Bands: Anakim, Ward XVI, Raised By Owls, Beholder, Onslaught, Fury, Tortured Demon, Ashen Crown, Luna’s Call, Riptide, Casket Feeder, Slave Steel, Forlorn World, Godeater, Pemphigold, King Witch, The Crawling, Kurokuma, Lawnmower Deth, Foetal Juice, Divine Chaos, Agrona, Svalbard, Dog Tired, Acid Reign, Primitai, Venom Prison, Shrapnel, Raging Speedhorn, Elder Druid, Evile, Colpocleisis, Conan, Devin Townsend, Napalm Death, A Horse Called War, Borstal, Video Nasties, Kinzuko Ascaris, Wargasm, King Goat, Cottonmouth, Hawxx, Nassau, Paradise Lost, Winterfylleth, Ramage Inc, Cradle of filth, Memoriam, Kreator, Seidrblot, Bloodshot Dawn, Diamond Head, Pist, Orange Goblin, This Is Endless, The Injester, Fellowship, Gloryhammer, Boycott the Baptist, Saxon, Judas Priest. 

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Day 1

After setting off at sparrows fart o’clock for my long-haul bus from Scotland and enduring an eventful if arduous journey to the mecca of UK metal scene, Bloodstock Open Air. Making a triumphant return after a year’s absence due to Covid, the festival is back, bigger, and longer than ever with 5 days of metal madness to delight any pilgrim. Like many it was euphoric to be back on its sacred soil, ready to begin the extended rituals. Not only had I been waiting for this since I got my ticket back in 2019 but also since my last appearance here in 2013. Once in, and set up in the quiet camp of Ragnarök, all the rituals were performed, and sacrifices were made to the liver gods it was then time to set foot in the hallowed ground of the arena area.

Day one in the arena Wednesday plays out much like your typical gig as there was only one stage open, the second biggest, the Sophie Lancaster Stage, and here is where the metal festivities begin. Opening the festival and the night’s entertainment was Anakim who wasted no time in blasting out their signature sound. Old school death metal collides head-on with modern death metal technicalities, and a helping of blackened influence got me into the pit early and held my attention. These bruisers from Dorset have a knack for neck-wrecking brutality while being deceptively intricate in their delivery of the riff and the freshness of their soundcraft. A fantastic and heavy way to open this mighty fest. [7/10] f/anakim.uk

Next up was what felt much like a “wildcard” band, the deviously deceptive troupe Ward XVI. An extremely theatrical band, edging more on a performance-art ensemble than a band at times, the Burton-striped costumed gang made a vivid impression from the visuals alone.

With songs that have deeper inner meanings, the storylines for each of the song takes you on a mini journey that was wildly entertaining. The deviants on stage had an avant-garde take on this aspect that throws a lot at you to take in. From all the Gothic creepy masked stagehands with multiple costume changes to the various props and stage sets. The memorable characters that share the stage with musicians make for a very cluttered space. That aspect alone gives us pause for thought before putting them into any particular box, and the same goes for the type of music they play.

A sound that is just as cluttered as their stage setup, the band combines traditional heavy metal, with an array of influences, from Gothic struts to punky polkas, piracy scallywaggery, and clowncore compositions. An entertaining combo but sounds a little bit lackluster if the music is taken isolated from the visual aspect. Audio-wise missing some of the flair of heavier counterparts. Musically they are more than competent but with all the other shit happening on stage, the music does get washed overboard onto the listener. Enjoyable nonetheless, although less bloody than Gwar but much heavier than Alice Cooper, this act certainly has more than enough presence to get noticed and pull in the following cult. [7/10] f/WardXVI

Before seeing Raised By Owls live, I am sure that I have racked up more time watching their meta-comedy sketches than listening to their actual music. Which is a sin! Their fruity take on grindcore has me in stitches with a sense of humor and creative song titles. While musically they strangle-wank The Black Dahlia Murder’s riffage and vocals style, into a tight package of deathgrind-influenced grindcore. Meme-centric and pun-based grindcore songs are built for just one thing: raising hell and setting an extremely jovial atmosphere in the tent.

Encouraging the whole radius from the stage into a wild and ravenous crowd, making probably the quality of their musical prowess meaningless to the crowd in the madness of flying inflatable cocks and booze-filled air. Just as long as they played heavy and there were plenty of blast beats, the masses and I were more than satisfied. Though It’s hard to take notes on the music with the madness going around you and while A) You lose your shoe in their massive circle pit, and B) when there is a crowd-surfing, double dildo welding Mr Blobby going overhead. If Party Cannon are “party slam” well Raised By Owls are party grind! Long may the insanity continue. [8/10]  f/RaisedByOwls

After rescuing my shoe and taking stock of my belongings, Bloodstock veterans Beholder takes to the stage. Possibly for the last time as earlier this year, they announced this was their last show as a “working band”. The band has had very strong ties with the festival since its earliest era. Debuting in the 2007 edition and making the most appearances of any band at the fest, so this was very fitting that the band would end their live career here. The crowd was receptive to this, as they played a career-spanning set of songs of varying speed and quality.

Not the most interesting of songwriters, as they blast out their blend of thrash and traditional metal, but they made up for this with some mild gutsy pit-hungry tracks that sustained high energy and left-over fever from the previous band’s madness. This farewell gig was a fine way to close their chapter and book of this band’s final incarnation, honoring not only their unique legacy but providing a fine evening’s worth of solid metal thrills to go out on a high. [7/10]

From a band that seemed to be dying, to a band that seems to be regenerating, Onslaught coming onto the stage has been injected with some new blood that has revitalized their sound. The new blood transfused in question is David Garnett‘s joining them from ruckus thrashers Bull-Riff Stampede. This younger man takes over from veteran vocalist Sy Keeler who is retiring. Dave‘s vocal style is a perfect fit for this band’s brand of high-octane thrash, while also bringing in his unique essence to the stage in his stage presence and hype.

As for the rest of the band of metal brothers on stage, the racket they made was phenomenally energetic and down-right furious that whipped the tent into another wild fury of circle pits and swarming crowd-surfers that kept the security on their toes. Their violent display of musical aggression was precise and destructive to any neck. A brilliant way to end the night, complete with its surprises too, as Sy Keeler came on stage to give us a dueling attack version of “Metal forces” that showed off both their strengths. I must admit by this point in the night, my strength was waning as I fast approached the “24-hour awake” period when I felt my brain was getting dimmer. so this is the point I called it a night, and back I went to the tent for some much-needed kip. [8/10]

Day 2

The second glorious day at Bloodstock 2021 sees more of the festival’s stage open: with now the tiny Jägermeister stage, and the unsigned bands New Blood stage. Made for those who won through their regions Metal 2 The Masses (M2TM) tournaments, incidentally, this is where I ended up spending most of my day, soaking in the underground talents. But first I kicked off the day in the Sophie Tent for the day’s opener.

Starting off the day on a high and full of energy, there was an exceptionally pleasant surprise awaiting me. Originally the day was meant to open with bland hard rockers Mother Vulture in the Sophie, but what delight to see on stage was no other than the mighty Fury. Not only do these dudes/dudettes know how to rock out the jolliest rock n ‘roll metal in town, but also give me an excellent opportunity to make good on missing them (due to drunkenness) at Hordes way back in 2016. I’m kicking myself about missing now, based on this excellent performance.

They might have been a very last-minute addition to the line-up, and this is their first show in quite a while, it did not show in any way. The energized band produced a fluid brand of rock n roll that was pumped out in huge volume to an excited audience. From what I remember about the band they began as more of a thrash act but have now taken another path to playing a very boisterous brand of heavy metal n roll that is extremely smooth if a little cheesy to some. The expanded line-up to include some lovely backing dancers/singers ladies gave the vibes of a metal Meat Loaf in the best conceivable way. Extravagant and immensely entertaining. [8/10] f/furyofficial

Next, in the minuscule Jägermeister tent, that was way too small to handle the pull of the next new hotness: Tortured Demon. A band of almost literal children (the oldest member is only 17), this band felt leagues ahead of some of the more established acts in their quiet confidence and tunes. Meeting out a Morbid Angel meets Slayer (with few modern wrappings) style of jams that made for a tasty mosh-pit atmosphere both inside and outside of the tiny tent. Someone gets these boys a bigger stage. No doubt Bloodstock will oblige them with an upgrade to Sophie at least on a return. With bands with such a tight grasp on what makes for awesome metal music, the future of metal is in very safe hands indeed. [8/10] f/t0rtureddem0n

Back at the Sophie tent, there was modern death metal, from Brummie bunch Ashen Crown who did well and whipped up a fury and a pit. Giving me strong Anakim vibes from the previous night, but this version of DM stripped away most of the old-school and black sound and gave a hyper-slick modern death metal sound that closely borders the deathcore zone. Fuck-heavy and with lots to love and mosh too. Just not as memorable as I would have liked. [7/10] f/ashencrown.uk

Luna’s Call unluckily got the short end of the stick with having a Covid casualty as their singer. Living but missing, so the band had to adapt quickly. Causing some awkward pauses and moments of confusion, which was a real disappointment. Their sound on paper is an intricate form of progressive death metal with lots of twists, turns, and interesting flavors (think screaming Opeth). But here working with what they had, they came across as a little confused and visibly disheartened by their fortunes. It is worth catching them, on better days. [6/10] f/LunasCall

After a spot of lunch (a bunny chow chili from the fantastic Bunnymans [9/10]) I made my first foray into the unsigned New Blood tent for Ireland’s thrashers Riptide. Their logo may not be quite up to much with its amateur feel, but their musical chops are far from amateur. Taking the best bits from new school and old school thrash, these Irish lads brought the circle-pit inducing mosh with much ease. Getting the best-mixed sound from the whole fest for this stage. The sound guys got the level perfect for this act, letting the band focus on producing mayhem and monster riffs in copious quantities. [8/10] f/RipTideThrash

Hitting a new high/low for heaviness was downtempo deathcore Droogs Casket Feeder filled the tent with their beatdown-centric blend of brutal breakdown destruction that tore open the pit like a big bag of (beef) monster munch and piled in death metal by the fuck-ton. The Black Tongue-influenced take on deathcore is not to everyone’s taste, but it certainly satisfied my hunger like the said monster munch. Fantastic. [7/10] f/casketfeeder

Bringing back a touch of sophistication to the tent, the next New Blood band was Slave Steel with an impressive progressive death metal blend. A band that is proud of its technicality and its progressive tendencies and put them at the forefront of the sound and visuals (see their music videos). Giving the crowd more than bouncy heavy riffs but also some excellent and mesmerizing solos and leads. A great set that kept the day alive and the mob entertained. [7/10] f/slavesteel

Skipping eagerly over to the Sophie tent for the intriguing band Forlorn World. Formed as a pandemic isolation project of Bloodshot Dawn’s hero Josh McMorran this band has an extremely progressive and experimental edge to their take on melodic death metal that pushes at the limits. Providing the fastest song of the fest so far, clocking in at 280bpm. These titans of the riff are tailor-made for someone looking for more than a quick buzz. With echoes of Fleshgod Apocalypse‘s tones coming from the grandiose silver keys, and the godly bass from another Bloodshot partner set well them apart from what had been seen in the smaller tent. Vocals provided by the main songwriter Josh, were intimidating when growling in their glory, but as for the clean singing, it had a few blemishes. Though much stronger than what’s on their LP. Overall there was a lot more to like than dislike in this accomplished set. Greatly memorable and extremely rewarding. [8/10] f/Forlornworldband

Back over in the New Blood for a continuation of the technical vibes of before with progressive deathcore metalheads Godeater from Glasgow. This group of reprobates sets their turning low but the guitars high onto their hefty chests, laying out the kind of technical metal that requires short straps and fast fingers. A sweep-picking styled death metal riffage that is dazzling to see and closely and overwhelming to listen to. Inter-spaced here with djenty motions as per the industry standard, enhanced by some spacey backing sounds, and destructive drumming. Unafraid to change gear either with some meatier slow sections that brought the mosh. Fronted by mullet-ed Josh Graham whose piercing screams, deathcore in nature did get the people moving easily. Another highlight from this tent. [7/10] f/godeateruk

On the same stage, the next band, Pemphigoid (named after a skin disease) took things in a deeper and simpler direction, with their groovy form of old-school death. The groove from this quartet was supreme and approached goregrind at times. The flavors from this act were a refreshing change with a style that’s always a treat in these parts. Deep growled vocals that hearkened back to ’90s death metal heyday, were instantly charismatic and menacing. The guitar tones and the riffage was as infectious as their namesake and delicately addictive in their bounce and stomp. Another super thrilling set to leave the New Blood tent by. [7/10] f/pemphigoid

Beginning what became a very doom-centric evening, for the first time in a while back in the Sophie, came Scotland’s doom hot-shots and fan favorite of all the “King”-prefixed bands of the fest, King Witch. The unexpected long gap between gigs and the sudden end of touring has affected bands in many different ways. The most common symptom is an expanded waistline and a rusty singing voice. Not true in the slightest in appearance or sound for the mighty King Witch. If anything bewitching front-lady Laura‘s voice has gotten more powerful and massively stronger in the gaps. With a full grasp of her talents and excellent command of mic control and techniques she quickly made light work of engaging the crowd. While backing her, a top-grade band behind, with thick bass sound and super-sweeping soulful guitar work that made beautiful traditional doom and heavy metal. Always a crowd-pleasing act and this was no exception, no doubt landing themselves some new fans here. I feel they might outgrow this stage very soon. [8/10]

Staying in the same tent, the next band The Crawling, by their omission, was “not here to make you happy” Which was ironic. This band did indeed make me and many others incredibly happy. I can see the intent though, with the sound of the band stamps out, is an extreme form of death/doom reminiscent of the demo-era of the “Peaceville 3” (particularly Paradise Lost) is geared toward the dismal end of the metal world. Think of if a depressed Conan existed in 1991, that’s the kind of vibe they give off. In a festival highlight, this trio brought some of the strongest sounds to the tent with a crushing and mangling intensity rarely seen ever seen (even in this rarer sub-genre). Crushing and desolating death metal riffs enveloped the onlookers into a pit of despair that was simply gorgeously intense and fulfilling. Sonic magnificence [9/10] f/thecrawlingband

Continuing the doom but in the smaller New Blood tent was Sheffield’s Kurokuma, another super-strong power-trio act. A band I have covered before (see here & here) so there is not much here to say about their music, that’s as consistent as always. Yes, the drummer is still rocking a mullet, and yes they have a knack for that locked drum groove. On display here is more of the same from this very dependable band, raking out harsh and extremely heavy sludge-filled doom along the lines of Yob cranked up to 11 on the doom scale. Long monotonous riffs that crash spectacularly and trance-like droning sections that creep in tension for that all-important release. A fantastic set but loses slightly to the momentum of the previous act and my evident tiredness at this stage. [8/10] f/kurokumauk

The final band of the night was the Sophie headliner, the metal satirists Lawnmower Deth, who kicked off their set with a weird “spaceman” introduction before getting right into the silliness of their brand of comedic thrash metal. The Lawnmower Deth vibe, for me, has always been a cleverly disguised satire act, as from their earliest material their tongue has always been too deep into their cheeks for it to just be a coincidence. From the period they emerged and the scene they started in there has always been something cheeky about the group of thrash-maniacs that knows exactly who and what to take the piss out of. From the hilarious ultra-speedy riffage, the piss-take lyrics, the ridiculous band, and stage names, to the very messy and intentionally poorly executed solos and leads (clearly a rip towards the grind/crusty scene obsession with speed and noise), it’s all feel designed to annoy the critics but engage the partying mob atmospherics of all their gigs.

Complete with flying balloons and whatever else can be thrown in the air flying overhead the audience here was ready to engage into full party mode and moshed their socks off to their brand of thrash. Giving a chaotic response to huge main-man Qualcast “Koffee Perkulator” Mutilator (Pete Lee) jives, jokes, and prompts leading to great banter and moments of comedy. Deth shows pretty much always guarantee one thing: a stonking great laugh packaged into an amazingly entertaining night of thrash and fun, this set was no different if completely exhausting to my frame at this point. [8/10]

Day 3

Friday, the first full day, feels like where Bloodstock really gets into the swing, with all stages now open it made for a very hectic day dashing between the tents and stages. The main and impressive Ronnie James Dio stage was the main draw for the first band of the day. That is where I headed first to get stuck in and near the front.

Getting close and up personal for the opening band, Manchester’s brutal metallers Foetal Juice. They have a strange connection with me and the first Bloodstock I went to in 2012, having picked up one of their demo CDr there. That got me immediately hooked to their sound. A dirty and squishy brand of death metal that strays close to crusty edges of goregrind/grindcore. Although starting with a terrible mix (basically all drums!) The band opened the stage with gusto, providing some strong and intimidating death metal to an enthused audience. New-ish burly front-man Derek Carley brings heaps of charisma and strong deep growls, complemented by grinding and grooving riffs on a bed of blast beats. A most excellent way to start the day. [7/10] f/FoetalJuice

Next and taking full advantage of the huge stage was Divine Chaos, which felt extremely fresh and ready to bring the mosh! Another band with a line-up change/overhaul (since the last time I’d seen them) as they are now fronted by the striking Jut Tabor (from Bournemouth’s FuryBorn) whose presence certainly had upped their impact. The middle-of-the-road melodic death/thrash they play was extremely enjoyable and very mosh-worthy if not a little on the predictable side. The formula works, and quickly got the crowd through all the correct motions, breakdowns, and circle-pit-inducing grooves. [7/10] f/divinechaosband

One of the bands I wanted to catch, due in part to the lack of black metal on the bill, was Agrona from Wales. This female-fronted black metal act did not give the best impression when I came into the Sophie tent, with vocalist Adara giving a cave-dwelling howl over the typical Krieg riffage. My heart sank as I thought this might be going down the well-trodden laughable side of grim black metal. This quickly turned around as their skilled riffing and tight grasp of the black arts quickly lulled me into their graces. Their death metal-influenced demonic tones seduced me to their party. Progressive tinkering placed into their subtle guitar work and maelstrom method of raising hellfire and glory in the mosh pits fired up the audience and turned out a fleshed-out and dynamic performance. The wailing, shrieking, and demonic screaming style of lead vocals as well as her theatrical persona turned this around for me as I got stuck in and got awesome photos (see below.) My blackened heart is rarely this over-satisfied with live black metal. [8/10] f/agronaband

From the slightly underground extreme metal to something much more mainstream and arguably more listenable (enough for my wife to enjoy a tune). Svalbard from Bristol was in full swing by the time I got to the right spot in the crowd at the Dio stage. A band that has quickly gained a lot of good press and industry whack for their interesting fusion of sounds, staunch moral stances, and appealing live shows. But was this another success in the field? Apparently yes! The floating and dynamic hardcore blend crosses easily with soothing blackgaze as their set swept over delighted the crowd. Their reputation is more than fulfilled in the ears and the soul. Majestic shifts from punky-hardcore flavors to metallic and blackened tones made effortless by this talented band. A top-shelf set from the main stage, well saluted by the audience. [8/10] f/svalbarduk

As a part of my internal mission as a Scottish metalhead, my ambition was to catch every Scottish band on the bill and show my support. Fate, though would not have it that way, as clashes dashed my hopes of seeing full sets for each. Falling victim to this shuffle was Penicuik’s finest Dog Tired. A dominant pit-hungry band that is well documented in this blog, (I’m even doing a discography review). Their strengths in the riff are well archived and have brought them many fans, helping to raise them from a tiny New Blood act to titans on the Sophie stage in very little time. It’s here where they seem most at home, in front of a large enthused audience who were begging for the huge riffs they provide by the ton. A monster of a set, it’s a pity I couldn’t see it all. [7/10] f/dogtiredmetal

Acid Reign brought the vibes from Lawnmower Deth to the main stage, bringing all the party atmosphere with all the flying inflatables to match. With front-man H doing all he can to break as many health and safety rules as possible and giving his insurance a heart attack, by going nuts on stage. The toxic waltzing thrash the band produced (after quite a bit of “technical issues” delays), was straight to the point and extremely fun. It even got me crowd surfing for the first time in a decade, making up for chickening out on doing so at the Lords of the Land 2017 gig. Admittedly with all the excitement and alcohol in my system by this point my brain seems to have lost a bit of memory from this. Not to worry though, as I’ll be seeing them again really soon at Hordes X to make up for it. [7/10]

In need of a lunch break and a good sit-down, I saw most of Primitai’s set from a sitting/lying position in the Sophie tent. This mob of rock n rollers from Berkshire actually suited this vantage point quite nicely. Filling the air with a quite chill atmosphere. The softer sound of their classic metal/half-thrash was enjoyable if a little cheesy, poking towards a few cliches. But carried very well in an authentic air, and their strong talents made for a pleasant head-nodding set of songs that praised the ear, filling the brain with joy as I fill my belly with noodles. [7/10] f/primitai

Getting another great vantage point at the front for Venom Prison, who raised hell in a quick burst. Having seen these guys and gals in London (2017) just at the beginning of their hype wave, and comparing them now. What a huge progression they’ve made in just a short time. Their spirit and their tunes are outstanding in their impact while making their striking and impressive presence on the big stage. Gone are the days when the silver-haired Larissa (vocals) would make death stares into crowds and appear hesitant to be there. On stage was a much more mature group who brought fierce death and hardcore-infused songs that didn’t require additional prompting to get the mob to go nuts in the pit. Putting out strong doses of destructive death-thrash riffs that clashed and combined with a hardcore punk attitude and speed that refreshed my soul. The best set from the main stage so far. [9/10]

Sharpnel was next in the Sophie and there is nothing quite like thrash metal to boost the energy level of any gig and this top-shelf thrash act are masters at this art. Diving headfirst back into the pit before crowd-surfing with some regrettable results (I just kept losing shit out of my pockets). Storming high energy heavy riffing and merciless stomping drum speed, what else do you really need for some simple thrash thrills and decadent moshing. [8/10] f/ShrapnelOfficial

Kicking off their set with a Queen cover/intro of “We will rock you” before exploding into the classic “Fuck the Voodoo Man” sludge-meisters Raging Speedhorn felt unstoppable on stage as they plowed out tune after sick tune of memorable stoner-sludge rock n metal. This band, though beginning in the 2000’s nu-metal boom, has far outgrown their roots and humble past. Ever since reforming they are forging into a new reclaimed path that has only made them stronger and eager to please. Please they certainly did with an epic set of tunes from back and forth of their catalog that no doubt garnered them some more new followers and fans. [8/10]

On my intoxicated wanderings when I really should have taken in more of the bands I came around at the New Blood. There was a band (later discovered to be stoner-doomers Elder Druid) that was deploying some heroic symmetry with twin bassists on stage. I would give more detail of their sound but, I literally only heard the very final note of their set, and extremely hearty applause. Notable nonetheless. [?/10] f/elderdruidband

Returning to the thrash vibes in the Sophie came new-school thrashers Evile. The sudden exit of long-time vocalist Matt from the line-up brought forth some changes to their sound. As suddenly promoted Ol Drake vocal range is not quite as high as his brother Matt‘s was, their set-list had to be adapted. Causing them to only play their most savage songs. Ol Drake by far proved himself in the delivery and attitude that it seems that the band was always this way. Pumping out a solid stream of modern-day new school thrash classics and pit-pleasing tunes. With energy levels again boosted I was circle-pit-bound in no time before almost dying crowd-surfing, again. Losing more of my stuff to the madness, but gaining a huge clump of someone’s hair attached to my spikes (ouch, and sorry to whoever that was). Not disheartened, but thoroughly shagged out, this amazing and glorious set is one I’ll certainly not forget in a hurry. [8/10]

Heading to the New Blood for an under-represented sub-genre: Slam. Since we were losing Party Cannon due to Covid the number of slam acts halved suddenly. So taking up the slack was this mouthful of band Colpocleisis (named after some kind of vaginal operation). These burly bunch of scousers are heavy in more ways than one. Cranking out some stonking slams that are frankly monstrously thick, simplistic, and disgusting. This kind of slam though, is, despite what some of their merch says, is all cave-man slam to the 10th degree. Primitive, bruising, and neanderthalic, but by Jesus, it was effective in its single purpose. Colpocleisis could have easily been the heaviest band on the festival bill if it wasn’t for who followed them. [7/10] f/colpocleisis

Doom-sludge masters Conan, were frankly uncompromising here and deathly devastating to the ears and souls of all those brave metallers in the Sophie. A monstrous sound that felt like it was summoning Cthulhu on the back of the mighty Leviathan straight from the depths of the ocean. This trio, yes trio, was completely crushing us all with all three of its legs. Monolithic dooming guitar riffs wrapped in a tone you can feel in your teeth swamped in from the stage with gravitational bass pluses. Echoing and extremely piercing screams and yells of pain stabbed the brain. While earth-shaking drums tremor-ed the ground and weakened bone. Wow just wow! [9/10]

The sky darkened by this point, and in time for the first of the main Dio stage headliner Devin Townsend. Playing a very special “by request” set of songs picked by the fans, Devin got straight to work pumping out fan favorites. Notably, a lot of Strapping Young Lad songs (“Love?” and “Detox” being the strongest and clearest highlights) made the cut along with some of the heaviest songs from his discography. This did not go unnoticed by the man himself as he commented about the effort needed to play those numbers. A brilliant entertainer through and through, He charmed the audience with his pure charisma, dorkish personality, and the right amount of dick jokes and dirty humor.

As a musician, he is one of the most versatile artists out there, in songwriting, and performance, and this was pretty much an immaculate replica of their CD sound. Although he did manage to fuck up one of his songs. causing a possibly intentional break and skidding halt for him to recover from easily by turning it into a joke. Some of the songs he played by his omission are incredibly cheesy and absurd. Such as when he pulled out on stage a full gospel choir for “Spirits Will Collide” as well as wildlife in the form of a costumed gorilla and elephant to sing a song of unity and universal love.

This led to Devin possibly being upstaged by the elephant as it remained on stage for the last few songs, as the crowd bitterly protested it being forced to leave the stage. So it remained on stage, dancing, jumping, and headbanging stiffly for the next few songs. This was a great and extremely fun set to witness, even as a non-Devin fan such as myself. Simply brilliant. [8/10]

Next in the now tiny feeling Sophie tent, which was quickly choc-a-bloc in little time, came the furious and legendary Napalm Death who wasted no fucking time in getting stuck in (as time waits for no slave). Barrages and volleys of brutal death-grind were fired out quickly and extremely efficiently as they battered through their lengthy set-list of grindcore excellence. Rolling and thundering bass, speedy blasting drums, and death metal riffage tore forward to another manic crowd set in the darkness. Barney’s extreme energy was the polar opposite of how I was feeling with my tiredness biting in. Bitterly disappointed with my laughable stamina level of late, I ended up crashing early into Napalm Death’s grueling and extreme set. [8/10]

Day 4

After a bonkers day yesterday at Bloodstock, my mood was ecstatic for another fulfilling day of metal. Saturday, the middle day of the main fest, is always a blast. So, I wasted no time getting stuck in and over to the New Blood tent for some breakfast tunes.

And who doesn’t love a bit of sludge for breakfast? Norfolk’s A Horse Called War was happy to supply this most important metal meal of the day. By giving a hearty and heavy full-English meal of sludge metal. Wholesomely heavy and satisfying the hunger of any listener with the right flavors mixed to perfection. Tasty groove-filled gloomy guitar work was a treat, while the tangy and rich bass tone sauce added that extra spice to the mix. Vocals from another mulleted lead singer gave a frightening performance of deep growls and hardcore shrieks adding that extra energy to the whole plate. Overall, this is just what I needed to shake the morning cobwebs off and, I can scarcely think of anything better for the task! [8/10] f/ahorsecalledwaruk

Ready to face the day my next stop is the main Dio stage for a bit of an oddity in all the metal of this fest. Hardcore punk crew Borstal was already fired up and getting the hardcore kids dancing and 2-stepping to their beat. The type hardcore presented was primarily the tough-guy style but there is more. Pulling in a fusion of various flavors of hardcore punk: from old-school speed from the past, through the street-punk and Oi varieties, and even crossover thrash points and back to beatdown. It all made for an original sound that kept me interested and helped to really shake things up and hopefully open a few eyes, ears, and minds to new/diverse sounds and ways of heavy music. [7/10] f/BorstalHC

Over in the Sophie tent was something much more rooted in metal with blackened rockers Video Nasties on stage causing a ruckus racket of radical raw rebellion. This Liverpudlian crew whose name and album imagery is more akin to pizza thrashers, invoking 80’s horror nostalgia, while their music takes another less traveled path of black n’ roll that was fully effective and unique. Certainly, here they were taking the more “roll” side of the genre with a heap of melodic hooks garbed in an acidic black tone. A wonderful set of biting numbers. [7/10] f/videonastiesuk

Arriving in the New Blood tent, early enough to catch the last few numbers of Kinzoku who were pumping at huge volume their hyper-flash proggy and djenty metalcore stomps that was moving the crowd a lot more than it was moving me. With their style not finding any purchase in me above the surface level effect. [6/10] f/KinzokuBandUK

Ascaris next on the stage, who I came into the tent to see, were something to admire in their efficacy and their songcraft as they piped a very elegant and progressive take on blackened death metal into the tent. This crystalline form of extreme metal was extra crisp and engagingly savage with some relentless blasting and stormy riffage that brought one band swiftly to mind in the best conceivable way. We should start calling them “Akercocke Jr”, they are only missing the suits and ties. Fantastic! [8/10] 

On the pass (back to the camp for some festival scrumping) I caught only a snippet of Wargasm/UK(?) who had engaged the large crowd from the Dio. This band is the polar opposite of their namesakes from the states. Instead of pumping out brutal thrash, this batch of misfits was blasting out danceable punk flavored…? I am not sure what you would call it, but I loved the party/riot vibes of the band, and the bizarre fusion of sounds reminded a lot of a digital hardcore for the modern-day. Interesting [7/10] f/thisiswargasmuk

Back from scrumping for alcohol in time for King Goat firing up in the Sophie tent. King Goat is one of only two bands I know (Haerken being the other) that incorporates smells to their sound adding extra dimension to their set of heavy doom songs. As the tent was thick in a cloud of incense and moshing sweat. The doom they play is also remarkably close to another King-band, King Witch with comparable vocal talent, though male this time coming from a shrouded monk garb. An extremely strong-voiced character that instantly moved and swayed the crowd, on board a ship of fat groovy riffs that made another doomy highlight in this packed fest. [8/10] f/kinggoatbri

Over in the New Blood again, sadly hard rock types, Cottonmouth was not interesting enough to dwell on as they finished their set. [5/10]. f/CottonmouthMetal/ While next, rocking ladies, Hawxx despite the massive hype and press following this act, were ultimately disappointing despite their talents and chemistry. Started on good footing but quickly dropped into the bland and forgettable territory by the finish. [6/10] f/hawxxmusic

Next on the same stage were the experimental metal lads Nassau. Another Scottish act that unfortunately also got shafted by clashes. So, I didn’t catch the full set but what I did see they did make a strong impression. The progressive death metal edge this act has is what stands this band apart with a bold approach to songwriting and delivery that oozes confidence and extra notches of talent. Sweeping and technical guitar licks merge into thick and destructive turns into the unexpected keeping listeners on their toes. [7/10]  f/bandnassau

On the main stage and the reason for my hasty exit from Nassau’s set was gloomsters Paradise Lost. A band I’ve been dying to see in the flesh since my first Bloodstock in 2012 where I “heard” most of their set but did not actually see them as I was facing the wrong way, (digging into the stalls of CDs). Playing their most popular LP “Draconian Times” in full on this tour, they had the fans expectantly waiting hand and foot on their numbers, as this is a stunning album (Someone should really write a review of it). No surprises here as this was another case of an authentic replication for the disc to ears, the crowd, and I was loving it as I planted myself into another mosh pit. [8/10] 

In the Sophie tent, I found British black metal stars Winterfylleth already spouting their krieg fury. Their dreary black metal that I found oddly disappointing this time around. Having normally enjoyed their brand of hellfire (when it’s not acoustic) immensely but in the tent, I was struggling to get invested in the sound, despite how well it was played. [7/10] 

Next on the same stage was Ramage Inc who are undoubtedly honored to be on the same bill as heroes and their biggest influence, Devin Townsend. This Edinburgh band’s progressive and atmospheric sound was huge and overwhelming in its wall-of-sound dynamic aesthetic. Smothering wave after wave of swelling chugs and throbs made for an intense experience while the wailing and melodic vocals pulled the listener on their own journey. A magnificent set that shows this band is steadily growing beyond their influence’s shadows [8/10] f/RamageInc

Over on the Dio stage a band I  was most excited to finally see live in the flesh Cradle of filth. A band with a long history with me, as one of the first true metal bands I got into (buying “damnation and a day” new). And they did not disappoint with an awesome sound and setlist. Cradle and front-man Dani Filth seem to have a bad rep in the metal world, and I don’t see why? Okay, they did jump off the black metal ship to do their own wonderful thing, and the last few records since “Nymphetamine” have been lackluster at best. But it seems going on the newest material they are coming back to their days of the “Midian” era and before. 

Dani’s vocals are still phenomenal, and it always perplexes me just how he manages his patented “Dani-shriek” but it looks like clever mic placement is a part of the technique. However, he does look like a massive pillock on stage in his Gene vs Lordi get-up and make-up while the guitar section too, looked equally bizarre with some kind of Rob Zombied type and a pin-head cenobite providing the gnarly riffage. Overall this was a great set that thrilled and puzzled in equal measure. [8/10] 

Over in the Sophie tent, where there were some monstrous sounds. Old School death metal and Bolt Thrower successor band Memoriam was ripping and tearing the crowd to shreds, and that was just by the sheer volume of the drums alone. The loudest kit of the whole fest was being furiously beaten to submission by the beast of a (new) drummer Spikey T. Smith gave a brutal display that dominated the stage. While white long-haired and the oldest of old-school vocalists, Karl Willetts grumbled, growled, and screamed his way through a mammoth set of death metal’s gnarliest numbers. Flavored in the style of yesteryear that still packs a punch and is immediately effective and entertaining. Proving this is just no school like the old school! Fan-fucking-tastic [9/10]

Time for the main event, the mighty creator Kreator took the Dio stage after a brief theatrical intro (a pair of the band’s Jack O mascots praised some flames) they set the crowd on fire with their thrash metal mastery. It was great to finally hear more thrash today, as the bill was lacking that energy until now. Masters of the riff Kreator are experts in bringing huge riffs and monstrous moshing madness in quick fiery succession. Teutonic style! Extreme, fast, and very addictive their set was another massive triumph for this stage as they got the biggest wall of death I’ve ever witnessed to “Enemy of God” This was extreme aggression at its finest! [9/10]

Day 5

Sadly, the end was nigh, as entering the final day at Bloodstock, and with reality beginning to set in that We would all have to go back to normal life sooner than we would have liked. Although the last day has its fair share of surprises and triumphant metal to be heard and witnessed.  

Opening the main Dio stage was a very unexpected and unique act, Seidrblot taking a lot from the new wave of ethnic folk music with bands such as Heilung. This 3-piece act follows suit and gives the pagan sound from centuries past. The Viking folk sound was much more minimalist than the bigger names but made up for this with their atmospheric tones, rattling throat singing, and interesting percussion techniques, (it is not every day that you see someone just chopping wood on stage). Reminding me of a lot of the less-alcohol filled but more spiritual songs from Korpiklaani. Flanked on both sides by some super-hot scantily clad warrior woman who applied war paint and fire dancing. This was definitely needed to help their visuals as it otherwise would be just 3 blokes sitting down. An intriguing out-of-metal experience and a fine way to start the day with a bit of culture before the madness begins. [7/10] f/seidrblot

Staying at the Dio the metal truly began in earnest with beefy death metal destroyers Bloodshot Dawn. Having been given a stunning preview of them with Forlorn World a couple of days back, my expectations were high as I was impressed by what was only a side-gig/project. This may have been to the detriment of this band’s set. As fantastic as it was (bassist Giacomo Gastaldi was outstanding again) there seemed to be something not right. Despite the extremely heavy and kinetic metal gymnastics of the tech death variety, and as engaging as it was to the right part of the moshing part of the brain, their set was lacking that essential spark of the synapses. As my friend and a self-professed Bloodshot Dawn super-fan said about the performance “Given the circumstances of having session members for the set not having played this material live before, a good show” and I agree it was a good show but not a great one [6/10] f/BloodshotDaw

Next, and still on the main stage, was NWOBHM stars Diamond Head. Who was an instant crowd-pleaser with their well-worn and stage-crafted numbers that got the audience jumping in very little time. The massively entertaining and charismatic vocalist Rasmus Bom Andersen was hugely popular and energetic as he belted out the hits from this veteran-status band with youthful vigor. While main-man and only original member Brian Tatler was too, very spritely for the 60-year-old he is. This classic metal act brought their A-game here and got the place bouncing. [7/10]

Making my first entrance to the Sophie in quite a while, mucky Manx metal heroes Pist quickly fired into gear and splashed us all in the tent, in the face with a full gallon of 90%proof sludge metal mayhem. Turning out epic and crunchy riffs that were impossible to ignore and irresistible to mosh too. The riffing here was top notch with the right balance struck between filthy and grinding grooves, while the meaty bass ripped sonic rapture, and the drumming galloped and gyrated in the bluesy smoke. Vocals here were as violent as necessary and pummelled the ear with screams and shouts. A blinder of a set that made me very excited and raised more than the bar for the day’s metal. [8/10] f/pistband

Over at the Dio were stoner metal legends Orange Goblin who were almost literally giants on the stage, towering over the crowd in stature and the size of their triumphant power-blues riffs! Black Sabbath toned blending with Kyuss and desert scene pastiche smothered in a divinely British style that excelled in power and glorious swings and side-winding grooves. Riffage supreme! Pulling you into their sound it was again neigh-impossible to escape their charismatic grasp and heavy possessive charm. Fronted by the giant in the “Ghost in the fog” music video this towering act was the day’s top-pickings from the main stage so far and unmissable. [8/10]

Nipping over to the New Blood, London’s somewhat “supergroup” This Is Endless was raring to go and spit out some true brutality to the modest crowd. This band (Featuring members from Akercocke, Ted Maul, Dripback, Voices, and more) has their fingers deeply in many pies but has opted for a more straightforward and brutal sound. Primary deathcore with subtle influences that is instantly memorable and provocative. It’s a real shame that they had a terrible sound mix that killed my pleasure for listening to their thrashy-deathcore. Definitely one of the bands on my (and many others) “watch list” for the future as no doubt they will make more than a splash! [7/10] f/thisisendless

Next on the same stage was the weird and wonderful clowncore pose: The Injester, a bizarre and unique band of freaks and fetishists. This heavily costumed act was an interesting watch to say the very least, as for the music side it was a strange horror show of their own making. Circus music and themes merged with a revival-nu-metal sound with industrial tones and signatures. Echoing a topsy-turvy American Headcharge attitude and delivery that had its flaws but was more than eye/ear-catching to many. [6/10] f/TheInjester

Leaving the New Blood stage just in time for Therapy? to announce a song about “fucking his sister” (well!). I had a few errands to run and left the arena for the camp. Namely food, “water” and refreshments as well as getting my camp chair as I already felt my energy getting low. I thought it was a good shout to see more of the day from a seated position.

After getting distracted and sidetracked by stalls and misc. The next act I saw was Power metallers Fellowship in the New Blood tent. This heavy mithril act was as cheesy as and as over the top as any great power metal should be. Soaring vocals, galloping riffs, and blazing solos that were fast and furious. The band’s set turned quickly into a great mini-preview for what came next (too soon to call them Gloryhammer jr?) with the madness getting the crowd into a ravenous state. Any band where you can see Gandalf crowd surfing is always going to be a right laugh and amazingly entertaining. This was very true for this fine act, and a solid band with a bright and heavy future ahead of them! Gallop on you majestic fuckers, I am with you on your quest! [8/10] f/FellowshipUK

Over at the Dio stage the madness continued with Gloryhammer with possibly more insanity, this bonkers band is tailor-made for shenanigans and the inflatables were back out in force. Including many, many unicorns and even a gigantic inflated Pikachu costumed punter, who I’m told indeed went crowd surfing. Totally nuts! As for their music, it was a massively fun frolicking frenzy of the normal power metal tropes. With a very similar set-list to when I saw them in my hometown (See here), I would refer you to my previous review (<there) as it is mostly the same but in a more spacious setting. Brilliant! [7/10]

Over at the forgotten micro Jagermeister stage was my next target, crusty grinders Boycott the Baptist. This duo of contemptuous cunts from Lincoln is not for the easily offended or the elitist as their “fair-game” policy targets everyone both lyrically and sonically. Quick-fire grindcore/power-violence numbers are the simple 2-riff affairs that blast and scream in quick succession, with blast beats aplenty and scrambling chaotic guitar in the vein of Anal Cunt. Experimenting with the formula a bit, they piped in a sludgy cover of Eyehategod’s “Sister fucker” to great effect! While also getting Sam Fowler of Raised By Owls to guest scream for the micro-grind track “Man pt. 2”. This noisy bunch of grindbastards know what they are all about and bring pure and simple thrills that are unmatched in their straight-to-the-point intent. Grind is love! [8/10] f/BoycottTheBaptist

Leaving the Jager tent a bit early to get a good spot for Saxon and the all-important and hyped appearance from king-sized Brian Blessed. He made his hearty presence felt and remembered as he introduced Saxon to a memorable Shakespeare quote (Henry V: Act 3 Scene 1) all received greatly by the crowd, but I doubt He really needed the microphone.

Onward to Saxon, who began their set with a fantastic hype video clip of their long and illustrious career with a photo montage before firing into “Motorcycle Man” and a whole heap of other classics from their lengthy discography. Master performers from a lifetime on the road, these kings in flesh were in their element, providing flawless heavy metal bangers that raised the atmosphere to new heights, despite the rain. The only rain of the whole fest was very fitting as they played their heavy metal thunder on stage just as real thunder was a possibility, also fitting was the crowd surfing women in a wheelchair during “Wheels of Steel”. It’s moments like these that exemplify what We all love about this festival, the crowd, the music, the unity, and the shared love of heavy metal as loud as it can be. Saxon provided all this and more in great supply! [9/10]

The final act and climax for Bloodstock were heavy metal gods that they are: Judas Priest! After giving us a quick sing-a-long moment with the PA music pumping out Black Sabbath classic “Warpigs” before cutting out suddenly. With the ominous, booming, battle hymn playing and with the giant JP emblem lowered, beckoning forth to the crowd, the show finally began in fabulous fashion! Right out of the gates, and hitting full force opener new track “One Shot at Glory” before riding into classic after classic hits of their 50-year history. Even playing some rare cuts that have been heard live since the ’70s. All played to perfection into the night, with stunning visuals and an industrial stage set, this was a real treat.

The only downside for me is the line-up, missing out on seeing the legendary classic team (KK and Tipton in tow), but is only a minor fault as Richie Faulker and Andy Sneap are a one-of-a-kind guitar team with excellent epic chemistry. As for Halford, his extreme vocals sound immortal and ageless as he still belts out all those high-note effortlessly as if time does not affect these legends! This epic-length 2-hour set was incredible, but sadly too much for my tiredness to bear again as I again retired early. Luckily enough, Priest played loud enough for quite the clear sound for the whole slow walk back to the tent. Merrily singing along to “Painkiller” in the tent before passing out! What a way to end this fantastic festival! [9/10]

So! That was BLOODSTOCK 2021! An amazing experience that I’ll never forget. Long live Bloodstock – Long live heavy metal!