BLOODSTOCK 2024 | A HAVEN FOR METAL HEADS
- Dani Evans
- Aug 7, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Feb 2
Since its inception in 2001, Bloodstock has carved out a unique place in the UK’s heavy metal scene, providing a sanctuary for fans of extreme music. What started as a small gathering has transformed into an essential pilgrimage, drawing thousands of devoted metalheads from around the world to celebrate their love for the genre. Bloodstock delivers more than legendary performances from revered acts; it’s a true community experience that pulses with energy and camaraderie.
Beyond the music, Bloodstock shines in its quirky traditions and unique offerings. From the adrenaline-fueled spectacle of bin jousting to the variety of vendors and food stalls representing an eclectic mix of cultures and cuisines, the festival invites everyone to dive into its vibrant, inclusive world. Bloodstock isn’t just an event—it’s an unforgettable experience that unites fans with shared passions in a place where metal reigns supreme.
OPETH
Opeth brought pure magic to Bloodstock with a set that was as mesmerizing as it was masterful. Mikael Åkerfeldt’s signature wit and charm between songs had the crowd laughing one moment and completely entranced the next. The band’s performance was flawless, seamlessly blending their progressive epics with crushing heaviness and intricate melodies.
“Ghost of Perdition” was an absolute standout, with its dynamic shifts keeping everyone on edge, and “Deliverance” closed the set in breathtaking fashion—those final minutes had the entire crowd in awe. Opeth’s ability to transport you through their music is unmatched, and their Bloodstock set was nothing short of perfection. An unforgettable performance from one of the best in the game.
IGNEA
Ignea delivered an absolutely stunning set at Bloodstock, blending symphonic metal with a fiery intensity that left everyone in awe. Helle Bogdanova’s vocals were breathtaking, shifting effortlessly between powerful cleans and growls that shook the tent. The band’s energy was magnetic, and their connection with the crowd was so genuine—it was impossible not to feel moved.
Highlights included "Alga," which had the whole crowd captivated, and "Disenchantment," where the emotion in the performance was palpable. Towards the end of their set, they thanked us for our support and warmly welcomed us back to Ukraine once it is safe, which hit a deeply emotional chord with everyone. Ignea’s set was not just a performance—it was a moment of unity and hope that no one will forget.
MIMI BARKS
Mimi Barks brought pure chaos to Bloodstock, and it was everything you’d hope for and more. Her raw energy was unmatched, owning the stage with a fierce presence that had the crowd hooked from start to finish. The mix of trap metal and guttural screams hit like a freight train—intense, gritty, and unapologetically powerful.
"Rad" completely went off, with the pit exploding into pure madness, and "Back Off" was a highlight, with the whole tent bouncing to her aggressive beats. Mimi’s performance was raw, chaotic, and unforgettable—a proper storm of a set that left everyone buzzing.
AMON AMARTH
Amon Amarth were pure Viking chaos at Bloodstock! From the first note, they had the crowd in the palm of their hand, with Johan Hegg commanding the stage like an actual Norse god. The riffs were thunderous, the drums were like battle cries, and the whole set felt like being part of an epic saga.
"Guardians of Asgaard" was an absolute beast, with the crowd roaring along, and "Twilight of the Thunder God" completely went off—axes in the air and all! The energy, the theatrics, and the sheer power of their performance were next level. Amon Amarth proved why they’re festival legends. What a show!
ANKOR
Ankor absolutely smashed it at Bloodstock! Jessie Williams’ vocals were unreal, effortlessly switching between powerful cleans and fierce screams that gave me chills. The band was tight as anything, with crushing riffs and drums that shook the tent. You could feel the energy bouncing between the band and the crowd—it was electric.
Highlights for me were "Holy Wolf," which had everyone singing their hearts out, and "Lost Soul," where you could see how much the music meant to both the band and the fans. Ankor brought their A-game and left the crowd buzzing. What a set!
INFECTED RAIN
Infected Rain hit the stage at Bloodstock with an explosive energy that had the crowd moving from the very first note. Lena Scissorhands commanded the stage with her fierce vocals, effortlessly switching between haunting melodies and guttural screams that sent chills through the crowd. The band’s tight performance was full of groove and intensity, keeping everyone locked in from start to finish.
Highlights included “The Earth Mantra,” which had the whole tent headbanging in unison, and “Storm,” where the raw emotion in Lena’s delivery was absolutely spine-tingling. Infected Rain’s mix of heaviness and heartfelt passion made their set unforgettable—a storm of sound and energy that left everyone wanting more.
SOEN
Soen’s set at Bloodstock was a masterclass in atmospheric metal. The band’s performance was immersive, blending rich, progressive melodies with moments of intense heaviness that left the crowd in awe. Joel Ekelöf’s vocals were on point, striking the perfect balance between vulnerability and power.
BEAST IN BLACK
Beast In Black absolutely owned the stage at Bloodstock, and I mean owned it! From the get-go, they brought an explosive mix of heavy metal anthems, high-energy performances, and contagious enthusiasm that had the crowd bouncing. Yannis Papadopoulos’ powerhouse vocals were off the charts, and the band’s chemistry was undeniable.
Tracks like “Blind and Frozen” and “Blood of a Lion” turned the tent into a total madhouse, with fists in the air and everyone singing along. They threw in killer solos, infectious riffs, and even some cheeky theatrics that kept the vibe fun and dynamic. Beast In Black’s set was pure joy, metal magic, and an absolute blast from start to finish!
CHOMBICHRIST
Combichrist tore up the stage at Bloodstock with a relentless barrage of industrial chaos. Andy LaPlegua was an unstoppable force, commanding the crowd with raw intensity while the band delivered a crushing wall of beats and riffs that hit like a freight train.
“Get Your Body Beat” had the entire tent jumping, a pulse-pounding moment of pure adrenaline, while “What the F*** Is Wrong With You?” unleashed absolute carnage in the pit. Their performance was equal parts aggression and anthemic energy, pulling everyone into their storm. Combichrist didn’t just play a set—they set the tent on fire, and the crowd loved every second of it.
