Mangata Festival – Nottingham, 12/07/25 (Live Review)

Mangata Festival was not at all on my radar, until I found out that Ante-Inferno, Abduction, and Devastator were playing it, (originally The Infernal Sea too). Throw in Wolvencrown, who I’ve never seen before, and it certainly peaked my interest.

Upon scanning the diverse lineup though, Alunah, Black Orchid Empire, and Coilguns immediately stood out. I was sold, (hough simultaneously horrified that Abduction and Black Orchid Empire clashed. I completely understand why, but it still upsets me! Anyway, since then, I also discovered Outergods and the fantastic Mother Vulture through the lineup.

So that’s the plan then. Strong intentions to see all of those bands, (or at least most of them), as well as any others that might I come me across that strike an interest. I didn’t look into most of the other bands playing, so I’m hoping there are some nice surprises.

But first though, we have another treat prior to the main event.

Solgata – Saltbox – 11/07/25

Before we get to Mangata though, we have Solgata, the pre-show. I’ve always wanted to see Employed to Serve, so this seemed like a great opportunity to do so.

Red Method

Red Method are one of the aforementioned bands that I didn’t look into, so I have no idea what style they play.

When they take to the stage, they don’t have the best sound, but they seem to be a hybrid mix of deathcore and nu-metal, with an obvious Slipknot influence. The lead singer has an absolutely beastly deep growl. They put on a spirited performance, and although this is a small venue, a decent sized crowd has turned up for them. They get an enthusiastic reaction – probably the best I’ve seen an opener get in a long, long time. They even get a pit going frequently.

Red Method are a popular choice for opener it seems, and they warm the place up nicely. I’m intrigued to hear them on record now.

Cage Fight

I enjoyed 2022’s Cage Fight, so I fully expect Cage Fight’s metallic hardcore to be force to reckoned with tonight.

It doesn’t start like that, unfortunately. Technical issues mean that they don’t have a particularly good sound, and have to pause after the first song to sort them out. Once rectified though, Cage Fight are in full-on wrecking ball mode. The band give it their all and the singer’s ferocious vocals sound great.

The audience lap it up, and why wouldn’t you? The band’s aggressive, thundering heaviness hits the spot, and the crowd get moving hard. The pit action doesn’t stop.

Cage Fight put in a very good, thoroughly enjoyable set. I do hope there is a new album soon.

Vower

Vower have a fair amount of hype around them, so I took the opportunity of knowing I was coming here to get to know their work thus far. It’s good – they boast a sort of post-metal/post-hardcore style that blends their influences into something contemporary that has nonetheless learned from the the past. Vower are less aggressive then the two acts that preceded them, so get a different crowd response, but it’s clear they’re a hit.

The band’s expansive sound is fully formed straight from the start, and it’s revealed that their singer has just as strong of a voice live as he does on record. The rest of the band don’t let the side down though, and Vower give me exactly what I was hoping for tonight – charismatic, engaging music. They close with my favourite song of theirs – Eyes of a Nihilist – which ends their set on a major high point.

Atmosphere, melody, and huge presence conspire to make Vower’s performance one that that sounds too big for the confines of the venue. I don’t think they’ll be playing this size of show for too much longer, if tonight is anything to go by.

Top work from Vower. They deserve the hype.

Employed to Serve

Speaking of too big for the venue, my excitement to see Employed to Serve lay waste tonight is immense. The band’s metallic weight is backed up by an army of great songs, so I can’t imagine they’re going to fail to impress in such an intimate environment.

They burst into life with Treachery, and they immediately dominate the stage. The band look like they’re having a whale of a time, which is great to see. The singer in particular has an infectious grin on her face pretty much the entire show, at least between delivering her formidable roars.

The masterful Atonement is next and the results are explosive. The following song – Eternal Forward Motion – keeps up the energy levels, as does Force Fed; more so in fact, and the crowd love it. Fallen Star follows, which gets an even bigger reaction.

Sun up to Sun Down is one of their best, and it absolutely slays. Dear lord, what a song. It gets a proper wall of death, as it deserves.

We Don’t Need You seems somehow heavier yet – the riffs! – as does Mark of the Grave. Amazing stuff. They close the main set with Who’s Side Are You On?, which gets the biggest circle pit so far. They leave, then return, to finish a triumphant set with Party’s Over.

Tonight, Employed to Serve just kept throwing out song after song that destroyed everything around them. How there aren’t more people here is beyond me. Fantastic band.

If the main Mangata Festival tomorrow is half as good as tonight’s Solgata, I’ll be a happy bunny by the end of it.

Mangata Festival – Multiple Venues – 12/07/25

The ridiculous temperature made it near-impossible to sleep last night, so the fatigue levels are not good. Morale is high though, so we’ll see how we get on.

Mangata is my first multi-venue festival, in the sense that some stages are in separate buildings entirely. They are all really close together though, and there is a good atmosphere throughout the day. Spread over five venues, I’ll only end up visiting four of them. I’m getting ahead of myself though. So let’s get to it, starting with the find of an unexpected gem.

Shadowvale – BSB TV Stage – Red Rooms

I’d heard Shadowvale being touted as ones to watch, so I wanted to make sure I did. I briefly checked their EP Austere out – a brief sample really, just flicking through. It was enough to whet the appetite, and enough to know that their sludgy heaviness is right up my street, even more so than I imagined, as it turns out.

Shadowvale fill the small room with their rolling, meaty grooves, and I really like what I’m hearing. I didn’t expect to be moving to the first band I saw, and an unknown to me one at that, but these riffs are irresistible.

Shadowvale make a strong impression on me. As well as the heaviness you’d expect from a band of this ilk, they also have a melodic and atmospheric side that greatly appeals. They remind me of everything I loved about the late, great Charger, only with some clean vocals thrown in for good measure. Maybe a little Obscure Sphinx-y too? Either way it works for me.

A great start to the day. I’m glad I got to see them. A busy room, and a good crowd response; hopefully good things are in store for Shadowvale in the future. Note to self: keep an eye out for whatever they release next. In fact, the guitarist mentions an upcoming album during their set. Happy days! Before then, I’ll check out their debut EP properly, and I suggest you do too.

Alunah – Liquid Light Stage – Rescue Rooms

Oh, Alunah. I’m so happy to finally be seeing you. This is my first exposure to their new singer too. I have to say, she’s bloody good, and more than does the songs justice. Some of my favourite Alunah songs, played live, belted out by a new singer that has a great voice? Win!

The riffs are heavy and flow freely, and Alunah’s infectious songs fill the venue with distortion, and me with a sense of happiness that rarely ever comes from stoner metal. Yep, love it. It’s never my go-to style, but the few bands that really shine are exceptional. Alunah, obviously, are one of these.

I don’t know any of these venues at all, so I have somehow managed to find myself on a balcony, and am initially not sure how to get down to the floor. Regardless, it affords a great view of Alunah doing their thing. When I do make my way down, the band are somehow even more impressive.

Alunah have fulfilled my expectations. Top stuff.

Speaking with Spirits – BSB TV Stage – Red Rooms

After Alunah I explore a bit to get my bearings, and catch a few snatches of bands. I hear some of Speaking with Spirits, who seem pretty decent, and interrupt my wanderings with their, (extremely loud), set. I quite enjoy their metalcore stylings, and they make a huge sound for just the three of them, (and backing synths/keyboards/whatever).

It’s not the best sound, so I can’t truly judge their songs, but I like what I see. They’re clearly enjoying themselves, and their enthusiasm rubs off. The singer has a good clean singing voice, while the guitarist provides harsh vocals. Pretty good. I don’t think I’d ever heard of them before stumbling onto them here, but ones to watch perhaps.

Wolvencrown – Heavy Metal Hairdresser Stage – Liquid Library

It’s early in the day for Wolvencrown’s atmospheric black metal majesty, but that doesn’t deter me. Neither does the fact that this venue doesn’t seem to have air conditioning. Boo! After Of Bark and Ash and Celestial Lands, Wolvencrown have been firmly on my To See list. They clash with Godeth, which is a shame, as although I’ve never heard them, I’ve heard good things about them. For another day then.

Wolvencrown start, and it is immediately captivating. The venue is a small one, but it quickly begins to fill as more and more people seem inexorably drawn to Wolvencrown’s dark riffs and emotive melodies. If this is what it’s like now, I can only imagine what it’s going to be like later for the likes of Abduction, Devastator, and Ante-Inferno.

Wolvencrown benefit from a decent sound and stage presence, making for a performance that’s effortless to enjoy. Although not all of their nuances comes across, enough do to allow the songs to work their magic. Epic stuff, and they go down well with everyone here.

Phoenix Lake – Liquid Light Stage – Rescue Rooms

This is another band I know nothing about, but decide to take a look at while waiting for Outergods to appear. Phoenix Lake reveal themselves to be a melodic metal act in the vein of Evanescence and Within Temptation, only with a modern metalcore influence. At least, that what it sounds like to me.

The music is on the more accessible end of the metal spectrum, and it sounds good. It’s easy to digest and easy to like. The band have their share of hooks and a vocalist who seems born to the role, with her soaring clean singing. It’s good stuff. Unexpectedly, she also occasionally breaks out the harsh vocals, and I like these almost as much as her potent cleans.

This is apparently a hometown show for them, and they make the most of it, unleashing song after song that you could easily imagine filling stadiums much larger than this. The wider breakout appeal of Phoenix Lake is obvious. There’s an enthusiastic crowd in attendance for them too, lending weight to my thoughts. I can easily imagine Phoenix Lake going places.

Outergods – BSB TV Stage – Red Rooms

Outergods are a ball of raging extreme metal intensity, and in this tiny room they go off like a bomb. The stage isn’t big enough for them all, so the singer spends a lot of time off the stage at the front, flailing and contorting with the music as he spits out his impassioned screams and roars. He’s impressively energetic, and his performance allows the band to have a serrated focal point to lacerate the audience with.

As well as this though, what I like about Outergods is that they’re not just about the grinding mayhem. They also have riffs, and they’re not afraid to use them. Alongside this, infrequently, they have atmosphere-focused sections, that allow for breathers amidst the carnage.

Whatever they do though, it’s great at to see them tear a hole in the Red Rooms. It’s packed, and there’s even a bit of a pit in the confined space. The final song is rewarded with a circle pit, a fitting end to the band’s maelstrom of violence

Outergods put on a explosive performance. I enjoyed Dethroned & Devoured, but this is something else. If they can bottle this for their next release, they’ll be unstoppable. If you get the chance to Outergods, don’t miss it. A weekend highlight.

Black Orchid Empire – BSB TV Stage – Red Rooms

I’m still bitter that Black Orchid Empire are on at the same time as Abduction, but at least I’ve seen the latter twice before, (Manchester/Fortress Festival), and am going to see them again later in the year. Black Orchid Empire on the other hand, are a new live experience for me.

I’ve been especially looking forward to this, as Black Orchid Empire are an outstanding exemplar of how to make contemporary rock that’s just brilliantly song-focused. There’s a shockingly small number of people here to see them though, but it’s their loss. The band play like it’s a full house regardless.

Every song is a hit, and all are rendered perfectly, with a strong sound. Cuts like Hydrogen just sound ace. New song Angelfire hits the spot, as does other new one named Blood God – the first time they play Blood God there’s a mistake, which they make into a humorous one, before launching into it again. The singer reveals himself to be a charismatic and friendly front for the band, as well as an awesome singer. He even manages to get the crowd singing backing vocals during Winter Keeps Us Warm.

The final song comes far, far too soon, and before you know it, it’s over. To my mind Black Orchid Empire should be a much, much bigger band, and this performance only reinforces this view. This was a storming set by an excellent band.

Over too soon. They seem to finish about 5 minutes early, I think, although I may be mistaken. I demand more! Of course, no more is given. So, it’s on to the next.

Coilguns – Liquid Light Stage – Rescue Rooms

Once again, there are far fewer people here initially for such a quality, standout band, although it does improve.

I love last year’s Odd Love. I’ve always enjoyed Coilguns’ output, (check out Millennials and Watchwinders), but Odd Love takes their idiosyncratic punk/hardcore/noise rock to a new level entirely. I missed it at the time, as otherwise it would have had a glowing review and absolutely would have been in my top 5 at the end of the year. It sort of falls between something like Converge and At the Drive In, but with a touch of post-metal, (sort of), and bundles of their own secret sauce personality. I don’t know what they did differently for Odd Love, but it’s easily one of my favourite records of the last few years.

All of which is to say, expectations are high. What will Coilguns be like live and in the flesh? It’s time to find out and soak it all in. Tonight the focus is very much on Odd Love‘s songs, which is fine by me.

The singer is a ball of energy, the embodiment of raw emotion and energetic movement. Similar to the singer of Outergods in some ways, although instead of violence and intensity, we have a barely controlled vibrancy that cascades off the stage in waves. He’s in the crowd at one point, as his energy cannot be contained, and then again during the final song, even making it all the way to the bar at the back. He is barely more tethered to one place when he has a guitar in his hands. The entire band give an excellent performance though, and I can’t get enough of it. It’s an experience of channelled, directed, purposeful chaos and disorder.

Coilguns have exceeded expectations. Wonderful. Joyous. Life affirming. Brilliant.

Mother Vulture – Sickset Media Stage – Ghost Nightclub

Mother Vulture are an incredible find. I randomly picked them out of the lineup poster to investigate based purely on their name, I think. Initially I wasn’t 100% sure about them, but by the end of listening to 2022’s Mother Knows Best, I was sold. Since then, I’ve devoured that album. The band’s mix of punk and rock is just delicious.

Apparently the running times for this stage are behind, so when I arrive She Must Burn are still playing, and Mother Vulture will be another 20-30 minutes or so. This is all well and good, but unfortunately will cause them to likely clash with Devastator.

I disappear for a while, but arrive back just in time to see the band kick off with Rabbit Hole, a favourite of mine. Mother Vulture have a very individual flavour that’s theirs alone, and live this is augmented by their absurdly high energy levels and general enthusiasm. Much like the singer of Employed to Serve last night, the singer of Mother Vulture just can’t stop smiling for much of the set. Mother Vulture are a joyful expression of rock and roll, as delivered in their own way.

The lively songs are anthemic and delivered with great exuberance. If it’s possible, Mother Vulture raise the temperature even more. It’s a sweatbox, but a happy one. The crowd dance, and the ground literally shakes, (well, the floor at any rate).

An unreleased song off their upcoming new album, (coming January 2026), is aired, just after their most recent single Treadmill, showing no let up to the unfolding Mother Vulture story.

Mother Vulture are great fun. Go see them as much as you can.

Devastator – Heavy Metal Hairdresser Stage – Liquid Library

I manage to catch maybe half of Devastator, so that’s not too bad. In some ways they are just as fun as Mother Vulture, only in a very different way. Devastator live up to their name via the medium of raucous, spiked blackthrash.

As they did the last time I saw them, Devastator put on a good show and get a good response from the audience. They’re full of riffs and attitude, and are very easy to enjoy. The pit is active, and the band throw themselves into their songs with relish.

Devastator are one of the top tier blackthrash bands out there. It’s a style very easy to play poorly, but Devastator know what they’re doing, as ably showcased tonight.

Ante-Inferno – Heavy Metal Hairdresser Stage – Liquid Library

My final band of the day. I’ve seen Ante-Inferno three times before, (here, here, and here), so this will be the fourth, but just don’t seem to tire of their aggressive atmospheric black metal. They start late, which is actually fine with me, as it gives me more time outside to bask in the unexpectedly cooler air.

Heralded by their stirring intro, Ante-Inferno take to the stage like they own it, or at least like they want to drown it in darkness. As always seems to be the case, the band are on fire. They’ve a good sound, as befits their status as headliners, and they attack their material with mood-rich intensity. There are less here watching the band than I would have expected, but it matters not, and they play a commanding set.

Ante-Inferno put on a superb showcase for their well-developed blackened worldbuilding, driven by a live performance that injects extra fury into the songs. They sound immense and absorbing. I swear they get better every time I see them. The power the songs generate is near-tangible.

Ante-Inferno end the festival, for me at least, flawlessly. If you’re a fan of black metal and you haven’t yet seen Ante-Inferno live or experienced any of their records, then you simply must.

Well, it’s been a long day, and I’m very tired and broken, but it has also been a great day. Ignoring the baking heat and accompanying fatigue, this has been a very well-run, very enjoyable and diverse festival. Hopefully I’ll get to return in the future, as this year has left a positive impression.

Speaking of the future, Mangata Festival have already announced a few bands for the 2026 edition, (featuring Vexed, Raised by Owls, Red Method, In Search of Sun, Hidden Mothers, and Hundred Year Old Man), so get your tickets early. I have a feeling it’s only going to get bigger and better from here.