Within Reach lit up Reading Rising with a ferocious mid-afternoon set, igniting the first moshpit and circle pit of the day. Even a cymbal mishap couldn’t slow them down! The drummer handled it with professionalism, and within minutes the crew had it fixed. The band laughed it off, turning the quick repair into part of the show. After their set they mentioned they thought they had a new member join them on stage, that’s how fast the crew got the problem solved!
What followed was a killer performance true to the genre, packed with filthy breakdowns that had the crowd moving. The dual vocals from the lead singer and guitarist bounced off each other brilliantly, adding depth and intensity to their sound.
Young, ambitious, and already commanding crowds, Within Reach are setting big goals: a record within a year and a UK headline tour in five. Judging by this performance, that tour will come much sooner. An incredible way to kick off day two at Reading Rising.
Now let me say that when an American looking truck stop cashier walked on stage I did not know what to expect, but the moment they hit the stage the energy skyrocketed. Opening the second stage, the Newbury trio had the crowd bouncing and singing along, their infectious spirit impossible to resist.
Their sound channels the golden age of pop-punk that I grew up listening to, with hook-filled choruses and nostalgic melodies that feel both familiar and fresh. Fountain Island aren’t just living in the past though, they’re carving out their own space in the UK scene with catchy songwriting, emo-tinged emotion, and a rebellious spark. I managed to chat to them after their set for an interview, and just ended up chatting for a large part of the day! Lovely lads! Cannot wait to see what they do next!
Stepping in as a last‑minute replacement, Perpetual Paradox were a complete surprise and an incredibly welcomed one at that! I didn’t know much about the London‑based deathcore outfit before they hit the stage, but they made an impression within seconds. Their performance was razor‑tight and bursting with energy, driven by aggressive, ground‑shaking drums and a ferocity that never died for even a second! For a band I walked in knowing nothing about, they delivered a set that felt powerful, confident, and absolutely unforgettable.
Apologies to Wrex, I missed a large portion of their set due to interviews! I had seen them before and my radio partner in crime (Spooky Nerd) had interviewed them on our show Scene&&Heard before!
My partner in crime Zahir (chaos photographer and reviewer – shout out!) insisted I catch Forlorn, and he was so, so right! The London “folk-horror” metalcore band delivered a doomy, atmospheric set that felt equal parts ritual and performance. Much like the acclaim surrounding their debut album, Forlorn’s live show was drenched in doom-laden ambience and eerie intensity. Front women delivered a great clash of screams and clean vocals that allowed the crowd to respond with headbangs or swaying to the beat.
Though I had to duck out before the end for an interview, the impression they left was undeniable. Forlorn are carving out a distinctive space in the UK metal scene, and I’m eager to catch them again to experience the full force of their set.
All Ears Avow hit the stage with sharp hooks, big energy, and total confidence. I have never seen such energy like that coming from the bass player! Wow! That is a man who puts on a show! I loved the dance moves! Even when they dipped into their slower sections in their tracks, the crowd stayed locked in, swaying along in perfect time. A band with energetic anthems that had the crowd moving from start to finish!
Overthrone, the Birmingham-based metalcore outfit, delivered a set that was nothing short of relentless. Fusing elements of metalcore, deathcore, and hardcore, they unleashed delicious breakdowns, and impactful choruses that had the festival crowd shouting every word back at them. Their high-energy performance left a lasting impression, even managing to drag my sorry ass into two-stepping despite my usual reluctance to join the pit, unhinged shoes and corpse painted face be damned. A special nod goes to the guitarist, whose words of encouragement made the moment even more memorable for me! Overthrone proved themselves a force on stage.
HAWXX hit the stage in true punk fashion! Loud, unapologetic, and ready to spark a riot. Their preshow ritual of collectively screaming “FUCK IT” into the void set the tone for a set built on raw resistance and cathartic release. The lead singer’s passion bled through every note, while the band locked in seamlessly around them, even with a new bassist stepping in and holding their own. From start to finish, HAWXX delivered a performance that felt like a rallying cry, a riot in all the right ways, and a reminder that punk is very much alive and kicking. Resistance is Justified and Necessary!
Waterlines have been steadily climbing through the scene for a few years now, so I had high expectations and they absolutely delivered!! Their dual‑vocal attack was exactly what it needed to be, each voice playing off the other to elevate an already explosive set. They packed out the venue on the second night of Reading Rising, performing with the confidence of a band hitting a major stride, and the energy never dipped for a second. The frontman had complete command of the room, keeping the crowd moving from the first drop to the last breakdown. And that EDM‑infused metal sound? It shouldn’t work, but somehow it’s exactly the chaotic (haha – get it? CHAOS), electrifying blend you didn’t know you needed in your life. I then had to dip for an interview so apologies for missing the end of the set.
Millie Manders & The Shutup set the tone before they even played a note, with a Palestine flag and a trans flag draped proudly over the mic stands. Scattered across the stage were teddy bears – a recurring symbol in their shows, representing innocence, vulnerability, and the fundamental right for everyone to feel safe. On top of the teddy’s was another powerful message “End The Genocides”. From the moment the band launched into their set, they delivered their trademark blend of fiery ska‑punk energy and sharp political edge. Between the band’s tight musical talents, and Millie’s powerhouse vocals, those teddies stood out as a quiet but powerful reminder of the band’s activism; the gentle symbolism on stage made the message hit even harder! The band knew how to get the audience involved, asking them to join in with their songs such as Rebound! I’m not gonna be a REBOUND REBOUND, I’m not here to boost your EGO EGO. Millie also took a moment to speak passionately about the need for more women in metal, praising Reading Rising for championing that push, a well‑deserved shoutout!! And then came the bubbles, which absolutely delighted the child in me; the photos and videos we captured still bring that joy right back. The band used every inch of the stage, sprinting, jumping, and pouring pure enthusiasm into every second. You could tell they genuinely love what they do, and the crowd felt it too. What an incredible end to Reading Rising!
Some shows are live, some pre-recorded. All times are GMT
