Citadelians, raise your horns for our latest Valkyrie of the Citadel, Katja. She’s got a passion for metal that burns brighter than Chern’s heartburn after a night a Taco Bell! Also known as @thefoxandthesquirrel, this content creator and manager channels her love for riffs, vinyl, and the chaotic soul of festivals into a blazing presence in the metal community.

From her roots in Eastern Europe (hey just like us! Woohooo!) to her current reign at a German media company, Katja’s journey is one of rebellion, discovery, and unapologetic devotion to the heavy. Join us as we dive into her world of battle jackets adorned with rare patches, and the muddy, glorious pilgrimage that is Wacken.

My name is Katja, and I’m a content creator and manager with a passion for all things content—writing, filming, photographing. On my channel @thefoxandthesquirrel, it’s all about music, vinyl, festivals, and gigs—my metal comfort zone. In my everyday life (well, basically from Monday to Thursday), I work at a local German newspaper and its media company, Main-Post. Outside of that, I love reading, running, and spending time with my loved ones.

How did you first get into metal, was there a moment, a record, or a person that cracked the world open for you?

It started with a CD: Slipknot – Iowa (2001). I was 12 at the time. Got it from my friends, which was a big thing back then, especially in the Eastern European environment where I was born and spent first 15 years of my life. I remember hiding it from my mom under the bed. She found it anyway. Now we know: no mom, it’s not a phase.

What was the first band that really hooked you, and how did they shape your identity as a fan?

Besides Slipknot, probably AFI. It was the first band I was truly a big fan of – my first concert, my first crush. Looking back now, I can see why I was so hooked on them – and probably still am. The gender-fluid aspect, being hard and soft at the same time. And honestly, just look at Davey Havok now: still an icon.

Who are your current top 3 metal bands, and why are they at the top for you right now?

Judas Priest – all-time favourite. A band that aged well, a band that stands for who I am: heavy metal, queerness, cats. Rob Halford, please don’t die.

Black Sabbath – I mean, who doesn’t have a connection to this band? They basically created and shaped the genre itself. I still listen to their albums – and always will.

Enough of the old-school stuff… Moon Shot.
At first, I thought, oh, I’m probably only mentioning old music – Children of Bodom and that’s it. But then Moon Shot came up. They’re also from Finland.
Check them out. They’re amazing!

So we really wanted to get your feedback on what Wacken 2025 has been like. When you arrived at Wacken, what was the first thing that overwhelmed you, was it the sound, the sight, or the soul of the place?

It was my third time at Wacken, so no big surprises – except that it was the first time we arrived really early. On Monday already, while the Infield officially opens on Wednesday, everything around it – camping ground, Wacken Village – is open from Monday on. My partner, who is a musician, played a festival that weekend, so we stayed from Monday until Friday.

I think “the soul of the place” is a perfect way to describe it. It’s amazing how a quiet village transforms into a metal epicentre once a year. Even arriving early, there are so many things to do, bands to hear, and people to party with.

Tell us about one metal moment you’ll never forget. A riff. A scream. A glance. Something that reminded you why we do this.

The most important (and overwhelming, in a good way) moment was the Infield opening. As Wacken ambassadors we were welcoming the visitors to the Infield, standing in front of the stages, in the rain, holding flares. That was quite an experience – people running onto the fields, greeting each other, happy even in the rain and mud.

Of all the bands you saw this year, who truly embodied the Wacken spirit for you, and what did they do differently?

This may sound weird, but Heavysaurus – even though they’re considered a band for children – were enjoyed by more than just kids. They somehow embody the spirit of Wacken and the metal community. It’s okay to be different, to have quirky, nerdy hobbies, like loving dinosaurs. To stay curious like a child, even as an adult. And to have fun, of course.

Wacken draws tribes from all corners of the globe. Did you cross paths with someone unforgettable, another fan, a musician, or a total stranger?

My friend Erica, who lives in the USA, came to Wacken for the first time. It was so lovely to see her again. Even with just one pair of shoes – unfortunately sandals – she completely rocked the festival. Much respect for that. I’m sure it was an unforgettable first Wacken experience for her.

Did you dig up any rare or unexpected vinyl gems in the Wacken merch village? Tell us what you scored, or what got away.

No vinyl this time, but plenty of other merch. I always pick up patches for my battle vests at Wacken – I have three, so it’s a never-ending story. Especially with the white one: a white battle jacket with all white patches. I’m always sure I’ll find something at Wacken because the selection is huge.

Also grabbed an Ozzy Osbourne shirt – RIP Ozzy – and some bits and bobs of handmade stuff from Wackinger Village for my daughter.

What was your go-to outfit for surviving the battlefield? Do you dress for power, comfort, expression, or all three?

I would say all three. It’s great to express yourself with your clothing, but in extreme weather conditions, at least for me, it’s more important to enjoy the shows and stay comfortable. I love fashion, but when it really comes down to it, it’s passion over fashion. Sorry not sorry, but rubber boots and a rain poncho saved my Wacken experience.

Everyone has their own festival survival codes. What are yours, anything from hydration tricks to sacred morning routines?

Most importantly, me time is essential, even at a festival. Being around people all the time can be overwhelming, so it’s okay to take a moment for yourself – it’s important to socially recharge from time to time. Also: a glass of water after every beer. Stay hydrated!

Also we saw all the videos of the mud, how bad was the rain/mud during the festival?

Rain at festivals isn’t unusual, but Wacken mud was a story of its own. Short boots would have been useless—haha! The mud was everywhere, and walking through it felt like a full-on mud parcours. Fun fact: Wacken visitors are pretty used to it (and the rough northern German weather). It seems almost part of the mentality—people complain way less than at other festivals.

What’s one tip you’d give to any first-time Citadelian heading to Wacken, something no guidebook tells you?

Forget the lineup - Wacken is one of those festivals you don’t visit just for the big names, but for the experience itself. In the end, you’ll never manage to see every band you planned on. Honestly, it’s better to go with the flow: wander around, discover smaller bands at the Metal Battle or on the other stages than Faster, Harder, Louder. Slow down and soak in the vibe.

Did you venture into the town of Wacken itself? Any surprises, secret pubs, or non-festival metal moments with the locals?

Yes! At the very start of the festival, we went to see the Narrator in the village at the Landgasthof Wacken—it was amazing and packed to the brim, literally a full house. But my favourite experience was visiting Wacken outside of the festival. We passed through last March and stopped at the Holy Ground. Such a different vibe: no people, everything green, pure nature, and more animals than humans around.

Was there a track this year, live or even heard walking between stages, that hit you like a thunderbolt? One that’ll be your Wacken 2025 theme?

Paleface Swiss – Love Burns (hope it will become the anthem of Wacken 2026)

Did the experience shift anything in you, your view of the metal community, yourself, or what it means to belong to something this loud?

As I mentioned, it wasn’t my first Wacken—it was my third. It’s probably the only festival I go to every year, unless it literally gets washed away (otherwise it would’ve been four by now). Somehow it always feels like coming home: seeing familiar faces while meeting new like-minded people. It may sound a bit corny, but for me it’s the ultimate pilgrimage for every metalhead—at least once in a lifetime.

You’ve conquered Wacken. Where do you go next, Hellfest, Roadburn, Inferno? Or does the next chapter lie in something unexpected?

To keep my work-life balance in check, I’m heading to the mountains with my family this week. No phones, no crowds—just a proper recharge. Still, I’m already looking forward to autumn and the smaller club shows, which I enjoy just as much.

Any final words or plugs/things you'd like to promote??

To follow up on my last answer—big festivals are great, but they’re not the only option. I totally get it when someone says they’re too big or too expensive. In the end, everyone decides for themselves—tastes and possibilities differ. There are plenty of smaller festivals I’d really recommend, like Heavy Grounds, Pell Mell, Traffic Jam and many more depending on the region. Support your local scene—not only will you catch some bigger names, but you’ll also discover hidden gems.

All Hails, Katja!