The Community of ArcTanGent 2025
Words & Photos: Nadine Ballantyne
A British summer miracle has happened - it’s sunny but not too hot, there’s no rain forecast and there’s days of genre-bending music ahead of us.
Photo: Abbi Draper
One of the beautiful things about ArcTanGent is the community it brings with it, as the sister festival of 2000 Trees you often find crossovers with bands playing both events and fans will often go to both as their annual get away. There’s a familiarity with the event and everyone is here to celebrate, discover, geek out over music. Even members from bands end up crashing for the weekend when they weren’t planning to - the variety of acts and friendliness it brings is to be admired. The same goes for 2000 Trees.
We’ve been to a fair amount of festivals and outdoor shows this summer, and honestly, independents do it better. What we adore is the care that goes into planning, information posted ahead of time, the ease of buying tickets and dealing with customer service, the thought behind clashes and site layout, the clear sound systems, even down to the wifi hotspots and water points - it feels like there’s more water points around this small site than what was in the entire main arena of Download Festival.
From the fans, bands and everyone involved in putting together this festival - it comes across as an event everyone truly cares for and makes this a unique festival to the UK.
It’s been one of the best ArcTanGents in years - a truly astounding line up with some surprised thrown in. The sound has been crystal clear all weekend no matter what stage and the silent disco had some wonderful live acts. Watching Mike Vennart in a robe do Black Sabbath covers was one to remember.
…Indies do it better, pass it on.
Thursday Highlights
Lost in Kiev | 8/10
After staying up to watch AK/DK silent disco we’re treated to an early start with atmospheric instrumental vibes by the French Lost In Kiev. A brief thank you is all they need to say to this crowd whilst there’s a stunning silence of admiration between songs. The set is a little lighter than what we’re used to hearing from the band but it’s a tight 30 minute opening set and maybe sore heads weren’t ready for it.
Ni | 9/10
It’s midday, of course means it’s time for manic jazz noise metal. It’s chaotic but groovy. A filled out tent cheers at the end of each ensemble of what feels like a rollercoaster of genres. It’s turbulent yet tight.
Horrendous | 7/10
One of those bands that breaks up the heavy presence of post/math rock. We’re treated to a good ol’ rock show - from posing with their guitars to the Ozzy bandanas, it gives the crowd something to grin about and have a little nonsensical fun.
We Lost The Sea | 9/10
One of the guitarists stands tall center stage and stares out to a full tent as proudly one by one other member join on stage to create this majestic wall of noise that radiates throughout the tent. The crowd stand in awe at the sensational layers this band puts together.
The Fall of Troy | 8/10
That perfect afternoon energetic boost. The vocals cut deep and feel raw - it feels old school in your face whilst they wrangle around Main Stage. They’re joined by meth. singer Sebastian who quickly takes a tumble into the crowd but laughs it off before joining the band back on stage (this is a PSA to please catch diving band members). “No kings. No bombs. No cops. Free fucking Palestine” screams The Fall of Troy singer Thomas before the end of their set.
vianova | 6/10
We’re only a few songs in and I’ve already lost count how many times they’ve told us they’re from Germany and it’s their first time here. Dressed like pop stars all in white combined with mix of Eurovision-esque vocals then blended with metalcore breakdowns creates a curious ultimatum - to throw fists or shake those hips?
Melvins | 9/10
One upon a time I saw these big haired titans in the basement of Cardiff Barfly (2008), they could barely fit two drum kits on the stage and lead singer Buzz had to hide at the back. Fast forward to 2025 and the only difference is a bigger stage and some swanky hypnotic outfits. The riffs remain filthy and grunge with an attitude to match. Seen as possible godfathers of grunge/sludge they’re treated like royalty. On stage they feel at home here as and the crowd cherish it.
Battlesnake | 9/10
How do you describe Battlesnake? From the golden robes to the filthy breakdowns to the classic Sabbath riffs - it’s glam rock and heavy metal combined and it’s an extraordinary experience. What could easily been seen as a gimmick is thrown out the window 30 seconds into their set and it’s blowing minds. The bands energy doesn’t stop throughout, and nor do the playful riffs. They end as they start - chaotic. The guitarists go for a crowd surf whilst the singer now stripped down to his underpants climbs onto the back of a guy in an inflatable dinosaur costume and gets gloriously sprinted into the midst of the crowd.
Friday Highlights
Ithaca | 8/10
We bid farewell to Ithaca - a truly inspiring British metal band, a band not afraid to take on social issues whist be open and honest about the impact of being in a modern band. It’s an early and short set but that doesn’t stop it from being emotional. They cram what they can whilst continuing to keep the messages positive and inspire. Instead of tears the crowd pit to the end. **Robbie Williams Angels fades into the background**
Car Bomb | 7/10
We dread to think how many times their invoices get flagged up - it’s a hell of a band name and a hell of a brutal assault on the ears. Barely any breaks between songs and despite the midday heat starting to cook the tent the crowd continue to go for it. Very little words get exchanged but in this case the music does the all talking/heavy lifting.
EYES | 8/10
“You’re doing pretty good” someone shouts from crowd shout as the singer takes a moment to sit down mid set and has a laugh about it. Last time we caught EYES at 2000 Trees you could see them suffering due the heat. Luckily today isn’t as scorching and we’re treated to a slightly longer thrilling set. We can’t stop watching the singers animated faces and moves to the beats. If groovy heavy breakdowns is what you seek, EYES are for you.
Coilguns | 9/10
The first thing singer Louis does is jump down to the barrier and encourage the crowd to move forward whilst embracing those who do - we haven’t even heard a note and the band already appear incredibly appreciative to be here. From the get go every member is doing jumps and kicks across the stage - each showing raw intensity and honest emotions during every song. Louis ends the set by climbing the support beam with ease before jumping down into the crowd and shoving the mic into the faces of people willing to scream along (whilst security roll their eyes).
Future of the Left | 8/10
Well well well, if it isn’t FOTL once again. They’re becoming quite the home band for Arctangent and 2000 Trees and every time it’s a damn joy to see them live. Falco’s wit is always guaranteed to keep the crowd smiling despite his ‘miserable’ front. Every now and again you can see him crack a smile. The band advised against playing this song he jokes. And they play it anyway. Despite the tech issues, amongst the serious bands today FOTL are a great opposite to break the day up and have a laugh.
meth. | 8/10
Opening with low slow chugs and hallowing screams sets the tone for the rest of the set - it’s somewhat bleak yet beautiful. Singer Sebastian doesn’t take long to throw himself over the barrier into the crowd whilst screaming in anguish into the dirt before returning to stage to scream more despair into the floor. It’s relentless from start to end in raw emotion and noise. Everyone who’s witnessed this set will need a moment of silence to recuperate after.
Frontierer | 9/10
This a band that should come with a warning. What can only be described as an assault on your brain audibly and mentally. From start to end it’s unforgiving - it’s louder than everything I’ve heard today, people comment you could hear it back at the campsites. They describe themselves as noise-terror and it’s pretty accurate. People leave with shell shock after that set.
Karnivool | 8/10
A pleasant surprise to see a decorated stage with banners and lights to fit the atmospheric front Karnivool bring. I’ve seen plenty of artists headline on bigger stages bring zero production and not understand the difference it creates in atmosphere, professionalism and how you’re portrayed to a crowd paying to see you live. Karnivool are a band that have mastered their sound and live presence - they sound like headliners should - tight, beautiful synergy on stage. Ian’s vocal range is something to behold. The only thing we dislike is looking back at their tour they’ve kept the same setlist, so there’s no surprises here if you’ve seen them before.
Saturday Highlights
Swamp Coffin | 7/10
Not even 30 seconds on stage and the band are calling out for crowd participation. If sludge metal is life then Swamp Coffin should be on your daily playlist. We get to witness the slowest wall of death we’ve ever seen as people walk in slow motion at each other, even doing slow motion reactions and crashes. It’s an amusing way to kick off the final day.
Lo! | 8/10
Continuing with the sludge theme we catch Lo!, Australian metal veterans. Instantly mesmerised by singer Sam’s swanky moves and expressive faces that shouldn’t align with the riffs, but they somehow do. Despite daylight it’s atmospheric and focuses on themes of unsettling nature.
The Callous Daoboys | 9/10
Out on tour to promote latest album ‘I Don't Want to See You in Heaven’, The Callous Daoboys are still relatively young yet exceptional in the way they approach music and live shows. A combination of chaotic thoughts and brief moments of calmness and togetherness. What we thought was the end of the set with ‘Star Baby’ they surprise us with our national anthem and blast into Enter Shikari’s ’Sorry You’re Not A Winner’.
Between the Buried and Me | 8/10
It’s only 4pm and we don’t know whether to shake our hips to the jazz fused pianos, head bang to Tommy’s sincere screams or gurn at the intricate guitar playing. This is their second set of the weekend that sees them play their hits and a reminder of the fascinating reputation they’ve built up over the years.
Rolo Tomassi | 9/10
Rolo Tomassi once again deliver lesson in how erratic metal can be elegant and appealing. Vocalist Eva twirls around on stage whilst delivering fierce vocal ranges - after all these years the bond they carry on stage feels just as strong. They split the set with serene segments before flowing straight back into chaos. From babies to the elder millennials - everyone embraces the majestic that is Rolo Tomassi, still as compelling as the day they started.
Clown Core | 7/10
A black wall sits there as people guess what could be behind - a portaloo? A clown car? Nothing? It’s removed to reveal a simple set up mid stage of drums and a saxophone against a giant screen. They emerge standing there for a solid 2 minutes before even playing a note. The screen showcases hypnotic visuals, AI porn, space... it’s terrifying at times against a band who don’t actual move for their show. Rubber rings, blow up dolls, bubbles and clown noses dominate the crowd whilst the band stand there. As a saxophone solo flows crowd surfers keep coming over the barrier. If you try to leave you’ll end up coming back to witness more mania.
Mclusky | 8/10
We didn’t get enough of Future of the Left yesterday so we’re back to witness more sarcasm off Falco and co. Now partnered with Damien of The St. Pierre Snake Invasion it’s a perfect fit. Takes me a moment to realise he’s playing a bass upside down amongst the more punk-rock fuelled chaos. The bond between band and fans is commendable as the crowd start clapping for a song and Falco quickly shuts them down, so the crowd do what they do best, purposely start clapping out of time to wind him up.
TesseracT | 9/10
We are treated to another incredible deserving headliner. The blend of technical guitars and vocal emotion alongside the visuals shows how far they’ve progressed as a band - they know who they are and play to their strengths. The whole band effortlessly play and impress the crowd. Where ever you look there’s people grooving in their own space - dancing, two stepping, sat outside relaxed and taking it all in - everyone is here to appreciate the set. Every song sees the entire tent throw hands in the air in support and it’s truly deserved.