The UK’s heaviest metal festival, Bloodstock, will take place next month at Catton Park, Derbyshire, from 8 to 11 August 2023. The line-up is immense and varied, including the three brilliant and worthy headliners Opeth, Architects, and Amon Amarth. In addition to huge bands, there are many rising metal acts to catch, so here are some bands we think you should check out over the UK’s most metal weekend!
Thursday 8th August
The one-man Scottish black/speed metal band Hellripper, formed by James McBain, has concocted a thrilling sound with influences from 80s black metal and modern elements. Witchcraft and supernatural inspirations make for a powerful and captivating sound, which is especially evident in the latest offering, ‘Warlocks Grim & Withered Hags,’ released last year. It is a must-hear and will be exciting to witness in the live setting.
UK traditional metallers Tailgunner are keeping the old-school metal sound going in a mighty way with their latest album’ Guns For Hire’, which went down a storm with the press and fans alike.
Friday 9th August
Swedish progressive metal act Opeth is headlining the first day, and I’m very happy and excited about this as a longtime fan. I have seen them a couple of times live, but it will be excellent to see them headline with their soothing and crushing melodies. To make it even more special, it’s a UK exclusive and the setlist has been voted for by fans, ensuring all will be happy with the selection, with their best and, possibly, even some rare gems in the mix!
Thrash/death metallers Nervosa from Brazil are a powerful force to be reckoned with. With their 2023 album, ‘Jailbreak’, they proved that even with line-up changes, they can release an impressive album.
Renowned Greek black metal band Rotting Christ recently released their fourteenth album, “Pro Xristou” (Before Christ), a tribute to Pagan kings. They will surely be playing some of their new material along with their fan favourites in their only UK festival show.
Saturday 10th August
British modern metallers Architects will headline the Saturday in a UK exclusive, and quite rightly, as they continue to impress and rise to massive heights with each album, they will no doubt put on a stirring headline set with big production.
Rising metalcore act Malevolence is one to watch and keep soaring, as evidenced by their massive main stage slot before the headliners. They have grown a reputation for their impressive live sets, so considering the scale, it is bound to be unforgettable especially since its their only UK festival this year.
Finnish folk metal band Korpiklaani will go down a treat in the festival setting with their fun singalong party anthems, which will get everyone singing and dancing armed with beers and devil’s horns. Having only recently released their twelfth album, ‘Rankarumpu’, they are bound to unleash new hits.
Sunday 11th August
Swedish death metal Vikings Amon Amarth feel like a perfect headliner choice. They deliver striking sound and impressive showmanship and production, with lots of pyros to enhance their anthemic offerings. Everyone will be singing along to them while getting very drunk and raising their horns to the sky! Like the other two headliners, they are also a UK exclusive!
Another Swedish band to watch is the progressive metal act Soen. They deliver hard-hitting and cathartic tracks flawlessly and will sound beautiful and captivating live if their studio albums are anything to go by. Their latest album, ‘Memorial,’ was another impeccable slice of progressive metal.
Keeping things fun and diverse with Celtic punk rockers Flogging Molly, this is undoubtedly going to be a lively and enjoyable performance that will put everyone in a good mood and get everyone moving.
That is just a few mentions, but honestly, this is such a strong line-up that it was tempting to list all the bands. You can’t go wrong, as there is metal of all varieties on offer at Bloodstock!
Check out the full line-up below.
For more information and tickets visit: https://www.bloodstock.uk.com/
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