Metal Insider is getting into the Halloween spirit this year with something a little different. Throughout October, we’re sharing the history and eerie tales behind venues across the world. Checkout our latest column, Halloween Countdown for more, and Enjoy!
Introduction
Today’s countdown includes three in one, for October 3, 4, and 5th with venues the Bolków Castle in Poland, the Roseland Theater in Portland, OR and The Rave/Eagles Club in Milwaukee, WI.
Bolków Castle
Bolków Castle sits atop Castle Hill in Bolków, Poland. Initially built in the late 13th century by order of Bolesław II of Legnica and later expanded by his son, Bolko I the Strict, the fortress has witnessed centuries of conflict and change. Over time, it saw Renaissance additions, endured sieges, and was ultimately abandoned by the 18th century. Today, though partly in ruins, Bolków Castle stands as a historic site, serving as both a museum and a venue.
Roseland Theater
The Roseland Theater, located at NW 6th and Burnside in Portland, has been a prime venue open for decades. Initially built in 1922 as the Apostolic Faith Church, the building was converted into a concert hall in 1982 under the name Starry Night. By 1991, promoter David Leiken and Double Tee Concerts took over operations, renaming it the Roseland Theater.
The Rave / Eagles Club
The Rave / Eagles Club in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is a renowned venue that hosts a variety of events, including metal shows. Built in 1927 as the Eagles Club by architect Russell Barr Williamson, the building initially served multiple social purposes, including a ballroom, gym, and more. The venue eventually evolved into a central music hub, first as Devine’s Million Dollar Ballroom, then as Central Park, and ultimately, The Rave. Today, The Rave / Eagles Club is a six-stage venue hosting hundreds of concerts a year.
Facts
Bolków Castle
Location: Bolków, Lower Silesian Voivodeship, Poland
Venue Type: Medieval castle (now museum and event site)
Year Built (and key dates): Late 13th century (c. 1277); expanded in the 14th–16th centuries; abandoned in the 18th century; partial museum restoration in the 20th century
Status: Preserved ruins, open to the public as a historic site and cultural venue
Capacity: Limited
Roseland Theater
Location: Portland, Oregon
Venue Type: Historic church converted to live music venue
Year Built (and key dates): Constructed 1922; converted to Starry Night in 1982; renamed Roseland Theater in 1991
Status: Active
Capacity: 1,400 (main floor + balcony); Peter’s Room holds 400
The Rave / Eagles Club
Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
Venue Type: Multi-stage concert venue (includes Eagles Ballroom, Rave Hall, Rave II, Rave Bar, Craft Beer Lounge, Penthouse Lounge)
Year Built (and key dates): Built 1925–1927, opened September 13, 1927 as Eagles Club; became Devine’s Million Dollar Ballroom mid-20th century; renamed The Rave in 1990s
Status: Active.
Capacity: 3,500 (Eagles Ballroom), 1,800 (Rave Hall), 500 (Rave Bar), 1000 (Rave II)
Music Cred
Bolków Castle
Bolków’s medieval walls come to life every July with Castle Party, a four-day gothic/metal festival held inside the castle grounds. The 2025 edition featured acts like Aesthetic Perfection, Sylvaine, Carpenter Brut, Myrkur, Swallow the Sun, and more. With over 40 bands across two stages, plus after-parties and special events, the festival is already set for the 2026 edition. More details available here.
Roseland Theater
With over 30 years as a music venue, Roseland Theater has hosted everyone from Powerwolf, This Will Destroy You, Currents, After the Burial, Obituary, Better Lovers, and Alcest, to Kerry King, Fit For An Autopsy, and countless others.
The Rave / Eagles Club
Known as the home of Milwaukee Metal Fest, The Rave/Eagles Club has hosted numerous events for over 30 years, featuring acts such as Incantation, Testament, Accept, GWAR, Green Day, Dream Theater, Incite, Hatebreed, TesseracT, and many more.
Reported Hauntings
Bolków Castle
Poland’s historic Bolków Castle is tied to the legend of Jakub, a jester whose ghost is said to haunt the castle’s walls at night. The myth surrounds stories of betrayal, forbidden love, and tragedy. According to Chillizet, Jakub was executed and buried under the city gate after being blamed for a child’s death, as his spirit allegedly continues to haunt the castle ruins.
Roseland Theater
The Roseland Theater in Portland holds a dark history, tracing back to 1990. At the very least, what has been documented since it became the Roseland Theater. The club’s owner murdered publicist Tim Moreau after uncovering a ticket scam. It’s been said that Tim never left the building, where the legend of his spirit remaining has haunted the theater ever since. To this day, concertgoers and staff report hearing footsteps in empty halls, feeling cold drafts, and hearing whispers.
The Rave / Eagles Club
The Rave/Eagles Club in Milwaukee is also known as one of Wisconsin’s most haunted venues. The building, known for an extended dark history, including reported drownings in its now-abandoned pool, has resulted in haunted sightings of figures vanishing into thin air. After hours, staff and visitors claim to hear footsteps through empty halls and see lights flickering. The venue has such a haunted history that it holds Haunted Holiday Tours.
Visit Info:
Bolków Castle
Interested in horror and the paranormal? Metal Insider is teaming up with the newly resurrected site Dizarranged, which is also running a haunted countdown to Halloween, featuring 31 haunted places from around the globe.
Feature Image Photo Credit: Mar Morannon @ Milwaukee Metal Fest
