Διαβάστε την ελληνική εκδοχή του άρθρου εδώ.
The truth is that Saturday at Roadburn Festival hosts some of our most beloved performances, each with very different meanings, and that’s why we’re especially excited about this particular day. After our picks for the first and second days of the festival, it’s time for the third, April 18. Once again in the south of the Netherlands, the imaginary traffic lights of musical exploration will light up, guiding us left and right off Tilburg’s main avenue.
This time, we’ll highlight Acid Mother’s Temple mapping out their vast discography for the third time, while the appearance of Otay:Onii is of great importance as a Triennial artist—meaning an artist who performs at the festival for three consecutive years (this year being the second), aiming to showcase their artistic evolution across that period. Also noteworthy is the annual Metal Factory Education Project, which presents a band still in training making its first steps—this year featuring the vocal trio Tria Nema.
We’ll also point out some very interesting festival selections, such as the electronic minimalism of Bitchin Bajas (if you like Mammal Hands, you might discover something beautiful here), as well as the ferocious anarcho-punk of Industry (a listen to the aptly titled "A Self Portrait At The Stage Of Totalitarian Domination Of All Aspects Of Human Life" will convince even the most skeptical listener). Emotionally charged interest will surely come from the Iranian duo Ameretat. Let’s not forget the second performance of the beloved Heaven In Her Arms, as well as Primitive Man, whom we’ll discuss further in the final part.
Cover Photo: Marilena Tsigkou
Spotify playlist
Blackwater Holylight (14.00 - 15.00, The Terminal)
It is a known fact that darkness has many faces, and each year a snapshot of its current status is displayed in Tilburg. Standing somewhere between harshness and melancholy, Sunny Faris, Mikayla Mayhew and Eliese Dorsay hold the flag of the contemporary atmospheric scene in Tilburg and add their own touch to the smoky landscapes that have become synonymous with the genre during the previous decade. The fact that the presentation of
"Not Here Not Gone" will take place in broad daylight doesn't cause any real concern; sunshine will not reach Koepelhal by any means.
Traidora (16.10 - 16.40, Hall Of Fame)
In one of our favorite discoveries from our “
Underground Express” column, we came across Venezuelan-born Traidora—an interdisciplinary artist whose trans identity is central to her expression. Through her project, she channels personal experiences from life in South America, alongside a compelling lineup of collaborators, delivering raw, no-excuses hardcore punk that won’t hold back. The way Hall Of Fame is being pushed, it might not withstand the intensity for long.
Prostitute (18.20 - 19.10, The Engine Room)
From Death Grips to Black Midi and onward to Arabic musical traditions, Prostitute deliberately chose a provocative name-something common in noise rock, a genre that thrives on confrontation. They made a strong impression with their debut album "Attempted Martyr", capturing attention worldwide and earning a spot on one of Roadburn’s major stages. Expect a shocking (in the best sense) performance that will serve as a necessary boost in the middle of a musically overwhelming day.
Boris performing Pink Days set (19.10 - 20.20, Main Stage)
Japan strikes again at the festival, as the titans of noise rock and beyond, Boris, return to shake things up with their unmatched sound, wild personalities, and impeccable style. With sets spanning two days, this one will take us through the beloved "Pink" (the title track alone can tear down any wall), while on the final day they’ll present "Flood." Always stunning live-but in this case, some might even consider sacrificing part of their set for what follows.
Dalek (19.50 - 20.40, The Terminal)
Dälek have been on our radar for a long time, constantly pushing boundaries with every release while remaining committed to sharp social commentary. With the American system seemingly on the brink once again, they returned this year with "
Brilliance Of A Falling Moon", pulling no punches. It’s only fitting that they’ll make their Roadburn debut as part of the festival’s exploration into hip hop. Thankfully, we’ll also get to see them in our neck of the woods shortly after.
Oathbreaker performing "Rheia" (21.30 - 22.40, Main Stage)
Without a doubt, the ultimate homecoming show of the festival. Even if the anniversary context was left aside, the quartet's connection to Roadburn is so deep that it would absolutely justify a prime time slot on the main stage. Given the special weight that the
"Rheia" aesthetic carries and the influence it has had on the wider heavy underground community, from the moment it was released until today, anticipation rises to enormous levels. If we said that we don't have our fingers crossed for an additional surprise set, we would be lying.
Quest Master (21.50 - 22.40, Next Stage)
As dungeon synth continues to seep into our lives, its live representation becomes more feasible-despite the challenges posed by its often one-person nature. Quest Master has managed to captivate fans of both electronic music and fantasy, combining the two with grandeur in both sound and aesthetics. Those who dare step away from the Main Stage, even briefly, will surely be rewarded.
Saetia (22.30-23.30, The Terminal)
No more illusions. Amid a wave of shocking hardcore underground reunions, we were thrilled to hear that Saetia would return after 26 years to redefine how New York screamo was born. Armed with their new EP "Tendrils", released last year, they’re expected to deliver one of the most intense sets of the festival-without mercy. Revisiting "Saetia" and "Eronel" is essential, and we’re certain it will be worth it.
Slift (23.30 - 00.30, Main Stage)
When the answer to the question "do you feel more like a rock or metal band?" is
"it doesn't matter!" you know you're in for some great times. The trio from Toulouse has never hidden its admiration for its heroes nor denied its roots. At the same time, they've never closed themselves in little boxes or put words ahead of their music. Two years after the psychedelic gem known as
"Ilion", and just as many after their appearance as artists in residence at the festival
in 2022, the promise of a world premiere of their new album is just too good to pass up.
Truck Violence (23.55 - 00.30, The Engine Room)
The answer lies somewhere in our review of "Violence", the explosive debut by Truck Violence released two years ago-their truth exists between Chat Pile and Crippling Alcoholism, portraying the American countryside as a modern dystopia. Noise rock entangled with darkness-something we simply can’t resist. Their bipolar musical identity fits perfectly both with our taste and the festival’s aesthetic. An ideal way to close the penultimate night.
