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. But these guys aren’t generic, and they throw in some catchy melodic vocal hooks and killer guitar riffs too. Any fans of Veil of Maya, ERRA and Periphery need to check them out asap. They expertly balance accessible songs with astonishing technicality, and in Sam Machin and Rhys Thomas they have two astounding guitarists. Add to that the amazing vocal range from Stuart Sarre and you’ve a heady mix. The new track they showcase hints at a heavier edge to their future writing, and I’m looking forward to whatever they deliver next. 

After some interviews, we head back to catch Novena’s set. I’m reliably informed that a ‘novena’ is an ancient tradition of devotional praying in Christianity, and the opening few tracks do have a Christian rock band vibe. It’s not long before the band spread their wings though, and new vocalist Pipi Gogerl removes her glasses and unleashes her vivid growling. Ross Jennings (Haken) fronts the band and the harmonies held between various members of the band are wonderful. Pipi certainly adds a new dimension to what I’ve heard previously, and the Haken styling also shines through particularly as the set unfolds. The band have an infectious fun and enthusiasm about their performance, and it’s a joy to experience.

We grab some more press time with bands before heading back to see Black Orchid Empire. Their groove-laden tech-rock is perfect for the mid-afternoon slot, and there are definite grungy overtones to go alongside their prog-rock. They feel like an earthy Karnivool and are a good change-up from the blistering tech-metal we’ve seen lots of this weekend.

Back on the Main stage we have No Consequence, Kaan Tasan’s (Heart of a Coward) original band. Now I’m a massive fan of HoaC, and to get to see No Consequence live is a real treat. You can see why the HoaC boys plumbed for Kaan as their new frontman, as the performance and songs delivered here are from a very similar playbook. I might even go as far as to say that his vocals seem more in synch with the rest of the band than in HoaC, which is I guess is no surprise with him having grown with the band more organically. The single guitar allows more room for the songs to breathe without losing any of the technicality, and Kaan looks to be having fun, confidently in his element here. There’s a reassuring coherence to their performance throughout and I love every second of the set.

We move into the late afternoon with a real variety of bands and styles. Ohhms are like a sludgy, filthy, heavy The Hives. I really enjoy the Will Haven style elements and can see some stompy midtempo Raging Speedhorn in the songs too.

Martyr Defiled take to the stage, allowing us to relieve their glory days once again. Matthew Jones is as charismatic and ferocious as ever, and their brutal, violent Thy Art is Murder style deathcore is fantastic. The full-on moshpit is only matched by the on-stage passion, and it’s a delight to behold.

InMe rollback the years for many of us with their tech-rock that we first encountered at the turn of the millennium (god I feel old…), but they’ve continued to evolve and tonight have the crowd grinning ear to ear.

Rockflesh favourites Pupil Slicer headline the Second stage on this final night. It’s hard to believe that this is their first ever festival appearance, such is the dramatic rise of their star and profile. They’re immediately on the front-foot, unleashing their stunning mix of deathgrind, powerviolence and mathcore straight from the off. It’s a delicious barrage of musical and visual brilliance that whilst challenging is ultimately gratifying. The avant-garde hardcore math-grind-punk is definitely a change-up from what we’ve seen a lot of over the weekend, with their superbly unhinged and raw performance not what you’d usually experience on a Sunday evening. We’re only afforded the chance to take a breath when the engaging Kate Davies does so as well, taking the opportunity to tune their guitars before leaping back into more The Locust-esque awesomeness. This band are undoubtedly going to grow from strength to strength.

I can’t hide my excitement at finally getting to see Novelists live for the first time. I take up position on the front barrier and keenly await their set. Having interviewed them just after arriving onsite a few hours ago (see my video interview HERE), I know that they’re taking to the stage with only about 2 hours sleep under their belts. However, as soon as they bound out onto the Main stage they feed of the crowds energy and put on an incredible show. Their sound is metalcore with lashings of hardcore, but with catchy anthemic choruses, technically spectacular guitar solos and enough stage presence to sink a ferry. Tobias Rische’s vocals are distinctive and fervent, and in new addition Pierre Danel they have a perfect foil to Florestan Durand’s already legendary guitarwork. The second of the Durand brothers, Amael, provides the driving drums alongside Nicolas Delestrade’s vibrant bass. Every song is delivered professionally and expertly, with newer tracks ‘Smoke Signals’ and ‘Heretic’ standing out as highlights. Their set is an example of melodic, passionate, furiously aggressive yet dynamic musicality. Simply brilliant.

The final headliners of the weekend are God Is An Astronaut. Many of us weren’t too sure how well their set would fit the closing headliner slot, but any doubts are soon blown away with their magnificent display of instrumental prowess and musical craft. The stage is awash with effect pedals and instruments, with each member of the band busily at work as the crowd watch on in awe. The vibrancy of their music explodes around the room and, whilst there are elements of ISIS, Bossk and Russian Circles, the influence that keeps on coming to mind for me is actually Hans Zimmer. The enduring emotive experience the Irish post-rockers generate is spinetingling. Sometimes instrumental acts can become self-absorbed and tedious, but the soundscapes that God Is An Astronaut create are pure joy from start to finish. What a way to finish UK Tech-Fest 2022…see you in 2023 Tech Fam!