FESTIVAL REVIEW: RADAR Festival 2026

Fiercely independent and a celebration of progressive, forward-thinking music, the success of RADAR Festival has been hard fought. Year-on-year, the festival pulls a wealth of talent across prog, post and core – alongside a hub for vintage vintage games and musical equipment – and backed by a loyal community, in 2026, the festival sits comfortably in our current summer ecosystem. With a stacked lineup on offer, and with 2027’s planned move to Sheffield marking the end of a three year residency in Manchester, we ventured one last time to O2 Victoria Warehouse for RADAR Festival 2026. Here’s what went down.

Friday – July 31st

ROZEMARY – Shure Stage 

Birkenhead’s self professed ‘baddiecore’ outfit, ROZEMARY had the task of opening up the festival and warming the crowd up for the remainder of the weekend’s festivities. Fresh off the back of the release of their latest EP it’s harder now to breathe, the quartet brought plenty of energy and enthusiasm to the stage with high-kicking vocalist Izabel Lavin showcasing her expansive vocal range, ducking and weaving between polished melodies and abrasive screams amongst the jarring dissonance. They were rewarded for their efforts with an impressive and receptive crowd to cheer them on and settle any initial nerves.

Rating: 7/10

GHOST IRIS – Obscure Clothing Stage

The first band gracing the Obscure Clothing Stage, GHOST IRIS seemed determined to bring the party. Big energy, their booming brand of metalcore has a real bite. From the technical brutality of their 2024 EP M.U.R.K to some of their more groove orientated earlier works in Apple of Discord and Comatose, the band keeps the energy up with plenty of banter and easy onstage antics. Overall, a very fun performance that really eased everyone into the feeling of the weekend being full of tasty riffs and not taking yourselves too seriously.

Rating: 7/10

SIXTH WONDER – Shure Stage 

Balancing between tranquil and meaty vocals from Rebekah Kirk, the impressive SIXTH WONDER were bursting with emotionally charged songs from their string of releases. Dylan McVey and Sean Love on bass and drums respectively absolutely nail the rhythm section while Nathan Kirkwood pours out some phenomenal guitar work. Tracks like Missile and IS THAT WHAT YOU WANT FROM ME went down a storm, and the room went from crowded to packed in no time as people poured into to listen. A healthy amount of headbanging all through the set, the crowd clearly enjoy what SIXTH WONDER have to offer.

Rating: 7/10

GRAPHIC NATURE – Obscure Clothing Stage

Channelling the raw ferocity of early noughties nu-metal, GRAPHIC NATURE have built their reputation on their live prowess. The Kent bruisers have been steadily climbing the ranks and now, they’re very much an established force in modern British metal. And their main stage positioning at RADAR Festival is testament to this. Although it may be early in the day, but making the most of the opportunity, GRAPHIC NATURE are a force to be reckoned with. Spear-headed by the ever charismatic Harvey Freeman, who delivers his larynx-shredding vocals with aplomb, at their best, its exhilarating. And when you have material like Killing Floor and Bad Blood in your locker, you’re guaranteed to win the hearts and minds of heavy music fans. Killer stuff.

Rating: 8/10

CLT DRP – Shure Stage

CLT DRP have always brought an absolutely raw and unconcerned attitude, this was no exception as their three piece set up oozed charisma. Something of a no nonsense and yet entirely unserious bunch of raucous tracks like Nothing Clever, Just Feelings, I don’t wanna go to the gym and Where the Boys Are were very well received, and the room really eased into the angst and the fun of it all. With an air of experimentalism throughout, it was punk in a way it’s never really been approached before. Coupled with the fact that each member has solid musical chops on all sides, CLT DRP made this performance on the Shure Stage look easy.

Rating: 7/10

BOUND IN FEAR – Obscure Clothing Stage

Frontman Ben Mason already had a busy schedule ahead of him performing with his fellow hi-vis donning beatdown artists in PINTGLASS as well the highly anticipated ‘Geeza Trade School’ masterclass. Coming to the rescue after VIANOVA pulled out citing medical reasons, BOUND IN FEAR promised to play the heaviest breakdown in RADAR Festival history. Wasting little time on pleasantries, they plowed through the devastating array of tracks at their disposal from newest album, A Mind Too Sick To Heal, sending seismic shockwaves throughout the O2 Victoria Warehouse with their unrelenting brutality. The crowd reciprocated such aggression by turning the pits into a war zone. If the people in attendance were not aware of the potent firepower possessed by BOUND IN FEAR, they certainly are now.

Rating: 8/10

CAGE FIGHT – Shure Stage

As the day pushed on, things when from fairly intense to full throttle, and you knew immediately that you were in for something special on the Shure Stage when CAGE FIGHT swaggered onto the stage. With gravitas and charisma, Jon Reid helmed the bass like some sort of thrash-demi god, while Rachel Aspe stole the show with a mesmerizingly brutal show of her staggering vocal range. Entirely in control of the crowd, Aspe descended upon the pit, the tangible excitement at her lethal performance had the crowd frenzied. With deliciously ferocious Pigs, Pick Your Fighter and Oxygen to name a few, the room was thick and heavy in the aftermath of CAGE FIGHT.

Rating: 8/10

SIKTH – Obscure Clothing Stage

Prog legends SIKTH brought their epic gravitas to RADAR Festival‘s main stage. Legendary frontmen Mikee Goodman and Justin Hill bounce between their respectively unique vocals, the exceptional technical prowess of Dan Weller, James Leach, Dan ‘Loord’ Foord and Graham ‘Pin’ Pinney reminded everyone just how boundary defying SIKTH’s work has been. As fresh and impactful as if it were released today, it’s actually the 20th anniversary of their outstanding Death of a Dead Day record, and the crowd were treated to a plethora of incredible tracks including Flogging the Horses, Part of the Friction and Summer Rain. Final performance Bland Street Bloom is especially well received, with the joyous bouncing continuing into the final house lights coming up.

Rating: 8/10

HACKTIVIST – Shure Stage

HACKTIVIST have experienced a considerable line-up refresh in recent years, posing the question whether they still possessed the same fire which brought them to the dance. This question was confidently and firmly answered with swift immediacy, grasping the crowd in the palm of their hand within mere moments. With the crowd already bouncing from floor to ceiling, they opted to up the ante by offering any crowdsurfer a Pokemon booster pack which transformed the eager collectors amongst the RADAR population into a wave of flailing bodies heading towards the stage. With a career spanning set consisting of early installments such as self-titled track Hacktivist and Elevate through to the present day BONES and Rep The H, as well as the obvious inclusion of their famous cover of a world renowned rap collaboration (you know the one), dual vocalists J Hurley and more recently recruited JJ Olifent spat blistering bars in perfect unison proving that this revitalised iteration of the band are still firing on all cylinders.

Rating: 9/10

VOLUMES – Obscure Clothing Stage

Stepping in at short notice due to the unfortunate departure of CHELSEA GRIN from this years’ billing, festival favourites VOLUMES made their triumphant return and were graciously received with open arms. With a fresh bunch of incendiary tracks to play with in the form of new release Mirror Touch, it didn’t take long for the Californians to kick the pits into gear. It is evident for all in attendance that VOLUMES have very found much their second home at RADAR Festival, acquiring arguably one of the biggest crowds of the day. Their addictive mix of hooks, groove and melody is the ideal recipe for an mid-evening festival performance where you need the adrenaline to power you over the finish line. As well as launching through a decent chunk of their latest effort such as roof-raiser Sidewinder and the buoyant Bad Habit, highlighting their evolution as a band, VOLUMES also opted to return right back to the beginning, playing the first ever track they recorded as a band, Intake. Feeling like the logical next step, the next time we witness VOLUMES at RADAR Festival may well be a headline slot.

Rating: 9/10

PINTGLASS – Shure Stage

There are three certainties in life; death, taxes, and PINTGLASS playing RADAR Festival. In fact, it was only a matter of time before the hardcore house band landed a headline slot. Taking the Shure Stage to fervent cheers and chants of “Geezer” accompanying THE NATIONAL ANTHEM (the one about saving the pub, not the monarchy), it didn’t take long for proceedings to descend into finely tuned chaos. Treating each moment like a finely chilled Stella, PINTGLASS were high octane, balls to the wall, and a fine tribute to the way of life that is Geezer-core. Back to the main stage next year, please.

Rating: 8/10

THY ART IS MURDER – Obscure Clothing Stage

Many a question mark surrounded THY ART IS MURDER in the days prior to their headline slot, mainly involving the surprise introduction of their new vocalist and rapper Jerry Grimefeld, who debuted at Rockstadt Extreme Fest in Romania and little discussion on the shock departure of former AVERSIONS CROWN vocalist Tyler Miller. Introducing himself as The Purest Strain Of Hate, Grimefeld slotted into his role seamlessly with impressive ferocity.

It is easy to forget just how many deathcore anthems THY ART IS MURDER have in their repertoire until they reel off the likes of Human Target, Slaves Beyond Death and Holy War in close proximity. It took a little while for the crowd to warm to the occasion but as soon as the cavernous circle pit engulfed the O2 Victoria Warehouse it rarely lost momentum for the foreseeable. The hunger for the heavier side of the spectrum is certainly apparent amongst the RADAR faithful and it will be interesting to see if this has any bearing on future lineups. The Australian demolition crew also proved they have what it takes to feature at such a prominent position.

Rating: 8/10

Saturday – August 1st

DACARA – Shure Stage

Early doors on the Shure Stage for the second day, DACARA pull out all the stops for their EDM spectacular. The theming was always going to work for this crowd, with plenty of gaming references and very entertaining interactions – DACARA are known for their card pull antics which was highly entertaining. The set is packed with high octane dancing, thrashing and frenzied tracks such as their iconic RØT and Megalovania, not a moment was wasted and it was a marvellous time for all who participated.

Rating: 7/10

SEETHING AKIRA – Obscure Clothing Stage

It can be a tall order playing the morning of a festival. The threat of a thin, tired crowd is all too real. If this was something that bothered SEETHING AKIRA, it wasn’t shown as the nu-core sextet bounded onto the stage and launched into a high energy set. It wasn’t long until circle pits opened and crowd surfers rose into the air. One memorable participant being a rather skinny Cookie Monster surviving on a diet of delectable riffs. Strangely, a highlight came from a song that wasn’t SEETHING AKIRA’s. Instead, the infectious beat of FAITHLESS’ Insomnia weaved its way through the space and turned RADAR into a rave, a core memory made for many in the crowd. SEETHING AKIRA put on a masterclass of how bands should inject energy into the otherwise sleepy morning slot of day two at a festival.

Rating: 8/10

EVILLE – Shure Stage

For the music listener who don’t feel there’s a place for them in metal if they’re more into the itchy pop side of the scene, “brat metal” outfit EVILLE have carved out a corner in the music world that’s pretty unique. One for the edgier pop fans or the more open minded metalhead looking for a different perspective, it was a set of snarling attitude and frivolous headbanging. The seeming contradiction of Eva Sheldrake’s conventionally feminine exterior against the confidence that usually is reserved for male front men was refreshing, while she’s accompanied by the equally confident bandmates, making for a really interesting show. It’s wasn’t for everyone of course, being a little more out there against the prog and hardcore staples of this festival, but nonetheless EVILLE gave it their all.

Rating: 6/10

THE HARA – Obscure Clothing Stage

Having conventionally had more of what might be considered indie-influenced alt-rock, THE HARA have managed to blur the boundary between their more accessible material and their latest record The Fallout’s heavier inclinations. Trophy was a real winner, unironically, while Twist the Arrows and other fan favourites being a real bop that had the room moving. Silly tricks and larking around was inevitable, with the no wall of death request being cheekily rebranded as the wall of love and at least two members making their way into the masses to enjoy the crowd close up.

Rating: 6/10

GLASS BRIDGES – Shure Stage

GLASS BRIDGES are the kind of band that just have appeal in spades. Playing their hearts out, their post-grunge sound is not necessarily a respite from the heavy, but more a welcome change of pace to their emotionally charged rhythm. Seemingly GLASS BRIDGES got the one of the biggest receptions of the weekend’s many crouch and bounces, as candid delivery of the likes of Prey and Echo had the crowd jumping. There was balance with plenty of advocating for battling personal demons, for mental health and a plethora of very pressing and appreciated topics, all bringing the room closer and reminding everyone that there is a real community around this festival.

Rating: 7/10

HEART OF A COWARD – Obscure Clothing Stage

HEART OF A COWARD are synonymous with RADAR Festival, having graced lineups numerous times over the course of the festival’s history. They’re a tried and tested outfit, a reliable good time delivering ample riffs and high-energy. At RADAR 2026, HOAC are on scorching form, delivering quite possibly one of their strongest live performances in recent memory. Boasting a guitar tone with weight of gargantuan proportions, the likes of Hollow and Collapse land with jaw-dropping force, while Kaan Tassan oozes class as a frontman, a custom sight at this point, commanding the stage with ease and keeping the crowd’s energy consistently high. Deadweight, their ever-present set closer, may show its age in the mosh-call, but it still lands with enough power to level a building. Consistent as always, you can always count on HOAC to deliver a riffing good time and at RADAR 2026, they deliver in spades. Bravo.

Rating: 9/10

ROYAL SORROW – Shure Stage

Helsinki’s ROYAL SORROW are relatively new faces on the scene but have made considerable waves in their short tenure. The Shure Stage was packed in anticipation to see whether they were able to deliver on meeting the high expectations and they certainly delivered. Their enticing blend of progressive technicality and alluring melodies became quickly endearing as they showcased their debut album Innerdeeps. The vocal range of frontman Markus Hentunen was particularly impressive as he effortlessly shifted between soaring choruses and emphatic growls. Tracks like Samsara and Release Your Shadow shone brightly, showing this talented outfit have a promising future ahead of them.

Rating: 8/10

PROTEST THE HERO – Obscure Clothing Stage

Barring the couple of dates accompanying their much anticipated RADAR Festival performance, it has been over a decade since PROTEST THE HERO hit the shores of the UK. This occasion felt like a must-see event and the packed out Obscure Clothing Stage responded in kind. The copious opportunities for crowd participation during the likes of Blindfolds Aside and C’est La Vie were lapped up by all in attendance as the imperious Rody Walker sprang around the stage barefooted with the vigour of a man half his age. Despite all of his tribulations surrounding his vocal health in recent years, he has not lost a step, rifling through the rapid-fire sequence in The Fireside with utmost precision. For the adoring fans who have followed them throughout their storied career, a 50 minute set was never going to feel like enough and it disappeared in what felt like a mere instant. It was enough time, however, to reiterate the fact that one of progressive metal’s key innovators still have plenty of fire left in their bellies.

Rating: 9/10

BLACKGOLD – Shure Stage

It would be very remiss and misinformed to just simply label BLACKGOLD as a glorified nu-metal revival band, trying to cling onto the coat tails of LIMP BIZKIT, underestimate them at your peril. It is easy to forget that the mask-donning collective have only been on the scene for a few years as their fanbase has grown exponentially with each passing release and this was confirmed by the crowd covering every inch of standing room available to the Shure Stage. Showcasing tracks from their hilariously named latest release EP E.P Phone Home alongside fan favourites such as It’s Art had the foundations shaking and the crowd bouncing from the onset. Their abundance of energy is instantly infectious as they cleverly manage to accommodate so many members around the smaller stage whilst still finding the space to start swinging off the girders. Getting to experience them in such an intimate setting feels like a special occasion as given their current trajectory there won’t be many more opportunities to witness them in such an environment.

Rating: 8/10

NORTHLANE – Obscure Clothing Stage

Arguably the most requested band in RADAR Festival‘s history, the anticipation surrounding Australian metalcore visionaries NORTHLANE feels akin to a headline set. No slight to SKINDRED, but what follows is one of the finest and blockbuster sets of the weekend. From the moment set opener 4D ignites through a medley of soaring synths, thumping riffs and Marcus Bridge‘s impeccable vocals, NORTHLANE hold the crowd in the palm of their collective hands. What follows over the next hour is exhilarating. Bloodline thumps and soars, Carbonized sees the band strut with explosive power, while new material from the upcoming Anemoia (CUT_it and Evian) point to a bright future, with both singles sitting comfortably in the set. A medley of Worldeater, Dispossession, Jinn and Solar is a neat throwback to the band’s earlier material (with the exception of Alien‘s rager Jinn) and a nod to those who have followed the band throughout their 15 year career. It’s a stunning set and as closure Clockwork threatens to blow the roof off, NORTHLANE at RADAR Festival is a match made in heaven.

Rating: 10/10

UNPEOPLE – Shure Stage

UNPEOPLE are on a serious hot-streak right now, with many touting them as ‘the next big thing’. Judging by the crowd they amassed for their Shure Stage headlining slot, it would be hard to disagree with that statement. Treating all in attendance to a string of unreleased tracks from their upcoming debut album we are unpeople alongside sure-fire bangers like Waste and Smother sent the crowd into a frenzy. The inclusion of a cover of Blamethrower by the much loved and forever missed REUBEN was a welcome addition. Their triple-pronged vocal harmonies never fail to astound and impress as a sea of crowd surfers copiously spilled over the barrier. Wrapping up the set with the anthemic The Garden with guitarist Luke Caley partaking in a circle pit aloft the shoulders of one of their crew members was the perfect finale and another feather in the cap of one of the UK’s most promising prospects.

Rating: 10/10

SKINDRED – Obscure Clothing Stage

Following the controversy of last year’s edition of RADAR Festival, SKINDRED gracing the lineup was only a matter of time, and an element of fanservice following the meme of SKINDRED simply being everywhere. And for good reason. From the opening bars of the Imperial March to the crushing riff of Set Fazers and infectious bounce to That’s My Jam, SKINDRED were a well oiled machine and an apt closer to Saturday’s festivities.

Donning striking all-white threads, vocalist Benji Webbe commanded both stage and audience attention. Armed with flawless bars and banter, SKINDRED not only met the bar of expectation but far exceeded it. The Obscure Clothing Stage was packed to the rafters with boisterous party-enthusiasts embracing the sexiness of That’s My Jam and exploding with the massive riff of Kill The Power. The coup-de-grace was yet to come. Warning not only brought the landmark Newport Helicopter but also the accoutrement of BLACKGOLD’s spookz giving the set an even sharper edge.

Rating: 8/10

Sunday – August 2nd

MAEBE – Shure Stage

The start of the final day, which may have had a lot of people flagging, but did not mean that RADAR Festival was taking its foot off the pedal. Quite the contrary, instrumental band MAEBE kicked the day off with some rather tasty riffs and riotous good fun for such an early slot. Three melodically intertwined guitars, super tight rhythm work, and a hell of a lot of stage presence for a band with literally no singing, it was a delightfully upbeat time. Big hitters from their latest release Brain Paint sat between a proggy and grungy style that’s just enough groove to feel easy to move to, and technical enough to let wash over you. Brilliant stuff from one of the UK’s one’s to watch.

Rating: 8/10

IHLO – Obscure Clothing Stage

Progressive metal collective IHLO are living proof that persistence pays off, having admitted they have applied to play RADAR Festival for several years now. They finally got their wish, on the main stage no less. Due to their extensive compositions they only had the opportunity to play four songs, all from their most recent effort, Legacy. From soaring highs to crunchy lows, they made every second count as frontman Andy Robison showcased his powerful, sprawling vocal range. However, he may need to brush up on his wrestling knowledge, likening the signature ‘woo’s’ of the crowd to Hulk Hogan. A promising glimpse of a band who thoroughly deserve their moment in the spotlight.

Rating: 8/10

BENTHOS – Shure Stage 

BENTHOS blended between atmospheric and airy, to dirty and downright weird. Their record From Nothing boasts some brilliantly frantic and totally out there tracks, Fossil for one had the room uncontrollably hopping all over while Pure kept the energy high while never sitting in one time signature for too long. As a Cordyceps is a masterclass of djenty madness that sat right in the pocket of spatially expansive and experimental, and just categorically massive. Another band using monstrous guitars for a huge tone, from six to seven strings on top of bass, it was a set that many were pleasantly surprised by if they’d never come across the strange wonder of BENTHOS before.

ELWOOD STRAY – Obscure Clothing Stage

The final day of a festival comes with a very high expectation. The bar has already been set remarkably high leaving the selection of bands with a proverbial mountain to climb. Keep the energy up, yet stay memorable. This was the mission statement for German metalcore brood ELWOOD STRAY. The opening trinity of Doom, No Cure, and Nevermind sent them to the summit. Thick heavy riffs reverberated between walls and eardrums. Genesis’ dark pulsation lulled heads into a rhythmic bop, the audience fully entranced. However it wasn’t just the crushing breakdowns that led people here, ELWOOD STRAY gave patrons a taste of the progressive melody the Sunday had on offer and the bands following them certainly had some work to do. It also gave us a taste of what’s to come when they support metalcore titans BURY TOMORROW on their tour slated for next year.

Rating: 8/10

LUNA KILLS – Shure Stage

Finland’s LUNA KILLS have really hit their stride in the last couple of years, signing to SharpTone Records in 2024 and never looking back. Their frenetic blend of modern metalcore and electronic stylings were just the formula to get the Shure Stage rocking. Lotta Ruutiainen possesses a commanding stage presence and quickly lured everyone in attendance under her spell with her effective combinations of infectious chorus lines and formidable screams. Heavy hitters like love u and LEECH from debut album DEATHMATCH offered particular highlights. There is no doubt that LUNA KILLS left RADAR Festival with a whole host of new fans and certainly have a promising future ahead of them.

Rating: 7/10

EINAR SOLBERG – Obscure Clothing Stage

Having previously headlined with his compatriots in LEPROUS, it was now the much revered Einar Solberg’s turn to bring his solo project to the RADAR Festival stage. His ethereal vocal prowess falls hand in hand with the cinematic artistry he conveys and the chemistry he possesses with cellist Maya Fridman only enhances his performance further. Opting for the sharp dressed man approach, sporting a full suit added another sense of grandeur to the occasion as he energetically bounded around the stage. At this stage in his career he has truly harnessed the full extent of his vocal powers, navigating between jaw dropping falsetto and his lower, more aggressive register when the tracks required some punch. The dramatic nature of his soundscape felt tailor made for an expansive venue such as the O2 Victoria Warehouse, creating a captivating spectacle.

Rating: 8/10

DALI – Shure Stage

It was no surprise that DALI, for want of a better word, absolutely slapped. Dominating the Shure Stage, they were perfectly at home tearing the space apart, to much applause and a healthy amount of pit openings. They tore through their set, their brilliantly orchestrated fusion of deathcore and progressive metalcore. The room was thick hot, with massive vocals and a bass that felt like it might burst out of your chest. Melodic, brutal and poignant, DALI raised the roof with their world-conscious lyrics and reactional rage in latest tracks Business as Usual and Greenwash Me.

Rating: 7/10

VOYAGER – Obscure Clothing Stage

Triumph over adversity. A celebration of life. Marking their live return after vocalist Danny Estrin‘s shocking cancer diagnosis, it was nigh-on impossible not to be caught up in the party and crack a smile from ear-to-ear. The Australian progressive metal band have near three decades of experience under their belts, and although we don’t get anything older than 2014, what we get is fucking magical. The likes of Colours, Dreamer and Hyperventilating are dispatched with exhilarating excellence, Seen Better Days – VOYAGER‘s comeback single – is jaw-dropping in its emotive delivery, and then there’s Promise. The Eurovision tune that opened the door to major mainstream attention for the band three years ago, at RADAR Festival, we’re treated to an absolute party. It’s silly, fun, and one hell of a way to celebrate their return. A moment for RADAR Festival history.

Rating: 9/10

EMPLOYED TO SERVE – Shure Stage

Woking’s EMPLOYED TO SERVE have been flying the flag for UK heavy music for 15 years, and although you’d have expected the band to grace the bigger main stage of the O2 Victoria Warehouse, the intimate confines which situates the Shure Stage is the perfect battleground. Over the course of 40 minutes, the room is transformed into a warzone as bodies crash and collide in the pit as the likes of Force Fed and Dead Reckoning are unleashed with the utmost venom. Justine Jones commands the stage with the utmost ease, dispatching her vocals with ferocity, and material from the band’s latest album, last year’s Fallen Star, sounds absolutely killer live. Not that we expected any less, a reminder why EMPLOYED TO SERVE are one of our homegrown heroes.

Rating: 8/10

THE PINEAPPLE THIEF – Obscure Clothing Stage

Prog rock legends THE PINEAPPLE THIEF had been highly anticipated by many connoisseurs of the music that built the foundations for many of the alternative scene’s staples. Their softer, more introspective sound was a much-needed time of calm, while still giving the crowd a thrilling masterclass in technical playing. Each track was loaded with emotionally charged, lush melodies. The room was transfixed by the boundary defying explorative set, fans of old were in awe while total newcomers seem transfix. With more than twenty years of ever-changing material to delve into, it was something special to witness the understated masters of prog rock do their thing.

Rating: 7/10

TEN56. – Shure Stage

The last time TEN56. made an appearance at RADAR Festival was nothing short of a logistical marvel, arriving 17 minutes before their set and still managing to pull off a flawless set. This time, headlining the Shure Stage with latest album IO in tow proved to be utterly blistering. The second that the first note rang out there was an immediate sense of chaos and danger permeating the air. Launching through a set packed with the explosive onslaughts of Diazepam, I Know Where You Sleep and Earwig quickly plunged the crowd into anarchy, giving the security team plenty of bodies to collect at the front. Frontman Aaron Matts took plenty of opportunities to praise the festival organisers for having them back and for the fans unwavering support over the years, he even gave the ladies a safe space to get stuck in and enjoy a female only mosh pit. Another masterful performance to be inducted into the archives of the many highlights of RADAR Festival history.

Rating: 9/10

ANIMALS AS LEADERS – Obscure Clothing Stage 

The triumphant return of ANIMALS AS LEADERS to RADAR Festival was met with tangible excitement that was like atmospheric electricity. It’s been seven years since the Washington triple threat graced the festival with their utter brilliance and the long awaited headline slot was the perfect way to close out Sunday. The crowd was barely still for a moment as Tosin Abasi, Javier Reyes and Matt Garstka spun their instrumental wizardry. When there was potential for a crowd surfer, it was seized with gravitas. Pits opened up, and with such lush and surreal timings, there was time aplenty for cartwheels, spinning and waltzing – of a fashion – all before it kicked off into something crazy. The best thing about barely being able to keep up with the music is that you truly lose yourself to it totally, and it was evident that both band and audience were fully enthralled with the exchange of music and joy.

Rating: 10/10

Check out our photo gallery of the action at RADAR Festival 2026 from Serena Hill Photography here: 

Like RADAR Festival on Facebook.