Bloodstock

Bloodstock 2015 lineup and details revealed

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We are excited to announce the first lineup additions to next years Bloodstock at Catton Park.

WITHIN TEMPTATION are set to play their only UK show next year as Saturday night headliners at Catton Park!  It is a triumphant return for the Dutch megastars, who headlined BLOODSTOCK in 2005, as their very first UK festival appearance and only second ever UK show.  Frontwoman Sharon den Adel enthuses, “We're thrilled to play BLOODSTOCK again!  We had such a great time before and can't wait to take ‘Hydra’ to the stage at Catton Park.  It's a really exciting time for us right now and we're looking forward to bringing the fire!!”  Check out their video for ‘Dangerous’ from their current album, ‘Hydra’, featuring none other than Howard Jones (The Devil You Know, ex-Killswitch Engage) here: 

Slotting in to the Saturday night special guest slot are Swedish progmeisters, OPETH.  Having landed at #14 on the UK album charts last week, their highest chart position to date for new studio album, ‘Pale Communion’, OPETH are looking forward to returning to BLOODSTOCK.  Comments frontman Mikael Akerfeldt; “We’re happy to confirm that we’ll be back at the BLOODSTOCK festival next year!  I don’t know how many times we’ve played there now, but it’s a real great place, a nice festival run by nice people.  Too bad it’s like….a year or so away!?”  Check out new track, ‘Cusp of Eternity’ while you’re waiting; 

Also added are DEATH DTA.  Formed to keep the musical legacy of legendary DEATH frontman, Chuck Schuldiner alive, the band’s touring line up changes often, but the DEATH DTA stage family for 2015 features Steve Di Giorgio (Death, Testament, Sadus), Gene Hoglan (Death, Dark Angel, Testament), Bobby Koelble (Death) and Max Phelps (Cynic).  Check out TVRockLive’s informative DTA mini doc shot at Hellfest this year, with the band and their manager Eric Greif discussing Chuck and the ongoing project;

East Coast thrash legends, NUCLEAR ASSAULT also join the bill and celebrate their 30th anniversary in 2015.  Bassist Dan Lilker informs us, “In 2015, it will be 30 years since NUCLEAR ASSAULT solidified our lineup and started making a name for ourselves in the metal/crossover scene. To commemorate this, the band will write and record another album and play some shows for a 'Final Assault.'  The live front will be of a limited nature due to the reality of people in the band having careers that they can't just walk away from for the time needed to go tour the world like we did in the '80s.  Nevertheless, we will try to do whatever we can, especially in the summer to get out there and thrash for everyone again.  Progress on writing will not go quickly due to a couple of facts; we are geographically challenged, so can't just jam once a week like we used to, and we want to make sure that this album is really killer so we can go out with a big bang.” 

Seminal California thrashers, DARK ANGEL are also set for a rare appearance.  After reforming last year after an extended hiatus, the band have been playing very selected shows in the US and Europe, and we’re excited to welcome them to Catton Park in 2015.  Check out this teaser clip of the band in rehearsals earlier this year;

 

More bands joining the Bloodstock 2014 lineup

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Norse black metal standard-bearers, DIMMU BORGIR are set to be Friday’s main stage special guest and will be playing their only UK show in 2014 at BLOODSTOCK.  The band are hard at work on new material planned for release later this year.  Maybe they’ll even showcase something new at Catton Park!  Comments Shagrath: “We are excited for our return to Bloodstock 2014, the one and only UK festival we do this year. It will be a special event for sure, without revealing too much, but a 20th anniversary show will not go unnoticed.  Await the return of symphonic darkness.”.  Check out their majestic video for ‘Gateways’ from last album, ‘Abrahadabra’ here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jw7yk8hm_0

BLOODSTOCK are also pleased to reveal an extra special ‘late night’ performance from Texas groove metal kings, HELLYEAH.  The band will be taking the roof off the Sophie big top stage late on Saturday, performing after the stage headliners, SISTER SIN.  The band’s legendary drummer, Vinnie Paul comments; “BLOODSTOCK is one of the best festivals to play anywhere in the world!!  HELLYEAH is very excited to be a part of it again!  Get your game face on and let’s rip this one up!  Cheers!!  I’m Vinnie Paul and I approve this message!!”

Grabbing an opening slot on Friday’s main stage are homegrown extreme metal outfit, BLOODSHOT DAWN.  Former winners of BLOODSTOCK’s ‘Metal 2 The Masses’ programme in 2009, the four piece have been playing dates with Wintersun, had a slot at UK Techfest, and are currently writing their second album.  They intend to debut some new tracks at Catton Park especially for the BOA faithful.   Check out their video for ‘Godless’ here and get a taster of what they’re about: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCnDl_bJKco&list=PL614348ED185AE246.

Fellow Brits DE PROFUNDIS bring their twist on progressive death metal to Friday’s Sophie Stage.  The band exclaim, “Back in 2008, BLOODSTOCK was a springboard for DE PROFUNDIS career.  Now six years later with our forthcoming EP and album we are looking to cement our name in the UK metal scene with an explosive performance!”  The band enter their studio in London shortly to record the follow-up to ‘The Emptiness Within’.  Watch the video for ‘Twisted Landscapes’ from that album at: http://youtu.be/hsq6rGbk8MY.

Also up on Friday’s Sophie Stage are London extreme metal crew AGHAST!, commenting, “We are honoured to be given the opportunity to play the Sophie stage with our heroes at the UK's biggest and 'truest' independent metal festival. To say that we're excited is an understatement!  See you in the beer tent."  Formed after a drinking competition at Wacken, and with all the real ales on offer at BLOODSTOCK, let’s hope they make it to the stage!  Pick your new drinking song at: http://soundcloud.com/aghastkvlt.

Five more acts announced for Bloodstock

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Gothenburg, Sweden’s hard rockers GRAVEYARD will be taking over the main Ronnie James Dio Stage on Sunday. The Nuclear Blast four-piece have just wrapped dates on Australia’s Soundwave Festival, playing choice cuts from latest album, ‘Lights Out’.  Immerse yourself in their latest video for ‘Endless Nights’ –  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6HmMy2ubC7E.  The band last set foot in the UK in September, opening for Soundgarden.  Keep up to date with their travels on their official Facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/graveyardofficial.

Stepping up for a Saturday slot on the Sophie Lancaster Stage are Norwegian death metallers, BLOOD RED THRONE.  Having released their seventh studio album last year, simply entitled ‘Blood Red Throne’, the band proclaim “It’s about time BLOOD RED THRONE get the chance to tear shit up at the almighty BLOODSTOCK FESTIVAL!  We can’t wait to see old and new fans.  Let the madness begin!”  Check out their latest video for fan favourite, ‘Primitive Killing Machine’ from their eponymous album here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K6VDT43bLNw.

NWOBHM stalwarts, BATTLEAXE also join the Saturday bill.  Harking from the North East, the band formed in 1980 and made waves for eight years before going on hiatus.  Having regrouped in 2007, BATTLEAXE are back with a vengeance, with their latest album, ‘Heavy Metal Sanctuary’ hitting stores last week.  Check out their official website for the most recent news over at http://www.battleaxemetal.com/.

The Sophie Stage also welcomes Finnish self-appointed ‘death n’ roll’ outfit, PROFANE OMEN.  The band are readying their fourth studio album, ‘Reset’ for release on 17th March through Spinefarm Records.  Get a taster of the newie by checking out the lyric video for ‘Sonic Wings’ here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2wBOX-ZEBrI.  

Homegrown monolithic death metal act, THE KING IS BLIND will be steamrolling into BLOODSTOCK on Saturday.  Although a new band, its various members have a wealth of experience and their festival debut performance should not be missed!  For the curious, the band extend this invitation: “Brothers & Sisters of the crown, download our free 4-track promo 'Bleeding The Ascension' at http://thekingisblind.bandcamp.com. Thus spake the King.”

BLOODSTOCK is also pleased to announce its ongoing support for TEENAGE CANCER TRUST.  Last year, BLOODSTOCK and its festival goers raised their highest figure to date for TEENAGE CANCER TRUST – just shy of £7500, a £3000 increase on the previous year!  They’re now keener than ever to improve on that in 2014.  BLOODSTOCK loves to break a record, especially for a good cause!  Look out for Teenage Cancer Trust’s stall on site, go say hello and pick up a raffle ticket for one of the many great prizes planned for the weekend.  The ever-popular T-shirt Amnesty will once again be running, so bring along any unwanted rock and metal tees to either donate on site, or if you want to clear your cupboards ASAP, email [email protected] for details on how to help.

Six more additions to the Sophie Lancaster Stage at Bloodstock 2014

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BLOODSTOCK is thrilled to reveal six more bands confirmed to play the Sophie Lancaster Big Top stage in August.  

Thursday night is set to be livened up by these two! Throwing down the party gauntlet are returning favourites, the PHIL CAMPBELL ALL STARR BAND.  The MOTORHEAD guitarist had such a great time at BLOODSTOCK last year, he’s coming back to do it all over again. 

Nottingham thrashers INCINERY are happy to take up the challenge, stating “Things have been stepping up a gear and the unbelievable is becoming a reality, so it is with great excitement that we return to the place that started it all for us!  It’ll be a real homecoming, and we’re looking forward to playing at what is the keystone of the metal scene in the UK.”

By name but not by nature, DIABOLICAL will bringing their unique brand of Swedish death metal to the Sophie Stage on Friday.  They declare, “It is with great pleasure that we announce our appearance at BLOODSTOCK!  Rest assured we will take equally great measures to make this a highly memorable show!”  The band recently released new concept album ‘Neogenesis’ via ViciSolum Productions.

BLOODSTOCK is also pleased to add Mancunian black metallers, WINTERFYLLETH to Friday’s line-up.  For a taster of their current album, ‘The Threnody of Triumph’, head over to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5NEgZ5x7D-I to hear the epic ‘A Thousand Winters’.

Southwest metal band CAMBION are determined to get heads banging on Friday. Drawing their djent/tech/prog influences from the likes of Fear Factory and Meshuggah, the band commented, “We are beyond happy to be playing the best UK festival, BLOODSTOCK!  CAMBION is growing into a force to be reckoned with and that’s down to hard graft and BLOODSTOCK itself for believing in and supporting the next generation of metal bands!” 

Joining them on Friday are Norwegian groove metallers, ZEROZONIC.  The band couldn’t be more excited to get to play at Catton Park, exclaiming “Finally, ZEROZONIC will play a big festival outside Norway for the first time. It’s about time!  Ten years of existence and three albums in we are very excited to play the amazing BLOODSTOCK.  Let’s get it on!”  ZEROZONIC’s current album ‘Aftersane’ has just been re-released by their new label Metal Age Productions, and the band are busy working on their fourth album.

Sophie Lancaster stage announced for Bloodstock

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Friday’s Sophie stage headliners are Greek extreme metal overlords ROTTING CHRIST.  Much revered, ROTTING CHRIST were one of the first black metal bands in the region, forming back in ‘87 and going on to create the genre’s Greek signature sound of the 90’s. The band are touring Japan and Thailand in early 2014, and are looking forward to headlining the Sophie stage at BLOODSTOCK, commenting “Proudly on the roster of one of Bloodiest festivals around! It will be an honour to perform for our English Metal brothers. Until then… KEEP THE TRUE METAL SPIRIT ALIVE!”  Their eleventh album, ‘Κατά τον δαίμονα εαυτού’ is out now via Season of Mist.

Into female-fronted metal bands?  Swedish metalheads SISTER SIN, led by the feisty Liv Jagrell, close out the Sophie stage on Saturday.  The Gothenburg based band will be blasting out tunes from their best-selling third album, ‘Now And Forever’, which debuted on the Swedish album charts at #6, and have been honing their live chops touring with road dogs Motorhead, Otep, and Arch Enemy, among others.  

Bloodstock is delighted to welcome Sunday’s Sophie headliners, the reunited classic NWOBHM shredders, SATAN.  Be sure to check out their latest Listenable Records album ‘Life Sentence’.  It’s been 26 years since their last release!  Metal Hammer recently described it as, “A bolt straight out of the NWOBHM’s glorious heyday, this is all galloping melodies, ripping riffage, and enough fist-pumping moments to make Manowar look like My Dying Bride. A sensational return and a serious shout for best straight-up heavy metal album of 2013.”

BLOODSTOCK 2014 is shaping up to be the biggest and best one yet, with early bird and rocksoc tickets selling out in record time and weekend tickets flying out the door!   Friday night’s headliners are New Orleans sludgemeisters, DOWN.  Joining them to head up Saturday night are black metal overlords, EMPEROR and closing out proceedings on Sunday are the mighty thrash legends, MEGADETH.  Also announced so far are AMON AMARTH, OBITUARY, CROWBAR, HATEBREED, LACUNA COIL, CARCASS, PRONG, CHILDREN OF BODOM, SAXON, DECAPITATED, FLOTSAM & JETSAM, PRIMORDIAL and EVIL SCARECROW.  More bands and other cool things on site will be announced shortly.

Four new bands added to Bloodstock 2014

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BLOODSTOCK 2014 is thrilled to announce the addition of four more awesome metal bands to the main stage bill.

The very mighty New Orleans sludge metal crew, CROWBAR make a return to Catton Park in 2014 for a UK festival exclusive.  Led by riff lord, Kirk Windstein, who recently stepped down from his longtime tenure with BLOODSTOCK headliners DOWN, to concentrate energies full time on his own band CROWBAR, Kirk and the boys are hard at work on a brand new album set for a 2014 release.  Like many metal artists who’ve played Catton Park before, Kirk loves BLOODSTOCK and is looking forward to a return visit, enthusing; “CROWBAR can’t wait to bring our NOLA doom back to BLOODSTOCK in 2014!  It’s our 25th anniversary, so expect a few surprises in our set.  New record, new bassist and a whole new CROWBAR attitude!!!  Get ready for the heavy!!!”  Meantime, check out their video for ‘The Cemetery Angels’ from 2011’s album, ‘Sever The Wicked Hand’ here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zy5UnS6QSo0.

Florida death metal pioneers, OBITUARY are also set to lay waste to BLOODSTOCK’s main stage. The band have been working hard on their ninth studio record and accompanying documentary. This will be their first new music since 2009’s ‘Darkest Day’ and is set for independent release next year in the wake of a hugely successful Kickstarter campaign (which saw the guys raise more than 6 times their original target).  When not making music, the band are involved with drummer Donald Tardy’s feline welfare programme, Metal Meowlisha, and organise fund-raising initiatives such as ‘Headbanger’s Furball’.  The band say: “We are very excited to be a part of BLOODSTOCK 2014.  It's been 4 years since OBITUARY played the festival and we are looking forward to returning.  We’ve been hard at work in the studio and can’t wait to bring our new album to UK fans and perform some new songs along with all the old classics.  BLOODSTOCK is the UK's true metal fest, so we are honoured to be invited and to bring some Florida Death Metal to our British fans!  Hang on to your ass, this is gonna be fun!!”  For the latest OBITUARY news, keep your eyes on their Facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/ObituaryBand.

Finland’s CHILDREN OF BODOM are set to play their only UK show of 2014 on BLOODSTOCK’s Ronnie James Dio main stage.  The band released their eighth studio album ‘Halo of Blood’ in June, when Metal Hammer magazine declared, “not only have CHILDREN OF BODOM produced a diverse collection of defiantly brilliant metallic tunes, but also their most accomplished achievement to date.”. And if you’re looking for something extra special, the band have also recently made available a limited run of white or silver ‘Halo of Blood’ vinyl. Check out the video for lead single, ‘Transference’ at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0kQ73UgGIRU.  The five-piece are currently shredding their way across Europe with 2014 BLOODSTOCK compadres, DECAPITATED. Learn about all things Bodom over at http://www.cobhc.com/.

BLOODSTOCK also favours hard-working bands from the UK, and are excited to welcome back the hugely popular EVIL SCARECROW; this time to an opening slot on Saturday’s main stage!  Having packed out the Sophie tent last year, the Nottingham band are more than thrilled at the prospect. ”We are astounded, a little scared, but beyond delighted to have been invited back to BLOODSTOCK, especially as we are returning to the Main Stage which guarantees nobody suffers the discomfort of a full tent!  BLOODSTOCK is the biggest and best UK heavy metal festival and we're truly honoured to be playing the same stage as so many bands who have influenced and inspired us.  The line up this year already looks phenomenal.  We promise to up the Scarecrow game to give BLOODSTOCK’s faithful the best in Evil entertainment!  Bring on the METAL!"   The band are currently plotting their new album which is planned for a 2014 release, and hop over and check out the Pledge Campaign for their 2013 BLOODSTOCK DVD here.  A portion of the proceeds goes to the Sophie Lancaster Foundation: http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/evilscarecrowboa2013dvd.

With the three 2014 headliners already announced, the event is shaping up to be the strongest yet.  Friday night’s bill toppers are New Orleans sludgemeisters DOWN.  Joining them to head up Saturday night are black metal overlords, EMPEROR and closing out proceedings on Sunday are the mighty thrash legends, MEGADETH.  Also announced so far are SAXON, DECAPITATED, and FLOTSAM & JETSAM.  More bands will be announced shortly.

Megadeth to headline Bloodstock 2014

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BLOODSTOCK OPEN AIR FESTIVAL is thrilled to announce that MEGADETH are confirmed to headline the Sunday night slot in 2014.

This will be the thrash icons’ first appearance at BLOODSTOCK.  In a career nearing 30 years and counting, MEGADETH has sold more than 38 million albums worldwide, earning five consecutive platinum albums in the US and numerous accolades along the way, including 11 GRAMMY® nominations.  The band’s latest studio album released in June, ‘Super Collider’, reunites firebrand frontman Dave Mustaine once again with guitarist Chris Broderick, bassist David Ellefson, and drummer Shawn Drover.  The release debuted at #6 on the Billboard 200 and #22 on the UK album chart and notched up Top 40 album chart debuts in a further 22 countries worldwide.

Megadeth

MEGADETH also recently released a live DVD of last year’s ‘Countdown To Extinction’ 20th Anniversary tour.  Check out this video of MegaDave and the guys thundering through the title track: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYzUIKnGVvk.

MEGADETH’s founder, frontman and visionary, Dave Mustaine comments: “2014 is the 20th Anniversary for ‘Youthanasia’, and we are celebrating that by headlining the Bloodstock Festival in the glorious UK.  Every year MEGADETH and our UK fans get closer and celebrate another year of metal greatness together. This is the beginning of 2014…the best is yet to come.”

Tickets for 2014's event are already on sale at ‘early bird’ prices, £115 for a 4-day weekend ticket with camping.  Don't delay, as once the limited ‘early bird’ allocation is gone, it's gone, and tickets revert to full price.  Pick ‘em up now at http://bloodstock.seetickets.com/.

In other BLOODSTOCK news, the festival is very proud to announce their recent win at the LIVE UK MUSIC BUSINESS AWARDS 2013 in the ‘Best Festival (under 15K cap)’.  The second ‘Best Festival’ accolade in a row, after picking up 2012’s UK Festival Awards gong for ‘Best Medium sized Festival’!   Long may it continue!!

Already announced as Friday night bill toppers are New Orleans sludgemeisters DOWN. Joining them to headline Saturday night are black metal overlords, EMPEROR.  BLOODSTOCK will be the only UK performances for both bands.

In 2013, over 1.2 million fans from across the world logged on to watch the bands on the BLOODSTOCK main stage, via the Daily Motion live link.  This year was BLOODSTOCK’s biggest ever attendance at just shy of 14,000 and with a site licence of 15,000 we are expecting the 2014 event to sell out in advance, so don’t wait too long to get your tickets!

BLOODSTOCK will be held at Catton Park, Derbyshire on 7th-10th August 2014.  Keep up to date with the very latest info on BLOODSTOCK’s official sites at www.facebook.com/bloodstock and www.bloodstock.uk.com.

Emperor to headline Bloodstock 2014

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On the very weekend of their biggest and most successful event to date, BLOODSTOCK are thrilled to announce that revered black metal innovators EMPEROR are locked in as one of the headline acts for next year's festival, which is set to take place from 7th-10th August 2014.

Recently reformed, EMPEROR are only playing a very select number of major shows in 2014, and BLOODSTOCK is to be their only UK performance. EMPEROR's only other currently announced 2014 show at Germany's Wacken Festival is already sold out.
 
The announcement was made on the festival big screen, just prior to LAMB OF GOD's Saturday night headline slot, and also went out over the Daily Motion global livestream, via this video clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K72N54Aj7PM.  This year, over 1.2 million fans from across the world logged in to watch the the bands on the BLOODSTOCK main stage, via the Daily Motion live link. 
 
Tickets for 2014's event are already on sale at early bird prices, priced £115 for a 4-day weekend ticket with camping.  Don't delay, as once the early bird allocation is gone, it's gone, and tickets revert to full price.  Camper van tickets sell out very quickly, so if you want a camper van spot, don't hang around in purchasing your patch!  Click through to http://bloodstock.seetickets.com/.

Lineup additions for Bloodstock including Stormbringer and more!

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All set to shred the main stage are Northamptonshire five-piece STORMBRINGER. The band live by their mission statement – “to rock as hard as we can, wherever we can, and have a good time doing it!”  Their debut album ‘MMXIII’ can be picked up on iTunes, via Transcend Music.  Stormbringer are more than ready… “We are really proud to be playing Bloodstock.  It's a great festival and having been there as punters, we are really looking forward to tearing shit up!”

With a record 39 skull-crushing bands performing on the New Blood Stage this year, you can be assured that Bloodstock has scoured the length and breadth of the country via the Metal 2 The Masses roadshow to find your new favourite band. The competition has just 4 dates remaining (Bristol, Bournemouth, Plymouth, and Cardiff) so if you don’t have a ticket yet, don’t delay, as most of the dates have sold out upfront!

The second wave of Metal 2 The Masses bands added to Friday’s New Blood bill are Cheshire tech-metallers, THIS IS TURIN who fuse extreme metal and hardcore with their acclaimed live show, East Midlands band CRUEL HUMANITY who blend death, black and doom metal with melody, electronics and aggression to create their own epic sound, and Glasgow five-piece, MAIR, who meld their Pantera, Sabbath, and Zeppelin influences with simple groove, tight rhythms, and soaring solos.  Also added to Friday is the very first Irish winner of Metal 2 The Masses heats.  Hailing from the beer soaked streets of Dublin, WARPATH claim the reputation as Death Metal’s ultimate party machine.  Their ‘Warparties’ are renowned in Ireland as carnage-filled episodes that have been known to last for days.  Their energetic live shows have been described as “ripping through venues like a drunken bull in a liquor store”.  The band are getting ready to bring their craziest live show to Bloodstock this year, so grab a beer and get ready for the Warparty!!

Cruel Humanity @ Bloodstock

Saturday inductees to the New Blood stage include forward-thinking Inverness four-piece, FALLEN RIOT, featuring big riffs and heavy hooks, plus GETHIKA, whose unique style of theatrical madness combined with extreme metal won themselves the Birmingham M2TM show, and Leicester brawlers INTERNAL CONFLICT, declared champions of the Nuneaton M2TM heat following their explosive live performance.

Showcasing their tunes on Sunday’s New Blood bill are Liverpool M2TM winners OCEANIS, who promise to bludgeon and soothe you at the same time, drawing their influences from Lamb of God, Textures, Opeth, Gojira, and Mastodon.  Joining them are Nottingham M2TM champions, LINE OF FIRE, who bring their own brand of southern Stoner Metal to Catton Park.  Featuring Lawnmower Deth’s Paddy, the band boast big riffs and bigger choruses, with just a hint of the blues.  Getting in on Sunday’s New Blood action too are West Yorkshire’s BLUDGER.  Their music is an homage to the progression of metal, blending old school hardcore vocals, the politics of anti-fascist punk, the savage riffs of bands like Anthrax and Pantera, with the polyrhythmic grooves of bands like Helmet and Meshuggah.

Jagermeister Stage announced for Bloodstock

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BLOODSTOCK is only four weeks away, and the event have announced another handful of bands for the Jagermeister Stage at Catton Park.

MOTORHEAD guitarist, PHIL CAMPBELL is set to bring new project., the PHIL CAMPBELL ALL STAR BAND to top out the party on Sunday night.  Phil comments: “I am very excited to announce that I will be playing Bloodstock on August 11th with my new band, featuring members of Straight Lines, The People The Poet, Dopamine, and Attack Attack.  It’s gonna be a lot of fun so come along and rock out with us!”

Also stepping onto the Jager stage on Friday are re-formed Nottingham rockers, WRAITH.  WRAITH’s success back in the 90’s had them renowned for their signature ‘dual guitar’ attack and saw them touring globally with the likes of UFO, Saxon and Motorhead.  Lemmy even sang backing vocals on their debut album, ‘Danger Calling’.  They’re now back celebrating 25 years since their inception and brand new material recorded in 2012.

AWAKE BY DESIGN get added to Saturday’s bill.  The melodic, modern metal band blend a combination of classic and prog rock, which has seen them garnering attention from the rock press and snapping up support slots with the kindred-spirit likes of Anathema, My Dying Bride, Apocalyptica and Sonata Arctica.

Also jumping in to a Saturday slot are INCASSUM.  Having released their debut, ‘Rites of Passage’ late last year, this melodic death metal outfit feature one of the best female vocalists in the genre.  Having met at Manchester’s Salford University in 2004, the band have built their reputation on the North West’s live circuit and are excited to make the cut for Bloodstock, enthusing; “We're thrilled to be chosen to play Bloodstock this year.  This is a milestone achievement realised & we can't wait to get started". 

Rounding out Sunday’s bill are THE BASTARD SONS.  Formed in late 2011, the York-based outfit are still fairly new, but have already courted a number of indie labels and have released a debut EP of ‘dirty rock n’ roll’, titled ‘Bones’.  Come over to the Jager stage on Sunday to check ‘em out for yourself.

There’s other fun and games going on in the arena all weekend.  To celebrate the legendary KING DIAMOND’s headline slot, there’s THE KING DIAMOND CHALLENGE face-painting competition on Friday.  Paint yourself up with your favourite KING DIAMOND make-up (any era you choose), visit the Sophie stage and speak to the DJ team there to register your entry.  The overall winner, judged later that day, will receive some Bloodstock goodies.  Also to add to the weekend’s fun, there’s an overall BLOODSTOCK weekend ‘fancy dress’ competition.  Take a photo of yourself on site, dressed in whatever crazy outfit you reckon will win, upload it to the Bloodstock Facebook page to enter and you could win yourself some special Bloodstock prizes.

Limited one-day tickets are on sale now.  The last batch of VIP packages are also moving fast.   Click on over to www.bloodstock.uk.com for your ticket needs, plus all the latest news and practical info for planning your visit to the UK’s best metal weekender.