Background/Issues
Once again sadly Bloodstock has had to make some changes. With Covid still causing issues and things fluctuating they are having to make alterations to the festival in August.
Bands that have had to drop out at this point include what would have been Thursday night Sophie Tent headliners The Night Flight Orchestra, plus two Friday Sophie bands in Soen and Noctem along with Dio Stage acts Lost Society and Savage Master. There is also a Sunday band that has had to pull out in Blasphemer.
Obviously, both those bands and the organizers are gutted to make changes but this was always likely due to the world situation. There is now mainly an all British line up which means that the event won’t have sudden changes on the week of the festival which is probably best all round.
To be honest I can’t imagine how difficult and frustrating it all must be for the organizers who are I think to be applauded for their efforts. Even though there may be certain disappointments for fans who were looking forward to particular bands (I know there are a few that I really wanted to see) they are working hard to make sure we all have a bloody good time! So those are the postponements what about the new additions?
The Positive News, New Bands To Enjoy
Taking the Thursday headline spot are UK thrash mad bastards Lawnmower Deth. Obviously not quite the same sort of band as the NFO which the band has alluded to in their statement which read “We are truly sorry you’re not going to get Night Flight Orchestra. They’re terrific and awfully melodic. Naturally, as a replacement for them, we sound exactly the same, so your disappointment should be somewhat abated. Just think melodic Swedish hard rock, with balloons.”
They continued about their excitement to be there with “However, the chance to get in a field, well a tent, with you lovely lot and some beer, did we mention beer, is the bar open yet? Bloodstock, we’re coming! At our age, slightly slower, but we’ll be there. Bring beer. And dancing shoes. And beer. Love LMD.” Always a fun band to watch they should bring an end to the Thursday very nicely. I know at least one of them is a big Rush fan, wonder if they can do a quick cover for this older reviewer?
Dio Stage Friday
Heading to the Dio Stageon Friday we now have Divine Chaos who started out on the New Blood, then Sophie, and now are having a shot at the main stage. They have a brand new vocalist in Jut Tabor along with a brand new album (2020 release) called The Way To Oblivion to regale us with. This 5 piece mixes thrash with melodic death and cannot wait to play what they are calling “the biggest show of our careers“. Catch them early Friday morning.
Opening the Dio on Friday are Lotus Eater who are a very changed line up since 2019 with two members being replaced leaving only the drummer from 2016. It is these 3 guys who have recorded the debut album Where The Body Goes which will be released on the 23rd of this month in time for the festival. The first single (“Obliterate“) is available now and features on guest vocals Oli Sykes from Bring Me The Horizon.
Friday Sophie Stage Additions
Added now for Friday in the Sophieare 3-piece Merseyside doom/sludge outfit Conan. They have been around since 2006 in various forms, originally as just two guys but branched into three. Conan have four albums out plus a couple of live ones (including a set at Bannerman’s Bar in Edinburgh). The band are downright dirty and fuzzy and describe themselves as “the sound of unending hammer blows into the earth, a galloping warhorse heading for your town“. Prepare to be stampeded over by them at Bloodstock.
Also on Friday on Sophie are Norwich thrashers Shrapnel. The band released their third and latest album last year called Palace For The Insane featuring a new bassist. The band have toured with several heavyweights of the scene in Overkill and Death Angel amongst others, honing their chops ready for the festival. As they have said, “we can’t think of a better way of getting back to business than playing Bloodstock“. Can’t disagree with that!
Sunday Sophie Stage
Moving to Sunday on the Sophie are blackened death outfit Necronautical from Manchester. The name means “relating to the exploration of death” which gives some idea about their lyrics and music as they explore themes of life death and beyond. They have a new album coming called Slain In The Spirit (sadly a week after the event) so there should be some brand new music to enjoy for fans.
Sunday Jägermeister Stage
Finally in new band announcements come Spectral Darkwave from London who play dark almost industrial at times black metal. Mean and moody with huge riffs these 3 guys create a doomy noise that has atmosphere and pacing. They only have one album at the moment and a couple of singles including the latest last year called “A Toll Is Due“. They play the Jägermeisteron Sunday.
Metal To The Masses: Scotland Event
Events are due all over the UK this weekend coming however it seems due to restrictions on music indoors Scotland-wise that the event at La Belle Angelehas been changed into a streamed event. This means anyone who wants to check out bands who could win through to playing the New Blood Stagein August can do so at this LINK.
Four bands are playing for a chance along with two special guests in Dog Tired and Ramage Inc. There will be a donate button on the day for anyone who is in a position to help out the bands and the various crews putting on the event. Many have really struggled due to the pandemic. I am not sure at present how we can vote as fans (which is the norm on the nights) or whether it will be feasible. I am sure, however, the organizers will give us those updates when they have them. Grab some beers turn up the computer volume and get in the mood for Bloodstock. I am up for it!
The Rest Of The Bill
Devin Townsend (Friday headliner), Kreator (Saturday headliner) and Judas Priest (Sunday headliner) along with Skindred, The Wildhearts, Cradle Of Filth. Therapy, Napalm Death, Paradise Lost, Bury Tomorrow, Raging Speedhorn, Bleed From Within, Diamond Head, Jinjer, Vio-lence, Saxon.
Gloryhammer, Dark Tranquillity, Phil Campbell And The Bastard Sons. Evil Scarecrow, Onslaught, Memoriam, Ramage Inc. Green Lung, Conjurer, Orange Goblin, Unleash The Archers, Sylosis, Hacktivist, Winterfylleth, The Crawling, Raised By Owls, Anakim, Colpocleisis, Broken Jaw, Hanowar.
Devilfire, Venom, Prison, Borstal, Acid Reign, Beholder, Svalbard, Dog Tired, Bailer, King Creature, Grey Stag, Ghosts Of Atlantis, Strangle Wire, Frozen In Shadows, Deitus, South Of Salem, Master Charger, Bad Earth. Fellowship, This Is Endless, King Corpse, Shackled, Tortured Demon, Hybridize, Halveksia, Odysseus, Solcura, Riptide, Casket Feeder, Son Of Boar, Words That Burn, Sorceress Of Sin, Wired, The Injested, Primitai.
Black Tongue, Liberty Lies, Pist, Terra IV, Internal Conflict, Thunderous Jones, Ashen Crown, Ward XVI. Slave Steel, The Best Medicine, Godeater. Luna’s Call, Urne, Forlorn World, Pemphigoid, As The World Dies, Battle Born, Kurokuma, Ghosts Of Men, Milliner, Axiom, Seething Akira, King Witch, Sharks In Your Mouth, Mother Vulture, Famyne, and Party Cannon.
The event takes place as always at Catton Park in Derbyshire for 5 (FIVE) days August 11 – 15!
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