Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Leprous, and more lit up ArcTanGent’s Thursday, catch our recap of the first big day of the festival.

If Wednesday felt like a gentle warm-up, Thursday was when ArcTanGent truly kicked into gear with more people pouring into the campsites and the arena starting to flesh out. With all four stages finally open, the Main Stage, Yohkai, Bixler, and PX3, the site came alive in full force. The atmosphere shifted from the easygoing buzz of the first day to the unmistakable energy of a festival, with music spilling out the tents and fans bouncing between stages.

One of the day’s biggest talking points was the spectacular closing set from Godspeed You! Black Emperor on the Main Stage. Their sprawling, cinematic sound and the combination of slow-burning crescendos and visual backdrops created a performance that was less like a gig and more like an experience. It was the kind of show that reminded you why people travel from all over (I met a number of people who had even traveled as far as the USA to be there) to ArcTanGent in the first place. Another main stage highlight for me had to be seeing The Fall of Troy performing, especially to experience the sounds of doppleganger amongst such an electric crowd was truly special. 

Earlier in the evening, Leprous brought a completely different kind of intensity and went down as a fan favourite of the weekend. Their unpredictable blend of prog and tech-metal hit with sharp precision, all jagged rhythms and powerful vocals that kept the crowd locked in. Over at Bixler, Horrendous and Vianova drew crowds too, showcasing ArcTanGent’s talent for curating line-ups that balance big names with fresh discoveries. Wandering between stages, you got the sense that there was always something worth hearing.

Beyond the music, Thursday also gave festival-goers their first real taste of ArcTanGent in full swing. Food stalls were busy but never overwhelming, queues moved quickly, and the variety of options meant you could grab everything from a quick snack to a proper dinner without missing too much. Merch tents and stalls hummed with activity too, giving fans a chance to pick up festival keepsakes or band tees before heading back into the stage tents.

As the night drew in and the stages lit up against the Somerset sky, there was a sense that the festival had officially begun. 

Distribute your music for FREE with RouteNote!