Live Review : RADAR on July 26th 2024

RADAR Festival 2024 at the O2 Victoria Warehouse is a vibrant and diverse showcase of progressive and alternative metal/rock acts, featuring both established names and rising stars in the genre. The festival not only covers progressive/technical metal and rock though, it also pushes those boundaries and often breaks them with genre-spanning and unexpected acts that positively challenge the way we look at music and performance. Much like we saw with Tech-Fest UK, at the heart of RADAR is that sense of building a genuine community. It’s a community that starts with music - created for the fans, by the fans. RADAR is not just about tag lines, it’s honestly a very welcoming event where inclusivity, diversity and equality shine. The festival's setting offers a rich tapestry of performances that highlight the unique sounds and styles of each band.

Newcastle’s Giant Walker open the festival on the SNEAK energy drink sponsored second stage. They deliver an organic, soulful blend of rock, prog, indie, and grunge. The lead vocalist's Bjork-esque voice paired with the band's groove-laden bass and drums creates a mesmerizing performance. Their sound, reminiscent of a classic rock version of Lake Malice, with a more natural and unpolished edge, captivates the audience as they sway in rhythm to the summer dress-clad singer's melodies.

The Intersphere have joined us from Germany follow on the Main Stage. Delivering a set that is crisp, intricate, and cinematic, I’d suggest them to any fans of acts like Karnivool, The Ocean, Haken, and Wheel. Their performance is a masterclass in technical proficiency - the drumming precise, the bass lines complex, and the overall sound coming across as bombastic yet smooth. Notably their harmonized vocals add a rich layer to the heavy, yet accessible soundscapes, making an immediate impact at the festival. We managed to catch a chat with the whole band later that day, which you can see HERE.

Cestra's performance, while intimate and personal, feels somewhat underwhelming. It’s a bit like Kate Bush doing an impression of Sleep Token, with her set consisting solely of her vocals accompanied by a backing track. Despite the minimalist setup, there’s an emotive quality to her voice, and the backing track is layered and atmospheric, but there’s a clear mismatch in expectations versus delivery.

Vower, featuring former members from Toska, Black Peaks, and Palm Reader, offer a dynamic and cohesive performance…and one which you would expect from members with that pedigree. Their sound, fuller, denser and more rounded than Palm Reader I’d suggest, you can feel the energy of Killing Joke channelled with added churning intensity. The band's internal synergy is evident, and their set flows seamlessly, creating a compelling auditory experience that resonates with the crowd.

Vola brings their signature intricate and syncopated sound to the stage, delivering a powerful and technically impressive set. The Danish four-piece deliver a performance that is sumptuous and professional in every detail, offering something for everyone with their dynamic mix of gentle, atmospheric segments juxtaposed with churning, chaotic tech-metal onslaughts. Each element is as melodic and enthralling as the next, with phenomenal contrasts of light and shade throughout their set. Their full, heavy sound is marked by unbelievably intricate drums provided by Adam Janzi (who we interviewed earlier in the day HERE). Then there’s that distinctive, processed and futuristic guitar/bass tone and interplay. Asger Mygind’s distinctive vocals are velvety and effortlessly graceful, making it impossible not to be both impressed and captivated by them. Each song is a unique journey, keeping the audience engaged and enthralled throughout their performance.

Back onto the SNEAK stage and Thrown delivers an unrelenting, brutal set, staying true to their sound. Their high-tempo, heavy performance is a blast of energy ably led by former Grieved vocalist Marcus Lundqvist. Fans of Graphic Nature will love these guys, as they unleash a sonic assault characterized by deliciously heavy guitars and jagged riffs that reverberate through the venue. Emmure and Kublai Khan enthusiasts will also find something to scratch their itch, revelling in the band's fusion of hardcore elements and ridiculously down-tuned guitars. Lundqvist's vocals, brimming with anger and ferocity, serve as a compelling conduit for the band's message, while the catchy yet aggressive vocal rhythms forge a connection with the crowd, immersing them in their dark and intense musical world. In the realms of metalcore and hardcore, Thrown stand poised to become a formidable force.

However, the set by Caskets feels less impactful. Their slick sound and accessible vocals pair with driving guitar riffs and tight, thunderous basslines shifting the music forward with unrelenting energy. Think Acres and Wage War. There does however appear to be some awkward gaps between songs, and that makes for a disjointed performance. While they aim for a heavy sound, they do fall into a more polished territory, lacking the substance needed to truly stand out.

The Midnight closes the festival with a nostalgic, 80s-infused synthwave set. I can only describe them as a mix of Fleetwood Mac, Daft Punk, and Plini which creates an exciting upbeat atmosphere. The crowd seem particularly enthusiastic about the saxophone solos, and although their sound is steeped in cheesy 80s vibes, evoking the feel of 80s Journey and retro adverts in a delightfully weird way. It’s certainly a fun and energetic end to day one of the festival and leaves us eager for Day Two.

Check the “In The Flesh” page for more photos!
The Midnight + Caskets + Thrown + VOLA + Vower + Ichika Nito + Earthside + Cestra + The Intersphere + Giant Walker