RAMFest has always catered for more of the alternative crowd, but by combining RAMFest with the residual radiation still residing from recent Halloween celebrations, RAMFest felt more accessible than ever this year. I attended Pretoria’s event, hosted at the outdoor fields of Heartfelt Arena. As a sold-out event, it drew a dedicated crowd eager to rock out to some outstanding local and international acts. The lineup was a banger, featuring international headliners like The Devil Wears Prada from the USA alongside Dutch act Bongloard and a robust selection of South African talent, including The Narrow, Vulvodynia, Jack Parow, Sunken State, Raptorbaby, Hellcats, No Closure, Evert Snyman & the Aviary, Die Gemeente, and I Believe in Giants. This mix promised—and delivered—a frighteningly fun experience with emphasis on chaos, costumes, and high-energy performances.
Security at the venue was good, which created an environment where people felt safe and comfortable. The event’s industrial, raw vibe at Heartfelt Arena complemented the metalcore and alternative acts, creating an encompassing experience where the crowd’s energy amplified the performances. The feeling of togetherness and community was also fantastic, though there were some minor complaints concerning overcrowding, resulting in lengthy waiting times for food and drinks. This didn’t distract from the amazing atmosphere of the event and is some constructive criticism to consider for future events, rather than a blunder by any means.
Attendee feedback paints a picture of an exhilarating event filled with positive vibes, capturing the intense excitement and adrenaline rush from the shows. The crowd was wild and looked fantastic with so many people having dressed from their scary, weird, and wacky wardrobes. The metal maniacs particularly appreciated the thematic focus, though there were many newcomers to the scene who were pleasantly surprised by how much they enjoyed the heavier acts.
Cape Town, we know you had some untimely weather the previous day, which is such an unpredictable variable and really sucks, but in spite of this, I do believe that 2025’s Ramfest was a success and I’m grateful for events like these, drawing international bands in from across the pond and organising such spectacular celebrations.
Thank you to the organisers, sponsors, bands, and fans! It was a hellova experience and hope to see you all again soon!
Dwell in Darkness. Live in Light.
-Lunis Voidbright