Live Review: A Bloodstock Experience (Thursday)

In the absence of Tech-Fest this summer we decided to head to Bloodstock Open Air Festival for our summer Metal fix and having never partaken previously we have to say it didn’t disappoint. Scan your QR code for car park entry to Catton Park after some interesting narrow lanes, hanging up the pass on the mirror. Didn’t bring a pen to write a mobile number on it in case of issue but f*** it what’s the worst that can happen? We arrive at the same time as some members of Lost Brethren and damn have they brought many, many beers to consume before, after and during their appearance on the EMP stage. To be fair, they deserve every last drop because the Science Fiction loving Death Metal band gave us an absolute monster of an EP in “Dimensional Rift“.

By the time we’ve made it though the security with their sniffer dogs and got our all important wrist bands it’s drizzling. Entry was surprisingly quick although our top tip is to load your stuff onto a camping trolley and do one trip, the 10 minute walk any other way would be a nightmare. Camping in Valhalla is a breeze and everything is a 5 minute walk from there even if the tents are a little chaotic. After setting up we talk fabreeze over a few beers from Beavertown and Brewdog before going to check out the site and arena.

It has to be said that the queue for pre-ordered merch is as enormous as the Ronnie Jones Dio main stage is impressive. Five Mushroom Gyoza on top of fries with curry sauce later and we’re checking out Acid Age [8/10] at the Sophie Lancaster second stage. They express genuine pleasure at being the first band out of the gate this afternoon, roaring through a set of high octane Thrash they hilariously describe as “War Jazz“. A power trio from Northern Ireland, they used the bass guitar to maximum effect rather than just holding down the groove.

Next up are Traditional Heavy Metal mercinaries Tail Gunner [7/10] who are not so secretly hoping to return the nation to the early 1980s with their old school sonic attack, ram raiding the cash point that is their debut album “Guns For Hire” like a JCB with a jet engine. The synchronised guitar movements are hilariously cheesy and provide a wave of nostalgia but fortunately they have substance to match their style. A cover of “Pain Killer” by Judas Priest brings the house (or should that be tent?) down and you can’t help but feel that despite their success to date there is much more to come from them.

Having just completed recording their sophomore album “Death Of The Party“, Gothic Shock Hard Rockers South Of Salem [8/10] feel like Wednesday 13‘s half brother. They’ve got coffins and lights on the stage like they’re straight out of Hollywood. Plenty of Kerrang! Magazine endorsed anthems with instantly sing-a-long-able lyrics are there for everyone to enjoy even if they are a little bit predictable. However they are punctuated by a few fleeting heavier moments make them a good time and a good fit for today’s line up even if we want to hear a few more unclean vocal moments.

Scottish Black n’ Roll merchants Hellripper [10/10] know how to put on a show and tear the Sophie Lancaster stage apart with James McBain telling us he wants our necks fucked for tomorrow. Accompanied by the bands trademark Blackened Speed Metal the dark tales of Scottish Folklore that comprise last year’s album “Warlocks Grim & Withered Hags” are a treat, although best not read the lyrics sheet to any potential bed wetting children around the campfire. The heaviest band of the opening night, they’re very well received with “Spectres of the Blood Moon Sabbath” and “Goat Vomit Nightmare” outstanding moments.

Its fair to say Evergrey [9/10] have had a nightmare day. Usually its a 1 hour flight from their native Gothenburg Sweden to the United Kingdom. Today it was 15 hours for them and none of their gear arrived. However, they’re here, they’ve got borrowed equipment and the Melodic Metal heroes sound fabulous. They know how to put on a show and entertain with flamboyant solos and sing-a-long anthems to bring to an end a short and sweet opening night. It has to be said the veterans are a class apart and if they hadn’t said anything about their mission to get here you won’t have known, such is the professionalism, style and grace of their performance. Hats off to them, lesser mortals may have thrown in the towel and we’re sure as hell glad they didn’t. From “Falling From the Sun” to “Save Us” they give us all that we crave.