FESTIVAL PREVIEW: ArcTanGent 2019

August 13, 2019 James Weaver

As the years fly by, the UK becomes ever more of a haven for a variety of divergent festivals, showcasing the very best of homegrown talent as well as some of the finest bands the world has to offer. One such jewel in the nation’s crown is ArcTangent, an eclectic offering that pulls together a particularly polarising blend. Since 2013, the Gloucestershire based festival has been a staple date in many a diary, boasting lineups unlike anything else seen on earth. ArcTangent normally wins on variety alone, and as you can see, 2019 is no different.

Beneath a weighty, hotly anticipated Thursday headline appearance from COHEED & CAMBRIA, a raft of bands are waiting in the wings and set to impress. Early afternoon appearances from ITHACA and BOSSK are sure to warm up the crowd early on, before NORDIC GIANTS and MØL continue the lively billing. Later in the day, ZEAL & ARDOR will thrill with their lively energy and CARPENTER BRUT will bring synth to the table, with the French electro outfit being sure to get the party truly started. This is one of the most outlying bookings, and inexorably one that will ensure all in attendance a night to never forget.

As we slip into Friday, WE NEVER LEARNED TO LIVE will offer a blistering start on the Yohkai Stage, and SLOW CRUSH will continue to perspire raw energy. We will be dazzled by the technical intricacy of THANK YOU SCIENTIST, and BIRDS IN ROW. One of the festival’s highlights will be provided by Germany’s THE OCEAN, a highly sought after progressive metal outfit armed with a recently released album to whet our appetite for a critically acclaimed, monstrous live show. SLEEP TOKEN will entertain with their anonymous presence, and PALM READER, BLACK PEAKS and RUSSIAN CIRCLES will precede another monumental headline performance from BATTLES.

As if punters weren’t already impressed enough after the promise of the first two days, then the Saturday line-up is sure to send us all home grinning insatiably. MATT CALVERT will ease us into the day with his dreamy solo work, before the heat picks up with the explosive CURSE THESE METAL HANDS and the downright disgustingly heavy LLNN. AZUSA will keep up the pace, before THE CONTORTIONIST provide another notable slot in the running order. As if to heighten the anticipation even further, the Arc Stage will host a ‘Secret Special Guest’, destined to keep us guessing and wonder who might be capable of strengthening such an unyielding billing. CAR BOMB, CULT OF LUNA and RUSSIAN CIRCLES enter the fray as renowned bringers of stage superiority, and finally, ArcTangent will be brought to a stunning close by none other than djent heavyweights MESSHUGGAH, who will launch an all out attack with their blistering brand of chuggy metal.

In all, ArcTangent have once again proved their weight in gold, and by gathering such an enviable assortment of the world’s most sought-after acts, they have created a paragon for the music fans among us that wear their hearts on their sleeves. Throw in silent discos, incredible food, appearances from local breweries and an altogether friendly atmosphere and it might just be the perfect festival. No doubt, it will be one to remember. We’ll see you there!