Distorted Sound’s Editorial’s Top 5 Bands To See At Bloodstock
Bloodstock Festival is agonisingly close. With just over a week until the UK’s Mecca of metal returns for another stellar year, we here at Distorted Sound cannot wait to partake in four days of metal thrashing mayhem. Whilst we’ve already given a general and extensive preview of this year’s festival (you can read that preview here), we have decided to go one step further. Here, our team of editors have dived into 2018’s lineup to give you our top five picks. So, lets begin. Here is Distorted Sound‘s editorial’s top five bands to see at Bloodstock Festival 2018!
James Weaver – Editor-in-Chief
5. POWER TRIP – Ronnie James Dio Stage – Saturday
There are a crop of bands leading the frontline for heavy music in 2018 and POWER TRIP are certainly one of those bands. Since the release of their sophomore effort Nightmare Logic last year, the Texan thrashing crew have whipped up a storm on stages across the globe. Now, very much intending to continue to build on their incendiary reputation, POWER TRIP come to Bloodstock to inject some high-octane energy on Saturday morning. Expect an arsenal of riffs that will create a sea of banging heads and we can only imagine the chaos when they drop Executioner’s Tax (Swing of the Axe).
4. LOVEBITES – The Sophie Lancaster Stage – Friday
Bloodstock has long upheld a tradition of booking bands from all corners of the planet and with Japanese shredders LOVEBITES, they have got one of heavy music’s most exciting new prospects. Since their formation in 2016, the all-female quintet have experienced a cataclysmic surge in popularity, especially in the last year, thanks to their no-holds-barred NWOBHM influenced metal. When the band grace The Sophie Lancaster Stage expect a tsunami of shredding riffs, face-melting solos and soaring vocals that will go down an absolute treat with the Bloodstock faithful.
3. BLOODSHOT DAWN – The Sophie Lancaster Stage – Thursday
Very much a product of Bloodstock‘s dedication for growing emerging talent, melodic death metal bruisers BLOODSHOT DAWN owe a lot of their success to the festival. Since gracing The Hobgoblin New Blood Stage in 2009, the UK metallers have gone on to grace the festival two more times, including a memorable and storming performance opening the Ronnie James Dio Stage in 2014. Revitalised, recharged and armed with their ripping new album, the aptly titled Reanimation, BLOODSHOT DAWN hit The Sophie Lancaster Stage on Thursday evening to surely give a performance that will remind those in attendance why they are such a wonderful band in our scene.
2. CONJURER – The Sophie Lancaster Stage – Saturday
You’re going to see a lot of talk about CONJURER in this feature. Arguably the breakout band in heavy music this year, CONJURER have gone from strength to strength since the release of their awe-inspiringly brilliant debut album Mire in February. Their swirling musical vortex of doom, sludge and post metal has stunned fans and critics alike and following astounding performances at the recent UK Tech-Fest and 2000 Trees, CONJURER hit Bloodstock and will give a performance that will surely enhance their already stellar reputation.
1. WATAIN – The Sophie Lancaster Stage – Sunday
What better band could you pick to close off Bloodstock? With the headliners of the festival’s second stage now performing after the action wraps up on the Ronnie James Dio Stage, Swedish horde WATAIN will hit The Sophie Lancaster Stage and will give a performance of sheer incendiary action. Arriving on the back of the exhilarating Trident Wolf Eclipse and armed with a plethora of pyrotechnics, gallons of blood and a catalogue of sheer visceral black metal, WATAIN will ignite those weary heads and will give a performance that will be as intimidating as it will be phenomenal.
Jessica Howkins – Deputy Editor
5. VOYAGER – Sophie Stage – Saturday
In the past year Australian prog metal band VOYAGER have been making waves. Their recent performances at this year’s Ramblin’ Man and UK Tech-Fest have sparked a dedicated following to the band and whilst they may not be the heaviest band to be playing this year, they certainly know how to cook up a storm. They’re underdogs in being one of the best bands to play this weekend.
4. POWER TRIP – Ronnie James Dio Stage – Saturday
POWER TRIP are currently racing towards being serious contenders in modern heavy metal. Their previous UK run with TRIVIUM, VENOM PRISON, and CODE ORANGE saw them steal the spotlight and establish their name and that they’re only going to get better. Bloodstock is a perfect platform for them to gain a much bigger and well deserved following. Check them out for heavy riffs and an absolute blast of a time.
3. GOJIRA – Ronnie James Dio Stage – Saturday
Headlining on the Saturday is French heavy metal titans GOJIRA. They were on the highly anticipated list of potential headliners to be announced at the end of last year’s festival, and to everyone’s delight that’s who they’ve got. As far as headlining goes, they are deserving as they’ve gathered a loyal fanbase, delivered outstanding albums and their live shows have given out crushing blows. This is where GOJIRA take the stand in showing everyone what they’ve got and why meant to be up there with the best of them.
2. WATAIN – Sophie Lancaster Stage – Sunday
Closing the festival for another year is black metallers WATAIN. Off the back of their new album Trident Wolf Eclipse they are guaranteed to bring an explosive show. Of course, there’s the option of not standing at the front if you don’t want to get covered in a little blood, but aside from that WATAIN are a band that you need to watch. Regardless of how far down the rabbit hole you may be with your liking of black metal, WATAIN are one of those bands anyone can get stuck into with melodic riffs and the ability to scream back at Erik Danielsson.
1. JUDAS PRIEST – Ronnie Jamies Dio Stage – Friday
JUDAS PRIEST need no introduction or explanation why they’re headlining Bloodstock. As one of the pioneers of heavy metal they will bring all of the fantastic riffs, and sheer exhilarating moments to sing some classics such as Breaking The Law and Painkiller. You’re not just going to be watching such an iconic band, you’re going to be having the most fun you’ll have while headbanging that is possible.
Sophie Maughan – Live Review Editor
5. THE HERETIC ORDER – Jagermeister Stage – Friday
Dear reader. You are cordially invited to attend a black mass of unholy proportions. And your hosts for the evening will be THE HERETIC ORDER. Spat forth from the fiery recesses of Satan’s basement, these wicked London-based souls draw on the glorious tropes of classic heavy metal (BLACK SABBATH, KING DIAMOND, IRON MAIDEN) whilst the outfit’s theatrical aesthetics inject some good ol’ fashioned schlock value that sits them somewhere between the tormented and tongue-in-cheek. Boasting dextrous guitarwork, sneering vocal antics and a dash of operatic opulence, current release Evil Rising is the anticipated follow-up to 2015’s All Hail The Order with both the band themselves and Will Maya (BREED 77, THE ANSWER) at the production helm. With touring slots supporting death metal heavyweights NECROPHAGIA and Dave Vincent’s MORBID ANGEL offshoot I AM MORBID in the bag alongside a slew of European festival appearances, messrs Lord Ragnar Wagnar (vocals / guitar), Count Marcel LaVey (guitar), Doctor Pain (drums) and the recent addition of new bassist Priestess Morgana, these ghouls and gal will bring their malevolent spectacle to the Jagermeister stage at Bloodstock – and it’s one not to be missed.
4. BLEED FROM WITHIN – The Sophie Lancaster Stage – Friday
With a career spanning thirteen years, three albums and video hits reaching the millions, 2018 would see Glasgow’s BLEED FROM WITHIN return from a five-year hiatus with a colossal bang thanks to fourth opus Era’s punishing grooves and technicality. With firm nods to 2000’s metalcore and the muscular ferocity of death metal a la DECAPITATED, the album also introduces guitarist Steven Jones as each of the 13 tracks explore and respond to hot topics such as societal and political ills. You can expect call-to-arms anthem Crown Of Misery and riff-stomper Alive to drop and absolutely devastate the hordes gathered at The Sophie Lancaster Stage on Friday night at Bloodstock. Pummelling drums and thunderous drumming will ensure bodies are rattling long after frontman Scott Kennedy’s final (and blistering) dual vocals have faded to black.
3. CONJURER – The Sophie Lancaster Stage – Saturday
As one of the blackened jewels sparkling in the Holy Roar Records crown, CONJURER are one of UK metal’s most enticing prospects – both on record and in a live capacity. Stunning from the offset, debut album Mire struck a dynamic balance between the dark, stark and utterly immersive. From the apocalyptic strains of opener Choke, to the haunting soundscapes permeating the eponymous track’s black heart, this ambitious outfit are clearly relishing the diverse path which their artistic journey has led them to meander down. Fresh from triumphant sets at both 2000 Trees and UK Tech-Fest (not to mention a high-profile tour run supporting fellow labelmates EMPLOYED TO SERVE), these fearless Midlands genre benders are poised to tear Bloodstock a new arsehole via their cripplingly heavy sound. We highly suggest reserving your spot over at The Sophie Lancaster Stage well in advance and bracing yourselves for sonic impact.
2. GOJIRA – Ronnie James Dio Stage – Saturday
Transcendent yet technically intricate. Brutality underpinned by atmospheric beauty. Simply put, GOJIRA are an eclectic tour-de-force. Counting musical peers such as James Hetfield and LAMB OF GOD as fans, the French quartet have continued to develop their sonic palette, from the death metal-with an environmental conscience focus of From Mars To Sirius to 2016’s Grammy-nominated progressive monolith Magma, this band continue to cement their status as one of 21st century metal’s biggest and heaviest hitters. Prepare to be taken on a journey as the GOJIRA live experience is one to get utterly lost in. You’re likely to witness a wave of bodies surfing during Flying Whales whilst the blistering chug of L’Enfant Sauvage and the furious bombast of The Cell showcase Joe Duplantier’s effortless blend of clean and growled vocals. Light and darkness combine to make for show-stopping performances. Miss these guys at your absolute peril.
1. AT THE GATES – Ronnie James Dio Stage – Sunday
AT THE GATES are a band who need little introduction. This Swedish five-piece not only provided solace for metalheads trying to escape the angst-filled introspection of 90’s grunge, they would ultimately go on to popularise an entire scene in terms of Gothenburg melodeath. Many have tried to replicate their sound over the space of their 20+ year career, but even to this day, the raw innovation at the core of AT THE GATES’ sound remains impossible to replicate. Fourth studio album Slaughter Of The Soul remains the band’s musical swansong, but the release of “comeback” To Drink From The Night Itself earlier this year proved itself as a worthy competitor. They’re set to hit (or should that be annihilate) the Ronnie James Dio Stage on Sunday night as Bloodstock‘s special guests – expect a sonic smorgasbord of unencumbered aggression, hair-raising atmospherics and ferocious riffage. Prepare to have your face melted off.
Eddie Sims – Album Review Editor
5. CONJURER – The Sophie Lancaster Stage – Saturday
Yes, another suggestion to go watch the mighty, mighty CONJURER absolutely decimate the Sophie Lancaster Stage on the Saturday. Crushing heavy are the four piece and bringing with them a stunning album in Mire as well, this set really could become a career defining moment for the troupe. Not to mention tracks like Behold The Swine being tucked away to bring out with a vengeance, if a ridiculously heavy set in the middle of the afternoon is what you’re after then you really needn’t look any further.
4. NEGATIVE THOUGHT PROCESS – The Hobgoblin New Blood Stage – Saturday
Probably one of the most aggressive and confrontational bands on the entire Bloodstock line up, NEGATIVE THOUGHT PROCESS will be bringing their tooth grinding powerviolence to a keen crowd and things will likely get rowdy. With their Methylene Butterfly debut being the equivalent to having your head caved in with a hammer by an angry punk, their abusive and blast beat ridden music will be a sweaty time in the harsh summer heat, but it’ll also be a grand old time, so see you in the pit.
3. SUICIDAL TENDENCIES – Ronnie James Dio Stage – Friday
If you’re not familiar with the legendary thrash punks at this point, then we’d like to know what it’s like living in a quarantine. Having a career that spans the better part of three decades, SUICIDAL TENDENCIES have hone and sharpened their assault to a knife edge point and their live shows puts a lot of new bands to shame with how much energy they throw out the to crowd. If there is one set where you’re almost guarantee’d a good time, complete with segments to kick shins too and also copious amounts of circle pits. SUICIDAL TENDENCIES will more than likely make a grab for set of the weekend, and it’s unlikely they’ll fall short.
2. FEED THE RHINO – Ronnie James Dio Stage – Friday
If you’ve followed FEED THE RHINO since they made their reputation for being one of the most captivating and impressive live acts around, then this set should excite you as much as it does us. Giving a band with this much energy and intent to impress a stage the size of the Ronnie James Dio Stage is a recipe for excellence, and coupled with the fact that both The Burning Sons and The Silence are certified ragers, then these guys have enough material to kick off the weekend with force.
1. HUNDRED YEAR OLD MAN – The Sophie Lancaster Stage – Thursday
The first band on over the weekend and they are an absolute must see. HUNDRED YEAR OLD MAN concoct massive soundscapes through their combination of post-rock, doom, ambient and everything in between, and the wall of sound they produce is gloriously oppressive. Start your weekend right, with a beer in hand and stood front and centre for this fantastic new talent to come forth and lay waste to all those present with a drone so strong it’ll rumble your guts.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4wfpcZobXV0
Laura McCarthy – Introducing Editor
5. MANTAR – The Sophie Lancaster Stage – Sunday
MANTAR have been a great band to catch live for some years now, and in an open-air festival, you can be sure that opening up yourself to this. Sludge taken to the very extremes of the genre, the two-piece rival bands of much longer life-spans and bigger membership. As an act to witness, there are formidably high energy, so anyone looking to get a real bounce going in the pit will find no better place than at MANTAR’s performance at Bloodstock. Undoubtedly, you’ll feel fully alive, bruised and frothing at the mouth by the end of the set!
4. HUNDRED YEAR OLD MAN – The Sophie Lancaster Stage – Thursday
For those unaware of HUNDRED YEAR OLD MAN, this six piece from Leeds take the atmosphere and aggression of sludge, with all the experimental edge of post-metal. Great soundscapes, a constant emotional link with a booming heart of darkness, this is a band that really is going places. Truly, a big sound and a lot of energy to really get you into the headspace of what Bloodstock is all about; the rawest talent and the most distinctive sounds on the scene; with such a fresh band on the scene, it’s well worth catching what HUNDRED YEAR OLD MAN have to offer.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4wfpcZobXV0
3. PALLBEARER – The Sophie Lancaster Stage – Sunday
PALLBEARER is fast becoming a name loved and acknowledged in the metal community. Since their inception the band have played around with the very basis of classic sounds in a modern age. For those who have not yet witnessed their sound live, they blend together an old-school rock sound, the growling guitars and grungy hooks, with strong vocals and a consistently moody tone. It’s brimming with melancholy, as the doom and sludge influence in their music takes things down to some very heavy places, while the more alt-rock inclined stylings bring in a dynamic of the nineties. For those looking for a band that already has a diverse back catalogue, this should be a set at Bloodstock you’ll very much get behind.
2. VOYAGER – The Sophie Lancaster Stage – Saturday
Unlike some of the heavier acts on over the festival, VOYAGER allow you to indulge in a prog act with a difference; a technical and melodic expansion of sound that looks to achieve the sensibilities of pop within the heaviness and imagination of metal. After their hugely popular album Ghost Mile, their big sound is a wonderful delve into how experimental guitars and chunky basslines combined with soundscapes and great harmonies, this Australian five piece are another act we don’t often get here in the UK, hence it would be a great opportunity to sample some of the best music coming out of Australia at this year’s Bloodstock.
1. VOLA – The Sophie Lancaster Stage – Saturday
Taking the tech scene by storm, VOLA have grabbed attention over the past two years with debut album Inmazes. Imagine DEPECHE MODE mixed with MESSUGGAH and PORCUPINE TREE, this is synth-laden, experimental and groovy, with plenty of sing-along anthems and kickass breakdowns. Without a doubt, the band have a completely unique take on the djent sound. While combining meaty hooks and basslines with odd time signatures, there’s always a hypnotic melodic delivery with VOLA that can’t be ignored. The band have played very few UK shows, and as it’s sure to be an impressive experience, you’d be a fool to miss out.
Dan McHugh – Assistant Introducing Editor
5. VOYAGER – The Sophie Lancaster Stage – Saturday
For some strange reason Australia’s VOYAGER have never achieved the same level of plaudits as the likes of DREAM THEATHER, SYMPHONY X and despite releasing an array of impressive albums for many years, 2017’s Ghost Mile rightfully acquired a lot of praise and has seen their presence in the progressive metal division start to flourish. Their performance at Bloodstock Festival has been long overdue and after putting on fantastic performances at UK Tech-Fest and Ramblin’ Man already this year you know they are going to bring the energy and could well be one of the most underestimated bands on the lineup.
GOJIRA – Ronnie James Dio Stage – Saturday
It is crazy to think that it was almost 20 years ago when a bunch of young upstarts burst onto the scene in 2001 to completely turn the French metal scene on its head. Since then GOJIRA have risen to the top of the mountain and are easily one of the most consistent bands in the business. They deserve to be headlining festivals and the ever forward thinking organisers behind Bloodstock have provided the platform for GOJIRA to prove why they are one of the best live acts around. With six studios albums in their arsenal prepare yourselves for crushing riffs, novelty inflatable whales and a ridiculously tight performance.
SEPTICFLESH – Ronnie James Dio Stage – Saturday
After releasing the critically acclaimed Codex Omega last year which sat proudly amongst many Album Of The Year lists last year, the time has never been more appropriate for SEPTICFLESH to conquer the main stage at Bloodstock Festival. It is a rare occurrence that the Greek death metal titans grace the shores of the UK for a festival slot so don’t miss out on what is guaranteed to be one of the highlights of the entire weekend.
2. JUDAS PRIEST – Ronnie James Dio Stage – Friday
It is a physical impossibility to miss JUDAS PRIEST out of the equation. They have been a cornerstone of metal for a staggering 40 plus years and are still proudly flying the flag. They have a wealth of material to draw from including their phenomenal new album Firepower and could well blow the rest of the lineup out of orbit. You would have been forgiven to show concern when K.K Downing stepped down and Glenn Tipton retired from touring commitments but they are still showing an incredible amount of hunger and drive and with Richie Faulkner firmly in their ranks it is a very exciting time for the JUDAS PRIEST camp.
1. CONJURER – The Sophie Lancaster Stage – Saturday
CONJURER are one of the hottest prospects the UK has to offer. With only one full length release under their belt there is a frightening level of potential for progression. Having already run riot at UK Tech-Fest and 2000 Trees with a set at ArcTanGent on the horizon they will be more than warmed up for the occasion. Their career trajectory could well go supernova but for now just bask in the glory of their bludgeoning intensity as they will undeniably leave the fabled Sophie Lancaster Stage as nothing but a crater when they are finished.
Elliot Leaver – Assistant Introducing Editor
5. ALIEN WEAPONRY – The Sophie Lancaster Stage – Sunday
There must be some sort of voodoo going down in New Zealand at the moment, because ALIEN WEAPONRY have absolutely no right to be as brilliant as they are right now given their young age. Even more impressively is that they have been inspired by the indigenous tribes of their country’s history and sing most of their songs in the language of said tribes; Maori. Combined with razor sharp riffs, a gorgeous nu-metal bounce and a melting pot of other genres along the way including thrash and tech, ALIEN WEAPONRY are a real force to be reckoned with and could quite easily steal the entire weekend on Sunday afternoon on The Sophie Lancaster Stage. Take a punt on them and be blown away.
4. POWER TRIP – Ronnie James Dio Stage – Saturday
POWER TRIP came out of nowhere last year and proceeded to set tongues wagging. Sophomore record Nightmare Logic featured heavily in End of Year lists across the country and the likes of Firing Squad, Soul Sacrifice and the truly excellent Executioner’s Tax (Swing of the Axe) have become staples of thrash playlists wherever one may go. Don’t let their early morning slot on the Ronnie James Dio Stage deter you; POWER TRIP are on the ascendancy, even more so following their explosive sets opening for TRIVIUM earlier this year and will ensure Bloodstock-goers that their Saturdays begin in the perfect way.
3. MORTISHEAD – The Sophie Lancaster Stage – Friday
Allow a little self-indulgence from this Bristol-based contributor; MORTISHEAD are the best metal band in the city right now. It’s been three years since they won the Metal 2 The Masses tournament here and played The Hobgoblin New Blood Stage, but absence makes the heart grow fonder and this time around they’re taking to The Sophie Lancaster Stage on Friday morning to tear Catton Hall a new one and blow away all hangovers; they’re also one of only two bands on that stage who are using pyrotechnics across the whole weekend, the other being Sunday night headliners WATAIN. With a death metal sound as abrasive as it is brilliant, a crazed energy on stage and an utterly terrifying presence, MORTISHEAD will take no prisoners and leave even fewer survivors.
2. GOJIRA – Ronnie James Dio Stage – Saturday
The self-proclaimed ‘prog frogs’ are thoroughly deserving of their headline slot at Bloodstock this year; the cheer of biblical proportions that went up when they were confirmed at 2017’s festival said it all. To take out a band as brilliant and vital as CODE ORANGE on tour and still top them in a live setting or topple the mighty ALTER BRIDGE in a supporting role just goes to show how phenomenal GOJIRA really are and you can guarantee they’ll bring all of that power and magnificence to Bloodstock on Saturday night. This is the chance for them to prove they have the chops to go into the stratosphere; they’ll most likely manage it as well.
1. CONJURER – The Sophie Lancaster Stage – Saturday
There isn’t much more that needs to be said about these guys, but here goes: the CONJURER juggernaut just keeps on gathering speed. There seems to be absolutely nothing the quartet from Rugby aren’t capable of at the moment and their stock continues to rise with every performance that passes. Still riding the tsunami-sized wave caused by debut album Mire, CONJURER are going to annihilate The Sophie Lancaster Stage on Saturday afternoon, and will likely fill out the tent in the process; it’s only a matter of time before they’re destroying the Ronnie James Dio Stage either. A truly special band and one that everybody needs to be witnessing.
And that rounds up our Editor’s choices for this year’s Bloodstock Festival. With just over a week to go, we cannot wait to grace the fields of Bloodstock! Who are you most looking forward to? Let us know in the comments below!
Bloodstock Festival 2018 takes place on 9th-12th August 2018. For more information on the festival like their official page on Facebook.
