REVIEW: ArcTanGent, Friday
Words by our Founders, Kelly Rose & Thom Earle; Photography by Jez Pennington unless otherwise specified.
Orchards by Jez Pennington
An eclectic Friday, bringing the heat
Following an explosive Thursday, ArcTanGent continued to dazzle on Friday with a diverse lineup that pushed the boundaries of experimental music even further. The day kicked off with the haunting sounds of i Häxa and Zetra on the Main Stage, setting a dark and atmospheric tone. As the day progressed, the festival showcased a range of genres from the blackened metal of The Sun's Journey Through The Night to the thought-provoking art-rock of Sans Froid. Later, the intense energy of Every Hell and the intricate compositions of Three Trapped Tigers kept the momentum going. Orchards brought a much-needed burst of math-pop-tinged joy, proving to be a delightful contrast to the heavier acts.
Meanwhile, Ihsahn’s dynamic set was drenched in progressive metal goodness. Sigh’s theatrical performance added a layer of the bizarre, captivating the crowd with their unpredictable antics. The evening culminated in a jaw-dropping display of instrumental prowess from Animals As Leaders and the raw, hardcore energy of Show Me the Body before Meshuggah closed the night with their signature brand of polyrhythmic metal brutality.
i Häxa
Kicking off Friday on the Main Stage, i Häxa delivered a spellbinding performance that set the tone for the day. The London-based duo brought their blend doom metal and darkwave to life, captivating the early crowd with their haunting melodies and heavy, droning riffs. The dark, atmospheric energy of their music, combined with ethereal vocals and a commanding stage presence, created an immersive set that was both hypnotic and intense. Despite the early hour, i Häxa managed to pull in a solid crowd, proving that their brand of brooding, gothic metal is a perfect start to the day.
Modern Technology
Modern Technology unleashed a powerful set on the Bixler stage, combining elements of noise rock and industrial post-punk to create a sound that was both abrasive and compelling. The duo’s raw energy and minimalist setup, consisting of only drums and bass, generated a surprisingly massive sound. Their performance was charged with political commentary, tackling themes of societal decay and existential dread with a ferocity that resonated with the crowd. Modern Technology’s ability to deliver such a dense, impactful sound from a simple setup was an example of what makes ATG of the best festivals out there.
Zetra
Next up on the Main Stage, Zetra took the festival-goers on a journey through their signature mix of shoegaze and doom metal. The duo's set mixed dreamy, reverb-soaked guitar tones and deep, resonant basslines, creating a soundscape that was both lush and ominous. As they merged soft, melodic passages with crushing heaviness, the crowd responded enthusiastically to the peaks and valleys. With their dark, captivating performance Zetra highlighted their growing reputation as a band that defies genre boundaries.
The Sun's Journey Through The Night
Taking over the Bixler stage, The Sun's Journey Through The Night delivered a compelling set of atmospheric black metal that captivated the audience. Kicking off with "Chapter III: The Great Migration," they took us on a musical journey that blended harsh, desolate sounds with moments of unexpected melody. Their raw energy and intensity held the crowd’s attention throughout, creating an unforgettable experience for all who bore it witness.
Sans Froid
Sans Froid delivered another striking performance at the Elephant in the Bar Room Stage. Its easy to see why their progressive art-rock sound has been turning heads in the UK scene. Fresh off the release of their latest single "Gammons," a critique of passive misogyny wrapped in the band’s signature sound, they captivated the audience with their intense energy and thought-provoking lyrics. Their set offered a taste of their forthcoming debut album, Hello, Boil Brain, set for release in September, and mixed haunting melodies with fierce, dynamic instrumentation. Aisling Rhiannon’s powerful vocals and the band’s tight musicianship held the crowd in rapt attention, making it clear that Sans Froid are on the cusp of something great.
Sans Froid by Joe Singh
The Omnific
The Omnific brought a refreshing twist to the Main Stage with their dual bass-led instrumental prog rock. As a recovering bassist its always great to watch the instrument get the attention it deserves. The Australian trio captivated the audience with their intricate basslines and complex rhythmic interplay, creating a sound that was both innovative and engaging. Their performance was a showcase of technical skill and creativity, with the two bassists weaving intricate melodies and grooves over a backdrop of powerful drumming. The Omnific’s ability to push the boundaries of what can be achieved with their unconventional setup made for a truly captivating set.
Shy, Low
Shy, Low delivered a deeply emotive set on the Yohkai stage, fusing post-rock with elements of post-metal to create a rich, atmospheric sound. The band’s dynamic compositions, moving seamlessly from quiet, contemplative passages to thunderous crescendos, captivated the audience. Their music, characterised by its emotional depth and epic sound, created a powerful, immersive experience.
Every Hell
Every Hell stormed the PX3 stage with a fierce energy that immediately ignited the crowd. Known for their brutal raw-edged sound with full-on high-intensity delivery, the band wasted no time diving into their set with "Blinded," delivering a barrage of heavy riffs, distorted aggressive sax, and guttural vocals. "Burning in the Deep" and "Relentless Fury" kept the intensity high, as the band's relentless pace and tight musicianship commanded attention. Their powerful stage presence and ability to engage the crowd turned their set into a cathartic experience, solidifying their status as one of the rising stars in the UK scene.
Every Hell by Joe Singh
Year Of No Light
Year Of No Light brought their monumental, atmospheric post-metal to the Main Stage, delivering a set that was both heavy and hypnotic. The French band’s music, characterised by dense, layered soundscapes and crushing riffs, created a powerful, enveloping experience for the audience. Their performance was a slow build of tension and release, with each song unfolding like a dark, brooding narrative. Year Of No Light’s ability to merge heaviness with a sense of expansive grandeur captivated those who crave intensity and depth in their music.
Outrun The Sunlight
Outrun The Sunlight took to the Yohkai stage and delivered a performance that skillfully combined complexity with atmosphere. The Chicago-based instrumental band are known for their mix of progressive metal and post-rock, and they did not disappoint. With intricate guitar melodies layered over driving rhythms, they moved seamlessly through dynamic shifts that kept the audience engaged from start to finish. Their set showcased not only technical skill but also an ability to create an immersive experience. Transitioning from delicate passages to heavier, more intense sections, demonstrated their range and versatility.
Three Trapped Tigers
Three Trapped Tigers brought their own brand of experimental rock to the Main Stage, captivating the audience with their intricate musicianship and dynamic compositions. The London-based trio's set was a whirlwind of frenetic drumming, intricate guitar lines, and pulsating synths, creating a complex, layered sound that was both challenging and exhilarating. Tracks like "Silent Earthling" and "Cramm" featured everything that makes Three Trapped Tigers unique as the band seamlessly weaved together math rock, electronic, and post-rock elements. The audience was visibly spellbound, riding the waves of the band's unpredictable rhythms and melodic turns, proving once again why Three Trapped Tigers are a beloved fixture at ArcTanGent.
Orchards
When we spoke to Orchards before their set at ArcTanGent, they jokingly referred to themselves as a "palate cleanser" amidst the heavy onslaught of the day’s lineup. And with vocalist Lucy Evers stepping onto the stage in a vibrant pink princess dress, they delivered on that promise in the best possible way. After catching the Brighton-based band at Truck Festival recently, we had a feeling their performance at ATG would be something special. To say they made the Bixler stage their own would be an understatement; they turned the entire tent into a full-blown party. When you can get a guy dressed like an extra from The Last Kingdom—complete with a plastic sword—dancing and screaming back every word, you know you’re doing something right.
There is something undeniably hypnotic and infectious about their math rock-infused indie-pop. While we can’t confirm or deny that it’s witchcraft, there’s certainly magic to their sound. Their set was filled with feel-good vibes, driven by sparkling guitar riffs and effervescent rhythms. Opening with "Drama King," they quickly got the crowd moving, while tracks like "Young" and "Luv You 2" highlighted their knack for crafting irresistible pop melodies with a quirky, math-rock twist. Evers was a ball of energy, engaging with the audience and ensuring everyone was having a good time, especially as the tent filled with bubbles from fans wielding bubble wands. Orchards’ performance was a refreshing contrast to the heavier acts of the day, providing a vibrant, danceable respite. It was, by a country mile, the best set of the day. Hearing new tracks like “Sweetie Pie” and “I Feel Terrible” live has only made us more excited for whatever the band is conjuring up next—bring on their October mini-tour!
Ihsahn
Ihsahn’s performance on the Main Stage was a celebration of progressive metal. The Norwegian icon, known for his groundbreaking work with Emperor and his solo material, delivered a set that was as diverse as it was powerful. Opening with "Frozen Lakes on Mars," Ihsahn immediately set a dark, contemplative tone that drew the audience in. We were particularly impressed by the drumming of Tobias Ørnes Andersen, whose shift from drumming with Aiming for Enrike the day before to Ihsahn showcased his incredible versatility. His ability to transition seamlessly between different styles, from complex progressive patterns to the intense aggression demanded by Ihsahn's music, added a dynamic layer to the performance. The setlist, featuring tracks like "Spectre at the Feast" and "Pulse," explored a range of styles, from black metal ferocity to more progressive, melodic passages.
Sigh
Sigh’s set at the Bixler stage was a whirlwind of theatrical madness and black metal ferocity that only they could pull off. From two kids in corpse paint to a flaming katana their performance was a chaotic blend of shock and spectacle. Mirai Kawashima cut a striking figure in his kimono, but it was Dr. Mikannibal, drenched in blood and blowing her saxophone like it was trying to eat her sole, who truly captivated the audience. Their music was a wild mix of thrashy black metal, complete with unexpected detours into quirky, almost playful melodies, creating a set that was as unpredictable as it was exhilarating. Sigh’s ability to merge the bizarre with the brutal made their performance an iconic moment of the weekend, offering a brilliantly chaotic slice of metal that was both entertaining and unforgettable.
Animals As Leaders
Animals As Leaders took over the Main Stage with an electrifying display of instrumental progressive metal. The trio, led by guitar genius Tosin Abasi, delivered a set that was both technically impressive and creatively exciting. Kicking things off with "Arithmophobia," they immediately drew the crowd in with their intricate rhythms and jaw-dropping guitar work. Songs like "The Brain Dance" and "Micro-Aggressions" showed off their eclectic range of influences from the worlds of jazz, metal, and electronica, creating a performance that felt fresh and unpredictable.
The audience watched in amazement as Abasi, along with fellow guitarist Javier Reyes and drummer Matt Garstka, pushed their instruments to new heights. Animals As Leaders proved why they're at the forefront of modern progressive metal, leaving the crowd buzzing with energy and excitement by the end of their set.
Show Me the Body
Show Me the Body brought their brand of rap meets hardcore punk to the Bixler stage, delivering a raw and uncompromising performance that was both confrontational and cathartic. The New York trio, known for their abrasive sound and politically charged lyrics, wasted no time in getting the crowd moving with "Metallic Taste." Their set was a blistering assault of heavy bass, pounding drums, and frontman Julian Cashwan Pratt’s aggressive vocals. Tracks like "Madonna Rocket" and "Dog Whistle" were met with wild enthusiasm from the crowd, who eagerly responded to the band's intense energy and stage presence. Show Me the Body’s performance was a visceral experience, filled with raw emotion and unfiltered power.
Meshuggah
Closing out the Main Stage, Meshuggah delivered a performance that was nothing short of monumental. The Swedish metal titans unleashed their signature brand of complex, polyrhythmic brutality, captivating the crowd from the very first note of "Rational Gaze." Known for their intricate rhythms and crushing head-poundingly violent riffs, Meshuggah's set celebrated everything that they do best. Tracks like "Bleed" and "Demiurge" sent shockwaves through the audience, while "Clockworks" showcased the band's relentless precision and tight musicianship. Frontman Jens Kidman’s guttural vocals cut through the thunderous wall of sound, driving the crowd into a frenzy. Meshuggah’s performance was a powerful end to an intense day of a festival celebrating its tenth year in style.
