Sure, we might be having to follow a series of new Coronavirus safety protocols which may or not become a regular thing for live shows, but we’re back. And judging by the size of the opening day crowds spilling out from the main entrance, car parks and campsites, not a moment too soon. Since its inception Bloodstock Open Air has always attracted early birds who like nothing more than to arrive long before the gates even open, but this time feels different. Everyone seems to be here early. Coiled springs desperate for release. The festival’s twentieth anniversary isn’t just a celebration of metal this year, it’s a genuine escape.
Tag Archives: Toxic Holocaust
ALBUM REVIEW: Nervosa – Perpetual Chaos
With only founding guitarist Prika Amaral remaining from their original 2010 line-up, Brazilian thrashers Nervosa return with a much more international look on their fourth full-length studio release, Perpetual Chaos (Napalm Records). Joining Amaral this time is Spanish vocalist Diva Satanica, Greek drummer Eleni Nota, and former Abbath bassist Mia Wallace.
Win a Chance to Exhibit Your Artwork at Bloodstock 2021s RAM Gallery
Bloodstock Open Air is making plans to return in 2021 and every year festival founder Paul Gregory curates a selection from other heavy-metal-friendly artists, both established and new, who has caught his attention the previous year. In 2021, Paul wants to give a chance to artistic newcomers to win the opportunity to hang a piece of their work alongside his own and other respected creatives in the on-site RAM Gallery, so he’s devised an art competition. To enter you need to design and create your own piece of artwork, based around and inspired by one of the bands performing at Bloodstock 2021. Paul will jointly judge the competition alongside friend and fellow artist, Mark Wilkinson (illustrator of album sleeves for Marillion, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, The Darkness), and the winner will have their work professionally framed, lit, and hung in the RAM Gallery on-site next August. In addition to this honour, the winner will bag a pair of weekend festival tickets, a personal tour of the RAM Gallery on-site with Paul Gregory, and the potential to watch 3 songs from the side of the stage of the band they’ve chosen to create their artwork for (subject to closed stages).
Bloodstock Open Air 2021 Adds Mercyful Fate and Dimmu Borgir!
Bloodstock Open Air, rebooked for 2021, has announced a new headliner! The great Heavy Metal legends Mercyful Fate, featuring King Diamond, will headline the Ronnie James Dio stage on Saturday, along with Dimmu Borgir as special guests. Watch a new trailer now!
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PODCAST: Episode 109: Dee Snider on His “Rebirth”, Freedom, and Future Projects
Ghost Cult Chief Editor Keefy was honored to interview Heavy Metal legend Dee Snider for our podcast. We chatted about his upcoming DVD/concert album For The Love of Metal Live, due out soon from Napalm Records. Dee chatted about the “rebirth of his career” with his solo album inspired by Jamey Jasta (Hatebreed), his family, touring the world, his new band, how he keeps his voice in shape, lessons he has learned from the music business, anecdotes about Twisted Sister, his Broadway covers album, reflections on protecting Metal Music’s right to Freedom of Speech from the PMRC 35 years ago this year, and his plans for his next project. Order Dee’s new live album and other music here, and check out our chat! Continue reading
Metal Vs Racism Releases Its Second Episode
After making its debut early this week with episode one, Metal Vs. Racism, an online collective of metal musicians has shared their second episode. This episode features Alex Skolnik of Testament, Joel Grind of Toxic Holocaust, Leon De Muerte of Terrorizer, Mike IX of EyeHateGod, Chiyo of Noothgrush, Scotty Peterson of Cryptic Slaughter, Greg Wilkerson of Brainoil/Deathgrave, Rev. Ben Falgoust of Goatwhore and more! Episode 1 featured members of High On Fire, Sepultura, Gatecreeper, Exhumed, Necrot, Blood Incantation, and others. They have come together in a new video denouncing white supremacy, police brutality, and racism. Organized by Necrot frontman Luca Indrio and Gatecreeper guitarist Eric Wagner and the clips willl feature people in the metal world uniting against bigotry — in the metal community and the world at large.Continue reading
Great Scott, Legendary Boston Music Venue, to Shut Down Permanently Due to COVID-19 Closure
Sad news out of Boston as one of the legendary music venues of all time, Great Scott, has announced they will not return when the current coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic subsides. The club’s manager posted a Facebook message to fans, thanking them for a lifetime of memories. Great Scott, in the Allston neighborhood, was home to all kinds of music, but definitely supported all kinds of rock, metal, punk, and hardcore over the years. Ghost Cult covered countless shows at the venue including Intronaut, Nails, Royal Thunder, Corrections House, Toxic Holocaust, Revocation, Kylesa, The Krum Bums, The Atlas Moth, Kvelertak and many more. Sadly this seems to be one of a wave of clubs, bars, and small businesses crushed by the economic downturn following this pandemic. Continue reading
Bloodstock Clarifies 2020 Event Position, Books Additional Bands for 2020
Bloodstock Open Air 2020 is still hoping to go forward with its 20th-anniversary edition this summer in spite of the coronavirus pandemic. The festival has announced that BOA 2020 event planning is proceeding with full care and attention, in order to bring you the best event yet to celebrate 20 Years of Bloodstock. The team is closely monitoring government guidelines and cooperating with the relevant authorities to assure the best and safest environment for our Bloodstockers, bands, staff, and site workers come August and will continue to keep you updated with any further developments. New bands added to the bill include Lost Society, Video Nasties, Wolf Jaw, Grave Lines, Vexed, and more TBA. Continue reading
Bloodstock Adds Six New Bands and New Charity Partner!
Bloodstock Open Air 2020 continues to pile on the big names with six new acts added to the lineup! Savage Master, Blasphemer, Liberty Lies, Black Tongue, Pist, and Sharks In Your Mouth have joined a bill that includes headliners Devin Townsend (Friday), Behemoth (Saturday), and Judas Priest (Sunday) as well as Hatebreed, Philip H. Anselmo & The Illegals, Skindred, Paradise Lost, Life Of Agony, Bury Tomorrow, Black Dahlia Murder, Diamond Head, Jinjer, Vio-Lence, Sacred Reich, Gloryhammer, Dark Tranquillity, Bloodywood and more! The fest also named this year’s charity partner will be the mental health charity Mind. Mind provides advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem, and campaign to improve services and raise awareness. 1 in 4 of us will experience a mental health problem every year and Mind won’t give up until everyone experiencing a mental health problem gets both support and respect. In addition to guestlist donations, raising funds on behalf of Mind on site at BLOODSTOCK will be festival attendee Michael Lacy, with his Patch Amnesty initiative. Bring your old, spare, or new patches to donate, browse patches to buy, or even just stop by for a chat. All proceeds go to Mind. Please look out for Patch Amnesty/Mind signage and stop by his stand in the main arena to give your support. Continue reading
Toxic Holocaust to Kick off New Tour Dates with Soulfly
Toxic Holocaust his hitting the road starting tonight, as direct support for metal legends Soulfly. The six-week tour will cover three-dozen cities and additional support will come from X-Method, Madzilla, Skinflint, and Systemhouse 33. Led by mastermind Joel Grind, Toxic Holocaust is touring in support of their 2019 album Primal Future, released in October via Entertainment One (“eOne”). Continue reading