Anna has been a festival fanatic since her first ever outing to Download Festival back in 2001, she's got eclectic tastes and covers everything from metal to EDM and loves a chance to try out new festivals. Anna has covered a few European festivals like Snowbombing and Wacken Open Air, but mainly hits up her UK faves; Download, Bestival and Bloodstock!
With 135 days to go to BLOODSTOCK, are we allowed to start a countdown yet?! Spring is officially here and though the festival has some disappointing news to share first, there is also a plethora of excellent news and lots more still to reveal while we’re (im)patiently waiting for August to roll around. You can also tune in to the next Facebook Live on Thursday, 6th April at 7pm. We can’t promise festival management will be wearing Easter bunny ears, but we can promise some Easter goodies. Keep an eye out on BLOODSTOCK’s socials next week too for a little Easter competition…! Unfortunately, we have to share that both Nonpoint and DevilDriver have pulled out of the festival this summer. Putting on a festival involves a lot of moving parts, and BLOODSTOCK is as disappointed and frustrated as its audience when things crop up which the festival has no control over – after all, BLOODSTOCK wants to deliver the very best possible festival for you and works hard year round to curate an stellar line-up. Dez from DevilDriver has shared the following message and we wish Dez all the best with his continuing recovery.
BLOODSTOCK is delighted to announce that the legendary, Norwegian black metal icon ABBATHwill step in to fill the breach on Saturday’s Ronnie James Dio main stage. Rarely in the UK, and not at BLOODSTOCK since Immortal’s headline slot in 2011, this is certifiably a set not to be missed!! ABBATH declares, “We’re really looking forward to be coming back to the UK to shake the Bloodstock foundation. It’s been way too long!” Get up to speed with this full stream of latest release ‘Dread Reaver’, out now via Season Of Mist, or watch the video for ‘Dream Cull.’ Better hone your meme skills, too. With Nonpoint dropping out, the previously announced, almighty BOSSKare moving up the Sophie Lancaster stage bill to takeover their slot, and BLOODSTOCK can also reveal the addition of crossover thrash beasts PEST CONTROL to keep your heads bangin’. Trot over to Bandcamp to investigate their tunes, including latest release ‘Don’t Test The Pest’, released just last month.
The festival is more than just bands though! BLOODSTOCK is excited to welcome the UK’s biggest rock and metal fitness company ROCKFIT for the first time! Renowned for an amalgamation of cardio, dance, and some serious body-sculpting set to a pure rock and metal playlist for those that like it loud, if you’re not sleeping in then ROCKFIT will be the perfect way to shake off the night before and limber you up for the pit! Squatting to Slayer, singing your lungs out, and even the occasional viking row, there will be a 45-minute open air class kicking off Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in the main arena at 10:15am! RockFit @ Bloodstock is going to be a seriously unique festival fitness experience for metal fans by metal fans to leave you feeling energised and fit for the pit!
If the ROCKFIT workout gets you hot under the collar, then BLOODSTOCK also has the perfect thing to cool things down. BLACK ICE-CREAM is back! Suitable for all ages and a refreshing ginger and lemon flavour, it’ll be available in the main arena all festival. Possibly the perfect summer accessory for you to watch ABBATH’s unholy set with?
Tuesday 14 March – The finalists have been revealed for the seventh annual Heavy Music Awards, with the event again recognising the most influential and ground-breaking artists and creatives in the heavy music world. Leading the way with an incredible five nominations are Vukovi, closely followed by Nova Twins, Halestorm and Ghost who receive four nods each. This year, the celebration will reach new heights with the ceremony taking place at the legendary OVO Arena Wembley on 26 May, this makes it the biggest rock music awards ceremony ever held in the UK. Tickets for the event will be available soon.
The prestigious shortlist has been crafted by a panel of almost 1,000 industry experts, ahead of heavy music fans themselves having the final say. The winners will be decided exclusively by public vote – now open until 14 April here vote.heavymusicawards.com.
Leading the nominations and simultaneously making HMA history with the most nominations received by one act ever – an incredible five nods – are scorching Scottish two-piece Vukovi. The band have been championed by the event from its inception having made their debut as performers at the inaugural Heavy Music Awards in 2017.
Vukovi lead vocalist Janine Shilstone said: “Being the first and only band to receive 5 nominations in one year in the history of the HMAs has given us such a sense of purpose and achievement. We feel seen, and we feel heard. My younger self would be so proud of me and everything I’ve overcome at this point. I’m so excited about the future of female and non-binary in this genre and industry There is room for EVERYONE”.
Andy Pritchard of the HMAs says: “Once again the HMA finalists showcase the spectacular breadth of talent across the rock and metal scene. To see so many different styles and sub-genres represented – in addition to the diversity across all the artists – proves once again that the heavy music landscape is as vibrant and non-apologetic as ever.
Also receiving multiple nominations with four a piece are the stratospheric double BRIT Award nominated Nova Twins, ferociously charismatic Halestorm and world renowned metal giants Ghost closely follow. Also highly decorated receiving three accolades are HMA mainstays and newcomers alike Cassyette, Witch Fever, Architects, Parkway Drive, Creeper, Bad Omens, Polyphia, Static Dress and Electric Callboy
Previous dominators Architects will fight to make it a fourth win in the Best Album category after huge successes in 2022, 2019 and 2017. They are set to face tough competition from metal monarchs Slipknot, who are also in the running. Plus, 2023 marks Bad Omens’ HMAs debut, with a nomination for their innovative album The Death of Peace of Mind. Also up for Best Album are Ghost, Halestorm, Nova Twins and Vukovi.
The hotly anticipated, Best UK Artist category is a reflection of the monumental year the British heavy scene has had. The category boasts mainstream breakthroughs including MOBO winning Bob Vylan, Nova Twins and dizzyingly viral Sleep Token. Also on the shortlist are Creeper, Holding Absence, Malevolence and Vukovi.
Best Single sees huge anthems from Architects with ‘When We Were Young’ and Bring Me The Horizon’s ‘sTraNgeRs’, both bands are poised to add to their extensive HMAs trophy collection. Enter Shikari are also nominated with their Wargasm collaboration on ‘The Void Stares Back’ and Creeper with Ghost Brigade, teasing their upcoming album. Ghost’s ‘Call Me Little Sunshine’, Ithaca with ‘They Fear Us’ and Neck Deep’s ‘STFU’ are also strong contenders.
The four breakthrough categories once again showcases the fantastically diverse fresh face of heavy music today. Trailblazing New Dehli metallers Bloodywood, punk powerhouse Cassyette and vividly unique post-hardcore outfit Static Dress, are in the running for Best Breakthrough Album, alongside Charlotte Sands, Heriot, Wargasm and Witch Fever. The BestUK Breakthrough Artist category sees Cody Frost’s rave-punk, Lake Malice’s alt-metal and ground-breaking rock-rap representatives Delilah Bon and Kid Bookie all vying for the title with As December Falls, Blackgold and ZAND. Similarly, Best International Breakthrough Artist pits the electrifying new talents of Charlotte Sands, Scene Queen, ZULU, Scowl, Chat Pile, Soul Blind and LS Dunes against each other for the coveted award.
Brand new for this year, the Best Breakthrough Live Artist nominations are populated by acerbic doom-punk purveyors Witch Fever, As Everything Unfolds, Cassyette, Heriot, Joey Valence & Brae, Lake Malice and Static Dress.
Alongside the other Live Artist categories, celebrating the iconic performances from the last year. Nominations for UK contenders including Biffy Clyro’s explosive headline set at Download Festival, as well as Creeper, Enter Shikari, Neck Deep, Nova Twins, Skindred and Vukovi. Another category making its debut in 2023, Best International Live Artist finalists are represented by My Chemical Romance for their revered return to UK stages, unparalleled festival-set titans Turnstile, as well as Alexisonfire, Electric Callboy, Ghost, Halestorm and Parkway Drive.
The stars and stripes also fly proudly over half of the nominees in Best International Artist, with the likes of Polyphia and I Prevail, facing off against Canadian neighbours Spiritbox who have gone from strength to strength since their 2021 HMAs victory and German electronicore outfit Electric Callboy. Bad Omens and Ghost are also shortlisted.
Switching focus to behind the scenes, the Heavy Music Awards also champion the wider team, with Best Production, Best Video and Best Album Artwork categories, recognising the engineers, designers, directors and editors who all play a vital role in a project’s success.
The Best Festival category returns to the awards, as events did in full force last summer. Calendar staples Download, 2000trees, Slam Dunk and Hellfest make the final list, alongside Outbreak, Aftershock and Bring Me The Horizon & Friends Malta Weekender earning their first nominations.
Organiser Andy Pritchard continued to comment: “For us, it’s another chance to send the wider world a reminder that there is life-affirming, vital music being created every single day by people from all backgrounds. Since we started this journey in 2017, we’ve been committed to building the HMAs, and kicking down as many walls as we can to give these incredible artists a platform they can be proud of. Staging the biggest ever rock awards show is our most ambitious step yet, but we’ll keep pushing. We can’t wait to welcome everyone for what will be a crazy and memorable night in May!”
The Heavy Music Awards are also delighted to announce Youth Music as this year’s charity partner. The charity’s CEO, Matt Griffiths says:
“We’re honoured to be chosen as the Heavy Music Awards 2023 charity partner. At Youth Music, we believe that every young person should have access to make, learn and earn in music of every genre. That’s why we invest in the grassroots organisations and people making sure music isn’t just for the privileged. For almost 25 years, we’ve been building a more diverse pipeline of talent, which the music industries benefit from. And as we all know, greater diversity leads to even greater music.”
Additionally, the awards have unveiled the official radio partner for 2023 is ‘the nation’s favourite rock radio station’, Kerrang! Radio.
Today, IMG, the company behind The Big Feastival, Hampton Court Palace Festival, Taste of London and Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, announce Greenwich Summer Sounds, a new London music festival hosted at a stunning riverside location, the Old Royal Naval College, in the heart of Maritime Greenwich this summer.
Greenwich Summer Sounds will host multiple nights of incredible music from Tuesday 4 – Saturday 8 July, with Nile Rodgers & CHIC, Tom Jones, and Kaiser Chiefs revealed as the first headline artists, with further headliners and support acts to be announced.
Alongside the music programme, guests will be able to enjoy a range of delicious street food, and a first-class banquet dining experience in the stunning Painted Hall, one of the most spectacular Baroque interiors in Europe, at each concert. Tickets will go on sale Monday 13 March at 10AM via See Tickets with an exclusive pre-sale for registered guests.
Joel Smith, Vice President, Arts & Entertainment at IMG, said: “We are absolutely delighted to introduce Greenwich Summer Sounds to the UK festival calendar this summer. From world-class musical talent to incredible dining experiences, we’re excited to have such an iconic venue in the Old Royal Naval College to serve as a perfect backdrop for the ultimate evening of summer fun in the city”.
Matthew Mees, Chief Executive, Old Royal Naval College, said: “We’re delighted to welcome such an incredible line up of artists to perform at the Old Royal Naval College. It’s a truly magnificent venue for concertgoers to enjoy open-air music on a summer’s evening next to the river with views across London. Greenwich Summer Sounds is set to be a spectacular event in a beautiful and historic setting.”
First to headline Greenwich Summer Sounds is the legendary Nile Rodgers & CHIC, who will be kicking off the multi night festival with an epic party on Tuesday 4 July. Nile Rodgers is a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee and a multiple Grammy Award winning songwriter, composer, producer, arranger, and guitarist. His work in the CHIC Organization have sold over 500 million albums and 100 million singles worldwide while his innovative, trendsetting collaborations with Daft Punk, Daddy Yankee and Beyoncé reflect the vanguard of contemporary hits.
Headlining on Thursday 6 July is the inimitable Tom Jones. The iconic Welsh legend has been releasing huge hits and playing unforgettable live shows for the last 60 years and is still going strong. From much loved classics like It’s Not Unusual and What’s New Pussycat to songs off his most recent album ‘Surrounded By Time’, Tom is sure to deliver a set to remember.
The festival will close in epic style with Leeds indie rockers Kaiser Chiefs on Saturday 8 July. Taking over the UK charts since the release of their huge hit I Predict A Riot in 2004, frontman Ricky Wilson and his fellow Kaisers will be lighting up the stage with a plethora of hit singles including Ruby and Every Day I Love You Less and Less.
Ricky Wilson, Kaiser Chiefs, said: “We can’t wait to headline Greenwich Summer Sounds, we’ll be bringing all our energy, see you there!”
Greenwich Summer Sounds will seamlessly combine the very best in music, food and culture. Taking place on the grounds of the Old Royal Naval College on the River Thames, in the centre of the Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site, Greenwich Summer Sounds is set to become one of the hottest and most revered live events in London’s music and cultural calendar.
Following the unfortunate news that ska-punkers RUSSKAJA have called it a day, and will therefore no longer be performing at BLOODSTOCK this summer, BLOODSTOCK is pleased to tell you who will be stepping into their slot…
This enigmatic and experimental band formed in 2005 but it was eleven years before their debut ‘Audio Noir’ saw light of day through Deathwish Inc and exploded them into post-metal’s most respected echelons. Despite nods to Neurosis and Converge, this distinctive, atmospheric five-piece remain hard to pigeonhole, and continue to display their bone-crushing heaviness on latest album ‘Migration‘, which also features a guest spot from Cult Of Luna’s Johannes Persson on the single ‘Menhir‘. This Sophie Lancaster stage slot on Friday will be filled by none other than the mighty BOSSK!
BOSSK said, “It’s been a fair few years since we last played at Bloodstock. When we played the first time we were a little apprehensive about how we would go down at a predominantly fast metal festival, but the response was incredible. And even better the next time. To play in 2023 is going to be incredible, and to see the festival continue to grow is a great thing for the UK music scene. Thank you to everyone involved for having us back, we can’t wait. Hail the riff.
While you’re waiting patiently for this year’s BLOODSTOCK to roll around, HQ are putting together a few tasty treats to help pass the time.
Have you explored BLOODSTOCK’s official YouTube channel yet? Chock-full of exclusive footage from previous year’s events, it’s about to get even better, with a brand new premiere on the way from none other than LORNA SHORE, with their whole set from 2022 hitting the channel from 7pm GMT on February 24th in all its ferocious glory. You’ll be able to watch it in full here. Click here for a quick 30-second sneak peek of what’s in store.
With 2022 marking their very first performance on BLOODSTOCK’s hallowed stage, LORNA SHORE said, “We dreamed about playing Bloodstock for years and years. The reality was beyond the dream. We thank the entire Bloodstock team and the fans for a life changing experience.”
Overwhelmed at the vast array of videos to choose from? BLOODSTOCK’s YouTube chief & webmaster has highlighted several of his favourites and why! In no particular order then…
THE ENERGY ARCH ENEMY – You Will Know My Name – Bloodstock 2017 I absolutely love Arch Enemy, this video is such a great track with lots of energy. I would love to see them back at Bloodstock in 2024.
THE CLASSIC JUDAS PRIEST – Metal Gods – Bloodstock 2021 A very iconic moment when Glen Tipton came on stage for 3 tracks at Bloodstock 2021, Metal Gods is simply a classic.
THE MIND CHANGER DEVIN TOWNSEND – Full Set Performance – Bloodstock 2021 I confess I’ve never been a true Devin fan, but the 2021 performance was simply out of this world and has to be one of my favourite premieres on our channel to date.
THE TASTER KREATOR – Terrible Certainty – Bloodstock 2021 I helped convince our band booker to have Kreator as a headliner in 2021 and what a great performance it was! To date a couple of the tracks have been shared, but I’m excited to reveal that their full set will be coming as a premiere in April! It’s a killer set, really looking forward to sharing this for everyone to enjoy!
THE UNMISSABLE GOJIRA – Full Set Performance – Bloodstock 2016 What can I say… you gotta watch some Gojira, simply a band that creates masses of energy and gets the crowd moving. Their 2016 and 2018 performances at Bloodstock were amazing.
THE EPIC LAMB OF GOD – Full Set Performance – Bloodstock 2022 This Lamb Of God set just had to go online! I have watched it many times; it took a long time to get this approved – so thank you to the band and management for working with us to get this online, it’s a simply epic set.
THE SURPRISE ORBIT CULTURE – Strangler – Bloodstock 2022 Because we’re busy working, I don’t get to watch all the bands live at the festival – but I do go through all the footage to choose which bands to put online. Orbit Culture were a band that simply blew me away, their sound and energy is just on another level – they played the Sophie Lancaster stage, but I would love to see them on the main stage in the next few years.
BLOODSTOCK want to know which are your favourites from the channel! Send in your video playlists and perhaps the festival will highlight a few or give out some spot prizes! What other sets do you want to see? Tell BLOODSTOCK via your social media platform of choice!
In BLOODSTOCK merch news, you asked… and BLOODSTOCK has delivered! The festival’s very first plush S’tan toy is on the way, horns n’ all You can pre-order from the merch store on Friday 24th February herefor dispatch by April 10th. For those quick off the mark, the first 200 S’tans ordered can be snapped up at a special intro price of £19.99, saving you a fiver on the normal retail. Here he is larking around with his new pal the Download Dog. Wonder what other adventures he’ll get up to and where he’ll be spotted next…?
Unfortunately, since BLOODSTOCK’s previous band announcement, ska-punkers RUSSKAJAhave split up, and will therefore no longer be performing. Take heart, there are still lots of bands to be revealed in the coming weeks!
Last call! Time is running out to sign up for the very popular weekend ticket Deposit Scheme. If you’re keen, you must sign up before 28th Feb. With payments spread across 6 monthly instalments, it makes it much more manageable to pay for your standard weekend ticket. An initial payment of £34.50 is due upon sign up, then five additional payments of £27.50 will debit your bank account on 28 Mar, 28 Apr, 29 May, 28 Jun, with a final instalment on 28 Jul. Join the scheme or see all ticket options here.
Never been to BLOODSTOCK before and just want to come for a day to check things out? Can’t do the whole weekend this summer but don’t want to miss all the fun? A limited number of day tickets are on sale now in the ticket store. Adult day tickets are £75 and if you’d like to make it a family day out, child day tickets are £25 (mini moshers under 4 can come for free), plus booking fees. Want to come for the full weekend experience? VIP and campervan tickets are already sold out, but you can still get standard weekend tickets in the ticket store! If you’d like to stay onsite so you don’t miss a single minute of the action, camping is included! There’s also a dedicated quiet campsite, sometimes preferred by those with junior headbangers and fans of a proper sleep.
BLOODSTOCK’s 2023 Ronnie James Dio main stage headliners are KILLSWITCH ENGAGE, MESHUGGAH, and MEGADETH. Also appearing are HELLOWEEN, IN FLAMES, DEVILDRIVER, BIOHAZARD, EMPLOYED TO SERVE, ROYAL REPUBLIC, SACRED REICH, HEAVEN SHALL BURN, SEPULTURA, FIT FOR AN AUTOPSY, CROWBAR, CANDLEMASS, TRIBULATION, SEETHING AKIRA, UGLY KID JOE, DECAPITATED, GATECREEPER, ZEAL & ARDOR, KING 810, UNTO OTHERS, URNE, ALL HAIL THE YETI, DEAD LABEL, NONPOINT, CHURCH OF THE COSMIC SKULL, BROTHERS OF METAL, GUTALAX, UUHAI, INVISIONS, COBRA THE IMPALER, TROLLFEST, SKYND, WARKINGS, FROZEN SOUL, THE VIOLENT INZIDENT, TRIBE OF GHOSTS, DAKESIS, THE ENIGMA DIVISION, THE GREY, EYES, TUSKAR, STENGAH, OVERTHRONE, TORTURED DEMON, CASKET FEEDER, GAEREA, BLOODYARD, WOLFBASTARD, SKIN FAILURE, WITCHSORROW, WYTCH HAZEL, HATE, BLACK COAST, STRIKER, and ZETRA. Many more are yet to be announced.
The greatest rock and metal festival of all time, Download Festival, announces 44 new names and the day splits for 2023’s mammoth line-up. New names include the blistering Halestorm, Alter Bridge, Neck Deep, Bob Vylan, Carcass, Five Finger Death Punch, Jinjer, Coheed and Cambria, Electric Callboy, Hot Milk and The Amity Affliction, who will join the celebration of Download’s 20-year legacy at the hallowed grounds of Donington Park across four days over 8-11 June 2023. They join headliners Slipknot, Bring Me The Horizon and Metallica, who will deliver two massive no-repeat performances. Weekend and day tickets are now on sale, as well as a very limited amount of camping tickets and new VIP options: www.downloadfestival.co.uk.
The biggest annual gathering of the rock and metal tribes will be joined by 44 new names, including the Grammy-winning Halestorm, hard rock frontrunners Alter Bridge, heavy metal behemoths Five Finger Death Punch, MOBO’s first ever Best Alternative Music Act Bob Vylan, Welsh pop punk kings Neck Deep, Las Vegas glam rockers Palaye Royale, and effervescent partycore group Electric Callboy.
Joining them at the hallowed grounds will be Biffy Clyro’s Simon Neil with his grindcore extreme metal side project Empire State Bastard, metalcore veterans Hatebreed, progressive rock icons Coheed and Cambria, death metal heroes Carcass, throwback rap rockers Joey Valence & Brae, dual-fronted power pop rockers Hot Milk, bright Leeds metalcore outfit Caskets and frenetic Yorkshire-based rock group Dinosaur Pile-Up. Californian punk veterans The Bronx will also be returning to Donington, along with metalcore legend and former lead vocalist of The Dillinger Escape Plan Greg Puciato, and LA metal heavyweights Bad Wolves.
Download Festival continues to showcase the best of the international metal scene, with Dutch symphonic metal group Epica, Ukrainian progressive metal band Jinjer, globe-trotting Mongolian warriors The Hu, Australian metalcore heroes The Amity Affliction, Scandinavian pop-rockers Smash Into Pieces, Swedish metal ringmasters Avatar, French gothic electronic musician Perturbator, incendiary Canadian heavy rock duo Cleopatrick, Mexican metal sisters The Warning and French dark-synth pioneer Carpenter Brut all on the bill.
Alongside them will be Maryland stoner metal monarchs Clutch, pop punk reformists Mom Jeans, two-time Polaris Music Prize nominees PUP, doom-trap purveyor Mimi Barks, contemporary heavy metallers Spirit Adrift, Essex alt-rock quintet Tigress and Hunstanton’s finest, Deaf Havana. And from the bloodline that brought us the late Eddie Van Halen, we have Wolfgang Van Halen’s Mammoth WVH.
Last but not least, we have fist-pumping doom outfit Green Lung, the theatrically bleak A.A. Williams, eloquent emo-infused alt-rockers Beauty School, ostentatious Wyoming metallers Antisaint, punishing riff purveyors Undeath and Metallica protégés Taipei Houston. Not to mention that Fearless Vampire Killers are back, and their flair for the dramatic and vaudevillian is sure to charm the Donington crowds.
Aside from bands, Download Festival are pleased to announce a brand new Camping Plus five-day ticket, which includes toilets and showers in a private campsite. For those who already have a four or five day camping tickets, upgrades are available. For something a little different, a selection of new and unique accommodations have been added to The Rock Retreat including The Skoolie, Fire Truck and Billy The Snail.
For more information on VIP options, camping tickets, weekend and day tickets, please go to: www.downloadfestival.co.uk.
Following on from the bonanza 15-band announcement earlier this week, BLOODSTOCK has some more news to share about 2023’s event.
In these rapidly changing times, unfortunately Saturday’s special guest Anthrax have pulled out of their slot. With regret, the band have issued a brief statement saying, “Due to logistical issues beyond our control Anthrax will no longer be appearing at Bloodstock 2023.”
Anthrax leave some big boots to fill but BLOODSTOCK is confident that their replacement is more than up to the task. Joining the 2023 line-up as Saturday’s special guests on the Ronnie James Dio main stage, will be the iconic metal pioneers, TRIPTYKON. In an unmissable UK exclusive performance, they’ll be treating BLOODSTOCK to a CELTIC FROST set. Warm your neck up with the stone cold Celtic Frost classic, ‘Circle Of The Tyrants’.
Tom Gabriel Warrior comments, “It was audiences and media in the UK who first embraced Celtic Frost’s music in the mid-1980s and gave this band a history and career. Without their support, I wouldn’t be here as the musician I have become. Moreover, we have also been very fortunate with Triptykon to be granted an equally warm welcome every time we have played the UK. This is particularly true for our past appearances at Bloodstock. It is thus truly a special honour and pleasure for us to have been asked by Bloodstock to play this unique Celtic Frost-themed concert at Bloodstock 2023. There will be many memories and emotions.”
What songs will they play? Check out the Top 10 Celtic Frost songs according to Paradise Lost’s Nick Holmes here. You’ll have to come along to find out which songs make the cut! If you need to brush up on your Celtic Frost ahead of time, why not pop the new ‘Danse Macabre’ box set on your Christmas list, which includes their complete recordings between 1984-1987 and have a read of this recent interview with The Guardian.
BLOODSTOCK would also like to thank all the 2022 BLOODSTOCKers for supporting the festival’s efforts to be a little greener. BLOODSTOCK is delighted to state its officially certified as ‘A Greener Festival 2022 – Improvers’; particularly commended in the ‘external reach’ and ‘local community impact’ categories. A Greener Festival said, “Improvers signifies great strides on the green event journey, with continued improvements, and shows your event exhibits a significant engagement with the process of reducing negative environmental impacts and enhancing positive impacts. Bloodstock have demonstrated a passionate drive for a greener event with a focus on best practice going forwards. The team have shown excellent efforts and a clear determination to continue to improve, to protect the environment and enhance positive stakeholder connections. The whole AGF team are very grateful for the achievements of certified events, and again we thank you wholeheartedly for your efforts and actions to make the global event industry greener, and striving for AGF Certification.” BLOODSTOCK also wanted to share, that in conjunction with Fat Franks, following on from the Tent Amnesty points and a site-wide salvage of reusable camping equipment, 90% was able to be redistributed, with some spare tent fabric even being used on the Nottingham Trent University sustainable fashion project, and some other equipment including chairs/gazebos going to the Scouts. BLOODSTOCK looks forward to continuing its greener efforts with your help in 2023.
Buying someone a BLOODSTOCK e-ticket as a Christmas gift? You can download a free, bespoke Christmas card via the link at the top of the ticket store page. Browse a full range of BLOODSTOCK merch here including the new special edition luxury hoodie and super soft BOA blanket, perfect now it’s getting colder! You’re still in time to order for pre-Christmas delivery! To buy weekend tickets, visit theticket store. VIP packages and campervan passes are already sold out.
If you prefer, you can now sign up for the very popular ticket Deposit Scheme. With payments spread across 6 monthly instalments, it makes it much more manageable to pay for your standard weekend ticket. An initial payment of £34.50 is due upon sign up (which you can do at any time before 21st Feb), then five additional payments of £27.50 will debit your bank account on 28 Mar, 28 Apr, 29 May, 28 Jun, with a final instalment on 28 Jul. Sign up to the schemehere.
BLOODSTOCK’s 2023 Ronnie James Dio main stage headliners are KILLSWITCH ENGAGE, MESHUGGAH, and MEGADETH. Also appearing are HELLOWEEN, IN FLAMES, DEVILDRIVER, BIOHAZARD, SACRED REICH, HEAVEN SHALL BURN, SEPULTURA, WHITECHAPEL, FIT FOR AN AUTOPSY, CROWBAR, SEETHING AKIRA, UGLY KID JOE, DECAPITATED, GATECREEPER, ZEAL & ARDOR, KING 810, UNTO OTHERS, URNE, ALL HAIL THE YETI, DEAD LABEL, NONPOINT, CHURCH OF THE COSMIC SKULL, BROTHERS OF METAL, GUTALAX, UUHAI, INVISIONS, COBRA THE IMPALER, TROLLFEST, SKYND, WARKINGS, FROZEN SOUL, THE VIOLENT INZIDENT, TRIBE OF GHOSTS, DAKESIS, THE ENIGMA DIVISION, THE GREY, EYES, TUSKAR, STENGAH, OVERTHRONE, TORTURED DEMON, CASKET FEEDER, and ZETRA. Many more are yet to be announced.
After just last week revealing their final headliner, MESHUGGAH and special guests, HELLOWEEN joining the bill, BLOODSTOCK is excited to announce even more bands for 2023, including the entire Thursday eve, opening party night line up!!
Headlining Thursday night on the Sophie Lancaster big top stage are hotly tipped, industrial goth duo, SKYND. Also bringing the noise once you’ve set up your tent and cracked your first beer are power metal outfit WARKINGS, Texan death metal squad FROZEN SOUL, post-nu-core parody five piece, THE VIOLENT INZIDENTand opening the afternoon’s proceedings are Brighton M2TM alumni, TRIBE OF GHOSTS.
Also joining are a slew of bands filling out the Sophie Lancaster stage line up across the weekend. On Friday, expect to see the likes of avant garde goth duo ZETRA, Birmingham prog metal squad DAKESISand THE ENIGMA DIVISION (feat. former Xerath guitarist, Conor McGouran). Landing a slot on Saturday are thrashcore 4-pce TORTURED DEMON, Cambridge post-rock trio THE GREY, Danish heavyists EYES and death metal/hardcore fusionists CASKET FEEDER. Rounding out the bill on Sunday will be psych/doom outfit TUSKAR, French riffmonsters STENGAH and Brum metalcore gang OVERTHRONE.
You can also now sign up for the very popular ticket Deposit Scheme. With payments spread across 6 monthly instalments, it makes it much more manageable to pay for your weekend ticket. An initial payment of £34.50 is due upon sign up (which you can do at any time before 21st Feb), then five additional payments of £27.50 will debit your bank account on 28 Mar, 28 Apr, 29 May, 28 Jun, with a final instalment on 28 Jul. Sign up to the schemehere.
BLOODSTOCK’s 2023 Ronnie James Dio main stage headliners are KILLSWITCH ENGAGE, MESHUGGAH, and MEGADETH. Also appearing are HELLOWEEN, IN FLAMES, DEVILDRIVER, ANTHRAX, BIOHAZARD, SACRED REICH, HEAVEN SHALL BURN, SEPULTURA, WHITECHAPEL, FIT FOR AN AUTOPSY, CROWBAR, SEETHING AKIRA, UGLY KID JOE, DECAPITATED, GATECREEPER, ZEAL & ARDOR, KING 810, UNTO OTHERS, URNE, ALL HAIL THE YETI, DEAD LABEL, NONPOINT, CHURCH OF THE COSMIC SKULL, BROTHERS OF METAL, GUTALAX, UUHAI, INVISIONS, COBRA THE IMPALER, and TROLLFEST. Many more are yet to be announced.
With tickets selling faster than ever for 2023, all VIP packages and campervan passes are already sold out. Grab your weekend tickets now at theticket store.
BLOODSTOCK is renowned for being for the fans, by the fans. HQ listens hard all year round to which bands BLOODSTOCKers want to see at the festival, so this announcement is sure to be a crowd pleaser, adding two of the most heavily requested acts as a new main stage headliner and as a special guest. If that seals the deal for ordering your tickets, don’t forget the ticket deposit scheme has now launched, letting you spread payment over six instalments. Without further ado…
BLOODSTOCK’s Saturday night Ronnie James Dio main stage headliner will be the most excellent, Swedish tech metal legends MESHUGGAH; their very first time headlining the festival. If you’ve never caught them live before, you are in for a treat. Come and see why they are so respected! The band’s most recent album ‘Immutable’ landed earlier this year, spawning the epic video for ‘I Am That Thirst’, which you can check out here.
Secondly, the revered German power metallers HELLOWEEN, swoop into Sunday’s main stage special guest spot. Check out their video for ‘Best Time’ – taken from last year’s self-titled album – which features a guest appearance from Arch Enemy’s Alissa White-Gluz. Markus Grosskopf, bass player & founding member of HELLOWEEN, can’t wait and explains why… “Playing the UK is always something special for us. Back in 1989, the energy and dedication of the British fans was the decisive reason for us to record our first live album ‘Live in the UK’ there, instead of any other country in the world. Our headlining shows in May 2022 once more proved why the UK is the cradle of metal!”
You can also now sign up for the very popular ticket Deposit Scheme! With payments spread across 6 monthly instalments, it makes it more manageable to pay for your weekend ticket. An initial payment of £34.50 is due upon sign up (which you can do at any time before 21st Feb), then five additional payments of £27.50 will debit your bank account on 28 Mar, 28 Apr, 29 May, 28 Jun, with a final instalment on 28 Jul. Sign up to the schemehere.
In case you missed it, the grass roots music-supporting METAL 2 THE MASSES 2023 programme has begun! If you’re a self-released or unsigned band, throw your hat in the ring to land a slot on BLOODSTOCK’s New Blood stage next August. Regions include MERSEYSIDE (Liverpool), BURNLEY, OXFORD, EAST ANGLIA (Norwich), NORTHANTS (Northampton), CHELTENHAM, BIRMINGHAM, CHESTERFIELD, NORTHERN IRELAND (Belfast), REPUBLIC OF IRELAND (Dublin), SHEFFIELD, HITCHIN, MANCHESTER, MILTON KEYNES, BOURNEMOUTH, LEEDS, NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ESSEX (Colchester), KENT (Gravesend), BRISTOL, NORTH WALES (Wrexham), LEICESTER, STOKE ON TRENT, SOUTH WALES (Cardiff), NOTTINGHAM, DEVON & CORNWALL (Saltash), SCOTLAND (heats locally, final in Edinburgh), and LONDON. Not only that, this year, BLOODSTOCK also welcomes back POLAND and NORWAY events and is thrilled to bring in the former Yugoslavia countries, which will be hosting inaugural heats in SLOVENIA, CROATIA, SERBIA and MACEDONIA. The final will be held at the Lomljenje Metalom Open Air event in Croatia. Full details of all venues and who to contact to enter in each region, can be foundhere or onFacebook. Heats kick off very soon – apply NOW so you don’t miss out!
BLOODSTOCK’s 2023 Ronnie James Dio main stage headliners are rounded out by none other than KILLSWITCH ENGAGE and MEGADETH. Also appearing are IN FLAMES, DEVILDRIVER, ANTHRAX, BIOHAZARD, SACRED REICH, HEAVEN SHALL BURN, SEPULTURA, WHITECHAPEL, FIT FOR AN AUTOPSY, CROWBAR, SEETHING AKIRA, UGLY KID JOE, DECAPITATED, GATECREEPER, ZEAL & ARDOR, KING 810, UNTO OTHERS, URNE, ALL HAIL THE YETI, DEAD LABEL, NONPOINT, CHURCH OF THE COSMIC SKULL, BROTHERS OF METAL, GUTALAX, UUHAI, INVISIONS, COBRA THE IMPALER, and TROLLFEST. Many more are yet to be announced.
With tickets selling faster than ever for 2023, all VIP packages and campervan passes are already sold out. Grab your weekend tickets now at theticket store.
BLOODSTOCK is hurtling towards the Xmas season at a rapid pace, but planning for August 2023 is still in full swing. The Deposit Scheme is also ready to go, so if you’ve not already grabbed your ticket, secure yours now by signing up and make paying for your ticket a little more manageable. First though, here’s twelve new bands to get you excited for next August…
Landing a slot on Friday’s Ronnie James Dio main stage are Bay Area thrash icons SACRED REICH. Having dropped ‘Awakening’ in 2019, their first studio album in 23 years, they’ve wasted no time since 2021 hitting the road (most recently with Sepultura). Check out the rifftastic video for the album’s title track here.BLOODSTOCK also welcomes HEAVEN SHALL BURN, in their first ever UK festival appearance! The well respected German metalheads are warming up for BLOODSTOCK touring with Trivium in early 2023. Watch the video for ‘Übermacht’ to get in the mood, from their album ‘Of Truth And Sacrifice.’ Also bagging a Friday main stage slot are electro nu-core squad, SEETHING AKIRA, whose new album ‘Nozuki’ just landed. Get up to speed on their sound via the lyric video for ‘Punishment Instructions’.
Saturday’s main stage sees NOLA swamp kings CROWBAR join the fray. Having released their latest album, ‘Zero And Below’ earlier this year to much acclaim, expect to hear brand new tracks like ‘Bleeding From Every Hole’ alongside their classic riffs. Also snagging a Saturday slot are hotly tipped London metal trio,URNE. Snapped up by Candlelight Records, wrap your ears around their killer track ‘Desolate Heart’ if you’re not yet familiar with them. You’re welcome.
Sunday on the RJD main stage sees the return of ALL HAIL THE YETI, after having to cancel their 2022 appearance due to unforeseen circumstances. The SoCal sludgemeisters released their latest collection, ‘Within The Hollow Earth’ last November, featuring the fan favourite, ‘Headless Valley’. Also grabbing a Sunday main stage slot are rising metal squad DEAD LABEL, who are fast becoming festival favourites. Check out their video for ‘R.E.D’ to see them rocking those crowds! Lastly on Sunday, we welcome UUHAI, all the way to Catton Park’s main stage from Mongolia! Watch their cinematic video for ‘Uuhai’ here.
There’s plenty of action over at the Sophie Lancaster stage too. Friday welcomes heavy Swedes BROTHERS OF METAL. Perhaps they’ll treat us all to a live rendition of ‘Yggdrasil’, from their ‘Prophecy of Ragnarok’ album? They’re also recording a new album right now! Gore grind merchants GUTALAX jet in from the Czech Republic to liven up your Saturday and the video for their track ‘Shitbusters’ is sure to put a smile on your face. Not slacking off as the weekend draws to a close, Sunday adds supergroup COBRA THE IMPALER. Not one to miss, see what they’re all about via the absorbing video for ‘Mountains’, from their ‘Colossal Gods’ album and then go listen to the rest of it! Joining them on Sunday are North Yorkshire’s INVISIONS, bringing a welcome dose of melodic metalcore/post-hardcore, potentially including the track ‘Annihilist’ from their album ‘Deadlock’, out now.
This coming Monday 21st November, the very popular Deposit Scheme will be available for sign ups! Payments are spread across 6 months, making it even more manageable to pay for your ticket in instalments. An initial payment of £34.50 is due upon sign up (which you can do at any time before 21st Feb), then five additional payments of £27.50 will debit your bank account on 28 Mar, 28 Apr, 29 May, 28 Jun, with a final instalment on 28 Jul, which will include postage. Sign up to the scheme here.
In addition, the grass roots music-supporting METAL 2 THE MASSES 2023 programme is underway and has added even more locations! If you’re a self-released or unsigned band, throw your hat in the ring to land a slot on BLOODSTOCK’s New Blood stage next August. The new regions include MERSEYSIDE (Liverpool), BURNLEY, OXFORD, EAST ANGLIA (Norwich), NORTHANTS (Northampton), CHELTENHAM and BIRMINGHAM, to add to the previously announced CHESTERFIELD, NORTHERN IRELAND (Belfast), REPUBLIC OF IRELAND (Dublin), SHEFFIELD, HITCHIN, MANCHESTER, MILTON KEYNES, BOURNEMOUTH, LEEDS, NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ESSEX (Colchester), KENT (Gravesend), BRISTOL, NORTH WALES (Wrexham), LEICESTER, STOKE ON TRENT, SOUTH WALES (Cardiff), NOTTINGHAM, DEVON & CORNWALL (Saltash), SCOTLAND (heats locally, final in Edinburgh) and LONDON. Not only that, this year, BLOODSTOCK is excited to welcome back Poland and Norway events and thrilled to bring in the former Yugoslavia countries, which will be hosting inaugural heats in Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia and Macedonia. The final will be held at the Lomljenje Metalom Open Air event in Croatia. Full details of all venues and who to contact to enter in each region, can be found here or on Facebook. Heats kick off very soon – apply NOW so you don’t miss out!
BLOODSTOCK’s 2023 Ronnie James Dio main stage headliners are KILLSWITCH ENGAGE and MEGADETH, with the third to be announced in the coming months. Also appearing are IN FLAMES, DEVILDRIVER, ANTHRAX, BIOHAZARD, SEPULTURA, WHITECHAPEL, FIT FOR AN AUTOPSY, UGLY KID JOE, DECAPITATED, GATECREEPER, ZEAL & ARDOR, KING 810, UNTO OTHERS, NONPOINT, CHURCH OF THE COSMIC SKULL and TROLLFEST. Many more are yet to be announced.
With tickets selling faster than ever for 2-23, all VIP packages and campervan passes are already sold out. Grab your weekend tickets now at the ticket store.
