On Wednesday 16 July 2025, the De Balzaal stage at the Dour Festival will open with an exceptional line-up orchestrated by Nico Moreno. A key figure in industrial techno, he’s brought together artists with raw energy and hard-hitting sets for an evening that’s already shaping up to be one of the highlights of the festival. With intense rhythms, deep bass and a gradual build-up of power, this line-up promises total immersion in the world of raw, experimental techno.

Headlining the line-up is Nico Moreno, a major figure on the contemporary industrial techno rave scene. Hailing from Caen, he has made his mark with a hard-hitting style characterised by rapid kicks and relentless sonic intensity. With tracks like Purple Widow and Your Bad Company, he has become a benchmark in the world of industrial techno.

In the same frenzied vein, Novah,DJ and producer from Antwerp, will be putting on a set of boundless energy. In just a few years, she has established herself as one of the rising stars of European hard techno, with acclaimed productions on labels such as Taapion, No Mercy, Revised Records and Teletech. Her musical universe fuses acid, industrial and psy-trance in a whirlwind of sound that never lets up. Renowned for her technical mastery and charisma on stage, she captivates her audience from the very first notes.

Dax J Dax J will be setting De Balzaal alight with his hybrid style, blending raw techno, acid and innovative textures. Renowned for his marathon performances, notably at the Berghain and Bassiani, his style captivates audiences and takes them on an intense sonic journey. His albums, including Shades of Black and War is Peace, Freedom is Slavery, Ignorance is Strength, bear witness to his artistic commitment and immersive approach to electronic music.

ØTTA will be taking control with a unique signature sound: a skilful blend of Brazilian percussion, exalted trance and UK garage elegance. His appearance at De Balzaal promises a vibrant and magnetic performance.

Bad Boombox will be opening the ball on this first night with an exuberant set and an extraordinary show. Of Bulgarian and American origin, he fuses hard-hitting beats with stage performance, creating a truly interactive show where humour and raw energy meet.

With a programme carefully orchestrated by Nico Moreno, De Balzaal is off to a flying start, setting the tone for a 2025 edition of powerful, cutting-edge techno. Join us at the Dour Festival on 16 July for a night that’s already shaping up to be one of the festival’s highlights.