ArcTanGent Festival has once again proven to be setting the bar for independent festivals in the UK. This was our 3rd year of attending and it blew us away, once again. The bands were fiery, diverse and each stage was brilliantly put together. It is apparent that everyone involved has a true passion for music, I mean, just look at how it is run! Even though the festival grows each year, it retains its grassroots - we met many dedicated, lifelong attendees and also a fair share of first timers. All were positive it won’t be their last!
We arrived on the Wednesday, an optional day dedicated to the previous years favourite acts. After finding our friends and setting up camp we were straight into the arena to watch Cobra The Impaler. You could already tell from the atmosphere that everyone was excited. Following their new release "Karma Collision", there were ready with a killer set that had an edge of sludge, but predominantly post-metal. The energy from the stage was mirrored into the crowd, making this early festival opener one to remember.
Shortly after we saw one of Danny’s favourite bands Pyschonaut. As a 3 piece Psychonaut are very inventive with their style so their sound really fills out the space. They played the songs that we’ve always got on repeat. For our 2nd band of the day you wonder how things could get better from there.
It was at this point where we went to go interview CTI, unfortunately missing Curse These Metal Hands, and LLNN.
These are however both incredible bands and worth noting not to be missed, if it can be helped. Next up we had Bossk, who are regulars at this festival, but with good reason. They create an excellent soundscape which can lead you up and down for softer psychedelic elements, and then heavy ripping tones. Exactly why they also played on Saturday to a packed out crowd.
And So I Watch You From Afar, another band that was booked to perform 2 sets over the weekend, finishing the evening. ASIWYFA are masters of playful, bouncing riffs that showcase their sheer talent. We caught them live last year and have been hooked ever since. Their blend of math rock and massive atmospheric crescendos is pure brilliance, and the crowd was loving it. They have been going for a few years now, their newest Album 'Megafauna' has been well received and it was a pleasure hearing them play live once more. They will be kicking of this years tour live in Manchester on December 13th - Which we will be attending (alongside Delta Sleep) check out their dates here, you don't wanna miss out.
Thursday an unexpected festival favourite came in the form of Unpeople. The vocal harmonies were tight and for a new upcoming band they’re definitely going places. They were brought to our attention by a good friend who was working with them and they turned into one of Dan’s highlights for the whole event. With their pop punk, metal timbre they astounded us more than the light show, that's for sure.
After that we headed over to the PX3 stage for Hundred Year Old Man who looked like they were totally in their element. Big crowd, lots of energy and a massive sound. They’re so good at what they do, and they create an epic show out of it. We personally like "A New Terror", the spacey intro mixed with guttural vocals and heavy girthy bass was spectacular to witness.
After a good spot of lunch from the fantastic vendors we were on our way to watch Urne. UK based metal outfit with a sludge side to them. They can fit almost any bill. They’re professional with their music and turn heads instantly for anyone listening even at a glance.
The mind blowing Julie Christmas on the main stage came next. A brilliant display of feminine rage, soaring vocals and filthy riffs. They stole the day and remained at the top of Ruth’s favourite weekend performances. We managed to get ourselves into a brilliant spot to witness this, as it was also a visual performance. With her colour changing light up dress and raw power she had the whole crowd transfixed.
It was not our first time seeing Conan but the sound at ATG is always so incredible, they really punched through. Ultra massive tone from the lads and it’s great to see some familiar doom bands on this kind of line up. Regrettably we weren’t able to see Baroness as we went to catch up with the lads in Urne. It was typical that the skies should open up into a practical monsoon, meaning recording had to be done on the fly. We sought shelter until it calmed to a light downpour meaning we also regrettably missed some of Red Fang. We did manage to catch the tail end of their set and oh my were they good. Proper desert rock full of high energy.
Author & Punisher then gave an earth-shattering performance, putting their heavy industrial stamp on the festival. We were really getting into it and didn’t want it to end but it was time for Tokky Horror and their final ever festival show. They really got the party going. Between their unique blend of cyber punk and Gabber influences, jumping across the stage and running into the crowd, these guys really went all out with their send off. It definitely left a lasting impression on all of us.
This was the only night we decided to do the silent disco. Between dancing to some classic hits we caught part of the live DJ set from Karin Parks, of Arabrot. An absolutely beautiful way to end out the night.
The Omnific were the perfect start to a Friday packed with rhythmic jams and ingenuity. A two bass, one drummer, outfit from Australia they set the tone with their progressive intertwining guitars. Three Trapped Tigers, who were also playing their last run of shows, took to the main stage and blew everyone away with their experimental boundary-pushing instrumental set. The drummer stood out most, bringing his unique flavour of percussion. Even with TTT calling time on their live performances, he can still be caught playing with Colossal Squid.
Madmess were on their first ever run of UK shows. They brought their hard rock psychedelic sound to the Elephant stage. The sun was finally shining and while making a brief detour during their set Ruth caught a glimpse of Orchards. She heard:
"This next song is about Bee’s "
and found it hard to tear herself away and make it back to the group. Firmly putting them on the not-to-be-missed list for next time.
Ihsahn then stole all our attention, unfortunately meaning we missed Frail Bodies. Known for his work in Emperor, Ihsahn brought his symphonic black metal sound to the main stage. As a solo writer its incredible how he can orchestrate such dynamic sound, proving his skill with each instrument. In a day of incredible skill it really felt like each act could not compliment the next any more, as we settled in for the long awaited Animals as Leaders. We could hardly believe they were only a three piece, let alone that they had no bass player. Another instrumental band proving that inventiveness and skill are more important than a standard line up.
Meshuggah closed the night, and what a close that was. For a day already filled with polished performances this final band topped the lot. Godfathers of their craft, this Swedish 5 piece are world renowned for their heavy sound and complex song structures. They are an icon for so many and they proved why with how exceptionally timed this mathematical performance was.
Starting our Saturday a little later in the afternoon, we were sure not to miss Ken Mode. They brought their own blend of noise rock and hardcore to the Bixler stage. Immediately after was a firm favourite from previous years, Scaler (FKA Scalping). Dancing shoes on, we got fully immersed in this Bristol four piece’s heavy electronic sound. One last burst of energy before settling into the cathartic emotional release of Pijn. Featuring songs from their newly released album 'Desperatly Held ' Pijn enrapture warm transcendent notes that burst into heavy post rock. The journey through their brand of positively entwined melancholy delivered an atmosphere that can only be described as pure art.
And so I watch you from Afar, as on Wednesday, were mesmerising. We also caught Earthtone9, and the excitement from those around us to see them play was palpable. Their album, ArcTanGent, makes them a no brainer to include on the bill particularly for this landmark 10 year anniversary show. Slift brought their A game, blending grunge and psychedelic with their playfully animated stage presence.
Mogwai as festival headliners were ASTOUNDING. These Glaswegian post-rockers have been performing since 1995 and it shows. Truly a group of world class musicians, their reputation for exceptional live shows did not let them down. Their seamlessly tranquil dynamics command your attention and brings out an emotional response from the crowd. Their showcase at ATG left us in awe and listening back to their records just has us daydreaming, wishing we were still there.
It's impossible to fully capture just how incredible this year's ATG was—every moment felt like a highlight. From the intimate and mind-bending performances to the massive sounds that transported us to another world, the entire festival was top-tier.
Every band brought their A-game, leaving a lasting impression with each set. From unexpected new favourites to long-time legends, ATG 2024 was packed with unforgettable performances that we simply couldn’t condense. Each day was a testament to the raw talent and energy of the music scene, and we're already counting down to next year.
This festival is a haven for fans who love alt-channels of Rock, with a focus on delivering top-notch performances year after year. It invests where it matters most—into the music and the artists that fans love.. While it may not offer all the extras that some larger festivals do, it invests where it matters most—into the music and the artists that fans love. For many, that’s exactly the appeal. The loyal crowds return annually, drawn by the incredible live sets, the laid-back, no-nonsense atmosphere, and a sense of community that creates long-lasting friendships. It’s all about good vibes, great music, and a shared passion that keeps people coming back.
And guess what! TICKETS for 2025 - NOW ON SALE 😤 Honestly, if you are wanting an alternative, independent festival to attend, this is the one for you. We will be there next year, and on that note - As always, we will see you at the front (of ATG 2025).
GET TICKETS HERE - see the acts that have been released 👇
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