Having shown resounding and unequivocal support for every single band so far, the Bloodstock faithful are still raring to go after four full days of partying. As battle commences one final time, highlights on the Sophie Stage include the hard hitting Midlands retro-fuzz of Wolf Jaw, Brighton doomsters Grave Lines, the angry sounding double punch of Vexed and Pist, a debut performance from symphonic death metallers Ghosts of Atlantis, and Manchester black metal mob Necronautical.
FRIDAY
With energy levels and festival excitement still high, quality acts such as Welsh black metallers Agrona, Norfolk thrashers Shrapnel, Liverpool doom/sludge merchants Conan, and a reinvigorated and retooled Evile invade the Sophie Lancaster Stage, decimating all before them. Birmingham grindcore legends Napalm Death complete the day’s entertainment with a reliably devastating set, the crowd gathered outside the tent almost as huge as the one inside.
We’re back!
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.
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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AFP Records, the excellent UK based label with such current and future greats as BEGGAR, Video Nasties, PIST, Bong Cauldron Desert Storm, Mastiff, Possessor and more has launched a fundraiser. Celebrating their third anniversary, the label is releasing a t-shirt, double CD and digital download under the title APF Records: The Sound of Heavy 2020 all benefitting South Liverpool Food Bank here in the UK. The download is a “pay what you want”. The bundle is due out on the 15th of May.
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