Choosing from the hundreds of concerts happening in Belgium each month to curate a list is nearly impossible. This season, we’ve decided to split our selections into two categories: The first, “Big Shows,” will cover concerts in venues with over 1,000 seats. The second, “Local Scene”, will shine a spotlight on smaller venues and local promoters, showcasing performances by both local and international artists. Without further ado, here’s our selection of the 20 must-see Local Scene shows in Belgium for October 2024
1. The SoapGirls – Filousophe – 02 October / Ragnarok – 16 October
The SoapGirls, South Africa’s rebellious punk duo, are returning to Belgium this October with performances at Filousophe and Ragnarok. Known for their high-energy, acrobatic nonsense, grungy punk ‘n roll shows, they’re back to prove once again they’re the queens of the scene! Their electrifying performances are interactive, unapologetically defiant, and always push boundaries.
2. Uniform + Bad Breeding – Botanique – 4 October
If you’re seeking peace and quiet, steer clear of Botanique on Friday, October 4th, as Uniform and Bad Breeding take the stage. Hailing from New York, Uniform is known for their brutal industrial noise and intense, uncompromising shows, blending noise rock and hardcore for a visceral live experience. Bad Breeding Coming from the sleepy town of Stevenage, this trio channels their frustration into hardcore punk inspired by Crass and Black Flag. Both bands promise an aggressive, electrifying night that fans of heavy, experimental music won’t want to miss!
3. Fun Lovin’ Criminals – La Sucrerie – 05 October
Fun Lovin’ Criminals are set to showcase their unique fusion of hip-hop, rock, funk, blues-jazz, and Latin-soul at La Sucrerie. Since their 1996 debut album, Come Find Yourself, they have captivated fans with hits like Scooby Snacks’, which earned gold status in the US. Renowned for their clever lyrics and dynamic live performances, this New York trio is currently putting the finishing touches on their seventh studio album, scheduled for early 2023, in conjunction with a world tour. Celebrated as Europe’s cherished “cousins from New York,” they promise a night of infectious energy and engaging stories.
4. Blackout Problems + Lake Malice – De Klinker – 05 October
Get ready for a night of intense emotion and rock with Blackout Problems and Lake Malice on October 5 at De Klinker Club. Blackout Problems, hailing from Germany, infuse their alt-rock with vibrant energy and electronic elements, encouraging the audience to shout along with their passionate hits. Meanwhile, Lake Malice offers an aggressive alt-metal sound enriched with metalcore, ensuring a captivating live experience. Both bands guarantee an unforgettable evening packed with electrifying performances.
5. Delilah Bon + Halflives – Kavka Oudaan – 06 October
The queen of rage, Delilah Bon, returns to Antwerp for another epic concert. With her formidable presence and signature ‘Brat Punk’ style—a blend of hip-hop, nu-metal, and riot grrrl—she’ll perform fierce anthems for marginalized communities, particularly women, non-binary individuals, and the LGBTQ+ community. She’ll be joined by Halflives, led by Linda Battilani, returning after their great show at the Kavka Oudaan earlier this year. This event promises to be a celebration of powerful female acts.
6. Imminence – De Casino – 06 October
Swedish metalcore band Imminence has carved a unique niche in the music world by blending classic string arrangements with the raw power of Scandinavian metal. On their upcoming performance at De Casino, they will showcase their symphonic and emotionally charged sound, combining heavy guitar riffs with haunting violin melodies.
7. Goat Girl – Ancienne Belgique – 09 October
London-based Goat Girl returns to Belgium with their genre-defying blend of post-punk, indie rock, and electronic influences. Known for their atmospheric live performances, the trio shifts seamlessly between dreamy melodies and sharp social commentary. Their third album, Below the Waste, critiques oppressive systems and envisions a barrier-free world, showcasing their unique combination of noise-rock, delicate folk, and synthpop. This performance is a must-see for fans of cutting-edge alternative music.
8. Divine Hatred – JH de Vonk – 13 October
Divine Hatred will bring their brutal death metal to JH de Vonk, delivering a relentless onslaught of aggressive riffs and guttural vocals. Their intense live performance is a full-force assault on the senses, making it a must-see for fans of extreme metal. Expect nothing less than a day of headbanging and mosh pits in the heart of Belgium’s underground metal scene.
9. Liberty & Justice – JC Bouckenborgh – 16 October
Liberty & Justice will take the stage at JC Bouckenborgh for an evening of hard-hitting hardcore punk. Known for their politically charged lyrics and energetic live shows, Liberty & Justice’s performance will be a raw and passionate display of punk rebellion. Fans of old-school hardcore and DIY ethics will find this concert to be an exhilarating experience.
10. Lover’s Skit + Dog Race + MYNK – Botanique – 17 October
The Botanique presents a lively triple bill with Lover’s Skit, Dog Race, and MYNK, blending breakbeat and indie sounds. Lover’s Skit, a dynamic duo from Stockholm, combines infectious energy with influences from 90s breakbeat and indie, gaining a reputation for their high-energy performances. Dog Race, a London five-piece, explores modern anxieties in their new single “It’s The Squeeze” and has impressed at various festivals. Meanwhile, MYNK creates a visceral pop-noir sound in their debut EP, PLEASER, delving into themes of self-preservation and self-sabotage. This concert promises an unforgettable night of diverse and energetic performances.
11. Laibach – La Sucrerie – 19 October
Laibach, the iconic Slovenian band known for their avant-garde industrial sound, will perform at La Sucrerie. They will promote the remastered re-release of their 1987 album Opus Dei during the OPUS DEI TOUR, featuring tracks from the album for the first time in years, along with significant earlier songs and new surprises. Expect the unexpected!
12. Bombfest 4 – DrinkDrink – 19 October
On October 19, join us at DrinkDrink in Anderlecht to celebrate Tan’s birthday, the bassist of Smokebomb and a key figure in the Brussels scene! The lineup features the best of the local talent, including Reproach, Eleven, Young Enough, Smokebomb, You, Nervous?, Zona Especial Norte, Endless Empire, and the Parisian band Pitfloor. Don’t miss this punk celebration!
13. Jazmin Bean – Botanique – 21 October
Jazmin Bean’s concert at Botanique is set to be one of the most unique performances of the month. Combining a hyper-pop sound with striking visuals, Bean creates a genre-defying show full of colour and emotion. Exploring themes of vulnerability and healing, their debut album, Traumatic Livelihood, is among the best alt-pop albums of the year!
14. Speed – Kavka Zappa – 21 October
Australian hardcore band Speed will deliver an unrelenting performance at Kavka Zappa. Known for their fast-paced and aggressive sound, Speed’s live shows are intense and high-energy, with an emphasis on raw emotion and crowd interaction. This concert will be a must-see for hardcore fans looking for an adrenaline-pumping experience.
15. Wargasm – Kavka Oudaan – 22 October
Get ready for Wargasm’s return to Kavka Oudaan! This time, all alternative music fans MUST be there to support one of the UK’s most exciting bands. With their bold sound and high-energy stage presence, Wargasm concerts are a riot of sound and fury!
16. Faces Of Death Tour – Chinastraat – 24 October
The Faces of Death Tour is back in Belgium at Chinastraat, featuring some of the heaviest deathcore bands around! This brutal stop promises an evening of relentless riffs, guttural vocals, and extreme intensity with Signs Of The Swarm, Varials, and To The Grave. Don’t miss this exceptional lineup that will blow your eardrums out!
17. Guitar Wolf – Botanique – 25 October
Japanese rock legends Guitar Wolf live by the motto: play “faster and louder.” They are set to explode at Botanique with their loud, fast, and chaotic sound. Their unwavering commitment to chainsaw-rusted rock ‘n’ roll has garnered them a dedicated following for over thirty years. Don’t miss this legendary band!
18. Stress Positions – JC Bouckenborgh – 26 October
Chicago band Stress Positions is set to bring the house down at JC Bouckenborgh with their blend of hardcore, punk, and noise rock, featuring confrontational lyrics that challenge social norms. Formed in 2020 by members of C.H.E.W. and singer Stephanie Brooks, they will be joined by Azijnpisser and Hetze for an unforgettable night.
19. Unprocessed + Avralize + Ice Sealed Eyes – Botanique – 29 October
On October 29, Botanique will host an exciting night of progressive metal featuring Unprocessed, Avralize, and Ice Sealed Eyes. Unprocessed is recognized as an innovative force in modern metal, known for their genre-defying approach. Avralize blends vibe, technique, and artistic creativity with destructive breakdowns, provocative guitar riffs, and catchy choruses. Finally, Ice Sealed Eyes, the rising newcore act from Belgium. This concert promises to be a thrilling exploration of progressive and metal music!
20. HYPER GAL – Trix – 30 October
HYPER GAL is set to deliver a unique pop experience at Trix on October 30. Known for her hyper-pop sound and avant-garde style, HYPER GAL combines upbeat electronic beats with a surreal, high-energy stage presence. The duo features Koharu Ishada on vocals and Krumi Kadoya on drums, creating a captivating sound filled with noise, sparkle, and enchantment. Fans of experimental pop and bold aesthetics won’t want to miss this exhilarating event!
This list represents only a portion of the vast selection available in Belgium and is also influenced by our own musical tastes. Naturally, there are many other “local scene” show this month that you can explore in our agenda. Feel free to leave a comment on our Facebook or Instagram about the shows you’re excited to see in October —whether they’re on this list or not!