Bloodstock 2024: Ten Bands We’re Excited to Check Out – EMP Stage

Bloodstock Open Air 2024 is right around the corner. Taking place August 8th to August 11th, the UK’s premier metal festival has, once again, delivered a stellar line-up. Featuring four stages of music and a litany of bands from within the rock and metal world, alongside numerous other forms of entertainment (such as official bin jousting)! You don’t want to miss out, so get off that fence, and pick up your tickets now!

Buy Bloodstock Open Air 2024 tickets here.

Previously known as the Jägermeister stage, the EMP stage might be the smallest of the four stages, but it brings some hefty performances out of the bands playing it, in fact over the years we’ve been going, it has delivered some of the finest festival performances we’ve ever seen, and this year’s line-up is one of the strongest yet. So strong in fact, that we’ve separated the stage from the New Blood and created its own list of bands we’re excited to see perform on it this year. You know how this goes, five chosen by Brendan, and five chosen by Carl.

Brendan – MAB

A very interesting band here in MAB that have piqued my interest. A band I have never heard of prior to checking them out because of their announcement for Bloodstock. A return from a 15-year hiatus is one thing but the song we reacted to, Pure, was as mind-blowing as the band’s own history. Hard to categorise, they just deliver a lot with operatic vocals, punk, grunge, psychedelic sounds, metal and gothic all wrapped up with interesting visuals. The only music available seems to come from years and years ago so what has changed over the 15-year gap? Who knows, but I will be there to watch and find out.

Carl – King Kraken

I’ve been a fan for a little while now, and as far as I can remember, I’ve not seen them live. Which is something I get to rectify at Bloodstock, and I can’t wait to hear the thundering riffs, snarling intensity, and heavy groove ways. I can already hear the stage creaking under the weight of their heavy sound.

Brendan – Rupcha Farms

I knew very little of these guys until we recently reacted to their song Crash Test Dummies and that is a song I now have on regular repeat. I love it’s mash up style bringing high energy with metal riffing, a hardcore/punk edge and a bit of a grime rap style. Kind of gives me a bit of a UK Powerflo vibe and I love Powerflo. I have a feeling these guys could be one of the stars of the weekend, one of the lasting memories so don’t miss out on this set.

Carl – Yersin

The heaviest band on the EMP stage this year? I think it’s a damn good shout as the noise the 3-piece make is extreme through and through. Yersin are also one of the few bands on the EMP stage that I have previously seen live too, and they killed it then, so I’m very confident that this is going to be another heavyweight showing. Yersin are going to deliver one of the most neck-breaking sets of the weekend, trust me.

Brendan – Parting With Origin

I expect Parting With Origin to deliver a really strong set with plenty of energy, big riffing, breakdowns and catchy choruses. Check out We All Wear Our Curses for a bit of a feel of what they offer – it is metalcore, but done very well, with very powerful vocals, great riffs and drumming. The songs are well written, and I can see them bringing a really entertaining set with a pit full of movement and banging heads.

Carl – The Gallowgate Murders

I think this is going to be one of the most fun sets of the weekend, a set to dance and head bang to, all while quaffing a beer and hugging everyone around you. The Celtic infused heavy punk and rock band seem a perfect fit, not just for Bloodstock, but the EMP stage in particular. I reckon they’re going to pull in a big crowd and it’s going to be smiles all round.

Brendan – Crowley

Newcastle’s hard rockers, Crowley are an interesting one to me and offer a bit of a change of pace to a lot of the death and core metal. I love the smooth and melodic rhythms as well as the leads guitar work, but it all still comes with plenty of attitude. The retro pagan sound with gothic touches is really cool and I can see myself headbanging and feeling pretty chilled and relaxed listening to these. I really like their “Something Wicked This Way comes” song, the only track I have heard so far, and that is enough for me to look forward to seeing them play.

Carl – Goblinsmoker

All hail the f**king toad. I will at Bloodstock, and so should you. Riffy doom crossed with blackened metal and touches of psychedelia, this is going to be a trip. One I suspect will be almost hypnotic. It might take a certain amount of illicit substances to actually see the Toad King, but that won’t be necessary when it comes to hearing the tales around it.

Brendan – Public Execution

I don’t really know a lot about these guys but the little bits I have listened to on their 16-minute-long full album, Mullered, show a band that should absolutely lay waste to the pit. Ridiculously fast with a big punk vibe and plenty of grind sounds. Super short songs, always at a ridiculous tempo with heavy riffs and drumming and vicious growls, screams and shouts, I expect them to deliver carnage and that is something to look forward to.

Carl – Lethal Evil

Groovy, thrashy death metal boys from London, how could I not support them at Bloodstock (I’m a Londoner too)? It looks like they’re on stage around the early afternoon which is the perfect time to get those neck muscles warmed up. It’s going to be heavy, and I’m excited to hear what all the fuss is about!