In just over a week’s time, ArcTanGent Festival will return to Fernhill Farm for the final time before moving to a new Cotswolds location for 2027. Tickets have sold out rapidly as the festival has built up a very loyal audience who revere the current location – many of whom have been taking the pilgrimage to the site near Bristol annually since the very first edition. What keeps the festival fans so devoted is the guaranteed experience of music that “refuses to compromise” and line ups that allow for both celebration of some of the finest artists in all genres post- and math- (rock, metal and everything in between), as well as discovery of new bands challenging the status quo.
Because so many fans have been returning year after year, it’s also a friends fest as many revellers have unofficially claimed their favourite camping spots, creating a strong community and making returning so much more enjoyable. This is also what makes the festival perfect for first timers and solo festival goers. You will always find a friendly face who will chew your ear off with a deep cut of their favourite band, and if you turn up with the most obscure band t-shirt (you know the one – you picked it up at a 30-capacity gig in a dive bar 15 years ago and after one incredible album the members have gone their separate ways, and when someone in your office asks you about it, you just have to say “I’m really sorry, but you wouldn’t have heard of them”) someone will walk up to you and say “Great t-shirt, I love that band, I saw them at this dive bar 15 years ago!” and you will say “NO WAY, me too, that’s where I got the shirt!” and you will become best friends for at least the duration of the festival, if not for life.
Team LOUD WOMEN are returning (obscure band t-shirts already selected) and here are the artists that we recommend you catch at Fernhill Farm.
Chelsea Wolfe
Chelsea Wolfe‘s newest album The Dark will release on 21st August, the weekend of the festival, and she also announced an intimate show at London’s The Dome on 18th August to premiere the new material. Undisputed queen of dark, heavy, gothic sounds with emotive and introspective lyrics, Chelsea Wolfe will headline ArcTanGent for the very first time and the excitement among the fans has been palpable since the announcement. Arrive early for her Thursday evening set as the Main Stage tent will surely be packed.
Oathbreaker
Belgian outfit Oathbreaker carved a unique niche in the heavy and experimental scene – blending post-metal, black metal, hardcore and shoegaze into a visceral sonic experience, the band are making a return from an 8 year hiatus. They kickstarted their comeback with a performance of their seminal album Rheia in full at Roadburn Festival earlier this year. Their fans have been overjoyed by the ArcTanGent announcement, and their set on the Main Stage on Saturday is not to be missed.
Mass Of The Fermenting Dreggs
The Japanese post-hardcore/shoegaze three-piece have amassed a cult following and their UK performances tend to sell out instantly. Making their ArcTanGent debut on the Main Stage on Friday, their set promises an intense live performance. Regarded as one of the most edgy bands on the Japanese rock scene, they should be one of your must-sees of the festival.
A.A. Williams
“A.A.Williams makes the most stunning, slow and beautifully layered, mournful blend of blues-tinted alt folk with a touch of metal and a generous pinch of goth.” – these were my own words when reviewing her last London show. Touring her latest album Solstice, A.A. Williams will bring her gothic sorrow to Fernhill Farm and if you gather at Bixler stage on Saturday, she will captivate your heart and won’t let go. I’ll bring the tissues.
Reclus.È
The brainchild of Tummyache‘s Soren Bryce and Daniel P. Carter of BBC Radio 1 rock show and countless bands, Reclus.È have been establishing themselves with a string of festival performances this summer and will play the Yohkai stage on Saturday afternoon. Despite having only two songs out, including their debut single ‘A Muted TV’, they blend punk rage with cinematic melancholy and post hardcore melodies. Definitely ones to watch.
Witch Fever
No strangers to LOUD WOMEN pages, Witch Fever will set the PX3 stage ablaze on Friday evening with their brand of grunge, punk and riotous energy infused with a heavy pinch of witchy goth vibes. Since its release in October 2025, their sophomore album FEVEREATEN earned them LOUD WOMEN’s #fridaysoundtrack status and many of their singles have been our Singles Of The Week. Suffice it to say, their set is not one to be missed.
Forlorn
The Southern UK based quintet have been establishing their spot on the metal map with their Folk Horror, a blend of expressionist art, crushing soundscapes and paganism. Think Ari Aster’s “Midsommar”, but soundtracked with cinematic metal and haunting vocals. Their debut album Aether has been garnering critical acclaim. Playing a lunchtime slot on PX3 stage on Saturday, they will wake you up and set you up for the last day of the festival.
Giant Walker
Playing the coveted Wednesday ‘best of the previous editions’ slot, Newcastle’s Giant Walker are returning to ArcTanGent after a triumphant performance last year, which we gave a glowing review: “the set is filled with huge riffs which break into spell bindingly beautiful choruses. Infused with progressive textures and accessible melodies, the band showcase a fantastic performance all wrapped up in heavy, woolly tones.” If you’re planning to be one of the early Wednesday arrivals, head to the PX3 stage as soon as you pitched your tent.
Kulk
The doom / sludge duo from Norwich were one of the last additions to the line up and I will admit that I personally jumped for joy at the announcement. Heavy with a capital H, their shows are visceral, brutal and aggressive and it’s astounding to know that this wall of noise is made by only two people. With a new album Choosing To Die due to release in September, get ready to be swallowed by the noise on Friday at Px3 stage.
Jo Quail & The Crossbones Ensemble
Returning to her beloved ArcTanGent will be the internationally acclaimed composer and maverick cellist Jo Quail, who will perform her most recent album Notan in full with a one of a kind arrangement featuring Tom Atherton and The Crossbones Trombones Ensemble. Jo Quail’s performances are always spellbinding, whether she performs solo at a library or as part of an ensemble on a huge stage, so make sure to make your way to the Main Stage on Saturday at lunch time, as this will be a one of a kind experience.
