See the Copenhell 2025 street style looks

For over a decade, photographer Polina Vinogradova had been capturing the singular energy and aesthetics of Copenhell, Copenhagen’s beloved heavy metal festival. This time around, she captures the very best looks exclusively for Vogue Scandinavia

Polina Vinogradova is one of Copenhagen’s most beloved photographers, capturing the Scandinavian fashion A-list at swanky dinners, glamorous events and decadent hotel rooms. Last weekend, however, she found her muse in a different sort of crowd: the raucous attendees of Copenhell. A heavy metal festival that has taken place in Refshaleøen by the Copenhagen harbour since 2010, Vinogradova has been documenting the event for over a decade. “Copenhell goes beyond music experience,” she says. “it’s more of a lifestyle, a world of metal, that you get to tap in for a short while.”

For last week’s iteration of Copenhell, which featured Slipknot, The Prodigy and Billy Idol on the lineup, Vinogradova captured the crowd exclusively for Vogue Scandinavia. Here we find energy, community and a singular aesthetic – one from which many a beloved fashion brand has found inspiration. And yes, between shots she did find a moment to crowd surf.

Below, Vinogradova breaks down why she loves to capture Copenhell.

Photo: Polina Vinogradova

Photo: Polina Vinogradova

Photo: Polina Vinogradova

How would you describe Copenhell to someone who has never been?

"It is a safe space for many to express themselves and disconnect. It is a very beautiful thing to observe. It also does a great job making sure people are constantly entertained. When music stops, something else starts. This year we watched the knights fight and sang AC/DC at karaoke until unapologetic AM o’clock.

As you can see in my images, this festival unites all generations. It’s kids from a very young age to men and women in their 80s. I don’t think you see this very often at other festivals.

It’s a bit cliche to say that Copenhell is the kindest festival, but it really is. Even as a “Copenhell beginner”, you would feel very welcome to their community. You would most likely leave with a huge smile on your face… but maybe also beer inside your shoes."

What is it about the Copenhell crowd aesthetic that you find inspiring?

"The most noticeable thing is how complete their looks are. Some people spend years to collect their metal patches. A lot of their outfits and hair/makeup looks are very time-consuming to create, which is very admirable.

This festival really does remind me that before fashion it was always music. Music will always define your personal style."

Were there any surprising trends that you noticed this year among the crowd?

"This year more than ever I’ve seen a lot of fun punk hair and face piercings. I especially loved the mohawks and hair of all rainbow colours."

Do the crowds for different bands dress differently?

"Yes, for sure. For someone like King Diamond, people would wear full face paint. Billy Idol fans are more colourful and love to dress up in '80s looks or like a young version of Idol himself. Meanwhile, Slipknot fans love the merch, but also a lot of face masks to look like their idols."

As it's quite rowdy, what was the experience of shooting? Is everyone happy to be captured?

"I’ve been with Copenhell from the very beginning and I have not yet experienced someone unhappy with their image being taken. I think people are very proud of their looks, so often they would even ask to have their picture taken."

What band was your highlight this year?

"Absolutely and 100 per cent Prodigy. They are the music pioneers. For my personal music journey, Prodigy has done a lot, and you could clearly see that the people who showed up that day felt the same way. Prodigy have influenced them one way or another, big or small. I would definitely say they have shaped my taste in music. The are punk, rebel, rock and roll."