It’s that time of year again. Bloodstock is rapidly approaching so I took it upon myself to compile a list of what I personally am most looking forward to. Whether you’re a BOA newbie with no clue where to start or a veteran who wants recommendations, hopefully this list will prove useful to you. In no particular order, let us commence the 10 Bands You Need To Catch at Bloodstock Open Air 2017.
Seek Solace In Ruin – Hobgoblin New Blood Stage, Friday
Winners of the Carlisle Metal 2 The Masses, Cumbrian beauties Seek Solace In Ruin are due to make their first BOA appearance, wrecking havoc on the New Blood stage. Absolute raw talent mixed with a bit of passion and a lot of doge makes for a uncommonly invigorating experience. Check out the BandCamp page and give these boys your goddamn ears. Maybe buy their shit.
Blood Thread – Hobgoblin New Blood Stage, Friday
Another contender in the Carlisle Metal 2 The Masses (runners up this time), it’s not secret that I fucking love Blood Thread (see my review on their EP Era of Corruption) and last time I saw them live they absolutely smashed it. These Glaswegians push all my good buttons and I can 100% confirm they’ll push all yours. Here is their BandCamp.
The One Hundred – Sophie Lancaster Stage, Saturday
A good old something for everyone act, The One Hundred has, well, something for everyone. If you fancy a change from all the metal but don’t want something shit, The One Hundred may be your saviour. A little bit of diversity goes a long way at these festivals and I will be hanging around somewhere, either dancing my ass off or nursing a hangover. Either or. See our review on their album. You can purchase merch and music directly through their Facebook page.
Macabre – Sophie Lancaster Stage, Saturday
I don’t even know how to describe Macabre. Just go see them. Honest.
Fallujah – Ronnie James Dio Stage, Saturday
Not exactly unheard of but perhaps one of the smaller main stage acts, Fallujah have had my heart since I first heard them. Having taken a more ambient shift as of late, they’ve not by any means lost their razor sharp edge and I still highly recommend you get up in time to check them out.
Decapitated – Ronnie James Dio Stage, Friday
Probably the best known on this list, Decapitated have been bringing carnage to the stage since day one. I’ve caught them live a few times now and they’ve never let me down. I’m a huge fan of their raw filth but also their fluidity when they put on a show. I think they’ve probably done this enough times by now to know how to please a crowd.
Malum Sky – Hobgoblin New Blood Stage, Saturday
Completely underrated and utterly beautiful, relatively fresh meat Malum Sky are definitely ones you don’t want to let slip under your radar. Masterfully put together, they’re an act that deserve more recognition. I’ve not yet had the pleasure of seeing them at a live show but if their performance is anything like their recording, it’s very likely I won’t have any socks left by the end of their set. Here they are on BandCamp.
Ba’al – Hobgoblin New Blood Stage, Saturday
Another criminally underrated group, Ba’al are pretty much guaranteed to please your ear holes. With a doomy sludgey tone, they make for perfect Saturday drinking music. They may not be your thing, but this is my list. So go watch ’em and if you dig it, support them. Currently recording, I’ve no material to link you with. So you’ll just have to take my word. Or this
Bossk – Sophie Lancaster Stage, Sunday
Okay I’ll admit it. I’d not heard of Bossk until they were announced on the lineup. But I really liked the word “Bossk”. Bossk. Bosssssskkkkk. So I listened because I’m an impressionable little soul. Sort of ambient but not too ambient, I’m really excited to catch them and you should be too. You can by merch and music here.
Oni – Sophie Lancaster Stage, Sunday
Perhaps who I am most excited for, Oni combine everything I love about metal. It’s beautiful, it’s violent, it’s crushing. Still quite a young band (formed in 2014) they’ve very quickly climbed the ladder to rub elbows with some of metal’s finest. And it’s nothing but deserved. Raw talent with relentless engery, if you see anyone at BOA, it better be Oni. Get your Oni gear here.
No Comments