The Top 10 Bands To See At Bloodstock 2016

It’s almost that time of year again, the award winning best heavy metal and rock festival in the UK returns for its 2016 edition. Bloodstock is boasting one of its strongest line ups in years with it shaping up to be another killer year of mind-numbingly brutal heavy metal.

We will have a review shortly after the festival ends (it takes place from the 11th to the 14th August) based on what I saw (sorry, but I’m not going to be bothering with the likes of Stuck Mojo) but for now these are the 10 bands I recommend you go see if you’re heading to the fest!

10 – Mastodon

I’m expecting Mastodon to get one of the smallest headliner crowds of the weekend because they are a divisive bunch. They have a huge following but just as many detractors & their headline status hasn’t gone down well with the Bloodstock faithful. That being said though they are an incredible live experience with a back-catalogue that should make their first UK headline appearance very special.

9 – Akercocke

Having split in 2012, the return of Akercocke came as a surprise to just about everyone. Now that the controversy surrounding their initial billing, removal and subsequent rein-statement has died down they are easily one of the most anticipated bands of the entire weekend. This will be something special.

8 – The King is Blind

This Essex-born UK band are one of the most exciting things to come from these isles in years. Blending death metal & doom seamlessly, they play Saturday midway up the Sophie Lancaster stage. I’m expecting a small crowd but it should be an intense experience with those who are there.

7 – Myrath

This Tunisian heavy metal band play an exciting brand of progressive power metal mixing Arabian sounds and traditional Tunisian music. It’s a unique sound & one that should be epic in the tent of the Sophie stage.

6 – Paradise Lost

The Plague Within was one of the best albums released in 2015, a return to form for the gothic metal maestros. Since then their live shows have received great acclaim so this should be an incredible show.

5 – Behemoth

Playing The Satanist in full, this is going to be spectacular. Expect fire, explosions and all manner of satanic imagery. Behemoth are an incredible live band & this album is an amazing piece of work. Playing 2nd from top on Friday night, the sun should be setting making this the perfect time for a wonderful black metal show.

4 – Goatwhore

Headlining the Sophie Lancaster stage on Sunday night, this will be the last band I see at Bloodstock2016 and what a way to end it will be. Extreme metal played fast and heavy, Goatwhore are a very exciting band & this will be my first time seeing them.

3 – Gojira

Gojira are stunning on record but it hasn’t always translated as well at festivals with the band rarely getting longer then 40 minutes. I’ve seen them a few times at festivals but the only one that stands out was their amazing 2011 Sonisphere show. Playing second from top on the Saturday night means they’re going to get about an hour to do their stuff. Throw in the really strong new album, Magma & this set is shaping up to be something really special.

2 – Ghost Bath

One of the best new bands I’ve heard this year. Their debut album, Moonlover is incredible & one of the best of 2016 so far. Playing first on the main stage on Sunday morning is hardly the best slot but I’m very excited to see them and just hope the intricacies of the music aren’t lost. This will be an incredible 30 minutes so drag your ass out of bed to check them out.

1 – Twisted Sister

The first and only time I’m going to be able to see this legendary band. This is the band to see of the entire weekend, their final UK date before they call it quits. This will be epic.