Ten Bands You Should Check Out At RADAR Festival 2026
Situated within the O2 Victoria Warehouse, Manchester, RADAR Festival takes place from July 31st to August 2nd, and boasts an incredible, and eclectic line-up of bands. Which, if you know anything about this festival, shouldn’t be too much of a surprise. RADAR proudly champions all parts of the alternative scene and relishes pushing musical boundaries.
If you’re planning to attend, you’ll find yourself spoilt for choice across the two stages (which doesn’t include all the other things going on). So, to help you out, here are ten bands we think you should definitely be checking out.
Friday – Rozemary
Opening the entire festival (Stage Two), the Merseyside ‘baddiecore’ band are on the rise and I suspect it’s going to be packed start to the day. Their high energy, punchy, and hardcore-infused metalcore sound will deliver a sweaty and breathless set. Go see one of the future giants of this scene.
Friday – Sixth Wonder
Alternative metal (heavy, dejenty, and poppy) that comes from a passionate place, Sixth Wonder are a rising heavy band from Glasgow. Come RADAR, you’ll see just why. Their set has all the potential to be one of the most talked about of the weekend.
Friday – Cage Fight
Armed with a brand-new album and more confidence than ever, Cage Fight will bring some serious hardcore energy and noise when they hit the stage at RADAR. There are a handful of no-nonsense and punishingly heavy bands on the bill, and they’re one of the best.
Saturday – Seething Akira
Opening Stage One, there are few better ways for a Saturday to start then with the hyperactive ways of this band. Their electronic nu-core sound is so infectious, and they’ve created some mighty bangers on record, but live is where they excel. This will be one of the festival highlights.
Saturday – EVILLE
This should be good. EVILLE are a Brighton based brat metal band who deliver sharp, contemporary anthems that get stuck in the head. Capable of getting the room pitting and dancing. They’re another band well and truly on the rise, and I suspect they’re going to pull in a big crowd.
Saturday – The Hara
Another band on the rise, The Hara have been killing it as of late, and their live performances reflects that. Hearty and heavy, they know how to create a show, while still delivering high energy anthems. A band with all the potential to be headlining this festival in years to come.
Sunday – Benthos
Showcasing experimental progressive metal music with tons of heart and soul, Benthos’ ability to connect to the listener on an intense level is something worth noting. Their set promises to be a profoundly immersive experience.
Sunday – Luna Kills
A modern metal act that has built up a hardy reputation for their energetic and passionate live shows, Luna Kills’ set at RADAR is another that could pull in one of the biggest crowds of the weekend. It’s going to be heavy, it’s going to be poppy, it’s going to showcase experimental electronica, but ultimately, it’s going to be good.
Sunday – Employed to Serve
The new stuff they’ve been releasing is the sound of a band invigorated and focused, and alongside a hefty back catalogue, Employed to Serve could play double their set time and still have hits left over. They’ve always delivered a satisfying live show, and expectations are that their RADAR set will be another absolute barnstormer.
Sunday – ten56.
Modern deathcore/metalcore, ten56. are up there as one of the heaviest and most intense bands playing RADAR fest all weekend. They’re a great live band and if you’ve not seen them perform, you’ve missed out. Make up for that by having a wild and furious time with them as they headline Stage Two.
