iceage To Perform At Second Korean Demilitarized Zone Festival

Long held as one of the most politically tense areas in the world; the border between North and South Korea, also known as the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), is one of the few places on Earth that has been relatively untouched by humans for over five decades. This year, the DMZ will experience bit of noise, as iceage, along with John Cale, Seun Kuti & Egypt 80, Fijya & Miyagi, and Cui Jian join a list of other musical artists at the second DMZ Peace Train music festival.

Last year various organizers from Seoul South Korea, Cheorwon County and Gangwon Province held the first DMZ Peace Train at various locations around, or even at the politically tense border. Glen Matlock, the founding bassist for the Sex Pistols, was among the first performers at the festival, and only required the organizers to cover his airfare for the music festival.

This year the “peace train” will make a 170-minute trip on June 8 from Seoul Station to Baengmagoji Station, where many performances and seminars will be held for guests on the long journey. The festival itself will be held on June 5-9 at Goseokjeong, as well as around the ruins of the former headquarters of the Workers’ Party of Korea and Woljeong-ri Station and Soisan mountain.

Seoul Community Radio, South Korea’s first independent online underground radio platform will also be hosting a dance stage at the event. Although attending the event last year was free, this year organizers are charging for tickets to help promote the provinces local economy, and to encourage festival goers to attend. Ticket buyers will receive vouchers equivalent to the ticket price which may be redeemed at local businesses, in a further effort to help boost the community’s businesses.

Hailing from Denmark, iceage is one of the most prominent post-punk acts in recent memory, notable for breaking into the post punk scene in the United States. Last year their album Beyondless received rave reviews from different critics, who appreciated its production and diverse sound.

Beyondless is one of best post-punk albums released this year,” Christopher Fastiggi wrote in his review for the album. ” is beautifully produced, and takes its sound in many different directions, proving that iceage9sic) still has the chops ten years after their debut.