For some people, dark chocolate just isn't enough. They need dark chocolate dipped in black coffee and sprinkled with a layer of tar...or maybe just some more dark chocolate, if they actually want to eat it. These mavericks are the extreme of the extreme; the sort of folk who would rather carve out their ears with a spoon than see Linkin Park.
It is for the aforementioned individuals that Bloodstock Festival exists. It’s a gathering in the dark heart of Derbyshire that offers a Smörgåsbord of metal that would whet the musical appetite of Lord Sauron himself. Boasting a line-up stronger than a prosthetic horse leg and a JRR Tolkien-inspired art gallery, anyone with a taste for the wicked side of life would be mad to miss it. Here are a few of our picks...see you in the pit.
Shining - Ronnie James Dio Stage, Saturday
Not to be confused with Shining from Sweden, Shining from Norway are an infinitely happier affair. Having slowly morphed from an avant-garde rock band to a monolithic, progressive black metal beast with their acclaimed 'Blackjazz' album, Shining now find themselves in a position where they can do whatever they please. Last year's superb 'One One One' opus found the Norwegians simplifying – if you can call it that – their formula to a more streamlined, industrial concoction. With saxophones. Obviously.
Saxon - Ronnie James Dio Stage, Sunday
You can't mess with Saxon. You just can't. Survivors of the ridiculously titled New Wave Of British Heavy Metal movement, the 'Wheels Of Steel', 'Strong Arm Of The Law' and 'Denim & Leather' trinity remains an untouchable legacy of perfection, with the band's live performances still doing the tunes justice. Plus, frontman Biff Byford is a certified hero. Who remembers him spearheading the campaign to make Heavy Metal an official religion on the 2011 Census?
Rotting Christ - Sophie Lancaster Stage, Friday
If Phil Anselmo's NOLA wrecking crew isn't your thing – in which case, you might need to consult your GP – then perhaps a slab of haunting, top-notch Greek black metal will do the trick? In a league completely of their own, Rotting Christ are responsible for putting extreme Greek music on the map. More harrowingly brutal than their Norwegian counterparts while possessing a much more subtle ear for orchestration, this band really is one of a kind.
Voices - Sophie Lancaster Stage, Sunday
Featuring ex-members of UK death overlords Akercocke, Voices sort of sound how you'd expect them to – obscenely brutal death metal with a healthy dollop of black metal on the side. However, this band is more about the hardships and struggles of real life as opposed to Akercocke's usual 'Tits! Satan! Sperm!' approach. If you dug Akercocke's tunes but couldn't get behind the lyrical content, then Voices should be to your liking.
Triptykon - Ronnie James Dio Stage, Friday
Tom G Warrior has dismissed popular opinion and proved that lightning can, in fact, strike twice. After a dodgy start with Hellhammer, he changed the face of metal forever with Celtic Frost and he's only gone and done it again with Triptykon. The band strives to maintain the visceral, buzz-saw rawness of his former acts while harnessing a grief-stricken progressive edge. Earlier this year, 'Melana Chasmata' cast a miserable spell and has undoubtedly cemented itself on some end of year lists already. Bloodstock will be the UK's first chance to see these songs aired live, and will also give everyone a chance to do their best Tom G Warrior 'Ugh!' impression.
Avatar - Sophie Lancaster Stage, Sunday
A name that's been resting upon the tongues of media types since the start of the year, Avatar are not a new band at all. Their recent release, 'Hail The Apocalypse', is their fifth full-length, bringing forth a blend of Marilyn Manson-esque industrial spookiness and guttural hooks big enough to rival the likes of Lamb Of God. The clown make-up might prove a bit too silly for some metallers in attendance, but treat this band like you would the cast of The Only Way Is Essex and look behind the face-paint. Avatar are well worth your time.
Carcass - Ronnie James Dio Stage, Saturday
Don't be silly, just cancel all your plans and see Carcass.
Bloodstock Upcoming Tour Dates are as follows:
Thu August 07 2014 - WALTON-ON-TRENT Catton Hall
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