The big ArcTanGent Festival Review 2025

Held on the fields of the Fernhill Farm near Bristol, ArcTanGent once again proved to be one of the most fluctuating festivals of the UK. From metal pieces to folk storytellers, the annual festival offers an outstanding music experience that caters to anyone who likes to be adventurous, as well as just enjoying pieces they already know and love. Featuring over seventy bands across four stages in the span of four days, the options were endless and the memories unforgettable, as there was always something to be up to, even in the multitude of stalls across the whole arena.

Kalandra

Fans gathered at the Yohkai stage to witness the ritual of the Nordic folk band Kalandra, and it was truly an otherworldly experience. From using the modern instruments such as guitar, bass and drums, to using the traditional Nordic ones, every song offered new sounds and unseen perspectives, surprising the crowd more with blending the two together into beautiful melodies. The band members [find the names] gave the audience everything, from stand-out riffs to otherworldly vocals, on the first day of the festival, and it absolutely paid off with their cheers and admiration of the four-piece.

Teeth Of The Sea

Starting the set with a bit of beats followed by “Thank you, goodnight” and fans yelling “One more song!” has never sounded better than at the Teeth Of The Sea set. After a little pause, the song started again, and this time received a bigger applause from the audience, signalling the PX3 stage is about to get lit – pun absolutely intended. Throwing together heavy synthetic music, live instruments and vocals, as well as unconventional instruments such as bells, the band has managed to create a unique blend of sounds that creates a soundscape worthy of listening to outside in a massive tent. In return, the audience transformed the floor into a fifty-five minute long rave and appreciated the set in all its glory.

WARDRUNA

With the tent filling at a rapid pace more than half an hour before the start, Wardruna’s set was bound to be special from the beginning. It was not until Einar Selvik, Lindy-Fay Hella, Arne Sandvoll, HC Dalgaard, Eilif Gundersen and John Stenersen came out, that the whole tent burst into big cheers, only to fall into complete silence when the first notes started. Bringing Nordic folk music and traditional instruments, such as Taglharpa, Bukkehorn and Mora-harp to their British audience, the band has managed to tell the old tales and myths that would otherwise be long forgotten and enchant the packed Main stage tent full of metal-heads. All six members were singing throughout the whole set, with Einar and Lindy-Fay being the leading vocalists, creating haunting and beautiful harmonies. The set included a handful of their well-known ballads, such as ‘Fehu’, ‘Solringen’, ‘Voluspá’ and ‘Helvegen’, and was finished with Einar’s solo-encore playing the lullaby ‘Hibjørnen’, which in his own words was “very fitting”.

 

Maud The Moth

Although the first ever Maud The Moth set at the festival was on Thursday early afternoon, it did not stop their fans to have their fill in the Bixler stage. Started as a solo project of Amaya López-Carromero and currently turning into a collaboration of multiple artists, the set brought ArcTanGent a unique listening experience with its incorporation of piano, drums and guitar. Finished off with Amaya’s ethereal voice, it was bound to be one of the most beautiful sets of Thursday from the beginning.

As Living Arrows

When someone says post-screamo, As Living Arrows is absolutely one of the bands to come to mind first. Crowd went absolutely berserk at the PX3 stage for the band’s atmospheric set, and rightfully, as the band blended all the good stuff from bands like Deafheaven, The Jesus Lizard and La Dispute. The atmosphere was only enhanced by one of the fans blowing out bubbles during the set, making it extra fun to enjoy.

We Lost The Sea

 Australian post-rock band We Lost The Sea has brought their emotional set to the festival’s Main stage and was welcomed with a full tent of fans, who have enjoyed their set to the fullest. The six-piece has created dozens of ambient tracks since 2007, centred primarily around the themes of loss, personal struggle, and the human experience, and has recently released a new album, A Single Flower, as well as celebrating a ten-year anniversary of their album Departure Songs. Creating haunting soundscapes with the help of multiple guitars, drums, bass and keyboard, the band managed to grab the attention of everyone at the Main stage.

Lowen

The London-based Middle Eastern metal band Lowen has absolutely dominated the full Yohkai stage with its theatrical performance and use of props. Formed in 2017 by the vocalist and folk instrumentalist Nina Saeidi and the guitarist and bassist Shem Lucas, and later joined by the drummer Cal Constantine, the band adopted a Western approach to the Middle Eastern traditional music, honouring Saeidi’s Iranian heritage and her parents, who are Iranian Revolution refugees. The set was striking, bold and a real treat to watch, especially with the incorporation of Arianna Mahsayeh’s beautifully sad cello.

Kylesa

Kylesa has brought their intricate guitar riffs and dual vocal arrangements all the way from the US after their eight years long hiatus, and has honoured Ozzy Osbourne at the beginning of their set by playing Sweet Leaf as their introduction track, to a pleasant surprise or the full YOHKAI tent. From there, the band continued to amaze with their unforgettable and intricate melodies, vocals and guitar riffs. The band was graced with crowd-surfers and a moshpit, that was gradually growing in size, and it was obvious the fans enjoyed the band’s return as much as possible.

Leprous

The Norwegian giants Leprous took over the Main stage on Thursday right before the headliner, and they brought Bristol an emotional set full of powerful vocals, heavy riffs and light effects. The set was the band’s third time at the festival, and was packed with emotions, singing and pyro. Fans have sung with their favourite for the entirety of their set, and it is not a surprise they cheered every chance they got, as the band brought on the stage everything they had and did not hold back for a second.

Sungazer

Blending together progressive metal, djent and jazz on the Bixler stage, Sungazer managed to seamlessly come up with unique immersive sounds that are now their signature. The band was joking throughout the set about the number of time signatures they use and took the time to teach the crowd how to dance to off time signatures, as well as how to count to five, making it a fun experience for everyone, who gathered at the tent, while also played their songs, that just make ones body to move automatically.

Battlesnake

As the last band slot at PX3 quickly approached, the fans gathered to witness the last UK performance of the Australian force Battlesnake for this festival season. Bringing in chaotic energy from the beginning, the band members did not fall behind with their unforgettable show, as the crowd went berserk with moshpits, crowdsurfers and singing. The experience was only enhanced, when Sam Frank jumped into the moshpit during the set and right into the crowd to surf for a bit, and at the end, when every member except the drummer did exactly the same. An absolute force of nature, Battlesnake’s set was one of the most energetic sets seen on Thursday, if not throughout the whole festival.

Godspeed You! Black Emperor

Godspeed You! Black Emperor have taken over the Main stage on Thursday, and if the stage tent was expandable, it would absolutely get massive. The band offered the crowd an emotional rollercoaster packed with a mesmerising projection and echoing soundscape, that has not left a single eye dry, and went absolutely in with everything they had. In return, the ArcTanGent crowd showed appreciation to the headliners with their shouts, cheers and massive applauses, that were a solid proof the band has been a staple on the post-rock scene. The second day of the festival could not end better than that and anyone who witnessed this explosion of feelings is bound to remember it for a long time afterwards.

Ithaca

Our first set of the Friday was the bittersweet farewell of Ithaca, and it was indeed a wonderful experience. Although the band’s time was short, they managed to make this an emotional experience, and anyone lucky to witness this is bound to talk about it for a long time. Staged with the band’s iconic orange colour, the whole tent was buzzing with excitement, grief and moshpits, and it was very obvious that everyone will miss Ithaca’s energetic presence on the British metal-core scene.

Envy

envy brought their unique atmospheric metal to the Main stage all the way from Japan and absolutely emotionally destroyed the whole audience. It was their first time at the festival and they made sure to give the audience everything they could, from hitting vocals to electric guitars played with a violin bow. The staging was simple, but added depth to the overall performance, which is one of the most memorable and surely iconic of the day.

Green Lung

Bringing in their English folk-induced metal, Green Lung had a full tent for their Main stage performance, and it was spectacular. Coming to Bristol from London, the five-piece band was a fan-favourite for sure, and it was obvious not only from the crowd's cheers, but also from the band’s interactions, which were occurring throughout the whole show. An amazing performance to witness for anyone who knew the band before, as well as for those who have discovered something new.

Between The Buried And Me

The American progressive metalcore band Between The Buried and Me took over the Yohkai stage on Thursday, and the tent was packed inside and outside, as it was one of the most anticipated performances of the whole festival. Playing their album Colors in full, the band blended together their signature and precise style with ambient lighting, and gave the audience an unforgettable experience that gave big chills. The band has mastered their ways, and this set was only a reassurance that there are not many other bands that can compete with them.

Vower

Vower has taken over the PX3 stage as the main support and played, to their big surprise, for a full tent. The post-metal band from the UK has crushed their performance and offered the crowd a heavy and emotional experience, as well as amazing music, only for the crowd to sing their songs with them – to the band’s surprise once again. The set was full of appreciation, gratitude and heavy riffs and lyrics and it was obvious the band enjoyed every single second of it.

Frontierer

Once again, a much-anticipated band, Frontierer took over Bixler with a force and held the standard very high for the whole hour. From very harsh lighting, that is now a staple of the band, to chaotic music, to climbing up the lightning construction, the performance had absolutely everything and more, and every second was a surprise for everyone, who has not seen the band before. Bold and unconventional, the band trashed the stage with their last performance of the day to pieces and did not look back while doing so.

Gost

Coming from the US, the mysterious Gost headlined the PX3 stage on Friday. Turning the whole tent into a giant rave, the performer brought his unique blend of synthwave, industrial and metal influences, and served an atmospheric masterpiece. Some of the fans even brought light sticks to the performance, indicating that they were ready to dance until the very end of the show. Gost was an interesting addition to the already stacked line-up and a good choice for Friday night.

Karnivool

Headlining the Main stage on Friday was the Australian rock band Karnivool, and they did not disappoint. Performing for a full tent, the band, consisting of Ian Kenny (vocals), Steve Judd (drums), Jon Stockman (bass), Mark Hosking (guitar) and Andrew “Drew” Goddard (guitar) has brought their intricate compositions and dynamic sound they are so well known for, together with their atmospheric soundscapes and thought-provoking lyrics. The set was emotional, beautiful and big, and it was obvious the crowd enjoyed it, as they were singing together with Kenny the whole time. By the time the set finished, it was hard to believe it is really over, but exciting to see what the last day of the festival brings on the table.

Swamp Coffin

Our first set of the last day was Swamp Coffin at the PX3, a three-piece sludge band from Rotherham, England. Bringing in their heaviest riffs right from the start, as well as powerful vocals, the band did not even flinch, and the crowd loved it. The set was energetic, chaotic and really fun to witness, proving that the band is cementing their spot on the British metal scene.

Burner

Next up was Burner, also at the PX3 stage, and although the band had some technical issues before they started playing, it was all resolved quickly. Serving sick hard-rock punk metal and very big riffs, they were bound to smash their performance, and indeed they did, as the crowd went berserk for them. Showing appreciation throughout the whole set, Burner was a great discovery to witness live.

Royal Sorrow

The biggest discovery of ArcTanGent, however, was the Finnish dark metal band Royal Sorrow. As this was their first ever performance abroad, it was very special, and the band, as well as the crowd, gave in everything they could. From hauntingly melancholy vocals to atmospheric riffs, and massive moshpits, this set had everything, and it was no surprise the band’s fanbase only went up after the show. Royal Sorrow is also set to support Leprous on their upcoming tour, which only made the fans more excited for their return.

Rolo Tomassi

Rolo Tomassi’s set at the Main stage was something out of this world. The band celebrates twenty-year anniversary this year, and for this occasion, they decided to bring in live instrumentalists, that only elevated their music to a whole new level. Followed by striking visuals in the background, the band gave their all to this set and it returned back to them with fans singing all the lyrics and singing the ‘Happy Birthday’ song to them. An incredible experience for everyone, who went to see the five-piece on the biggest stage of the festival.

God Is An Astronaut

Headlining Yohkai with their striking performance, the Irish post-rock band God Is An Astronaut brought its instrumental soundscapes to their fans. Another one of the most anticipated bands, they did not hold back from showing their full potential and played pieces from all their albums. A jaw-dropping performance indeed, as it was fierce and powerful, and the crowd did not hold back with reminders of their love and support of them either.

TesseracT

It was hard to believe the last headliner is just few minutes away, but TesseracT made sure to make the evening one of the most memorable of the entire festival. Armed with Daniel Tompkins’ raw vocals, as well as two backing-vocalists, the crowd experienced many heaven-like moments, that were only elevated to their highest potential with Alec “Acle” Kahney’s lead guitar, James Monteith’s rhythm guitar, Amos Williams’ bass and Jay Postones’ drums. The lighting for this set was one of the most beautiful as well, and it was obvious the band thought about every single detail. As much as the performance was emotional, it was funny to watch the fans throwing around inflatable balloons and swim rings, as well blowing bubbles, especially in moments when Tompkins  just stood on the stage looking straight into the crowd with serious face. This performance stuck with us ever since we were there and it was hands down the best headline set out of the four.

As the last headliner left the stage, it was obvious that ArcTanGent once again proved that it is one of the most important festivals in the country, not only for its diversity, but also for the support of smaller bands. The crowd was enjoying every performance held over the fields this year and the passion they brought with them created an unforgettable atmosphere, that is hard to get out of the head even weeks after it ended. 

Words: Katerine Stepanikova

Cover Photo: Artemi Falzon