think I saw you in the crowd… You looked really good there, I mean… er… you had a nice t-shirt. Patriarkh is my favorite band.”

“Yeah, yeah, I was there with the team. I wanted to check out some new bands. That, that… Peast, or what’s their name?” you try to remember.

“Yeah, Peast,” he adds with a smile.

“That’s what I meant,” you smile.

“Did you really like them?” he asks with a twinkle in his eye.

“Yeah, they had really catchy melodies,” you nod.

His eyes light up even more. “And you want to know something? I’m a member of them.”

He laughs and adds: “Maybe you didn’t recognize me because of the makeup, but I play the *** (you can fill in the blanks here depending on what instrument you want – guitar, bass, drums...).”

“We’re so glad you liked it. I was really nervous, it’s an honor for us,” he adds a little seriously.

“I’m Martin, nice to meet you,” he smiles and extends his hand to you.