It’s the final morning of the festival but we’re still ready for even more tech-metal. We’ve plenty of press logistics to work through this morning, but we make sure we don’t miss one of the bands we’ve been most eagerly awaiting, Karmanjakah. Having chatted and watched this young Swedish band at Sweden Rock (here) earlier this year, we knew what a special and perfect-for-Tech-Fest set they would produce.
Read MoreDespite everyone going hard on the Friday, there’s no lack of appetite for more tech-metal…and more drinking. We make our way to two interviews with Vexed (Here) and Harbinger (Here), before making our way to the stages to be met by the energetic Monasteries. They continue to offer us their unique take on experimental deathcore, which is deliciously vicious and ferocious.
Read MoreWe wake up early, roll out of the tents and make our way to the press area to grab a coffee and prepare for a full day of live bands and interviews. We start the day with Cavekiller, complete with Hawaiian shirts, and Glower offering us some hardcore tinged metal.
Read MoreWe’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.
Read MoreIt’s the final morning of the festival, but our day will still be filled with interviews, japes and even more tech-metal. It’s an early start today to make sure we don’t miss one of the bands we’ve been most eagerly awaiting, Arcaeon. Having reviewed these guys at a basement venue in Liverpool, I’m looking forward to seeing them flex their musical muscles on a much bigger stage. They don’t disappoint, with their glorious mix of djenty tech-metal.
Read MoreSore heads for the journey onsite the second full morning of the festival. Damn you Strawberry Daquiris, why did I ever know you! Despite everyone partying hard on the Friday, the awesome breakfast pizzas and plentiful coffee supplies get everyone perked up and ready for more tech-metal…and drinking this warm Saturday. We walk in to be met by the ever excellent Krysthla, who could easily be mistaken for being a Scandinavian juggernaut with flowing hair and ferocious energy.
Read MoreWe wake up early and make our way onsite as Johann joins us to take photos of the weekend and film my interviews. Everyone we meet seems fresh and eager to attack the day, hungry for more excellent tech-metal. For our Dark Overord there’s no easing in here, as once he’s grabbed his photo pit pass he’s thrust into the fray to cover Greylotus. The fun daytime TV show intro shows how cheeky these guys are, but belies how heavy and serious their music is.
Read MoreUK Tech-Fest is more than a festival – it’s a family and a community. It genuinely feels like returning home when you enter through the box office and get your wristband put on. It’s a festival that genuinely creates a feeling of welcoming, inclusion, passion and dedication. Add to that lashings of technically impressive progressive metal, infectious on-stage performers, enough merch to sink a battleship and plenty of booze, and you’ve got what is now my favourite festival. 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.
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