This is the 18th edition of Lublin’s Different Sounds and the 12th as part of East of Culture—a project realized by the National Centre for Culture with funding from the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage, and supported by the cities of Lublin, Białystok, and Rzeszów in eastern Poland.  

Each year, the East of Culture – Different Sounds festival takes audiences on a musical journey to a realm where sound defies convention. It’s an invitation to discover artists who challenge genre boundaries, address meaningful issues, or simply evoke emotions and experiences that linger long after the final note fades

In a world where music festivals often chase fleeting trends and popularity metrics, Different Sounds remains a space for seekers—those in search of genuine encounters and musical epiphanies. It’s a refuge for true music lovers and a rare opportunity to connect with artists from around the globe for whom music is more than entertainment—it’s a profound form of expression.

Artists

Among the artists performing this year are

Voivod – the legendary Canadian metal band that has been shaping the scene since 1982. A cornerstone of global thrash metal, Voivod emerged during the genre’s explosive rise in the 1980s, already standing out with sonic elements borrowed from punk rock. Their true breakthrough came a few years later when they embraced progressive metal, cementing their status as one of the most influential bands in the genre’s history.

Critically acclaimed albums like Dimension Hatröss and Nothingface, along with tours alongside Soundgarden and Faith No More, solidified their legacy. Founded by drummer Michel “Away” Langevin and the late guitarist Denis “Piggy” D’Amour, the band has featured many outstanding musicians over the years, including former Metallica bassist Jason Newsted. Fronted by the iconic Denis “Snake” Bélanger, who remains in the lineup to this day, Voivod has become an institution in metal, commanding a devoted following and rightfully holding its place as a legend of the scene.   

The EX -– a Dutch counterculture icon and one of the most influential punk collectives in alternative music history. With an unbroken four-decade run, the band has released nearly 20 original albums, defined by their unmistakable sound—blending guitar-driven noise, trance-like new wave, and raw improvisation. Their legacy is further enriched by a series of groundbreaking collaborations, from Brass Unbound (featuring Ken Vandermark and Mats Gustafsson) to Chumbawamba, and their iconic albums with Tom Cora. Perhaps most legendary is their fusion with Ethiopian musicians, led by the great Getatchew Mekurya. Beyond their relentless touring, The Ex have also made their mark through independent publishing and artistic partnerships, including collaborations with Poland’s Antena Krzyku. Now, they are coming to in Lublin fresh off the release of their long-awaited new album, “If Your Mirror Breaks”.

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A Place to Bury Strangers – the renowned American trio pushing the boundaries of alternative rock with a fusion of noise, shoegaze, post-punk, and free improvisation. Dubbed “the loudest band in New York” by fans and critics alike, they have been an unstoppable force since 2002, relentlessly touring and recording while redefining the limits of guitar-driven sound. With performances at top festivals like Primavera and Coachella and tours alongside Nine Inch Nails and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, APTBS has built a reputation for electrifying, high-intensity live shows. Their raw energy, immersive soundscapes, and sonic ferocity make them one of the most thrilling live acts on the planet. For the audience of Different Sounds, this is an absolute must-see.  

The Messthetics & James Brandon Lewis – an explosive collaboration between the acclaimed instrumental trio from the U.S. and virtuoso saxophonist and composer James Brandon Lewis. Formed by members of the legendary Fugazi, The Messthetics blur the lines between punk rock, jazz, and free improvisation, fusing raw concert energy with technical brilliance.                 Their music proves that the spirit of Washington’s hardcore punk scene and the innovation of modern jazz can coexist seamlessly. Their first joint album, released on the iconic Impulse! Records—home to legends like John Coltrane and Charles Mingus—has already been hailed as one of the finest jazz records of 2  

PETBRICK – a powerhouse duo that pushes sonic boundaries. On one side, Wayne Adams—musician, producer, and mastermind behind London’s Bear Bites Horse Recording Studio—handles the electronics. On the other, behind the drums, sits the legendary Iggor Cavalera, the iconic force behind Sepultura and Cavalera Conspiracy. With such a formidable lineup, the result is exactly what you’d expect—an explosive fusion of metal, hardcore, noise, and electronic avant-garde. Or, as the artists jokingly put it when asked about their genre: simply “horrible noises.” 

 Maria W. Horn – is a Swedish artist and composer whose creative journey revolves around a deep exploration of sound. From the start, she has embraced sound in all its dimensions—both synthetic, crafted through electronics and various effects, and acoustic, rooted in its purest form. Her works often incorporate unusual objects, old musical instruments, and para-musical artifacts. She effortlessly integrates field recordings and explores the vast expressive possibilities of the human voice, from intimate solo vocals to expansive choir arrangements. Horn creates immersive sonic spaces in environments ranging from intimate recording studios to vast industrial sites, such as an empty machine hall in northern Sweden. Her mesmerizing solo performances have drawn praise from acclaimed acts, including Swans, with whom she recently toured.   

Butch Kassidy –a post-rock band from London that has rapidly earned a reputation as one of Europe’s brightest prospects in the loud guitar music scene. The British band masterfully blends gritty guitars and a powerful wall of sound with original melodies, all while embracing free improvisation. The result is an electrifying live experience that perfectly aligns with the philosophy of the Different Sounds festival. With a promising future ahead, Butch Kassidy is a band you won’t want to miss live.  

Kicking off this year’s festival announcements, we are excited to introduce the creator of the visual concept for the festival – Jakub Zasada

Jakub Zasada – Born in 1985, Zasada is the mastermind behind over 300 posters, primarily for independent films, cultural events, concerts, and local social initiatives. His work has been showcased in numerous solo and group exhibitions both in Poland and abroad. He collaborates with the Wrocław Polish Poster Gallery, Dydo Poster Gallery, and various cultural institutions and NGOs. Zasada is also the founder of the Lower Silesian Phonographic Exchange, which he ran from 2013 to 2018, and a co-founder of the Hafciarka film group, operating at the intersection of video art and cinema. Currently, he performs in the band Zdrój (formerly Barłóg, Jan Chrzciciel), which is part of the Salka CRK music collective. He resides and works in Księże Małe, Wrocław.        

Admission to the festival remains free, with more announcements coming soon!

More info: https://nck.pl/projekty-kulturalne/projekty/wschod-kultury

Details

East of Culture – Different Sounds
3-6 July 2025  
Lublin, Błonia near the Castle
Admission free.

Organisers: The Ministry of Culture and National Heritage, The National Centre for Culture, the City of Lublin, Workshops of Culture in Lublin.             

East of Culture – Different Sounds Festival is actively championing gender equality in the music industry as part of the Keychange network.