FESTIVAL PREVIEW: Uprising 8
Photos: Tim Finch
Uprising 8 is on the horizon, and it’s shaping up to be one yet another potent edition. Known for championing the heavy, the alternative, and the fiercely independent, this year’s lineup continues the tradition with a diverse and hard-hitting bill.
At the top of the pile, UK underground legends earthtone9 return to the stage for a rare and long-awaited headline performance. Armed with crushing riffs and soaring melodies, they’ll close the night with a 65-minute set sure to blend intensity, atmosphere, and nostalgia in equal measure -a celebration of one of the most revered names in British alt-metal.
But the strength of Uprising has always been its depth, and this year’s undercard is packed with must-see acts that span the full spectrum of heavy music.
Esoterica bring their cinematic, emotionally-charged alt-rock to the stage, combining lush electronics with big choruses and a theatrical presence that’s sure to captivate. Lowen inject something truly unique: a rich fusion of doom metal and Middle Eastern tonalities, driven by frontwoman Nina Saeidi’s commanding voice and spiritual energy. They blew us away supporting Zakk Wylde earlier this year, this is a set you do not want to miss!
Black Orchid Empire deliver precision-engineered modern rock, walking the line between technical riffwork and anthemic melody, whilst Defences offer a high-energy mix of metalcore and melodic hooks, with duelling vocals and a polished sound that hits hard both sonically and emotionally.
For fans of the darker, more chaotic corners of metal, Hidden Mothers promise a cathartic onslaught of post-black metal and screamo; atmospheric yet abrasive, beautifully unhinged. Obeyer hit from the hardcore trenches with bruising rhythms, unrelenting aggression, and no compromise in sight. Tayne flips the script with industrial-laced noise-pop, all glitchy textures and dystopian vibes. Underdark return with their uniquely poetic take on metal: harsh yet heartfelt, political yet personal, and always emotionally devastating.
The Grey weave progressive metal and post-rock influences into something cinematic and powerful, balancing heavy instrumentation with emotional depth. Voidwalker bring the riff-driven heaviness, drawing from death and groove metal traditions to deliver straight-up carnage. And opening the day, Sulvain are a rising force, blending melody and weight with the kind of promise that marks future headliners in the making.
From atmospheric doom to modern metal, crushing hardcore to industrial experimentation, Uprising 8 offers a full-day journey through the cutting edge of the UK’s heavy scene. Whether you’re there for the riffs, the atmosphere, or the discovery of your next favourite band, this year’s edition promises to deliver.
Photo Credits: Tim Finch Photography
