Arctangent’s 10th Birthday Party – festival review and photo galleries

Review by Natasha Grosvenor and photo galleries by Magda Campagne – 15–17th Aug 2024 – Fernhill Farm, Bristol

The lineup was packed, offering everything from noise rock and doom to electro-punk and melodic post-rock. Arctangent 2024 was a fantastic experience and one of the nicest festivals I have attended; the crowd were a welcoming collective of fellow music nerds, rocking out in a compact and community driven space. Tokky Horror, Blood Command, Baroness, Underdark, Healthy Living, Kulk and of course, Electric Wizard, were standouts, each bringing a unique energy and fierce creativity to the stage (more on the bands below). 

Size wise one could cover the arena in ten minutes, which is incredible not only for wanting to see multiple bands at once, but the small-scale site added to the general wholesomeness of ATG and the theme of “I ran into that person I met at a gig that one time” struck throughout the weekend.

Drinks prices were reasonable, not dissimilar to a London pub at around £7 for a pint (if you aren’t from London this might not seem so reasonable) and the bar had a good variety of options, plus the drinks genuinely tasted nice which is becoming a rarity at festivals. Rhubarb and Custard cider right next to main stage, hello!

Food prices were generally on the pricier side at around £10 per meal, however there were definitely some cheaper options available dotted around if needed, including a shop, simply named ‘shop’, which sold pot noodles.

I Walk Alone

I often navigate events by myself and one of the things I will touch on is how the experience can be in terms of feeling safe doing so. At ATG I probably felt more comfortable than I do in most places. Some more lighting on the routes back to camp at night would have been preferable, as there was a fair amount of dark field, but in general I wasn’t concerned for my safety whilst walking alone, which is very refreshing.

In terms of must-haves Bristol rain is relentless and waterproofs are needed; once it’s raining, you are definitely getting wet, prepare accordingly. Bug spray would have also been useful – an army of wasps descended on the Friday which caused utter mayhem and a site wide necessity to perform statue poses.

The crew and general staffing were lovely throughout and were always happy to have a chat, telling tales and offering a hand. They seemed to genuinely enjoy working at ATG, which is a testament to the organisers and the care they put into their operation. For entertainment post-bands there was a silent disco; one can wander around the site with the headphones listening to the music, but the crowd is generally situated in one tent and it’s surrounding areas. Following Thursday’s disco there were a lot of restless legs wondering what to do next, so we embarked on a mass game of duck duck goose, minor injuries occurred and extreme chortleage amassed.

Bands, Bands, BANDS! >>>>

Tokky Horror were a revelation, Ava Akira & Mollie Rush delivered a chaotic, genre-defying performance that blended punk aggression with hyperactive electronic beats. Their unapologetic, DIY attitude and anarchic stage presence, a staple of the band’s dynamicity over the past four years, had the crowd in the palm of their hand. Tokky Horror are a perfect example of how emerging artists are reclaiming and reimagining punk in ever salient new ways; their set was raucous, fierce and memorable. This band spearheaded the scene post-covid and it’s ending far too soon, three cheers to their new projects!

Underdark had some of the most grotesquely emotive vocals I’ve heard live. Frontwoman Abi Vasquez commanded the stage with fierce presence and unwavering control. Dressed in a striking grey/black leg-slit dress and fishnet gloves, she held full power and form throughout—radiating intensity as she poured every ounce of emotion into her delivery, her voice slicing through the crowd. Abi stepped into the crowd and the audience surged toward her, drawn like moths to a vampiric flame. The energy was palpable as the band delivered consistent shredding, with fierce drums that hammered through each track.

Blood Command self-described as ‘Norwegian Deathpop; dressed to kill top to toe in Adidas’ I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. Low and behold they unleashed their deathpop fury with relentless intensity. Was there Adidas? Oh yes, one full red tracksuit and a bunch of combo drips, I hope they have a sponsorship deal. Frontwoman Nikki Brumen was just incredible; delivering fierce vocals with razor-sharp precision, commanding every ounce of attention hailed upon her from the adorning crowd. This band were tight, their dynamic performance blazing through the tent with infectious energy.

Healthy Living offered stunning ethereal post-rock and folk-tinged melodies. Front woman Amaya López-Carromero’s vocal range is beyond impressive, emotive tension and melancholy atop a doomy background, hitting powerfully throughout. Soft harmonies and lush, expansive soundscapes created an immersive atmosphere, allowing for a reflective moment amidst some of the heavier chaos of the festival.

Kulk the Norfolk two-piece currently making waves, brought raw noise and gritty intensity. Primal energy and feedback-laden riffs created an overwhelming wall of sound that was both chaotic and captivating. Kulk’s unfiltered approach to heavy makes them a true highlight for anyone craving the darker, noisier end of the abyss.

Electric Wizard did not disappoint, unleashing a hypnotic set of doom-laden and riff-heavy ominous grooves. Their signature occult aesthetic and crushing sound filled the main stage tent, their set a welcome reminder that they remain one of the most revered bands in doom metal today. The atmosphere was unsurprisingly electrifying and magical. Paired with delicious visuals of 70s porno cuts, human sacrifice and of course, wizards; cultivating in a hypnotic performance that left the audience in a trance.

Baroness brought a show that felt like a head scratch to the brain in the most satisfying way. Delivering a set that was both sonically lush and emotionally raw, weaving intricate harmonies that were absolutely on point. Thunderous unity followed by a lullaby “don’t let it be the death of me, fill my blood up with poison ashes”—was a moment of heartfelt sugar that resonated deep. Building and amplifying until nearly bringing a few of us to tears with such beauty and power that felt excruciating, in the best way. The breakdowns, pure torture garden deliciousness, were mesmerizing. At one point, John & Gina (guitars) were united with the storm clouds rumbling above, and as the weather finally broke, the song (Tourniquet) climaxed in a moment that was so tasty and cathartic, you couldn’t help but grin. This was one of those performances that stays with you long after the echoes fade away.

Arctangent 2024 was a celebration of diverse voices and bold creativity in heavy music. These artists stood out not just for their sonic innovation, but also for how they embody the values of inclusivity, community, and unapologetic self-expression. This year’s festival was a testament to the growing presence of fierce, fearless artists who are reshaping the scene and making it their own.