RADAR Festival returned to Manchester's Victoria Warehouse for its latest edition, once again pairing a heavyweight metal line-up with the geeky, community-driven activities that have become its trademark. Having relocated from its 2019 origins in Guildford, the event has grown into something closer to metal's answer to Comic Con, blending mosh-pit intensity with tabletop gaming, guitar masterclasses and songwriting workshops, all built around a no-clash, two-stage format that lets fans catch every act.

Highlights included heavy sets from Graphic Nature and Cage Fight, a surprise breakout performance from deathcore band Bound In Fear, and a riotous second-stage headline slot from Pintglass, complete with crowdsurfers promised free hi-vis vests. Thy Art Is Murder's Jerry Chard delivered an offbeat stand-up-style interlude, while Protest The Hero marked their first UK appearance in 12 years with a technically sharp, high-energy set spanning tracks from across their catalogue.