Live Review : RADAR on July 27th 2024

RADAR Festival 2024 at the O2 Victoria Warehouse promises to be a vibrant and diverse showcase of progressive and alternative metal and rock acts, featuring both well-known names and rising stars. This festival goes beyond the usual bounds of progressive and technical metal and rock, frequently breaking these boundaries with genre-spanning and unexpected acts that challenge traditional perceptions of music and performance. Much like Tech-Fest UK, RADAR Festival is built on a sense of genuine community, emphasizing music created by fans for fans. It is not just about taglines; it is a truly welcoming event where inclusivity, diversity, and equality are at the forefront. The festival setting provides a rich tapestry of performances that highlight the unique sounds and styles of each band.

ROCKFLESH hits the SNEAK Energy stage to catch the fantastic Seething Akira. Having caught up with Kit and Spud the day before for an interview (see that HERE), we can’t wait to kick the day off with some high tempo shenanigans. These guys always crank up the party atmosphere with their energetic performances and, whilst known as the ultimate fun-time party band, have genuine honesty and serious messages in the music that they’re pushing out to a wider audience through a collective experience. They amplify the groundwork laid by acts such as The Prodigy, Pitchshifter and Hacktivist delivering a high-energy blend of guitar-driven, electronic, drum and bass music with chatting and sung vocals. Fans can expect a massive dance party that will keep everyone moving as well as passion and power.

Onto the main stage and we have the wonderfully diverse Ithaca and their brand of arty post-hardcore mathcore. They have made their mark on the scene, and one key element is in the way they openly wear their emotions and insecurities for all to see. It means they always deliver raw and honest performances that serve as a cathartic process in exploring their personal traumas. Their music is characterized by this brutal honesty, combining intense rage with moments of reflection and introspection. Djamilia Azzouz, at the heart of Ithaca's emotional vortex, captivates the audience with her dynamic stage presence.

Heart of a Coward frontman Kaan (who joined us for a chat HERE) showcases his energetic leadership on stage to complement him running round hosting the festival’s masterclasses. He leads the band into action, urging the crowd into a frenzy with their djenty tech-metal complete with a distinctive blend of high-gain, low-pitch guitars, visceral screams, and melodic vocals. The clean soaring vocals are particularly noteworthy today, and as always the performance of ‘Deadweight’ stands out as a highlight of the festival.

It feels suitably intense and claustrophobic back on the SNEAK stage as Graphic Nature deliver their full-throttle, intense modern metal. Known for their visual aesthetic and brutal yet catchy music, they have started to prove that their immense potential can be turned into a significant impact. Fans of Alpha Wolf, ten56, and Emmure will appreciate their style. The band members, dressed in windbreakers with hoods up, create a striking visual presence. Frontman Harvey Freeman’s aggressive vocals add a focal point to their raw, energetic performances. Harvey joined us for an interview earlier in the day (see that HERE) and he emphasises onstage their commitment to raising mental health awareness, particularly among men, adding a depth to their music making them a complete package ready to take the metal world by storm.

Car Bomb from Long Island obliterate the main stage with an intense mathcore experience filled with unrelenting brutality. Their chaotic yet melodic music juxtaposes high-octane thrash with dreamy passages reminiscent of Deftones, creating a disorienting but exhilarating live show. Michael Dafferner’s vocals range from vicious and unrelenting to smooth and entrancing, adding to the dynamic nature of their performance.

A highlight of the festival for me is the chance to catch The Fall of Troy up close and in full flow. They remain a legendary post-hardcore trio, bridging the gap between the original post-hardcore movement and modern progressive bands. There are all elements of arty alt-punk and post-hardcore mashed together in schizophrenic songs with complex jagged riffs, rapid temp drums, and full forceful sound. Each song is marked by incredibly coarse screams, intricate riffs, and a huge, captivating yet catchy sound. They continue to be a standout in this diverse genre. 

Dirty Loops brought a groovy, high-brow approach to proceedings, adding a delightful layer of musical diversity to the lineup. Their technical prowess and jazz-infused sound captivates the audience, seamlessly blending intricate rhythms with infectious grooves. The band's virtuosity was on full display, with each member delivering flawless performances that kept the crowd mesmerized. Their set was a refreshing contrast to the heavier acts, offering a sophisticated yet lively vibe. Dirty Loops not only showcased their incredible musicianship but also highlighted the festival's commitment to showcasing a broad spectrum of musical talent.

Conjurer never fail to impress with their superbly heavy metal which can only be described as being-impossible-to-place-into-any-genre. They have a defined collective intensity and professionalism which they flawlessly execute through all their tracks. It’s a masterclass in power and precision, showcasing their versatility and musicianship. Brady Deeprose and Dan Nightingale’s guttural and gripping vocals evoke a myriad of raw emotions from the crowd. Their ability to navigate through a range of musical styles and moods, combined with their passion and dedication, makes their performances awe-inspiring and versatile, fitting any festival style.

Headliners TesseracT elevate technicality and professionalism to unparalleled heights with their most dynamic, theatrical and grandiose progressive tech-metal performance to date. A massive stage show with platforms, complete with Choir Noir providing backing singing, and masses of lasers punctuating from the stage, create a captivating and immersive experience that draws the audience in from the very first note. Their set is a continuous swirl of mesmerizing, syncopated riffs, complex rhythms, and intricate beats, seamlessly drifting from one song to the next without missing a beat. Daniel Tompkins' velvety vocals add an ethereal quality to the music, perfectly complementing the band's dynamic sound. The visual spectacle of the show, enhanced by that stunning light display, transforms the performance into a feast for both the eyes and ears. TesseracT power through with relentless energy, each track flowing effortlessly into the next, and the seamless integration of their visual and auditory elements demonstrates their unparalleled professionalism and dedication to their craft. This headline show clearly solidifies their status as one of the most unique and intriguing tech-metal bands in the UK, leaving the audience in awe and confirming their place at the forefront of the progressive metal scene.

Check the “In The Flesh” page for more photos!
TesseracT + Conjurer + Dirty Loops + The Fall Of Troy + Car Bomb + Graphic Nature + Heart Of A Coward + Ithaca + Seething Akira