Prognosis Festival 2025 – Lineup Released
On a crisp November evening in London, music enthusiasts gathered at the Signature Brew in Haggerston for the Hackney Prog Fest 2025. Organized by the visionary Jordan Harris, the festival set out to defy the norms of the prog festival scene, offering a diverse lineup that ranged from hard rock to English psych-prog, with a sprinkling of pop-prog to top it all off. The crowd slowly swelled as the day progressed, reaching a comfortable size of around 80 in the intimate East London venue.
Kicking off the musical journey was Pandamoanium, a Kent-based band that delivered classic hard rock vibes with a twist. Featuring a twin-neck guitar and a six-string bass for that essential prog touch, the band’s instrumental prowess was on full display. Soulweaver, a band hailing from Swansea, followed with their melodic hard rock sound, showcasing a drummer who pulled double duty after his performance with Pandamoanium.
Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, Z Machine had to cancel their performance, clearing the stage for Argham to weave their unique brand of prog magic. Led by keyboard wizard Thomas Morris, the band from East Yorkshire brought a touch of English psychedelia to the festival, captivating the audience with their quirky and engaging performance. Following Argham was Sloth Metropolis, a band that transported listeners to another realm with their heavy, doomy sounds and visually striking presence.
A Formal Horse took the stage next, enchanting the audience with their pop-prog sound and infectious energy. Despite battling a cold, lead vocalist Haley delivered a stellar performance, supported by the band’s intricate instrumentation and nimble musicianship. Closing the night was the legendary Soft Machine, handpicked by Chris Parkins of LPG fame. The band’s thunderous opening set the tone for a night of electrifying music, with each member showcasing their exceptional talent and musical prowess.
From Fred Sonic Baker’s powerful bass to Theo Travis’s ferocious sax solos, Soft Machine’s headlining performance was a fitting end to a day filled with prog wonders. Drawing from their vast repertoire, the band delivered a set that spanned decades, treating the audience to past gems and electrifying renditions of beloved classics. As the crowd basked in the afterglow of a night filled with prog delights, it was clear that the Hackney Prog Fest 2025 had succeeded in offering a fresh and eclectic take on the prog festival experience.