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Dark Hours

FULL LINEUP IS OUT NOW
Massive music festival stage with fireworks and crowded audience at night

When night falls, we take it to the next level!

As the clock strikes ten, the DARK HOURS take over our city. This is when we ELEVATE light, laser and fire! From this moment on, nothing is what it seems. Unlike other festivals, we continue till 1:00 HRS, which means three full hours where our city lights illuminate the sky. 

MASSIVE LIVE acts take the Mainstage and INTENSE audio-visual experiences unfold. From epic shows like the LAUNCH, Anthem Show, Closing Sessions and Endshows to the UNMATCHED atmosphere that falls over the entire city. This is the time to get lost in the moment and give it everything you’ve got!

What was the vibe like during your closing session?

Experiencing the DARK HOURS as a visitor is one thing, but what is it like to orchestrate these electrifying final moments of the festival? We asked the SOUND ENGINEERS that closed down the Mainstage at Decibel outdoor 2024!

Paul Elstak: It was raining during my set, but that definitely didn’t stop the crowd. Seeing their energy made it extra special.

DJ smiling.

Nosferatu: The vibe was insane! For as far as I could see the people, it was unreal to experience.

Mutilator: The vibe during my Closing Session was epic. The crowd was more than ready for it haha! They literally gave their last bit of energy.

How does a closing set differ from a “regular” set? Do you approach it differently?

Paul Elstak: I always try to keep the energy high during my closing sets. The people already have a whole day of partying behind them, so you’ve got to end it with a bang!

Nosferatu: It doesn’t differ that much, but the desire to create extra edits of my tracks was definitely there. When you’re in front of a crowd of this size, you want to make a sick edit of one or multiple tracks.

Nosferatu closing session.

Mutilator: A closing set is often harder with faster mixing, because you need to ‘close’ the energy of the crowd while ending the evening in style at the same time. It’s different from a regular set, because you are more aware of the time and the moment; you want the people to leave with a good feeling, but you also want them to stick around for a bit.

What was your favorite moment during the set? Did you see any reactions from the crowd that will stick with you?

Paul Elstak: It’s always great fun to perform with Boogshe and my dancers, but my favorite moment is probably the final track. Hearing everyone scream their lungs and seeing the lights from the stage shine on the crowd was amazing.

Nosferatu: Spinning my newest track at that moment: Oppression. The reaction from the crowd was genius. When you play a track for the first time and the crowd’s reaction is massive, you know it’s good. As a DJ, everything seems very small with this many people, so interaction is hard. However, when I saw the video, I noticed that the crowd was really into it. 

Mutilator: My favorite moment was playing my most recent release “Resurrection” at the time. The feeling of euphoria and connectedness with the crowd was huge in that moment. Playing Twin Turbo continues to be a magical moment. Hearing the entire Mainstage scream along with the lyrics was an indescribable feeling. Goosebumps!

DJ.

Finally, how would you describe your experience in three words?

Paul Elstak: LOUD, powerful, unforgettable.

Nosferatu: Epic, legendary, NOStalgic.

Mutilator: Euphoric, energetic, astonishing.