It’s the final morning of the festival, but our day will still be filled with interviews, japes and even more tech-metal. It’s an early start today to make sure we don’t miss one of the bands we’ve been most eagerly awaiting, Arcaeon. Having reviewed these guys at a basement venue in Liverpool, I’m looking forward to seeing them flex their musical muscles on a much bigger stage. They don’t disappoint, with their glorious mix of djenty tech-metal.
Read MoreSore heads for the journey onsite the second full morning of the festival. Damn you Strawberry Daquiris, why did I ever know you! Despite everyone partying hard on the Friday, the awesome breakfast pizzas and plentiful coffee supplies get everyone perked up and ready for more tech-metal…and drinking this warm Saturday. We walk in to be met by the ever excellent Krysthla, who could easily be mistaken for being a Scandinavian juggernaut with flowing hair and ferocious energy.
Read MoreWe wake up early and make our way onsite as Johann joins us to take photos of the weekend and film my interviews. Everyone we meet seems fresh and eager to attack the day, hungry for more excellent tech-metal. For our Dark Overord there’s no easing in here, as once he’s grabbed his photo pit pass he’s thrust into the fray to cover Greylotus. The fun daytime TV show intro shows how cheeky these guys are, but belies how heavy and serious their music is.
Read MoreUK Tech-Fest is more than a festival – it’s a family and a community. It genuinely feels like returning home when you enter through the box office and get your wristband put on. It’s a festival that genuinely creates a feeling of welcoming, inclusion, passion and dedication. Add to that lashings of technically impressive progressive metal, infectious on-stage performers, enough merch to sink a battleship and plenty of booze, and you’ve got what is now my favourite festival. First seen in 2012 (and at Newark Showground since 2014), the not-for-profit festival has only been possible thanks to the tireless devotion of founder Simon Garrod and his annually returning group of volunteers.
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