19-22.04.2023 - Keep It True XXIII @ Tauberfrankenhalle, Lauda-Königshofen (DE)

[Lax]

Vendredi 24 Avril 2020 - Samedi 25 Avril 2020 @ Lauda-Königshofen - Tauberfrankenhalle :
► CIRITH UNGOL (U.S.) - Headlining both days with two exclusive totally different sets and special guest Flint
► LOUDNESS (JAP) - KIT exclusive 80's Set
► HEATHEN (U.S.) - Exclusive Old School Show
► SABBAT (JAP) - Exclusive 80's Set
► REALM (U.S.) - Reunion - First European show ever
► GENOCIDE (JAP)
► TRESPASS (U.K.)
► VISIGOTH (U.S.)
► METALUCIFER (JAP)
► VULTURE (DE)

Hi Friends,

We are extremely happy, that for KEEP IT TRUE 2020 we can announce something that we have never done before. We will dedicate the festival 2020 to the greatest and most cult underground metal band ever: CIRITH UNGOL. They will exclusively headline both days, with completely different setlists. Friday they will be playing a completely secret setlist. Saturday they will be joined by original bassist Flint and play the first three albums plus rare tracks! Reuniting UNGOL was such an amazing part of all our lives and we want to celebrate that as long as it is possible. There are few, who deserve such a dedication, UNGOL deserves it most!!

After we tried so many years, finally we were able to book THE Japanese Metal Legend. LOUDNESS will perform an exclusive 80s setlist dedicated to the albums from "The Birthday Eve" till "Hurricane Eyes". They will be the absolute coheadliner with a longer than usual playing time and will play all their early hits. Makes us so happy!!

We are proud to present an exclusive Old School Show by Bay Area Thrash Masters HEATHEN. Their first two albums "Breaking The Silence" and "Victims Of Deception" are among the top Bay Area Thrash classics and the band is a monster live. After so many years, we present them back on stage!

Since their first show at KIT, American Epic Metallers VISIGOTH grew so much in popularity and their last album was the best in 2018. Welcome to a triumphant return.

Also we are very happy to see the return of the mighty METALUCIFER. Gezol and his legions will deliver fistraising metal hymns again.

We are also proud to have the amazing SABBAT from Japan for the first time at KIT. For us, they will perform a very special set of their 80s songs.

REALM are a legendary US Metal/Speed Metal band that released two killer albums but never made it over to Europe. We are happy that we could finally get this band over in their original line up.

No KIT without NWoBHM. After being part of our unique NWoBHM Anniversary show, TRESPASS will now play in full glory a special set with all their 80s hits.

One of the best newcomers in the Speed Metal genre comes from Germany. VULTURE deliver Speed Metal like no one else does nowadays. Sharp Riffs and shrieking vocals are the basis for this Underground Metal inferno!!

We are proud, that we can present the very first show of GENOCIDE NIPPON outside of Japan. They are a real cult band and maybe not known to many, but they have dedicated followers and its such an honor to host their very first show in Europe!!

KEEP IT TRUE XXIII

[Lax]

Vendredi 24 Avril 2020 - Samedi 25 Avril 2020 @ Lauda-Königshofen - Tauberfrankenhalle :
► CIRITH UNGOL (U.S.) - Headlining both days with two exclusive totally different sets and special guest Flint
► LOUDNESS (JAP) - KIT exclusive 80's Set
► HEATHEN (U.S.) - Exclusive Old School Show
+ ► LEGEND (U.S.) - Reunion
► SABBAT (JAP) - Exclusive 80's Set
► REALM (U.S.) - Reunion - First European show ever
► GENOCIDE (JAP)
► TRESPASS (U.K.)
► VISIGOTH (U.S.)
► METALUCIFER (JAP)
+ ► RIOT CITY (CAN)
► VULTURE (DE)

Hi Friends,

we are extremely happy to announce the next band for KEEP IT TRUE 2020

American band LEGEND is one of the last few real Cult bands, that has not played on our KIT stage yet. Their sensational album "From The Fjords" from 1979 has a "LEGENDary" status amongst most KIT fans. Unfortunately 1983 Singer/Guitarist Kevin Nugent died. Now, 40 years after its first release, "From The Fjords" will be OFFICIALLY released by Cult Rock Classics and the feedback to this rerelease is mindblowing. So we talked to the remaining two original members Fred Melillo (Bass) and Ray Frigon (Drums) and we will arrange a ONE OFF LEGEND show only for KIT 2020. There is no replacement for Kevin Nugent yet, but the band will start auditions very soon. If you feel you would be the right guy for the job, you can even apply to the band here: https://drumsinhisheart.weebly.com/the-search.html

Here is what drummer Ray has to say about it all:

The Search for a Legendary Guitarist

Well, based on things you can read on the Legend page, I'll cut to the chase here.

With the building interest of the reissue of Legend ~ From the Fjords, with Sonic Age Records and their newly created label, Cult Rock Classics, also comes interest in a reunion of the band for a live performance. Hard to believe but, here it is.

Fred and I had always felt, without Kevin, such a performance is just impossible because of the talent and stage presence Kevin had. Finding a guitarist with his ability, that can also sing in natural tones and relay the stories in the songs with the same ease he had; his personality, winging that 6/12 double neck into the exosphere at times? Seriously? Not possible. Impossible.

We just let the idea go. Fred and I would love to play together again. The task, though, to really honor the memory of our friend and bandmate seems beyond our capacity to meet.

As we have seen in life, "Never say, Never." The reissue is a reality. And now comes an invitation to perform at the Keep It True festival, in Konigshofen, Germany, on April 24, 2020. An hour set, to perform the album in it's entirety with a little stretching out. This is a one-time, reunion concert appearance for us.

You find all info under the link above!

[Lax]

+ Jeudi 23 Avril 2020 @ Tauberbischofheim - Dittigheim Sporthalle :
► SLOUGH FEG (U.S.)
► SANHEDRIN (U.S.)
► VULTURES VENGEANCE (IT)
► T.I.R. (IT)


Vendredi 24 Avril 2020 - Samedi 25 Avril 2020 @ Lauda-Königshofen - Tauberfrankenhalle :
► CIRITH UNGOL (U.S.) - Headlining both days with two exclusive totally different sets and special guest Flint
► LOUDNESS (JAP) - KIT exclusive 80's Set
► HEATHEN (U.S.) - Exclusive Old School Show
► LEGEND (U.S.) - Reunion
► SABBAT (JAP) - Exclusive 80's Set
+ ► ELIXIR (U.K.) - Reunion
► REALM (U.S.) - Reunion - First European show ever
► GENOCIDE (JAP)
► TRESPASS (U.K.)
► VISIGOTH (U.S.)
► METALUCIFER (JAP)
► RIOT CITY (CAN)
► VULTURE (DE)
+ ► SÖLICITÖR (U.S.)

Hi Friends,

We are extremely happy to announce the next band[s] for KEEP IT TRUE 2020:

UK legends ELIXIR already played at the second KEEP IT TRUE in 2004.....15 long years ago!! Unfortunately they disbanded for many years but now they will reunite in 2020 and will prove again, that they were and still are one of the best livebands in the underground scene. We are so looking forward to that!!

[...]

SÖLICITÖR from the USA are one of the best newcomers of the last years. Fronted by the amazing powerhouse Amy Lee Carlson, they remind on the best days of Chastain. Classic Speed Metal with killer vocals. Do not miss them!!

[...]

We have big and important news for you. Please read the text completely, it contains some important information.

Due to the great demand and many years of faithful support from you, we decided, in cooperation with our friends from CRUZ DEL SUR MUSIC and GATES OF HELL Records, to make the official Warm Up on Thursday in Dittigheim a full WARM UP show with FOUR high-class bands. As a big thank you to you, we will offer the tickets for only 10 Euro (plus presale fee) Expenses Contribution. You can order these under this link. To save shipping costs you can use the Print@Home feature. At the doors ticket will be exactly 10 Euro without fees and we will keep around 50 tickets for the doors.

[Lax]

Jeudi 23 Avril 2020 @ Tauberbischofheim - Dittigheim Sporthalle :
► SLOUGH FEG (U.S.)
► SANHEDRIN (U.S.)
► VULTURES VENGEANCE (IT)
► T.I.R. (IT)


Vendredi 24 Avril 2020 - Samedi 25 Avril 2020 @ Lauda-Königshofen - Tauberfrankenhalle :
► CIRITH UNGOL (U.S.) - Headlining both days with two exclusive totally different sets and special guest Flint
+ ► GRAVESTONE (DE)
► LOUDNESS (JAP) - KIT exclusive 80's Set
► HEATHEN (U.S.) - Exclusive Old School Show
► LEGEND (U.S.) - Reunion
► SABBAT (JAP) - Exclusive 80's Set
► ELIXIR (U.K.) - Reunion
► REALM (U.S.) - Reunion - First European show ever
► GENOCIDE (JAP)
► TRESPASS (U.K.)
► VISIGOTH (U.S.)
► METALUCIFER (JAP)
► RIOT CITY (CAN)
► VULTURE (DE)
► SÖLICITÖR (U.S.)

Hi Friends,

We are extremely happy to announce the next band for KEEP IT TRUE 2020

We tried them since many years but now it finally worked out.
We are so happy to present you the reunion of German Metal Legend GRAVESTONE at KIT.
We got so many requests from all over the world for them, so here they are!!

[Lax]

I was able to book the next two bands for KEEP IT TRUE Festival and we will announce them one after the other within the next two weeks.

One is a reunion in original line up that will come as a pleasant surprise for many fans.

The other band sold over 3 million albums worldwide in their career, rarely played in Europe and will come to KIT with 4 out of 5 original members.

Both bookings made me really happy and proud, I hope you will think the same....so stay tuned

[Lax]

Jeudi 23 Avril 2020 @ Tauberbischofheim - Dittigheim Sporthalle :
► SLOUGH FEG (U.S.)
► SANHEDRIN (U.S.)
► VULTURES VENGEANCE (IT)
► T.I.R. (IT)


Vendredi 24 Avril 2020 - Samedi 25 Avril 2020 @ Lauda-Königshofen - Tauberfrankenhalle :
► CIRITH UNGOL (U.S.) - Headlining both days with two exclusive totally different sets and special guest Flint
► LOUDNESS (JAP) - KIT exclusive 80's Set
+ ► SANCTUARY (U.S.) - The World Premiere of "Into The Mirror Black" in its entirety plus Best-Of "Refuge Denied"
► HEATHEN (U.S.) - Exclusive Old School Show
► LEGEND (U.S.) - Reunion
► SABBAT (JAP) - Exclusive 80's Set
► GRAVESTONE (DE)
► REALM (U.S.) - Reunion - First European show ever
+ ► WITCHKILLER (CAN) - Exclusive First European Show in Original Line-Up
► TRESPASS (U.K.)
► ELIXIR (U.K.) - Reunion
► GENOCIDE (JAP)
► VISIGOTH (U.S.)
► METALUCIFER (JAP)
► RIOT CITY (CAN)
► VULTURE (DE)
► SÖLICITÖR (U.S.)

Hi Friends,

We are extremely happy to announce the next band for KEEP IT TRUE 2020

We worked many many years on this reunion but finally it worked out. We are proud to present you an exclusive show of legendary WITCHKILLER from Canada in Original Line Up. It will be their first show in Europe ever.

Douglas Lang Adams - Vocals, Steven John Batky - Drums, Backing Vocals, Todd Pilon - Bass, Gang Shouts and Kurt Phillips - Guitar, Gang Shouts will play their whole "Day Of The Saxons" EP as well as more songs!

The Festival is completely sold out!
[...]
We are extremely happy to announce our big friday Co-Headliner for KEEP IT TRUE 2020

2020 marks the 30th anniversary of one of THE US Power Metal classics. We are talking about “Into The Mirror Black” by Seattle legends SANCTUARY. To celebrate this anniversary, the band will perform the whole album for the first time in their history as a world premiere at KEEP IT TRUE. The rest of the set will consist of the highlights of the debut album “Refuge Denied”. We also see this special show as a tribute to our longtime friend Warrel Dane, whom we lost almost two years ago. We are so looking forward to a set packed with only US Power Metal classics!

[Lax]

Jeudi 23 Avril 2020 @ Tauberbischofheim - Dittigheim Sporthalle :
► SLOUGH FEG (U.S.)
+ ► CRYPT SERMON (U.S.)
► SANHEDRIN (U.S.)
► VULTURES VENGEANCE (IT)
► T.I.R. (IT)


Vendredi 24 Avril 2020 - Samedi 25 Avril 2020 @ Lauda-Königshofen - Tauberfrankenhalle :
► CIRITH UNGOL (U.S.) - Headlining both days with two exclusive totally different sets and special guest Flint
► LOUDNESS (JAP) - KIT exclusive 80's Set
► SANCTUARY (U.S.) - The World Premiere of "Into The Mirror Black" in its entirety plus Best-Of "Refuge Denied"
► HEATHEN (U.S.) - Exclusive Old School Show
► LEGEND (U.S.) - Reunion
► SABBAT (JAP) - Exclusive 80's Set
► GRAVESTONE (DE)
► REALM (U.S.) - Reunion - First European show ever
► WITCHKILLER (CAN) - Exclusive First European Show in Original Line-Up
► TRESPASS (U.K.)
► ELIXIR (U.K.) - Reunion
► GENOCIDE (JAP)
► VISIGOTH (U.S.)
► METALUCIFER (JAP)
► RIOT CITY (CAN)
► VULTURE (DE)
► SÖLICITÖR (U.S.)

Hello friends,

We have some good news for our KEEP IT TRUE Warm Up Show in Dittigheim.

The billing was already complete, but we had the chance to book a band, that will release one of the best Epic Doom albums of the last years. We talk about CRYPT SERMON and their outstanding new album "The Ruins Of Fading Light". We are happy they are now part of this killer billing and we hope we could make you a nice surprise by booking them.

The presale is already completely sold out, but we kept 50 tickets for the doors. They will cost 10 Euro in cash. First come, First Serve!

After the bands have ended, there will be the usual Metal Disco with Thorsten MOR Hepp.

On this occasion, we will already be giving out the festival wristbands for the KIT Festival throughout the Warm Up Show (on presentation of the ticket, of course) to speed up entry on Friday. In addition, we are currently working on further measures to optimize the admission on Friday, but later there will be a separate newsletter.
[...]
That was fast. All 50 tickets are gone. Thank you so much for the amazing support. The Warm Up is now completely sold out and there won't be any tickets at the doors.

[Lax]

Jeudi 23 Avril 2020 @ Tauberbischofheim - Dittigheim Sporthalle :
► SLOUGH FEG (U.S.)
► CRYPT SERMON (U.S.)
► SANHEDRIN (U.S.)
► VULTURES VENGEANCE (IT)
► T.I.R. (IT)


Vendredi 24 Avril 2020 - Samedi 25 Avril 2020 @ Lauda-Königshofen - Tauberfrankenhalle :
► CIRITH UNGOL (U.S.) - Headlining both days with two exclusive totally different sets and special guest Flint
► LOUDNESS (JAP) - KIT exclusive 80's Set
► SANCTUARY (U.S.) - The World Premiere of "Into The Mirror Black" in its entirety plus Best-Of "Refuge Denied"
► HEATHEN (U.S.) - Exclusive Old School Show
► LEGEND (U.S.) - Reunion
► SABBAT (JAP) - Exclusive 80's Set
► GRAVESTONE (DE)
► REALM (U.S.) - Reunion - First European show ever
+ ► ACID (BEL) - Exclusive First Reunion Show
► WITCHKILLER (CAN) - Exclusive First European Show in Original Line-Up
► TRESPASS (U.K.)
► ELIXIR (U.K.) - Reunion
► GENOCIDE (JAP)
► VISIGOTH (U.S.)
► METALUCIFER (JAP)
► RIOT CITY (CAN)
► VULTURE (DE)
► SÖLICITÖR (U.S.)

Hi Friends,

Since the very first KEEP IT TRUE it was a dream for us to book the legendary Metal Band ACID from Belgium.
In 2010 we could convince them to do a signing session and Kate even sang one song on stage.
After that we never lost contact and now, 2020, the dream comes finally true.
The legendary ACID will play their very first Reunion show exclusively at KEEP IT TRUE.
What a honour.
The band will consist of original members Kate and drummer Anvill, plus the guitarists Rik Priem and Dries Vandamme and on Bass Philip Ricquier. The band did already several rehearsals to see if the fire is still there and it all went down amazingly well. We are so proud and looking forward to this unique show!

[Lax]

Jeudi 23 Avril 2020 @ Tauberbischofheim - Dittigheim Sporthalle :
► SLOUGH FEG (U.S.)
► CRYPT SERMON (U.S.)
► SANHEDRIN (U.S.)
► VULTURES VENGEANCE (IT)
► T.I.R. (IT)



Vendredi 24 Avril 2020 - Samedi 25 Avril 2020 @ Lauda-Königshofen - Tauberfrankenhalle :
► CIRITH UNGOL (U.S.) - Headlining both days with two exclusive totally different sets and special guest Flint
► LOUDNESS (JAP) - KIT exclusive 80's Set
► SANCTUARY (U.S.) - The World Premiere of "Into The Mirror Black" in its entirety plus Best-Of "Refuge Denied"
► HEATHEN (U.S.) - Exclusive Old School Show
► LEGEND (U.S.) - Reunion
► SABBAT (JAP) - Exclusive 80's Set
► GRAVESTONE (DE)
► REALM (U.S.) - Reunion - First European show ever
► ACID (BEL) - Exclusive First Reunion Show
+ ► CYCLONE (BEL)
► WITCHKILLER (CAN) - Exclusive First European Show in Original Line-Up
► TRESPASS (U.K.)
► ELIXIR (U.K.) - Reunion
► GENOCIDE (JAP)
► VISIGOTH (U.S.)
► METALUCIFER (JAP)
► RIOT CITY (CAN)
► VULTURE (DE)
► SÖLICITÖR (U.S.)

Hi Friends,

We are very happy to announce another reunion show for KEEP IT TRUE 2020. Classic Belgium Thrashers CYCLONE played a very successful test show yesterday and we are happy to welcome them to our upcoming KIT. They will play a best of set of their amazing two albums!

The new flyer design was done by Annick Giroux of Cauchemar. We hope you like it!

[Lax]

Jeudi 23 Avril 2020 @ Tauberbischofheim - Dittigheim Sporthalle :
► SLOUGH FEG (U.S.)
► CRYPT SERMON (U.S.)
► SANHEDRIN (U.S.)
► VULTURES VENGEANCE (IT)
► T.I.R. (IT)



Vendredi 24 Avril 2020 - Samedi 25 Avril 2020 @ Lauda-Königshofen - Tauberfrankenhalle :
► CIRITH UNGOL (U.S.) - Headlining both days with two exclusive totally different sets
- Special guest Flint
► LOUDNESS (JAP) - KIT exclusive 80's Set
► SANCTUARY (U.S.) - The World Premiere of "Into The Mirror Black" in its entirety plus Best-Of "Refuge Denied"
► HEATHEN (U.S.) - Exclusive Old School Show
► LEGEND (U.S.) - Reunion
► SABBAT (JAP) - Exclusive 80's Set
► GRAVESTONE (DE)
► REALM (U.S.) - Reunion - First European show ever
► ACID (BEL) - Exclusive First Reunion Show
► CYCLONE (BEL)
- ► WITCHKILLER (CAN) - Exclusive First European Show in Original Line-Up
+ ► SLOUGH FEG (U.S.) - Playing a Different Set than at Warm-up show!
► TRESPASS (U.K.)
► ELIXIR (U.K.) - Reunion
► GENOCIDE (JAP)
► VISIGOTH (U.S.)
► METALUCIFER (JAP)
► RIOT CITY (CAN)
► VULTURE (DE)
► SÖLICITÖR (U.S.)

Hi Friends,

We had to keep this secret for a long time, but finally we can let the cat out of the bag:
Our double headliner Cirith Ungol will release its first album since 29 years, "Forever Black" on the KEEP IT TRUE Festival friday April 24th 2020.
The album is on par with all the classic albums and features the original Ungol feeling and songwriting.
Attached is the first track, "Legions Arise" for all of you to listen.
Also we will sell an exclusive vinyl color (red/black marble) only at KIT for all of you die hards!

On friday the band will perform the album world exclusive for the first time from front to back plus the highlights of "Paradise Lost". Saturday the band will concentrate on its classic first three albums and will also look into deep cuts that were rarely or never played live.

This is a unique double show in the history of CIRITH UNGOL and also KEEP IT TRUE and will never happen like this ever again.
Thats why we decided on this.

Unfortunately original bassist Flint won't be able to attend the show. Here is a statement by the band:

"We regret to inform that Flint will not be able to make the trip. He has some personal things to work out. The current band will still be there and have two very special sets planned for you all, along with a limited edition vinyl color of our new album Forever Black only available at Keep It True!"


Unfortunately WITCHKILLER have to cancel their show at KEEP IT TRUE 2020 due to logistical and personal reasons. Here is a statement by the band:

"Hello 2020 K.I.T. Festival Fans
It is with great sadness that today we announce Witchkiller is withdrawing from the legendary K.I.T. Festival. We were honoured to be asked to play this festival recognizing so many classic bands.
We are so grateful for the opportunity. We sincerely apologize to Oliver, his crew and everyone that hoped to see us. We know that Oliver will deliver another excellent deserving band in our slot that will do everyone proud. Thank You to all, and especially Oliver, for your understanding of this difficult decision and for your support through all these years."

As their replacement we are going to fulfill a wish so many had after the announcement of the warm up show.

SLOUGH FEG will take the position of Witchkiller on the festival friday and will perform two different setlists to make the warm up show as special as it was planned to be.