The heart of Karlsruhe pulses to the thunderous beats of metal, as Motionless in White and GHØSTKID take the stage for one of the most electrifying shows of the year. The Substage, an intimate venue with a capacity of around 800-1000 fans, is filled to the brim and alive with excitement on this scorching mid-August night. The energy from the crowd and the bands creates an atmosphere that can only be described as spooky and exhilarating, making it a concert experience like no other.
GHØSTKID: Dark, Atmospheric, and Mesmerizing
The night kicks off with GHØSTKID, fronted by Sebastian „Sushi“ Biesler, (ex-Electric Callboy). Their performance is dark, haunting, and visually intense, with the band members donning eerie costumes and makeup that enhance their stage personas. Fans of Electric Callboy will recognize the familiar energy, but GHØSTKID brings a heavier, more atmospheric vibe.
From the first note, the band has the crowd in the palm of their hand. Their sound, a fusion of metalcore and industrial elements, sets the tone for the night. Guitarists even take the performance to the next level by venturing into the crowd, playing in the middle of a circle pit. The intensity of their set, combined with the mysterious lighting, creates a perfect contrast to what’s coming next.
While I couldn’t track down GHØSTKID’s full setlist, their performance leaves a lasting impression, especially with fan-favorite tracks like “SUPERNØVA” which highlights the band’s gritty, haunting sound. Their ability to balance energy with a dark, atmospheric show sets them apart, creating an almost cinematic experience.
The heat inside the venue intensifies as the night progresses, but the open emergency doors between sets provide a much-needed breath of cool air.
Motionless in White: Halloween in August
Then comes the main event—Motionless in White. As soon as the first chords of the Cyberhex album hit, the crowd goes wild. With them having last visited the Substage before the pandemic, this show feels like a full-circle moment for me as well as many others, and the energy from the band is palpable. The band emerges in their Cyberhex personas, setting the stage for a theatrical and powerful performance.
Chris Motionless, with his signature goth-metal look, immediately commands attention, and the crowd is there for it, many fans dressed in full costume and makeup themselves. The show feels like a celebration of all things Halloween, even explicitly articulated as “Werewolf” is introduced with a chilling “Are you ready to celebrate Halloween with us?”
Highlights of the set include “Slaughterhouse”, a brutal anthem that brings out the most intense moshing of the night, and “Voices”, one of the band’s most popular tracks, boasting hundreds of millions of streams on Spotify. It’s a song that has bridged the gap between Motionless in White’s underground days and their current status as one of the big shots in the scene. This connection between old and new fans is quite noticeable, as both groups scream the lyrics back at the band in unison.
A Community of Fans and Acceptance
One of the most remarkable moments comes when Chris Motionless holds up a Trans pride flag, and bassist Justin Morrow, with his green-haired, Beetlejuice-inspired look, raises a Lesbian pride flag. It’s a powerful gesture of inclusivity and acceptance, values that Motionless in White has always championed. The crowd cheers in approval, creating an environment of unity and belonging.
During the show, the crowd is energetic yet considerate—something Chris himself encourages from the stage. The venue is small, especially compared to the large festival stages both bands are used to, with Motionless in White about to play the Summer Breeze main stage only a few days later. But this makes the night feel all the more intimate, a special club show before their European festival tour.
The Grand Finale: A Night to Remember
The show culminates in a flawless performance of “Reincarnate”, the title track of their 2014 album, taking fans on a nostalgic journey. The band’s gratitude for their fans is clear throughout the show. They remain humble, despite their rising fame, expressing how thankful they are for the community’s support. And the loyalty is rewarded by another three encore songs, climaxing the night with “Scoring the End of the World”.
Even after the show, fans linger, some meeting members of GHØSTKID near the merch tables, excitedly discussing the night’s highlights. As I reflect on the experience, I realize that this concert, like the last one I attended pre-COVID, reinforces why I love this community—welcoming, kind, and unapologetically themselves.
I strongly recommend keeping your eyes open, since the next GHØSTKID show in the Substage is around the corner already on 11. October 2024. The same goes for Motionless in White, who will be returning for their European club tour in January and February 2025.
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Motionless in White Website and Store
Substage Website and upcomming events
Photography and Article by Cat Maverick