We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again - UK Tech-Fest is more than a festival, it’s a family and a community. That feel of returning to a place you know and people you care for when you pass through the entrance and pop your wristband on. It’s always been welcoming, inclusive, passionate and dedicated to its punters. Those who hold it dear often say the festival community has changed their lives, and it’s no understatement for many. It’s a celebratory yet sad edition this year though. Whilst we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the festival, it’s also been announced as the last UK Tech-Fest in this iteration. First seen in 2012 (and at Newark Showground since 2014), the not-for-profit festival has only been possible thanks to the tireless devotion of founder Simon Garrod and his annually returning group of volunteers. But Simon has had a lot to deal with personally over the past year or so, and as such needs a break from the focus of the festival for some time. Each year UK Tech-Fest has grown and grown, and it’d be understandable that a reset would be needed under any circumstance. One of the over-riding feelings across the weekend is the thanks and support for Simon, and it’s great to see such an outpouring of emotion for a brilliant promoter and guy. 

Let’s get to the matter of 2023’s edition though, and the plethora of technically impressive prog-metal, dynamic on-stage performances, plenty of merch and even more booze! Thursday sees the action starting with many of the crowd still making their way from across the country, including Johann and I. Illness and logistics mean we’re across to the festival and setting up our tents late afternoon, but we soon make our way into the stages and the excitement from the crowd is both for the bands and seeing each other all again. We make our way into the Second Stage crowd for The Human Veil. I’m yet to see these guys ever miss a beat, with performances that are both professional and engaging. Their songs are immensely accessible yet brutally high-octane tech-metal. The Manchester crew are reminiscent of Oceans Ate Alaska and Betraying the Martyrs, and in vocalist Matt Wall they have a singer who can deliver some varied and intense vocals. The guitars have an almost grungy feel, whilst still hitting the technicalities of djent noodling, and the whole package is sublime. I really feel they are destined for something big. 

We switch to the larger Main Stage to catch Black Coast. They hit with an interesting mix of grunge-rock elements akin to Soundgarden alongside technically intricate brutal metalcore segments. You can hear touches of Loathe in what they’re doing, with atmospheric almost anthemic melodies clashing with brutal metal stabs in the structure. In frontman Charlie Hewitt they have a singer who covers all styles effectively and accessibly with his range and variety. A unique band and one to continue to keep an eye on for sure.  

One of the most intricate and technical bands of the weekend headline the second stage for us this opening night. Anima Tempo have once again made the long trip from Mexico to be with us, and it’s a delight to have them with us. Nintendo or anime style electronic tracking plays the backdrop to powerful tech-metal. Their technical intricacy and stunning musicianship is delivered through an extreme metal prism, and they’ve continued to get even heavier than previously. The tracks from new to release album “Chaos Paradox” are superb and delivered perfectly. These guys epitomise UK Tech-Fest and what it stands for, always being involved in the masterclass workshops held throughout the weekend and the final after party gig too (a covers band brilliantly called The Djentlemen). 

Tonight’s headliners are Harbinger and you can immediately see that they have stepped up their game even further. They’re now without doubt a band with that star appeal and headliner quality. Harbinger deliver heavy, fast, heavy, technical, heavy and intense metal. Did I mention they were heavy? They’ve honed their sound and performance both on record and live with some awesome support slot experiences, and fans of Fit For An Autopsy and Decapitated need to check these guys out. They provide their own unique sound and take on this format of metal, and as soon as you hear a Harbinger song you know it’s them. The technicality on guitar from Ben Sutherland and Charlie Griffiths is phenomenal, and Dilan Alves is both a superb vocalist and engaging frontman. We managed to catch Dilan and Charlie for a video interview later in the weekend which unpacks their evolution as a band even more. It’s a nice touch when previous singer Tom Garner joins them for a track, but there’s no doubting how far the current lineup keeps pushing the band to a new level every time they take to the stage.

The party doesn’t stop there, with after party sets from Zebedy, De’Lour and Maziac. Zebedy in particular are a joy to watch – striking white outfits, catchy yet jagged hard tech-rock, and all with a smile on their face. It’s a great end to the first day as we crawl to our sleeping bags.

Check the “In The Flesh” page for more photos!
Harbinger, Anima Tempo, Black Coast, The Human Veil, Zebedy