A tapestry of atmosphere extremity – Day 2 live report of Fortress Festival at Scarborough, UK

As the 2025 edition came to an end, we saw a completely new shade of black on the stage. We saw some more modern faces alongside some of the most recognisable names in Black Metal history. Immersed in introspection and atmosphere, the day unfolded like a carefully curated journey through the genre’s most emotional and expansive terrains, culminating in the epic performance of headliners Agalloch.

Before we wind up this year’s edition, we’d like to share our thoughts on the festival as a whole and some recommendations for anyone planning to attend next year. So, for those who are not from the UK, this is a unique jewel placed right by the coast, so if you intend to stay longer than the period of the event, you can take advantage of the “hopefully” excellent weather and beach vibes. Furthermore, Scarborough is 30 minutes by vehicle from the renowned Bram Stoker town of inspiration, Whitby, if you are a fan, of course. The Scarborough Spa is a unique location for a black metal event, boasting breathtaking coastline scenery. There are several hotels and Airbnb options around the site, and the view is unique. However, if you want to eat fish and chips near the shore, be wary of the vicious seagulls; you might find yourself without food in no time.

The organisers have done an excellent job of providing enough amenities, including food stands and trucks in the main outdoor area, as well as lots of rest areas for fatigued metalheads.

A huge thank you to Dominic from 3nation for having us!

Abduction

What a better way to start the second day than with a renowned band we’ve been wanting to see live for a long time? Like, who need coffee when you have metal right? It immediately felt freezing during what appeared to be a ceremony of rebirth conducted by Abduction. The set, shrouded in dramatic darkness, seemed like a slide into madness: wild, intense, and genuinely frightening. The rear screen displayed scary but intriguing images, and we were all attracted by the members’ stage presence and the loudness that woke us up on this Sunday morning. This was black metal as emotional exorcism, and every face in the audience was moving. It was difficult not to follow the drum bit.

Photo: Peterson Marti

Dödsrit

Dödsrit ignited bright and fast during their first performance in the UK. We found ourselves immersed in their music, which was both urgent and sad, reminiscent of some of the genre’s predecessors. Their performance moved me, and when the stage light changed, the band members seemed almost ethereal. The band’s movements and the sounds produced by the instruments captivated everyone. It was a full-fledged ice storm of complicated metal riffs, harmonic melodic guitars, and up-tempo percussion that bursts like a goddamn cyclone. I liked the vibe they created in the auditorium. It wasn’t a woodsy feeling; it was just fury and regret forced through. The songs performed were essentially tiny tempests of rage and sadness, yet each has sad but gorgeous melodies, harmony-laced guitar riffs, and anguished wailing that makes you desire things you haven’t yet lost.

Photo: Peterson Marti

Autumn Nostalgie

More gloomy sounds greeted us as we moved to the Ocean Room. This time, it seemed like an emotionally charged journey through blackgaze and post-rock textures. As the attentive crowd gathered around the stage, the soaring melodies and meditative sections created a dramatic, heartbreaking mood that persisted long after the final chord faded. The guitar has a dark and dismal tone, with reverb accentuating feelings of being left behind and out of place. A reflection: I think that listening to Autumn Nostalgie will give listeners some comfort and hope since their tunes blend a sense of bleakness and misery with an upbeat tone. But I must admit that I would have liked to see this band perform on a different stage, with more dramatic light and theatrical stage props that might truly elevate the songs to the degree they deserve.

Photo: Peterson Marti

Moonlight Sorcery

And in the blink of an eye, all the melancholy feelings are swept away by the magnetic energy of Finnish band Moonlight Sorcery, who transported the audience into a frozen wonderland. Their blend of lyrical black metal and shredding guitar enthralled a weary audience on the Sunday afternoon. The band’s stagecraft and musical brilliance made them proud to be the band that really started the black metal moshpit on this festival. I mean a timid one, but it was still a mosh pit. Originally a trio founded in early 2018 by vocalist Ruttomieli and guitarist Loitsumestari Taikakallo, they were subsequently joined by another guitarist, Haaska, and they successfully released a full-length album, “Horned Lord of the Thorned Castle”, in 2023. They push the boundaries of typical melodic black metal with numerous neoclassical guitar solos, orchestral keyboards, double-bass drumming, and harsh vocals. From start to end, the performance was like a repeating enchantment that didn’t stop at any time, and the stylistic consistency of their songwriting absolutely carried over from song to song and the crowd couldn’t be more enthusiastic.

Photo: Peterson Marti

Ulcerate

As the auditorium darkens, the strobe lights striked the audience many times, almost as a warning, setting the scene for Ulcerate. The New Zealand trio transformed the main stage into a monument to discordant, tectonic metal. Or, should I say, technical black metal? The atmospheric aura was similar to taking a deep breath before embarking on a long trip. And drummer Jamie Saint Merat delivered an especially remarkable performance, serving as a foundation for the band’s complex soundscapes while maintaining high performance standards. The caustic guitar riff of guitarist Michael Hoggard, as well as the usage of strange chords and unorthodox progressions, contributed to the band’s dramatic and immersive live experience. The sophisticated song structures and claustrophobic atmosphere left the crowd terrified and entranced, and we couldn’t be happier to be there. Fortress’ presentation featured tunes from their famous 2024 album “Cutting the Throat of God”, as well as excerpts from “Stare Into Death and Be Still” and “Shrines of Paralysis”.

Photo: Peterson Marti

Grift

Grift blends black metal with a touch of Swedish folk, capturing the solitude and beauty of the Scandinavian landscape in their music, particularly with the visuals projected on the side screens. The return of the band to the UK noticeably strengthened the bond to the UK fanbase, giving fans a close and emotionally powerful performance that showcased Grift‘s special spot in the black metal scene. Erik Gärdefors’ solo project resonated deeply, exhibiting a raw vulnerability. He pulled tunes from “Arvet” and other works that mix folk, ambient, and black metal in a unique way. The performance really hushed the crowd and touched everyone’s hearts with its deep emotional weight, and I felt almost I could breath and relax again after Ulcerate performance. To add, this year was pretty special since the band celebrated also the 10th anniversary of their debut album, “Syner.”

Photo: Peterson Marti

Forteresse

Some might describe it as traditionalist, while others might refer to it as staying true to the roots. Forteresse’s performance was an unyielding surge of Québécois black metal, proudly representing their homeland. Intense tremolos and powerful rhythms conveyed themes of heritage and resistance with bold conviction. Their performance exuded a cold, disciplined precision that evoked both anger and pride—an indelible display of authority in auditory expression. While we might categorise the sound as quite “standard” for the genre, the riffs were captivating enough to make you stand and headbang. Despite an unfortunate guitar issue during the final song, the band pressed on without hesitation and greeted the crowd with enthusiasm.

Photo: Peterson Marti

Agalloch

Late is the hour and as we all gathered in the auditorium, anticipation building as we stared at the closed curtains of the main stage. The suspense was electric, and Fortress has selected the perfect band to cap off those two unforgettable days we all enjoyed. As the curtains drew back, cutting through a timeless fog and striking illumination, Agalloch graced the stage for their long-awaited return to European soil after more than ten years. It was a moment steeped in reverence—each individual stepping onto the stage eliciting a wave of cheers and shouts from the audience. With a blend of emotion and curiosity, the audience was captivated by the band’s ability to weave intricate melodies that mirrored the beauty of nature’s connection. Was I dreaming, or did I see the guitarist on the floor at some point?

The drumming weaves an essential thread throughout each song, transitioning from slow, haunting beats that amplify the melancholic passages to explosive bursts of intensity that propel the heavier moments forward. With a captivated audience hanging on every note and lyric, Agalloch reaffirmed their status as enduring icons of post-black metal.

Thanks a lot, Fortress Festival! It was an absolute thrill!

Photo: Peterson Marti