FESTIVAL REVIEW: UK Tech-Fest 2018 – Sunday
The last day of a festival can be bittersweet. One last day of music offering a final bout of action before reality comes knocking. Aiming not to allow any respite, the final day of UK Tech-Fest offered a final salvo of blistering talent throughout the day, ensuring the festival ended on the highest of notes. And so, Distorted Sound‘s coverage of this year’s festival continues with our roundup of the Sunday from UK Tech-Fest 2018!
LEECHED – Waghorn Guitars Stage
If you were hoping for a bit of respite you were not going to find it here. LEECHED had one goal and one goal only, to shatter your skull and leave you a broken shell. They brought another level of rage fuelled aggression to the Waghorn Guitars Stage, spitting pure venom at anyone within the blast radius. If you enjoy your metal bleak, unrelenting and sonically devastating their 2017 release Nothing Will Grow From The Rotten Ground may be what is missing from your life.
Rating: 8/10
Words: Dan McHugh
COGNIZANCE – Winspear Stage
Considering that a large amount of COGNIZANCE‘s recordings featured guest appearances it was intriguing to see how these songs would translate live and if they would have the same dramatic effect. The short answer was absolutely! With such an array of star studded talent due to play later in the day COGNIZANCE needed to make an impact and it is without doubt that they left a lasting impression on anyone who had the pleasure of witnessing their set. Introducing a song into their performance which has only been released for a matter of days must be an unenviable task but what better time to unleash it than at a festival? If The Organic Citadel is any indication of what to expect in the future then COGNIZANCE could be onto a winner.
Rating: 9/10
Words: Dan McHugh
STOMB – Waghorn Guitars Stage
Birthed in Paris circa.2012, STOMB are a four-piece instrumental collective specialising in progressive, atmospheric, experimental metal; quite an amalgam. Certainly a unique makeup in the context of the UK Tech-Fest lineup, the quintet took to the stage at 1pm during the summer sun’s zenith point, astutely launching into a variety of devices from the band’s two official releases: debut full-length album The Grey, and 2017’s Duality EP. STOMB exuded technical proficiency, exuberant dynamism, and unbridled aggression, all in equal measure, all in absolute abundance, whilst an awestruck crowd simply stood rooted to the spot, aghast at the musicianship unfolding before them. Frequently would a trope of serene ambience spontaneously metamorphose into rugged, drop-tuned heaviness, keeping spectators engaged and constantly on their toes, delivering surprise after surprise for the duration of the set. Being a relatively unknown outfit in the UK tech scene, this performance held two clear novelties: the militant precision of performance, and the ingenuity and craftsmanship of the songwriting. It’s safe to say that UK Tech-Fest was left stunned.
Rating: 9/10
Words: Sam Alberti
THE SURREALIST – Winspear Stage
Hailing from Boston, Massachusetts, THE SURREALIST originated as a one-man, experimental project, spiralling seamlessly into a beloved internet sensation, and effortlessly capturing hearts and minds throughout the digital community. Now, paired with drummer John-Marc Degaard, guitar-whiz Roopam Garg has finally elected to share his craft with the world, and to the delight of the UK, this included a prestigious main-stage slot at UK Tech-Fest. Taking to the stage mid-afternoon, the duo conducted themselves like seasoned veterans, Garg’s imposing figure standing proud whilst barely missing a single note, each tap, sweep, and arpeggio being delivered with consummate grace and professionalism. In addition, the percussive energy and accuracy of Degaard remained tightly consistent throughout, residing assertively in the backdrop, and providing a rigid spine. Spellbinding as this may have been, it must be said that, due to the instrumental nature of the product, combined with the presence of just two components, a thirty minute set may have proven slightly ambitious for such a modest newcomer; the awestruck gaze of the punters perhaps being somewhat lost towards the latter stages.
Rating: 8/10
Words: Sam Alberti
THE CARTOGRAPHER – Waghorn Guitars Stage
Interestingly for UK Tech-Fest, Derby’s THE CARTOGRAPHER are one of the only bands on Sunday’s lineup that fall under the ‘djent’ banner. With their sharp and groove ridden guitar work combined with scathing screams the five piece pulled no punches. Showcasing material from their 2017 release Human Error as well as newly released track Hyde, it would not be a surprise to see their name being bounded about as one of the dark horses of the weekend.
Rating: 8/10
Words: Dan McHugh
CONJURER – Winspear Stage
CONJURER have had a phenomenal couple of years, from being relatively unknown they have propelled themselves towards the cream of the crop of the UK’s metal scene. Their recently released debut effort Mire blew the minds of many a journalist and fan alike as glowing reviews were plastered all over various media outlets. CONJURER‘s set at UK Tech-Fest could be neatly summarised in three simple words, blunt.force.trauma. From the second the first note chimed throughout the Winspear Stage they pummelled the crowd with sheer unbridled power. The four piece piledrived their way through the set as Retch sounded particularly barbaric. It is easy to see why they are regarded as one of the must see live acts of 2018.
Rating: 9/10
Words: Dan McHugh
LOTUS EATER – Waghorn Guitars Stage
LOTUS EATER are an act that have seen a considerable rise to popularity of late. This can be primarily attributed to their quirky, eccentric interpretation of what is often described as the strat-djent trend, in addition to various cult-esq. PR approaches, very much akin to Liverpudlian metallers LOATHE. Stylistically self-proclaimed as Gloom, the Glaswegians offer an erratic, aggressive, down-tuned mashup of hardcore and metalcore, and come 3pm, they set about embossing this on the Waghorn Guitars Stage with unreserved vigour. Confidence and energy oozed from the stage, eclecticism flowered generously from both guitarists, with a variety of riffs, slides and bends consistently emanating from the PA monitors, and frontman Jamie Mcles showcasing a level of arresting brutality that served to keep the crowd very much alive in the near-unbearable heat. Certainly and impressive and imposing performance, however one that was ultimately let down by a dull, unflattering live sound that often felt washed-out and empty, not to mention the notably linear songwriting approach; something worth consideration.
Rating: 7/10
Words: Sam Alberti
BLOODSHOT DAWN – Winspear Stage
Despite playing Bloodstock Open Air on regular occasions in their career BLOODSHOT DAWN haven’t been given the notoriety and plaudits they deserve. Since 2003 BLOODSHOT DAWN have been quietly meandering around the outer rim of the melodic death metal pack but with the release of Reanimation it is time for the world to start taking notice of what the UK based four piece are all about. With frontman Josh McMorran‘s flamboyant Waghorn signature guitar being showcased on their display it was a pleasure to see it in all its glory as they hit the stage. With their enticing blend of high tempo shredding, powerful growls and frantic drumming they added a bit of diversity to what was a particularly bludgeoning day of music.
Rating: 8/10
Words: Dan McHugh
THE HIRSCH EFFEKT – Waghorn Guitars Stage
Hannover’s finest THE HIRSCH EFFEKT were one of the highlights of 2016’s edition of UK Tech-Fest so it was a pleasure to see them make their return and treat us to some material from their incredible Eskapist album. Kicking things off with Lifnej was a sure fire way to send the crowd into a frenzy, strobes were in full force and guitarist Nils Wittrock was clambering over every object available on the Waghorn Guitars Stage. To witness such intensity and vigour from a three piece was mindblowing. The illuminated drum kit and amp covers were a nice touch to what turned out to be a captivating set bursting to the brim with chaos. The world may have mourned when we lost the marvel that was THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN but you could not have wished for a more equipped band to usher in the future of mathcore.
Rating: 9/10
Words: Dan McHugh
LOATHE – Winspear Stage
Key arbiters of the ultra-modern strat-djent trope, Liverpudlian outfit LOATHE have made an irrefutably explosive impact on the UK tech scene since their inception. Very much a UK Tech-Fest fan-favourite, ears across the country immediately pricked up as the quintet were announced as a last-dash replacement for dropout act NORMA JEAN. With punters eagerly waiting, and the band’s signature dual television-screen backdrop in place, LOATHE excitedly bounded onto the stage, immediately establishing a crushing atmosphere through intro tracks The Cold Sun and It’s Yours. Rifling through a satisfyingly well-distributed setlist, including hits from the debut EP, full-length attempt The Cold Sun, and recent singles White Hot and Servant And Master, the northern powerhouse exuded nerve and confidence in excess, dominating the stage, and sending the bedazzled crowd into a lucid frenzy. Frontman Kadeem Francis continually maintained an arresting presence and raw, cathartic vocal performance, whilst the clean singing of rhythm guitarist Erik Bickerstaffe provided a graceful sense of respite, all in perfect harmony with the technical aptitude of original founder Connor Sweeney, and the percussive excellence of Sean Radcliffe. All-in-all, this was a performance virtually without fault, as is to be expected from one of the UK tech scene’s most beloved outfits.
Rating: 9/10
Words: Sam Alberti
EMPLOYED TO SERVE – Waghorn Guitars Stage
For many people EMPLOYED TO SERVE were one of the most anticipated bands on the UK Tech-Fest lineup. The Warmth Of A Dying Sun was up there as one of the most regarded releases in 2017 and in a live environment the tracks feel like being attacked by a swarm of killer bees. The five piece had energy for days and each member wearing matching windbreakers added that extra level of cohesion to their stage presence. Bearing in mind this was the final day of a four day festival and by now the crowd was feeling pretty spent, guitarist Sammy Urwin seemed to be growing increasingly aggravated with the lack of crowd participation. The lack of reciprocation in intensity did not deter EMPLOYED TO SERVE however as they continued to provide a relentless volley of hardcore savagery.
Rating: 8/10
Words: Dan McHugh
SLEEP TOKEN – Winspear Stage
“The worst kept secret in UK Tech-Fest history”. As daylight began to recede, and punters site-wide commenced with pouring into the main-stage atrium in anticipation of Sunday’s ‘secret act’, murmurs of the aforementioned phrase made their way through the huddled crowds, as the excitement grew exponentially. From the moment of the original announcement two weeks prior, quietly confident echoes of the name began encircling the realms of social media, but in case you somehow missed it, yes, the enigmatic SLEEP TOKEN finally graced the senses of UK Tech-Fest compatriots, with what proved to be a virtually surreal experience. An outfit famed for being shrouded in mystery, the performance itself followed suit in abundant nature right from the off, nationally acclaimed frontman Vessel languidly sauntering onto the stage in an eerie and strikingly aloof manner. Anticipation at boiling point, the quintet finally eased into opening track Thread The Needle (a clear fan-favourite), and thus followed the palpable sensation of jaws dropping across the room; the blissfully angelic vocals of Vessel penetrated and emanated, the frontman contorting and quirking all the while, as the sweet, subtle sounds of synth, guitar, bass and drums all gradually dropped into the mix behind him. In an attempt at avoiding a lengthy description of each microscopic moment, we should probably offer a synopsis of sorts: in a nutshell, this entire performance never wavered in maintaining a deftly distributed balance of musicianship and eeriness, and not a foot was put wrong from start to finish. In addition, it simply must be noted that despite being a relatively new act, SLEEP TOKEN triumphantly succeeded in filling UK Tech-Fest’s Winspear Stage to its absolute brim, leaving every individual speechless and breathless in the process. This was a truly, truly special moment not only for fans of the band, but for all UK Tech-Fest attendees. Worship.
Rating: 10/10
Words: Sam Alberti
BETRAYING THE MARTYRS – Winspear Stage
There was a sour taste left in many ticketholders mouths after discovering PROTEST THE HERO had to vacate their headlining position due to health concerns but commeth the hour, commeth BETRAYING THE MARTYRS. The mainly France-based six piece were more than capable to step up to the challenge. Sunday’s performance on the Winspear Stage was strictly business. No frills, no extravagance, just hard hitting, energetic metal and the crowd lapped it up. The pits were fierce and BETRAYING THE MARTYRS showed that they are certainly not to be considered as a band that happened to acquire the headline slot by unfortunate circumstance, but a band that are armed for the big leagues. Throwing wall to wall bangers from 2017’s The Resilient amongst other material at all in attendance the lethal vocal combination of frontman Aaron Matts and keyboardist Victor Guillet was stunning to behold. The only thing that could have added that further ‘cherry on the cake’ would have been the inclusion of their comedic rendition of Frozen‘s Let It Go. Watching everyone singing and dancing along to the chorus of one of Disney‘s most popular children’s films would have been quite the spectacle and would have capped the weekend off nicely.
Rating: 9/10
Words: Dan McHugh
And so our coverage of UK Tech-Fest 2018 is over. Check out our coverage of Thursday, Friday and Saturday and we’re already counting down the days until 2019’s festival!