FESTIVAL REVIEW: UK Tech-Fest 2022

With Download Festival done and dusted in spectacular style and Bloodstock still off in the distance, the heavy metal community – Distorted Sound included! – have been chomping at the proverbial bit for more of the same. Lovingly seeking out another sun-soaked (maybe not at Hellfest temperatures mind) oasis at which to chug our overpriced beers, throw the horns and experience the indescribable joy of live music. Enter UK Tech-Fest 2022.

It’s been a long three years post-Covid but the UK’s (arguably) premier festival for forward-thinking metal is reopening its doors, with the discerning hordes (now lovingly known within the tight-knit community as the Tech Fam) flocking back to Newark to savour a plethora of homegrown and international bands. Now in its ninth year, festival director Simon Garrod’s self-professed labour of love has been steadily on the rise since its inception back in 2011. From a sweaty pub back room playing local acts to the juggernaut likes of THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER, NORTHLANE and BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME destroying the Showground’s main stage hangar, as the saying goes “you’ve come a long way, baby”. Whether you’re a prog aficionado who worships at the altar of eye-popping fret gymnastics, a sucker for melodic metalcore or you just want to snap your neck to some blastbeat-ridden, supercharged death metal, this multi-day extravaganza is back to tick any and every proverbial box you may have. And with a bill as beautifully ludicrous as 2022’s, Team Distorted Sound were on hand to capture all of the sonic bounty and shenanigans.

Friday – July 1st

BORDERS – Main Stage 

If history has shown us anything, it’s that when it comes to live performances, BORDERS don’t just step on stage – they step UP. And today is no exception, as vocalist Jordan “JJ” Olifent and his band of genre-splicing brothers make their frenzied return to one of the first festivals they played at as a band. Wasting no time, they proceed to invigorate the sea of raucous, sweaty fans while tearing through beefed-up cuts like 731 and War. Grime-inflected bars are tightly spat, screams unleashed with caustic aplomb and then the next minute, we appear to be having ourselves a bonafide SLIPKNOT-esque moment as the (almost) entire room drops to the floor. Unsurprisingly, the place goes suitably batshit following Olifent’s command to “GET THE FUCK UP!” and Team DS begin to fear for our knees. Any joint-related panic is swiftly extinguished during an absolutely colossal rendition of current rap/nu-core flavoured single NWWM. Co-collaborators DROPOUT KINGS might be MIA, but the fire on display here is unmistakable, as a beaming Jordan heads for the barrier and the crowd bellow “BEST BELIEVE THERE’S NOTHING WRONG WITH ME!” in unison with both him and guitarist Gav Burton. With Fade To Black rounding off an explosive thirty minutes, this won’t be the last time BORDERS hit UK Tech-Fest, that’s for sure.

Rating: 8/10 

FRONTIERER – Main Stage

Corrosive Wash? More like Corrosive mosh. Thank you – we’re here all week – be sure to leave a tip on your way out. In all seriousness though, FRONTIERER’s twisted DILLINGER-meets-CAR BOMB on steroids math-metal hits new extremes over the next thirty minutes, as the Scott/US five-piece (complete with new drummer Luke Coursey) make their long-awaited return after six years away. Cue caustic screams, Windows-computer crashing sounds, and pounding drums that follow a plethora of stuttering, heavy-as-shit sixteenth-note triplet guitars. There’s a smattering of dynamic instrumentals to help break up the sonic violence, but the majority of material lifted from Oxidized is fast, frantic and fucking furious. Mouths are hanging open by the conclusion of this chaotic sonic assault.

Rating: 7/10

TEN56. – Main Stage

“UK Tech-Fest make some fucking noise. Are we ready to get fucking piles?!” isn’t your archetypal festival enquiry or goal but after a 40-something minute delay, these impatient punters respond to Aaron Matts’ cheeky quip with all the rabidity of a pack of wild dogs. Unfortunately, a major equipment malfunction halts TEN56.’s set mere seconds later – so it’s up to the loquacious frontman to banter with the starved-for-filth masses to pass time. Cue a round of the now-oh-so traditionally UK Tech-Fest “WOOOOO!” chants alongside requests that everyone takes a massive sip of beer. Hilarity ensues with Aaron’s admission of “Mate, I’ve got no hair and man titties. I’m 31 now” following an invite from those watching to whip his top off. Luckily (depending on your penchant for impromptu nudity) any further opportunities for the aforementioned are quashed as normal aural service resumes via a wonderfully unhinged Exit Bag. Dripping in aggression and anguish, it’s also the cue for one of the biggest and most boisterous audience two-stepping sessions known to man. Matts stalks – and subsequently owns – every inch of available space as the Anglo-French wrecking crew dispense one groove-battered diatribe after another. Yenta and nu-infused cut Boy are shot through with glitchy synths and the kind of ludicrously low-ended breakdowns capable of permanently rearranging your internal organs. And if anyone here managed to avoid that, the guttural onslaught of menacing closer Kimo will surely cement TEN56.’s aim to wreck collective heads and necks.

Rating: 8/10 

SEETHING AKIRA – Pins & Knuckles Second Stage

Category is: Dysfunctional Wonderland. Quite literally. Serving up an eclectic smorgasbord of defiant vocals, thundering leads and throbbing electronica-laced beats, SEETHING AKIRA are a deliciously chaotic affair who need – and deserve – to be seen live in order to experience the full ooh-ahh-ahh sensation that their eclectic arsenal provokes. Whether you’re a sucker for soaring guitar solos, lyrical introspection or that classic nu-metal swerve of yesteryear, it’s all here to bop or bang your head to. Considering the number of bodies smashing relentlessly into one another and witnessed flying overhead, it’s safe to say this crowd are here to do both. There’s even a cover of BEASTIE BOYS mega-jam Intergalactic included in the set to be savoured in all its ahem, unique glory. Bold, bombastic and bloody brilliant.

Rating: 8/10 

HACKTIVIST – Main Stage 

You don’t need to read between the lines to recognise the obscene exuberance powering grime metallers HACKTIVIST this evening. Tightly wound and venomously intoxicating, Jot Maxi spits and swaggers, his harsh vocals blending seamlessly with J Hurley’s acerbic quick-fire rapping as anthems like Armoured Core and Elevate get the writhing pits lit amongst a slew of devastating grooves and djent-infused, neck-snapping riffs. Dropping their take on JAY-Z & KANYE juggernaut Ni**as In Paris into the dank mix sends the mercury shooting to new levels but it’s the subsequent re-appearance of Aaron Matts that sees the assembled throng really lose their shit. Having cameoed on the studio version, the TEN56. talisman is on hand to get down and dirty for an infectious Hyperdialect. Fast, furious and bursting with urgency, it’s a definite highlight and flexes their genre-fluid muscle. As a band, the Milton Keynes mandem retain their proverbial crown in the battle to remain one of the most original and uncompromising sounds emanating from the UK today.

Rating: 9/10 

HARBINGER – Pins & Knuckles Second Stage 

HARBINGER must surely be main stage candidates next time out, as their blistering, riff-drenched maelstrom is actually staggering. Opener Prayer of Deliverance explodes with all the strength of a hirsute grenade, its crunchy riffing, ferocious vocal blasts and stomping hooks intertwining to mercilessly drag this crowd by the scruff of their collective necks before Compelled To Suffer maintains the initial frenzy via a bombardment of heavy-hitting instrumentation and some meticulous solo work. Darkest Days’ throat-ripping proclivities see Dilan Alves practically turning himself inside out due to the sheer blunt force trauma and Descendants employs the kind of reverberating riffs plucked straight from the depths of hell. But there’s an unmistakable sense of refinement bursting forth from material being showcased from latest EP A Letter To Anguish. Guile’s maniacal beatdowns and chilling atmospherics serve as the perfect closer – helping the five-piece retain that urgency all the way to the end. Never mind that coveted Main Stage slot, if HARBINGER continue down this bludgeoning path they’ll be barging past the competition to modern metal’s upper echelons.

Rating: 8/10 

BETRAYING THE MARTYRS – Main Stage

The ninth edition of UK Tech-Fest not only marks four years since BETRAYING THE MARTYRS’ blistering headlining slot, their return also sees Rui Martins making his Newark debut as frontman/lead vocalist. And with bodies jumping pretty much from the second those dry ice plumes shoot skywards, it’s safe to say that the Tech Fam™ are onboard for BTM version 2.0. Explosive breakdowns sit alongside precise, polished ferocity whilst hook-laden melodies, pulsating electronica and haunting orchestrations pulse through call-to-arms ode Lost for Words. It sounds absolutely massive – definite anthem territory – but the smile etched across the face of Victor Guillet as he delivers those skin-tingling, soaring cleans might actually be bigger. Whilst unafraid of dipping into the full discography at their disposal (Man Made Disaster from 2010 debut Breathe In Life is a genuine melodic riff ‘n’ picking treat), it’s material from current EP Silver Lining that Rui gets to show off his vocal chops. Swan Song’s moody grooves showcases the melodic side of the band’s abilities and between the huge chorus and clattering drums of Black Hole, we’d defy anyone present not to bang their heads. Well, except perhaps bassist Valentin Hauser who is stuck at home with Covid. Mon Dieu!

Rating: 8/10 

SCAR SYMMETRY – Main Stage 

Granted, after today’s brutal assault, headliners and UK show exclusive SCAR SYMMETRY do seem somewhat flaccid at first compared to the previous bands we’ve seen lay waste to the Showground. However, as the Swedish melodic death metallers’ set unfurls amongst a flamboyant melange of duelling guitar leads, anthemic melodies and progressive-tinged bombast, they can consider the attention of this discerning audience officially captured. The band’s own percussive juggernaut Henrik Olson is currently taking time away from touring to recover from a back injury so Lawrence Dinamarca (drummer of Danish power metallers MANTICORA) has been tasked with pounding the skins. And that he does as the band dip into concept record The Singularity (Phase I – Neohumanity) and rip through Cryonic Harvest. Frontmen Roberth Karlsson and Lars Palmqvist shine, frequently coming to the edge of the stage to engage the masses, and both sounding more vital than ever over the band’s tight, crushing polyrhythmic riffing, screaming solos and keyboard flourishes. The Iconoclast also gives the band’s guitarists the chance to flex their carpal aptitude and perform some stunning fretwork, which flits from gentle and soothing to frenetic and threatening in just a couple of bars. It might have been eight years since their last release, but it’s material these Swedes can still feed the hungry hordes with.

Rating: 7/10 

Saturday – July 2nd

KRYSTHLA – Main Stage 

As far as Adi Mayes is concerned, it’s never too early for a boozy toast. Cheersing this modest but enthusiastic crowd, the gregarious frontman swigs from a bottle of whiskey – and regularly – during extreme metallers KRYSTHLA’s rousing 30-minute assault, which is delivered with equal measures of forceful, energised and hugely satisfying chaos. Meaty percussion, punishing chord progressions, blistering vocals – it’s all here to be greedily savoured. The melodic brutality of Depths kicks you straight in the ribs whilst Zero Sum Game – jam-packed with jackhammer tempos, maniacal screams and furious blasts – once again proves why it’s such a fan favourite. Whether you’re a diehard fan or just relishing the opportunity to tear your neck muscles to some fantastically chuggy riffing, the Northamptonshire five-piece continue to fly the underground metal flag.

Rating: 7/10

THE FIVE HUNDRED – Main Stage 

Six years ago, THE FIVE HUNDRED made their Second Stage debut with a short but solid performance that screamed with promise to those who could hear it. Today, on the Main Stage, everyone is listening. And whilst employing gang vocals and melodic parts may allude to a penchant for unabashed clichés, the visceral stampede that spills forth here over the next thirty minutes dispels any notion to the uninitiated that this is merely paint-by-numbers metalcore. Black Dogs tears open a set more akin to a statement of intent, with frontman John Woods-Eley using his vocal chops to create worlds of contrast as he veers seamlessly between larynx-shredding growls and sublime clean lines. Following suit with Smoke and Mirrors, this earworm delivers a sprawling cornucopia of slamming riffs and djent-spliced grooves alongside a soaring, anthemic chorus. Shifting focus to material from current album A World On Fire at the midway point, it’s all indicative of a band who have finally hit their creative stride. Throw in a wall-of-death for thunderous closer Walls of Jericho (complete with bassist Andy Crawford taking to the swirling floor) and necks are duly snapped. The Nottingham/Gibraltarian quintet continue to be unmissable live.

Rating: 8/10

BLIND SUMMIT – Pins & Knuckles Second Stage 

“I wanna see some movement UK Tech-Fest!” says Alexandra Angelini and suffice to say the bouncing vocalist’s instructions are followed to the letter as Like Water’s crunching breakdown erupts amongst a plethora of glitchy synths, soaring melodies and clattering drums. Performing EP Hell and Heresy in its entirety for the first time, tonight’s set is a smorgasbord of aural contrasts; instrumental Heresy is flooded with haunted keys, lush, soulful cleans drive electronica-tinged I’ve Been To Hell and Here Is Worse and erratic time signatures sit alongside technically astute riffs and djenty flourishes on captivating cut Pontos. It’s an equally confident and captivating performance.

Rating: 7/10

MONASTERIES – Pins & Knuckles Second Stage 

Anyone with a penchant for face-melting, experimental tech-death should already be aware of these rising UK heavyweights. If not, we highly suggest getting online and getting into it. That’s M-O-N-A-S-T-E-R-I-E-S – for your information. Because who wouldn’t want to watch a band who consistently bring forth the most chaotic and erratic songs with schizophrenic tempo changes that leave you wanting more? Ferocious grooves wrestle with down-tuned, stabbing guitars, tremolo-picked breakdowns and terrifying blasts as frontman/vocalist Josh Davies stalks the stage, moving between bowel-shaking gutturals and maniacal screams. By now, this second stage hangar appears to have swelled to biblical proportions – made all the more chaotic as Digital Suicide drops into the vicious mix. At one point, it’s unclear whether we’re bearing witness to a live exorcism – that’s how gloriously unhinged Josh’s grisly roars are here. Crushing in every way without skimping on intricacy or technicality, MONASTERIES continue to deliver aggression and mind-altering intensity in spades.

Rating: 8/10 

THECITYISOURS – Main Stage 

Having garnered quite the following since the release of first EP Hollow Hope back in 2017, the initially lukewarm reaction to this London metalcore five-piece is certainly unexpected. But there’s sufficient neck-snapping fervour and impassioned melodies on hand to eventually win this crowd over. The vicious growls and ferocious instrumentation permeating Coma are the sonic equivalent of being smashed in the face with a brick, whilst its soaring chorus invites the odd singalong alongside frontman Oli Duncanson. Elsewhere, a beautifully introspective Low delights the OG’s whilst confrontational cut Dangerous is the cue for the two-stepping contingent to make themselves known. There’s just enough time to crash headfirst into the ferocious bludgeon of Bare Bones and suffice to say it’s the jump-off for countless fists-in-the-air singalongs.

Rating: 7/10 

VEXED – Pins & Knuckles Second Stage 

VEXED’s 2019 debut was a brutal and commanding revelation, with Megan Targett defying a bout of tonsillitis to summon visceral, enamel-peeling vocals. Three years on, it’s a full circle moment as they’re back as headliners to unleash their brand of alt-metal and hyper-focused brutality upon a rammed Pins & Knuckles Stage (we’re struggling to recall seeing it this busy). And at the risk of sounding woefully simplistic here, it’s really just stunning to both hear and watch. Dropping one ferocious cut from Culling Culture after another, multi-faceted cleans and razor-sharp raps are fully galvanised via an outrageously heavy rhythm section; djent-inflected riffs and throbbing bass rumbles sit alongside Willem Mason-Geraghty’s pounding drumwork. Aiming straight for the jugular, there’s little reprieve between songs, the throat-ripping maelstrom of a bile-flecked Hideous and Narcissist sending this crowd into overdrive and bodies crashing into each other – as much as they can do anyway in such a densely packed space. Taking whatever opportunity to humbly chat with their enraptured audience, there’s no mistaking the band’s genuine joy at being back – particularly as just a few weeks ago, a broken-down van saw them temporarily stranded in Switzerland. But it’s an emotional – and seemingly cathartic – rendition of Aurora that makes for the true highlight of tonight’s set. You could hear a pin drop as Megan’s spellbinding cleans ring out across the room. Tonight is nothing less than a triumph – and it’s undoubtedly a performance that will have everyone gushing for the remainder of the weekend.

Rating: 9/10  

VULVODYNIA – Main Stage

There is a primitive urgency to South African death slam merchants VULVODYNIA whose fearsome live reputation as a crowd killing-inspiring, tribe-like machine precedes them. Many of the punters gathered here will know what lies ahead, and as Duncan Bentley spews forth some of the nastiest pig squeals and bowel-loosening growls imaginable, the whole affair becomes almost ritualistic. Leading his charge into an unholy salvo of sci-fi/horror homage Eternal Wasteland of Galaxies and Mob Justice, the pits open, stay open and when the countless bodies aren’t smashing into one another, they’re contorting into the most extreme of states. Tonight’s outing marks the start of the Praenuntius Infiniti UK tour run, and hearing cuts from said album truly highlights the band’s continued maturation, as they seamlessly incorporate melodic, technical and hyper-aggressive elements into their backbone of brutal slamming death metal. That said, it’s the gut-punching depravity of dank slammer Psychosadistic Design that could probably raise Lucifer himself from the fiery depths. After peeling the very enamel from our collective teeth, that is.

Rating: 9/10 

THE OCEAN COLLECTIVE – Main Stage 

It’s impossible not to be moved by headliners THE OCEAN COLLECTIVE – a statement that’s unwittingly laced with irony given that Loïc Rossetti‘s still healing broken legs (!) necessitate he remains seated for most of their time on stage. Not that it diminishes the set’s impact, as the smoke swathes clear and the band finally emerge. The Germans stir souls as the evocative strains of Triassic takes the room on an immersive journey, from rich, luxurious melodies and groove-laden atmospherics to an explosion of emotive power that leaves jaws on the floor. At the risk of sounding terribly biased, Distorted Sound are thrilled to recognise that the majority of tracks tonight come from Phanerozoic II: Mesozoic | Cenozoic; and it’s akin to being transported through a variety of moods and sensations that keep you fixated throughout. Loïc veers seamlessly between captivating vocal narratives and impassioned screams which heightens the intensity, whilst elements of prog, post-metal, synth rock and classical all intertwine to weave an opulent tapestry, as eye-popping technicality makes way for eclectic compositions. And whilst the 90 minutes seems to pass all too quickly, closer Firmament takes that sting out of the proverbial tail. Sitting somewhere between the crushing weight of NEUROSIS and the atmospheric strains of ULVER, it’s ten-part riff gymnastics, instrumental passages and throat-tearing growls just sound absolutely thrilling – and conclude day two of UK Tech-Fest in hair-raising fashion.

Rating: 9/10

Sunday – July 3rd

BLACK ORCHID EMPIRE – Pins & Knuckles Second Stage 

“Who’s gonna join me in a beer? Cheers UK Tech-Fest!” vocalist/guitarist Paul Visser announces, and all manner of drinks are hoisted aloft in response. They may be one of the “softer” options on today’s bill by comparison, but what the BLACK ORCHID EMPIRE musical arsenal does have in abundance, is huge, unashamed rock bangers and melodic heft. Natural Selection combines groove-laden riffs with heavy hitting drum beats as Paul’s cleans soar effortlessly during a chorus that will lodge itself deep within your cranium and sci-fi inspired Evergreen’s heady combination of intricate chord progressions, rich melodies and grungy overtones places it somewhere between KARNIVOOL and TOOL.

Rating: 7/10 

MARTYR DEFILED – Main Stage 

Eyes were wiped and fists thrown towards the stage when MARTYR DEFILED bid a ferocious farewell to UK Tech-Fest back in 2018. So, the news earlier this year that these Lincoln tech/death metal heroes were back out for a couple of summer festivals was filthy manna to our collective ears. Which, DS is thrilled to report, are subsequently obliterated right off the bat, as the lads let rip via a cacophony of thunderous riffs, gut-wrenching screams and crushing dissonance. Matt Jones’ barked instructions of “I wanna see your necks snapping!” and “split this fucking room!” are instantly followed for downtuned stomper At the Throne of Salem and a mass of writhing bodies proceed to smash mercilessly into one another. It’s a sea of flying limbs and beaming faces. We’re all duly reminded of MD’s penchant for misanthropic aggression and hellacious heaviness with the inclusion of material from 2014’s No Hope No Morality; the ominous Sineater – replete with lacerating blasts and gnashing grooves – is nasty to the nth degree whilst 616 sees Matt rattling the death knell with bone-snapping fervour. Such rabid intensity is had to follow, but a fully loaded rendition of Flawless (“This one’s for the OG’s!”) will do it – and it’s the cue for an insane amount of frenzied two-stepping. Here’s to Matt’s baby – who makes a brief cameo at the end to “awwww!”’s and deafening applause – following in his dad’s musical footsteps.

Rating: 9/10

PARTY CANNON – Pins & Knuckles Second Stage 

Incredible scenes follow suit over at the Pins & Knuckles Stage, as actual party cannons start firing off a shit-ton of confetti and a million inflatables are chucked into the crowd, to a soundtrack of absolutely pounding Eurodance. And then the bass drops. And slam/brutal DM uberlords PARTY CANNON come hurtling out of the gate amid a tsunami of gnarled riffs, primal gutturals and pounding blastbeats. It’s a comical juxtaposition as limbs flail and constant waves of punters go flying towards the barrier whilst riding killer whale and dinosaur inflatables. Security (who are becoming mildly exasperated at the beach balls that keep battering them) give them a hand over the barrier before sending them beaming back into the wild. Lyrics are pretty much indistinguishable and sound like they’re being belched from the bowels of hell themselves. Just when you think it couldn’t get any more visually outrageous or ridiculous, almost the entire crowd drops to the floor to do push ups (would that be called a push-pit?) on vocalist Stony’s command. The capsule review? Pure, unadulterated chaos that’s leaves you partied in half.

Rating: 7/10 

INME – Main Stage 

At this point in time – a whopping twenty-six years since their inception – Essex alt-metal stalwarts INME are an act of true resilience and longevity. Taking the stage amongst a din of applause, cheers and screams, the gathered UK Tech-Fest faithful are soon riding the huge nostalgia wave that’s filling the room. Enthusiastic singalongs of classic and newer tracks from the Jumpstart Hope era are unloaded and this audience lap up frontman Dave McPherson’s banter between tracks. As the quintet drop the ultimate anthem that is Firefly, it’s a potent and joyful reminder of what an absolute masterclass debut Overgrown Eden was in its youthfulness and sheer raw power. Cue the deafening crowd shouts of “It’s all over now, you’ve killed meeeee!” at Dave’s mic-waving invitation.

Rating: 7/10 

PUPIL SLICER – Pins & Knuckles Second Stage

“UK Tech-Fest I want to see you MOVE!” Kate Davies informs the sea of expectant, sweaty faces before her, who need little more encouragement to surrender to the ensuing skull-threatening racket. Her unhinged shrieks – bolstered further by the guttural bellow of four-stringer Luke Fabian – pierce the dense air as the four-piece serve up a deathgrind/mathcore smorgasbord of extreme metal cuts. It’s almost impossible to believe that this is their first ever festival appearance – not that you’d ever know judging by the rabid reaction to Vilified’s demented grooves, ear-piercing feedback and skittish riffs. They aren’t shy about showing off their range throughout a set that is as ruthlessly tight as it is unashamedly manic. Merciless bursts of grindcore aside, there are some more expansive moments to get lost in tonight, as brutality briefly gives way to atmosphere. The seven-minute long Mirrors Are More Fun Than Television allows for shifting time signatures and grinding angularity whilst occasional moments of glitchy ambience and spine-tingling melancholy creep in, working this crowd into a volatile frenzy and invoking headbanging en masse.

Rating: 8/10 

NOVELISTS – Main Stage

There’s something incredibly calming yet cathartic in witnessing the sheer amount of bodies drifting towards the barrier during NOVELISTS – it almost looks like they’re surfing on a non-stop languid wave. However, when it comes to these Parisians’ brand of hardcore-spliced metalcore, there’s absolutely zero that could be regarded as tranquil content wise. Florestan Durand continues to impress in a live capacity as tech-infused riffs and hooks fly by in prolific fashion whilst Tobias Rische’s vocals bleed with equal parts aggression and emotive heft on songs like Smoke Signals and Heretic; the latter of which, incidentally, might be the most explosive song they’ve penned. High energy and shot through with glitchy electronica, frenzied breakdowns and more tightly spat nu-core/rap influenced bars than you can shake a stick at, it’s also their strongest and most convincing material to date. The only genuine gripe here is that the set seems to end just as the four-piece fully hit their stride.

Rating: 7/10

GOD IS AN ASTRONAUT – Main Stage  

Admittedly, Team DS had a few prior doubts and musings regarding tonight’s headliner – and whether their intense wall of instrumental sound would translate live to close out what’s been an exceptional weekend of music. It takes approximately thirty seconds of the Irish post-rockers’ starkly melancholic cut Seance Room – its crescendo being the high point – to reduce all and sundry to open-mouthed, goosebump-ridden messes. But that’s not even the emotional peak of the evening – which comes when guitarist/keyboardist Jamie Dean quietly divulges that frontman Torsten Kinsella’s nephew became suicidal due to heroin use. The subject of which became the – albeit tragic – inspiration for a song. Suicide By Star is gripping from start to finish – that delicate ambience making way for tremolo guitars and ramping up the post-rock intensity by its end but it’s the spinetingling Forever Lost – drenched with stunning piano keys and an explosive vibrancy – that pushes this set into transcendental realms. Taking a brief break from switching up between a myriad of onstage guitars and keyboards, Jamie immerses himself amongst the fans at the barrier during From Dust to the Beyond (“I’m gonna need a bit more of that energy going on this one UK Tech-Fest!”) before the expertly crafted Burial kicks in via a joyous barrage of reverb-laden guitar melodies and bouncing electronic jitters. GOD IS AN ASTRONAUT have taken this room on an immersive journey from start to finish – an absolutely flawless conclusion to the 2022 edition of UK-Tech Fest.

Rating: 10/10

Check out our photo gallery of the action at this year’s UK Tech-Fest from Serena Hill Photography here: 

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