UK’s heaviest metal festival, Bloodstock, is fast approaching, taking place at Catton Park, Derbyshire, on 11th-14th August 2022. With a colossal line-up consisting of Ronnie James Dio main stage headliners Behemoth, Mercyful Fate (only UK show) and Lamb Of God plus tonnes of hefty other heavy hitters plus rising metal acts. Here are just some bands we recommend you catch over the loaded weekend!

Thursday 11th August

Swedish melodic death metallers Dark Tranquility is considered one of the pioneers of the Gothenburg metal scene, so they aren’t to be missed, headlining the Sophie Lancaster stage on the opening day. Their latest album, 2020’s ‘Moment’ was widely well-received and shows nearly three decades in the band are still going strong with no signs of slowing down.

Bringing the comedy is Nanowar Of Steel, masters of parody metal from Italy on the opening day who will be perfect for the festival party vibes. On their latest release, ‘Italian Folk Metal!’ they bring heavy new life to traditional Italian music with references to Italian folklore with comedic twists as expected, so buckle up and learn all about Italy’s folklore in a hilarious form.

Friday 12th August

Polish extreme metallers and Friday main stage headliners Behemoth are releasing their twelfth album ‘Opvs Contra Natvram’. This will display some of their most thought-provoking and arresting material, set for release on September 16th via Nuclear Blast. It is an exciting time to witness the band that helped establish the Polish extreme metal scene.

American Thrash metal legends Testament is playing the main stage before headliners Behemoth. With an impressive back catalogue of thirteen albums, they have plenty of tracks to get through and are bound to select their mightiest songs to blast to the crowds.

New Delhi-based Indian Folk Metal band Bloodywood have concocted such a powerful and devasting sound which will go down a storm at a festival, and armed with their debut album ‘Rakshak’, released earlier this year, now is the perfect time to catch the band.

Saturday 13th August

Danish metallers Mercyful Fate are only playing one UK show, and it’s at Bloodstock, so it’s a no-brainer to go and check out their headline set. Formed by renowned vocalist King Diamond they have had a few hiatuses since their formation in 1981. Still, luckily they are back and even working on new material, so they may even grace festival goers with some brand new offerings. 

Progressive groove metallers Jinjer from Ukraine were fortunately granted a special exemption to exit their country to do what they do best – perform blistering sets to the masses. So go and show your support for the band and Ukraine by dancing and singing your hearts out to their heavy melodic tracks. 

Fast-rising hardcore UK act Malevolence are stepping in to headline the Sophie Lancaster stage on Saturday night, replacing Hatebreed. They have recently unleashed their new album, ‘Malicious Intent’, which is crushing and powerful and cements them as a band to watch.

Sunday 14th August

The mighty Lamb Of God headline the main stage and close out the final day of Bloodstock. They are known for their energetic and crazy pits, and with a new album due out in October this year, they are sure to debut some new killer tracks.

Extreme metal pioneers Venom inc almost 40 years after their inception, are still going strong with the revitalized 1989-1992 Venom line-up of guitarist Jeff “Mantas” Dunn and vocalist/bassist Tony “Demolition Man” Dolan and the new addition of drummer Jeramie’ Warmachine’ Kling. They have returned with one hell of a follow-up to their acclaimed debut, ‘Avé’, with the new sophomore album ‘There’s Only Black’, which will be released on September 23rd 2022. But for their Bloodstock set, they are treating fans to a special ‘Black Metal’ 40th Anniversary set, so they will play the ‘Black Metal’ album in full running order for the first time in the UK. 

Swedish melodic death metallers Orbit culture will play the Sophie Lancaster Stage. With three solid studio albums behind their belts, they are gaining more momentum as they go. They are a band to keep an eye on, and if you aren’t already a fan, hopefully, they will pull in a big crowd and get some new followers.

Those are just some bands you should try to check out but see the full line-up so far below:

To find out about the traders, food stalls, drinks, entertainment and more on offer at Bloodstock visit: https://darkartconspiracy.com/2022/07/12/bloodstock-is-next-month/

For tickets and information visit:

bloodstock.uk.com

https://www.facebook.com/bloodstock