«10»: Our most anticipated performances of Roadburn 2024 - Part C'

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Traditionally, Saturday is the highlight of the Roadburn Festival. Yet again this year, it is probably the most complete day of the four-day festival. Seeing the full lineup of Roadburn 2024, and specifically that of April 20th, in Tillburg, The Netherlands, one can fully understand where the artistic direction is heading to this year. It is probably the day with the widest sonic spectrum, and we can confidently claim that it "urged" us to study a lot its artists as well. From established names of the current day, to acts pushing their craft and art to the extreme, we can safely assume that there will be a lot to catch up between the festival's stages.

Continuing on our article series, this time we focus on ten sets from the third day of the festival, which actually caught our attention in the first place, before the daily program was revealed. In retrospect, re-reading the artists we chose, we can confess to you that these are some of our favorite bands in general. Yes, Roadburn has always strongly offered that emotional connection. As always, for more information about each day and the very interesting side program, you can find out through the following link.

You can revisit here the first part of our article series about this year's festival, focusing on the sets of Thursday, April 18, and here the second part regarding Friday, April 19.

1

Knoll (13:00 - 13:40, The Engine Room)

At the beginning of the year, specifically in January, these Americans released their ground-breaking new album "As Spoken", and we're still in awe (also, we have to finally pen a fully detailed review - it's a promise). Knoll's announcement regarding this year's Roadburn, apart from forcing us to enter moshpits having only eaten a good breakfast, will also erase from their name from list of our must-see acts. Well, one thing is what they did in Roadburn Redux in 2021, another is how they work methodically on their experimental death/grind and also that with every release they get better. Knoll is currently one of the hottest names in the modern extreme underground, willing to push its boundaries. What more can we say?

2

Agriculture (16:30 - 17:20, The Terminal)

Every now and then, an album comes along that will force every person loyal to the festival, to stand up and declare 'this is it!' In many cases, this statement will come out loudly; in others, not that much. For some rare occasions, a single play-through is more than enough for the words to come out, and for a slight breeze from Tilburg to fill the air. The self-titled debut of Agriculture is such a case. Black, gaze-y, drawn out, twisted, but brilliant, and in its own unique way charming. If the beginning is half of everything, the future is written off scary.

3

Takh (16:30 - 17:20, Hall Of Fame)

The name Takh may not tell you much in itself. But it is the musical group that emerged from the ashes of The Black Heart Rebellion. With new inspiration, Takh's intergalactic doom rock was channeled into their last year's first self-titled release, which naturally stood out among Rocking's favorite underground gems for 2023. Post rock melodies and percussion from all over Eurasia, create robust compositions such as "Salomonne" and "Hair Of A Horsetail", such that it is only possible to showcase their full dynamics on the stages of Roadburn Festival. A performance that fans of chaotic ambient sound should not miss.

4

The Keening (17:20 - 18:20, Main Stage)

Of all the bands that have hung up their boots/instruments/mics and for which at times, when discussing their absence, the limits of exaggeration are reached, Subrosa hold a very special place. It might be related to the sentenced-esque feel of their works. Maybe it has something to do with the sincerity that surrounded them, back when they were still active. Or maybe it comes as a result of the huge empty space that was left after their breakup. Most probably, it's all of the above and even more stuff that's difficult to put into words. Whatever the case, Rebecca Vernon aka The Keening, is keeping the flame alive and there's no way we won't walk down the dark road with her.

5

Birds In Row (19:10 - 20:10, The Terminal)

Post-hardcore found its new soul in these three guys from France. Birds In Row's music is tear-jerking, the kind you shed in anger at the injustice of the world, the injustice comingfrom and towards yourself, and is laced with honesty - wherever it comes from. With an amazing series of records, starting with "You, Me & The Violence" and "We Already Lost The World" which led to "Gris Klein" which was universally accepted and recognized as one of the best records of 2022. We will be lucky enough to get lost in the absolute magic of his lyrics and the pain of his music.

6

Lankum (19:30 - 20:40, Main Stage)

Without a shadow of doubt, one of the top long awaited sets of the whole four days. As quiet and under the radar as the first steps seemed, the quartet from Dublin unexpectedly saw its name skyrocket after the release of "False Lankum"; for all the right reasons, if you ask us. The way they transform the traditional music of their country is filled with meaning and personality. They're not trying to sound current or special. They just are. The intensity and volume of their music feels almost like a piece that was waiting to fit into the Roadburn puzzle for a while now. The one and only Rocking Express Engineer has already paid his respects. We're just counting down the days.

7

Khanate (21:30 - 22:45, Main Stage)

The lies are over. Out of nowhere, Khanate returned last year after twelve years with the amazing album "To Be Cruel" and gave us their best impression with their psychedelic, cathartic drone doom. Out of the same nowhere, they also determined to return to live performances, and it would be a real surprise if they didn't also begin from the festival stage which really suits them. Khanate will be taking the center stage on Roadburn's 013, the place they deserve to be, filling us with heartbreak in every excruciating, slow-moving second of their genius music. Pretty sure before it even happens, it's going to be one of those sets we'll remember for a long time.

8

Cult Leader (22:20 - 23:20, The Terminal)

The American leaders of modern metallic hardcore are coming to the Netherlands to play 2018's "A Patient Man" in its entirety. That alone should be reason enough for someone to come to Tillburg this year. In any case, the members of Cult Leader have come a long way and defined a lot in extreme hardcore over the last 20 years, and as for this album, apart from being a totem of the previous decade in its genre, it is also a convincing example of how a music so violent and concentrated, can sound maximalist and full of emotions. Cult Leader are predicted to sweep anything in their way. We would also bet our money on an additional secret show, so there's that.

9

Blood Incantation (23:40 - 00:50, Main Stage)

Well yes, on Friday the 19th, Blood Incantation will play their entire ambient album "Timewave Zero" live for the first time, but we are savages. We want to see the poster boys of modern death metal level everything on the main stage. With records like "Starspawn" and "Hidden History Of The Human Race" constantly on repeat, Blood Incantation's set is predicted to be colossal and we are in a frenzy. Furthermore, it should be clear that if you're into (death) metal, Blood Incantation's technical, progressive and at the same time cerebral and accessible playing and song structures, will make you want to experience them live. They are rightfully at the forefront of an entire scene.

10

Frail Body (23:50 - 00:30, The Engine Room)

No matter how much you look for fresher screamo than Frail Body, we promise that you won't find it. With their particular mastery and deep, immense pain plaguing their work thematically as well as musically in a way full of beauty, Frail Body create aggressive soundscapes that intrigue with their complex guitars and atmospheres. This year's album, "Artificial Bouquet" which has just been released looks like it could easily be among the best releases of the year, maybe even a landmark album for today's screamo. With their previous release, "A Brief Memoriam" not far behind in quality, Frail Body promise a set that will go down in Roadburn Festival history.