Black metal is an extreme subgenre of heavy metal music. During the 1980s, Norwegian bands spearheaded the black metal scene, that rapidly spread over Northern and Central Europe. Common traits include fast tempos, shrieked vocals, extreme ideas, satanism and death. They perform wearing corpsepaint and thorny bracelets.

laif-photographer Christian Werner dived into the German Black metal scene.

They are illegal but tolerated. They have got a long tradition and they have driven many Cubans into financial ruin: Cockfights. It is the most popular sport of Cuban men.

Tana French's detective novels are thrilling and profound, they tell about offenders, victims and investigators from Dublin. Her debut novel "In the Woods" was awarded the Edgar Allan Poe Award and the following novels "The Likeness" and "Faithful Place" has been very successful. The co-production (photo and film) by laif-photographer Gaby Gerster and Daniel Henschel is an impressive author portrait.

In rural Australia, the suicide rate among farmers has increased dramatically over the last few years. Patrick Tombola took his camera and visited several of those affected by this problem in order to discuss their sense of depression. He combines photos of the unique landscape with interview fragments to create an intense atmosphere.

Cecelia Ahern wrote comics and stories even as a child. Later, she went on to study journalism and media communication in Dublin. 2004 saw the publication of her first novel 'PS, I Love You', which was sold in 50 countries and translated into 15 languages. Ahern went on to write a number of successful books. Daniel Henschel filmed photographer Gaby Gerster at a photo shoot with Cecelia Ahern.

The largest German folk festival in America is held in New Braunfels, Texas. The tradition dates back to the 19th century German immigrants from Hesse, who settled in Texas. Lederhosen, Polka, Dirndl, and of course the German sausage - Wurst - are all essential aspects of the high-spirited festival that lasts several days.

Johannes Arlt joined the celebrations.