Arctangent Festival 2024 Preview
Arctangent Festival 2024 Preview
Wednesday 14th August to Saturday 17th Saturday (4 days)
Fernhill Farm, Bristol, UK
Preview by Oli Gonzalez
Nestled in the luscious greenery of Fernhill Farm, Bristol, Arctangent returns for it’s 10th edition this year. Spearheaded by James Scarlett and his team, 2024 may well be the most ambitious yet and possibly the biggest ever! Ranging from mellow instrumental Rock right through to skull-crushing heavy Black Metal, internationally acclaimed heavyweights and unsigned acts, Electronic artists and live band silent discos keeping you entertained late into the night, there truly is something for everyone! So, who are my top picks for the weekend and where will I be heading during my stay this August?
Amenra
There’s not many live performances that can compare to Amenra, described as a religious experience by their legions of fans globally! The Belgian post-metal act headline the Yokhai stage on Thursday evening, and those in attendance better be prepared. I doubt there’ll be any dry eyes in that tent after the emotional rollercoaster that is ‘Solitary Reign’, and there’ll be a few sore heads after the sense-flattening onslaught of ‘Razoreater’ . If you wanna see a band that has constantly pushed boundaries and challenged traditional song writing conventions, Amenra are definitely worth your time this weekend.
Meshuggah
The Swedish Metal act have aged like a fine wine and show no signs of slowing down, with Arctangent hosting their only UK appearance of 2024 on Friday 16th August as headliners. Famed for their refined and flawless live sound, many ears are still ringing from their famous headline set at Bloodstock Open Air last summer, which only served to enhance their already fierce reputation. How securely attached is the roof on that main stage tent? Because the sheer energy the Technical Death Metal act will generate from inside may well threaten to blow it right off as soon as that first devastatingly brutal note hits!
Curse These Metal Hands
Some combinations just mesh perfectly, right? Whether it’s fish and chips, bacon and eggs, Tom and Jerry, or in this case experimental instrumental Rockers Pijn and Extreme Metallers Conjurer! This perhaps shouldn’t work on paper, but the two are joining forces to form super group Curse The Metal Hands, united by their yearning to push musical boundaries and executing this with an overall passion and emotional undertone that is frankly unrivalled! Personally, I can’t wait to bellow out the lyrics to ‘High Spirits’ in what is surely to be one of the highlights of a ridiculously stacked Wednesday pre-show
Year Of No Light
“I was so engrossed, I forgot to breathe!”. An old colleague’s succinct review of the French progressive instrumental metal act was enough to grab my attention. I can see why he said this. With a line up featuring two drummers and an arsenal of guitars and synths, the band have the uncanny capacity to create a sonic array of Sludge-infused atmospheric carnage designed to forge a uniquely immersive experience! Any semblance of a hangover will be truly shaken off early on Friday afternoon! Will you remember to breathe though?
Explosions In The Sky
Last but by no means at all least on this list are North America’s Explosions In The Sky, jetting over to headline the Thursday event of this year’s event with their brand of Instrumental Post-Rock. Slipping under the radar somewhat, the band have featured on many TV and movie soundtracks, including ‘Love Happens’, ‘Friday Night Lights’, and a plethora of BBC documentaries. Perhaps you’ve already listened to the band’s music without realising it? Post-rock aficionados can consider this a rites of passage and will have the opportunity to witness what will surely be one of the most intense and cathartic shows of the entire weekend.
There’s still time to buy tickets so head over to the festival’s social media or dedicated website to secure your entry to year’s bonanza!
Disclaimer: This review is solely the property of Oli Gonzalez and Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this review, unless you have the strict permission of both parties. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.
