Live Review : RADAR Festival on July 5th 2025

Saturday morning of RADAR Festival 2025 begins with a surprise opener in the form of Break Fifty, who launch into their set like they’ve been fixtures on the bill all along. There’s a gritty, raw energy to them - very much a DIY take on Graphic Nature, with that Pitchshifter, industrial-sounding drumming and vocals reminiscent of Feed The Rhino’s more feral moments. Slamming breakdowns and sudden tempo dives give it a Knocked Loose punch, and there’s more than a nod to Heart of a Coward’s dense metallic sheen. Just a standard four-piece, no gimmicks and it absolutely works.

VMBRA, promoted to opening the main stage, seize the moment with confidence. Their sound thrives with the extra space allowing them the spacious and theatrical with a distinct blend of Lacuna Coil’s gothic flair and Haken’s progressive ambition. They deliver a compelling fusion of classic progressive rock and contemporary flair, echoing the spirit of the genre’s pioneers while carving out their own modern identity. Their sound is elevated by symphonic flourishes, most notably through the keyboardist’s soaring vocal lines, which bring a lush, emotional depth that complements the intricate instrumentation. In fact, vocally the band shines across the board: the guitarist, drummer, and keyboardist each contribute to distinct vocal styles, showcasing impressive range and expressive delivery that adds texture and personality to every moment. Their knack for polished melody and heavy underpinning continues to impress, and this feels like a levelling-up moment for them.

Air Drawn Dagger are up next and channel early Paramore with a hint of metal irreverence. Unfortunately, it all feels a little too familiar and thin. When the crowd doesn’t respond to the frontwoman’s call-and-response, her reaction is more petulant than playful, which doesn’t help build rapport. After some in-ear issues, she ventures into the crowd to perform a cover of ‘Omen’ followed by ‘Toxic’ - both heavily reliant on backing tracks. Their attempt to pivot from pop-punk to gritty electro-punk just doesn’t land, and a pointed dig at security at the end comes off as more bratty than bold.

Pintglass roll out their party-meets-punchline shtick, but the novelty or musicality simply isn’t there. Musically and conceptually, it’s all bark and no bite.

Things pick back up with Lastelle, who lean into the post-hardcore spectrum with a proggy, almost cinematic feel. Their layered vocals and earnest delivery draw comparisons to Cold Night For Alligators, but the set doesn’t quite take flight. It’s one-paced, and while technically competent, it struggles to hold attention. Overbearing drums drown out the more intricate guitar work, leaving everything feeling a little flat.

Oceans Ate Alaska emerge with a chaotic techno intro that segues into a vocal-heavy opening mix, perhaps too vocal-heavy. The mix doesn’t quite click initially, with guitar and bass buried, but as the set goes on, it locks into place and becomes unmistakably theirs. There are flashes of incredible talent, with taping-heavy guitar passages and guttural screams that land beautifully. The final track is an outstanding showcase of their sound - melodic, technical and punishing and by the end, the crowd is firmly with them.

Arch Echo deliver a set brimming with musical wizardry. Their jazz-prog metal fusion flows effortlessly from intricacy to melody, with jaw-dropping drum work and pitch-perfect guitar interplay. It’s instrumental, but never indulgent, with every note serving a purpose. The inclusion of lush '80s-style synths adds warmth and a nostalgic glow, elevating their already rich soundscapes.

Novelists are one of the standout sets of the entire weekend. Their sound is a potent cocktail of tech-metalcore precision, hardcore grit, djent-heavy riffs, and melodic hooks, all tied together with bursts of intricate guitar work. From the first note, guitarists Florestan Durand and Pierre Danel command attention with their technical prowess and stage charisma. Camille Contreras’ presence is magnetic. Her vocal range, spanning clean melodies, gritty growls, and everything in between, is a perfect match for the band’s dynamic sound. On tracks like ‘Heretic’, she shines, not just vocally but in her infectious energy, dancing across the stage with a radiant smile that pulls the crowd in. Watching Florestan tear through a solo, crouched low and fully immersed, is a moment that sticks with you. The magic of a Novelists show though is that it’s not just about technical skill, but the sheer joy they bring to the stage. You can’t help but move with them. The whole package is arena-worthy. They look the part too, commanding the platforms with style and swagger – and amazing silver boots in Camille’s case! By the final chorus, it’s clear that they’re operating at the top of their game right now.

Shelf Lives throw out a spiky, electro-punk effort that seems to channel The Ting Tings meets Atari Teenage Riot, but something about the blend just doesn’t quite coalesce. It’s frantic but not focused.

Instrumental prog fans are in safe hands once again with Intervals, whose warm, expressive tone pulls from '80s soundtrack tropes with flair. There’s an accessibility to their music that helps anchor even the flashiest moments, and the guitar leads dance rather than dominate. Each track feels meticulously crafted yet never sterile, allowing emotion to shine through the technicality. It’s a masterclass in restraint and release - virtuosic without ever losing its soul.

Annisokay deliver a stellar dose of sleek, modern metalcore, blending the melodic sensibilities of Novelists with the industrial edge of Stabbing Westward and the technical finesse of ERRA. Their set is a masterclass in balance - crushing heaviness meets soaring melody, with vocals that shift seamlessly between ten56’s Aaron Matts-style gutturals and massive, anthemic clean choruses. The production is razor-sharp, with every element, from the punchy drums to the layered synths, sitting perfectly in the mix. Live, the band wastes no time in commanding the stage. Their energy is relentless, and the crowd responds in kind, locked in from the first breakdown to the final chorus. Tracks from their latest release hit especially hard, showcasing their evolution into a band that’s as emotionally resonant as they are technically tight. It’s one of the most cohesive and satisfying sets of the day, equal parts catharsis and celebration.

Normandie close out the day with a set that’s simply brilliant. It’s sharp, confident, and filled with massive melodies. Their brand of tech-tinged pop-metal is remarkably catchy, and the sound is absolutely spot on. If you’re into bands like Siamese and Resolve, then these guys will feel like a natural extension of that melodic intensity, but with their own unmistakable flair. From the moment they hit the stage, the Swedish outfit delivers a performance that’s both electrifying and meticulously crafted. Their command of the space is immediate, with every member contributing to a sound that is as tight as it is emotionally charged. Frontman Philip Strand leads with undeniable charisma, his vocals cutting through the mix with clarity and passion. All the band’s tracks hit even harder live than on record with thunderous riffs and soaring choruses that feel tailor-made for a packed venue. The live mix is spot-on, allowing the intricate layers of their sound to shine without losing any of the raw energy. Their connection with the crowd is genuine, and the joy they take in performing is contagious. Whether you’re drawn to catchy hooks or heavier breakdowns, Normandie deliver a show that’s both musically rich and emotionally resonant. Simply put, they’re must-see. Vocally perfect, sonically dynamic, the Swedes prove again why they’ve become such a well regarded act on the circuit.