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Liveset Review: Holy Priest @ Mattermind Cologne 2024

Cologne was pulsing with energy as Mattermind 2024 brought together hard techno lovers for an unforgettable night, and Holy Priest was there to deliver one of the most intense live sets of the year. With a mix of unreleased tracks, collaborations, and his signature hard-hitting edits, Holy Priest left the crowd in a euphoric frenzy.

An Unpredictable Start

Holy Priest opened his set with a mysterious track, keeping the crowd guessing that set a dark, brooding atmosphere. The tension was palpable as he transitioned into “Under The Lights” alongside elMefti. The track brought a hypnotic beat that slowly built up the crowd’s excitement, priming them for what was about to be an intense, unforgettable journey.

High Energy Transitions

The energy soared when Holy Priest dropped “Diablo” in collaboration with Zatox. The fusion of hard kicks and relentless synths shook the venue, with the crowd erupting as each new layer of the track was revealed. The rolling basslines kept everyone on their toes, and as he transitioned into “Yasuo” by KX CHR, the beat took on an even more aggressive tone.

Tracks like “From The Back” by Junkie Kid and “Soldiers” by Spice Up!, Teksa, and Vortek’s maintained the relentless pace, with drops that sent shockwaves through the crowd. Every moment felt like a build-up to something even bigger, and Holy Priest was in total control, guiding the audience through each peak and drop.

The Crowd Goes Wild

A major highlight of the set came at the 19:00 mark with “Party People” by Restricted, Nik Sitz, and 89ers. This was a game-changer— the track’s pulsating rhythms and catchy vocal samples had everyone in the crowd chanting and dancing. As the tempo quickened, Holy Priest brought in “Break ‘Em” by Ramon, which kept the energy escalating.

The blend of “2 Be High” by Nico Moreno & Warface and “The Prophet – Wanna Play?” (elMefti & Holy Priest – Hard Techno Edit) was one of those standout transitions that showed Holy Priest’s expert grasp on timing and the crowd’s energy. He knew exactly when to drop a familiar tune, keeping the audience engaged, and then switching it up with a harder, darker twist.

A Hard-Hitting Middle Section

The mid-section of the set saw Holy Priest bringing in some of his most aggressive tracks, like “Fuck This” and “Shitty Kicks”, which had the crowd going absolutely wild. The raw, pounding beats were unrelenting, and each drop was like an earthquake that reverberated through the entire venue.

Tracks like “Brain Scramble” alongside elMefti and “No Balance” with Manji pushed the boundaries of intensity, leaving no room for anyone to catch their breath. The industrial soundscapes mixed with acid-laced synths created a sense of disorientation, which only heightened the euphoria of the crowd.

A Surge of Energy Towards the End

Towards the end of the set, Holy Priest turned up the tempo once again, introducing tracks like “Bass Powah” by Krowdexx & Holy Priest, and “Cyrotherapy” by Fennx & Azdat. These tracks showcased an unrelenting barrage of kicks, sharp synth lines, and relentless pace, and the crowd responded with roars of approval.

“Hear The Noise” by The Purge & Bloodlust around the 1:06:30 mark was a monumental moment—familiar to many in the crowd, the anticipation built to a peak before Holy Priest unleashed it with full force, creating an overwhelming rush of adrenaline across the dancefloor.

The final moments were pure chaos, with edits like “Internet Friends” by Knife Party (Holy Priest & elMefti Edit) that brought a sense of nostalgia twisted into a heavy, brutal new form. The crowd’s energy never dropped, even as the set approached its conclusion, with “Ravers Paradise” and “Drop This Bass” leading everyone into an explosive finale.

An Unforgettable Finale

Holy Priest closed out with “Vieleicht Vieleicht (ID Remix)”, a mysterious and hard-hitting track that seemed to embody the night’s atmosphere—dark, intense, and full of surprises. The crowd was in a frenzy, chanting for more even as the last notes faded away. It was clear that Holy Priest had delivered a set that resonated deeply with everyone present, pushing boundaries and creating a truly immersive experience.

Final Thoughts

Holy Priest’s set at Mattermind Cologne 2024 was a masterclass in hard techno—full of raw power, aggressive transitions, and moments that left everyone in awe. From mysterious unreleased tracks to well-known anthems twisted with his signature style, Holy Priest kept the crowd in his grasp from the first beat to the last.

For those who couldn’t make it, catching a recording of this set is an absolute must. It’s the kind of performance that defines what hard techno is all about—relentless, unfiltered, and electrifying.

Ready to experience it yourself? Check out the full set recording and let the energy take over.