Live Review: Mangata Festival 2025 (12/07/25)

Well now, that was pretty good, wasn’t it?

Taking place on July 12th in the heart of Nottingham, Mangata Festival delivered a riotous day of rock, metal, and alternative sounds across five stages. This was our second time attending and based off the experience, we will be back again next year, especially when the first announcement for 2026 delivers such a strong set of bands.

It’s not just about the bands though as Mangata is an impeccably run festival in impeccably run venues with impeccable food, drink, and merch options across all five stages. We genuinely loved every minute of our time at the festival, chatting to so many wonderful people, enjoying a couple of goth burgers, drinking far too much, somehow finding room for Courtney’s cookies, and not ending up asleep in the corner of the Tap N Tumbler later that night because of the heat.

To all who made it special for us, thank you, and while the trip back to London wasn’t as fun on the way back (one of us broke down half an hour out of Nottingham), we were thoroughly satisfied with our time there.

Let’s talk bands though, because goodness, did we see some really amazing bands. In fact, we didn’t really see anyone who was less than brilliant. We had two reviewers there (Carl and Brendan) and what you’re about to read is our combined thoughts (except when we separated) about the bands we saw.

Mallavora – Rescue Rooms

The first band of the day and a great way to kick things off. The sound was great, the energy was on point with an emotional tinge and a masterful balance of heavy and melodic. They were the perfect start, setting a high bar from the off and making sure their set lasted in our memory over the whole of the day and beyond. There’s a reason why Church Road Records have signed them up.

Infirm of Purpose – Liquid Library (Brendan)

An intrigue watch for me, having heard a song or two in a pre-festival playlist and liking their eclectic mix of metal and electronica. I’m glad I watched them because I thought they were great. There was a lot of energy, lots of fun and the vocalist has a ton of talent and range delivering strong rap flows but also being able to shout and sing. It was fun, even though it occasionally gets a little too dancy for me. I smiled throughout, head-banged, and had a blast.

Shadowvale – Red Rooms (Carl)

I’m not sure how to define Shadowvale except to say that they were heavy, but also so cool on stage. Their music, a combination of sludge, metal, core, nu, and more, is even more potent in the live environment. They are so damn watchable, and I was thoroughly impressed by both their musicianship and stage presence.

Alunah – Rescue Rooms

Strong stuff from Alunah, who really get the crowd going with their rumbling rhythms and big riffs. Heavy doom and psych-infused rock that flies by in a blur of infectious noise, least of all the guitar soloing. Alunah are tight and look so at home on a stage of this size.

Recall The Remains – Ghost

One of our must-see bands, and to the surprise of literally no one, Recall the Remains were brilliant. One of the best bands of the entire day (Brendan note – they were the best band in my opinion and even forced these old man bones into the pit for a bit), they brought energy and excitement to a crowd more than willing to meet them in the middle. The end result was a performance that will be talked about for many Mangata Festivals to come. Where you there when Recall the Remains smashed it!?

Godeth – Red Rooms (Carl)

Last time I saw these guys play, it was Mangata 2024, and they tore the Tap N Tumbler a new one. This time it was the Red Rooms that took a kicking, and everyone inside was left feeling a bit sore. Godeth are brilliant, and this showing was intense, but that is what this band does so damn well.

SWARM6IX – Ghost (Brendan)

Anyone who knows me, knows I am a fan of rap – more in the horrorcore, than hip hop style, but it’s still rap so I went to check out SWARM6IX to see their blend of rap infused metal. I liked what they did, their lead vocalist has presence and flow. Musically, they also get very heavy too with some seriously crunchy and technical beats. It’s an interesting mix and is surprisingly dark and menacing. They were very good.

Outergods – Red Rooms (Carl)

One word can sum up Outergods and it’s a metal doozy of a word. The word? Brutal, but with no hyperbole at all. Outergods’ bludgeoning approach will have left everyone who witnessed it, seeing stars, but the most impressive thing about their set was how damn tight they sounded. Brutal, yes, but the devil is in the detail and that is what ended up standing out more than anything else in the end.

Seething Akira – Rescue Rooms

A packed crowd, tons of energy, inflatables everywhere, Seething Akira brought it all and left the crowd in raptures. We knew they would be good (Carl note – they were my most anticipated band of the day), but they went above and beyond with an staggering showcase of their heartfelt anthemic abilities. You can dance to this band, you can head bang to this band, you’ll have a blast throughout their set, but you’ll also feel something. From the first second, until the last note, the energy was off the roof.

Defences – Ghost (Carl)

I got to Defences a little late and walked into a packed room, the most packed Ghost was the entire day I was in and out of it. I wasn’t surprised though, Defences have been soaring as of late, and there’s a sense that they probably should have been on the Rescue Rooms stage. From beginning to end, they have everyone entranced and show just why they are one of the most talked about alternative metal bands in the UK scene right now.

MOSKITO – Liquid Library (Carl)

My first venture into this venue came because of the eclectic and electrifying antics of MOSKITO and they did not disappoint. It’s the perfect place to let loose and that is what they do, with feeling though. It’s a lively showing from the band, and while they do draw in some curious watchers, those in attendance are familiar with the thrilling stylish sound of this band.

Overthrone – Tap N Tumbler (Brendan)

I must admit to having alcohol induced sketchiness here but in a packed pub, where I could see next to nothing, I hung out at the back of the crowd, head banged and had a great time experiencing the heavy core sounds of these guys. I must make an effort to see them when I’m a bit more with it but the only memories I have, shining through the fog of alcohol, are positive.

Skin Failure – Liquid Library (Carl)

A band that brings it every time I see them, Skin Failure are a blast to see play and they bring their A-game here. Filled with vigour, garishly intense, having fun all the while, and really getting the crowd going, once again, they don’t disappoint. Noisy though!

The Five Hundred – Rescue Rooms (Brendan)

I had to dash to catch a couple tracks from The Five Hundred after being held up elsewhere, so I didn’t get enough listening time to judge other than to say they sounded great. Meaty, crunchy and had me almost instantly headbanging along. I’ll see them again in a few weeks at Bloodstock and based on this small showing, it’s going to be great.

Moon Reaper – Tap N Tumbler

Carl here, and this was my band of the day. Moon Reaper were immense here and I got up close for them, which really made the show so much more intense. They were stunning, easily my favourite time seeing them, and even though I had enjoyed my fair share of booze at this stage, their set was so memorable I can remember every detail. If you didn’t see them here, you missed out. Which wasn’t the case for Brendan who adds that even though food was a necessity, a speed walk/jog through the streets of Nottingham to get back in time was worth it. They were fantastic.

The Raven Age – Rescue Rooms (Brendan)

The Raven Age were very smooth and professional and probably the most polished act of the day. They sounded good, the guitars were great, and the vocals were silky. There is a little touch of it being so clean, it feels a little too off pace with a lot of what I watched across the day. They did nothing wrong, but I was hyped up, drunk and energised and for that mood, they fell a little flat for me.

Esoterica – Ghost

It should be noted that Ghost was running 30 minutes or so behind, so by time Esoterica did take to the stage, it was getting quite late, and the crowd has diminished a bit. It’s no reflection on their quality in the slightest, it’s just a shame the stage was so behind. Still, it’s another impressive performance with a very engaging set from the London based band. Even more so as we end up standing with the vocalist in the crowd as he makes sure he involves the whole room. It’s a very cool way to end the night.