Klangkuenstler All Night Long (ANL) at Unreal Germany

Descending into the Underground: Unreal's Dark Magic

From the moment I stepped into the Klangkuenstler All Night Long event at ADE 2024, I could feel that something extraordinary was about to unfold. Hosted by Unreal Germany, the atmosphere was dark, enigmatic, and intense—it was like being transported to a hidden world beneath the surface, a place where the shadows dance with the beat. Unreal's production has always been on another level, but this night was something else entirely.

Unreal's signature LED lights surrounded the decks, both above and below, creating an atmosphere that felt otherworldly. The lighting wasn't just decoration—it was a portal, drawing us all in, with Klangkuenstler at the center of it all. The interplay of red and white lights painted an eerie glow, almost ritualistic, and the way the moving lights approached the crowd made it feel as if the entire room was alive and pulsating. It was impossible not to be entranced by it—Unreal knows exactly how to immerse you in the experience, making it feel like you’re part of something far beyond the ordinary.

Klangkuenstler's Seven-Hour Techno Odyssey

Klangkuenstler, a true legend in the scene, took us on a relentless seven-hour journey that night. Michael Korb, better known as Klangkuenstler, has carved out a unique place in the world of techno with his hard-hitting schranz style. Starting out in deep and tech house, he evolved into a force in hard techno, and that night he showed exactly why he is one of the best in the game.

The set was a journey—a carefully crafted odyssey through the raw, pounding beats of 90s-influenced techno. Klangkuenstler knows exactly how to command a crowd, and he kept us hooked from start to finish. It wasn’t just relentless intensity; it was a perfectly balanced rollercoaster of energy, with moments of heavy, driving power balanced by hypnotic, almost trance-like breaks that gave us just enough time to catch our breath before the next wave of intensity hit. The sound was perfection—every kick and every synth resonated through the crowd, thanks in part to Klangkuenstler's dedication to getting every detail right. You could tell he had been hands-on with the sound engineering, ensuring that every beat hit just right. It was the kind of experience that left your whole body buzzing long after the music ended.

The UFO Lighting: A Spectacle Like No Other

Unreal Germany took the production to the next level with the UFO-style lighting rig that hung above the dancefloor. Picture this: a massive square rack of lights and lasers, suspended in the air, that moved up and down throughout the night, casting ever-changing beams across the crowd. It felt like we were under the watchful eye of an alien mothership. There was something almost hypnotic about it—it added a layer of drama and intensity that you don’t often see at events like this.

There was a moment towards the end of Klangkuenstler’s set when the UFO came so low that it almost touched our heads. The lights created this incredible effect—a white target with a red center, right in the middle of the crowd. It felt like we were all marked, chosen, ready to be taken away. I’m not sure if I was ready for abduction or not, but I was definitely willing. It was dark, intense, and completely unreal—the perfect culmination of the night. Unreal really knows how to craft a full-on experience, not just a rave, and it’s those kinds of moments that make their events stand out. 

The Unreal Crowd: A Connection Beyond Words

One thing that really sets Unreal events apart is the audience. There’s a certain energy that you can only find at an Unreal rave. It’s not about being seen or showing off; it’s about being there for the music, the experience, and each other. From the first beat of Klangkuenstler's set, it felt like we were all part of something bigger. The unity in the crowd was palpable—we were all in it together, riding the same waves of energy, moving as one. I’ve never been to an Unreal event where the crowd didn’t bring that energy, and this night was no different. The people who come to Unreal are there for the music, and that makes all the difference. You could feel the passion and dedication in every person around you. By the end of the night, I felt like I’d made connections without saying a word—just through the shared experience of dancing together.

Unreal's Flawless Attention to Detail

The venue was spot-on for an event like this. It wasn’t too hot, which is crucial when you’re raving for hours on end. Unreal really nails the details, and it shows—from the locker system that worked flawlessly (with a unique code so you could access your stuff anytime) to the friendly staff who were there to make sure everything ran smoothly. It made it so much easier to focus on the music and the experience, without worrying about anything else.

One of my favorite parts of Unreal’s approach is the way they handle the stage presence. Instead of filling the stage with industry people or friends of the DJs, Unreal selects people directly from the crowd—people who will bring a great energy to the stage, to enhance the vibe. It’s not about who you know; it’s about creating an atmosphere that feels inclusive and full of energy. The stage felt like an extension of the dancefloor, adding an element of performance that everyone could feel a part of. It made the whole event feel more alive, more immersive, and more like a community.

Afterparty Adventures: Rotterdam Bound

Just when I thought the night was over, I got invited to an afterparty. I thought it was a quick 15-minute drive, but I must have misheard—it turned out to be 50 minutes, all the way to Rotterdam. But sometimes the unplanned adventures are the best ones. We ended up at this beautiful house owned by a dentist: Sefa Arabaci —apparently, he’s the go-to guy for the teeth of many DJs in the scene, which is kind of amazing. We started with just a few of us, and by 10 am, there were over thirty people packed into the living room. The vibe was so relaxed—everyone took off their shoes, a DJ set up, and it became this impromptu party, with people showing up who hadn’t even been at the rave. I even asked about the neighbors, worried they might complain, but apparently, they always join in. It was such an incredible reminder of why I love this community—the spontaneity, the sense of connection, and the shared love of the music. It was the perfect way to cap off an already unforgettable night.

Conclusion: Unreal Sets the Bar High

I’ve been to so many raves over the years, across different genres and venues, but there’s something about Unreal events that really stands out. It’s more than just a party—it’s a fully immersive journey. The energy, the production, the crowd, the vibe—everything comes together to create something magical. Unreal Germany knows how to craft experiences that stay with you, and they do it with such care and attention to detail that you can’t help but be completely swept away.

Klangkuenstler’s set at ADE 2024 was something truly special—a relentless seven-hour dive into the heart of hard techno, brought to life by Unreal's unmatched production. If you’ve never been to an Unreal event, I urge you to go. It’s not just a rave; it’s an experience that leaves you buzzing long after the music stops, and one that I know I'll be talking about for a long time.