Exclusive Interview: Bloodshot talk “Dead Horizons”!

Last month Oxford Death Metal four piece Bloodshot announced their return to the throne with colossal single “Dead Horizons“. They may never have been officially away but three years after a two track self titled single (which we hope may one day be granted a slime green 7” vinyl) and a performance at 2021’s incarnation of Rabidfest later and things were looking a little… shall we say barren? Fortunately it was only a matter of time as they had been squirrelling away on new material following a line up change and of course good things come to those who wait. After being floored by the single, which is an absolute rager, we picked ourselves up, dusted our selves off and interviewed the boys in black. This is what they had to say for themselves…

How have you found the reaction to new single “Dead Horizons” so far? “We have all loved the response so far, we think it’s been a well received track and nothing but positivity from people! The support we’ve got from it so far is what gives is the drive and motivation to keep pressing forward.”

You’ve mentioned 90’s Death Metal as being a major influence; so can you name and shame a few of your favourite albums for us? “From the 90s, we would say ‘Spiritual Healing’ by Death and ‘Tomb Of The Mutilated’ by Cannibal corpse. We’re also inspired by a lot of bands and sounds from the early 2000s, such as early Lamb Of God, Sepultura, Gojira, Chimaira and more. ‘With All Their Might’ by Dyscarnate is a modern album which also influenced us in a number of ways!”

You’ve played Rabidfest twice now, both in 2019 and 2021. How did it feel to be asked back? What has appearing at the festival meant to you? “Coming back to play in 2021 was a big moment for us – it was the first show we played since our vocalist left at the end of 2019 and our guitarist Mac picked up the mic. Our first show following COVID, first show with a new vocalist and we also got to play a brand new song for everyone too! Rabidfest is great fun to play, the support it has is incredible and the fact that proceeds go to charity makes it more of a delight to play. Not to mention the fact that we get to share the stage with some pretty big acts such as Diamond head and Ingested!”

In fantasy land you get asked by Deathcore heavy hitters Bound In Fear to do an old school split EP; they cover one of your songs and you cover one of theirs plus one original cut each. What are you covering and what would you have covered? “Of course we have to say a Bound In Fear version of ‘Dead Horizons’ would be interesting to hear – but some of our other tracks which we have yet to reveal would also be great candidates… In terms of us covering a track, we think that covering ‘Stigmata’ would give us some good opportunities to add our own flavour to it!”

What would mean more to you as a band at this stage in your career; a one off festival appearance at Bloodstock (United Kingdom), Hellfest (France) or Summer Breeze (Germany) or opening up for a band like Bleed From Within or Venom Prison for 10 nights across the United Kingdom? “Great question… both opportunities would give us the exposure that we need in order to grow and get our music in more peoples’ ears. Overall we would say a 10-night tour with Bleed From Within would be very special for us indeed! Growing a strong UK fanbase is our current objective, and that would help massively – not to mention the fact that BFW are awesome!”

What’s next for Bloodshot? “We have 2 more singles in the pipeline, both with music videos. We have a bigger plan, but this is soon to be announced(!). All shall be revealed soon…”