Why Bloodstock’s Metal 2 the Masses Is So Important
Duh, right? The annual ‘battle of the bands’ not only showcases the future of the rock and metal scene, but winning bands (and some runners-up) go on to play the festival itself. It’s a formula that has worked wonders for bands, the festival, and just as importantly, the local scenes around the UK.
So, of course, it’s an important thing when you look at it from the wider perspective.
How about from a personal perspective though? How about the impact Bloodstock’s Metal 2 the Masses has made on you? Bands that you discovered through your local scene, followed to the festival, watched them smash it, and then stayed a fan as they grew from it? How about the ever-increasing popularity of the shows? The amount of sell-out shows we’ve seen advertised as we get closer to the festival is staggering. Which, of course, has massive impact on the local scenes where Metal 2 the Masses take place.
No other festival (as far as we know) does something of this size and scale, over such a long period of time, and dedicates an entire stage to the bands involved. It’s often an aspect of Bloodstock that we praise to the high heaven and that continues to be the case as we look on in awe of what continues to be accomplished with Metal 2 the Masses.
From a personal perspective, Metal 2 the Masses has transformed our view of festivals and how they choose to showcase the future alongside the beloved regulars. It ends any issues you might have with a line-up because if there are bands on the other stages you don’t want to see, go check out something brand-new in the New Blood tent. It’s what we’ve done for years and what we will continue to do going forward.
It’s thanks to Metal 2 the Masses that we have discovered so many bands that we continue to enjoy today. Some who have even come back to the festival to play higher up the bill. Which is an incredible accomplishment. We can thank Metal 2 the Masses and Bloodstock’s New Blood stage for finding the likes of Democratus, Pelugion, A Ritual Spirit, Earthbound, Luna’s Call, Aonia, Dead Before Mourning, Kilonova, Empire Warning, Goat Monsoon, Elyrean, Words That Burn, and so many more.
Now, as the winners start arrive and bands start to book their place at Bloodstock 2023, we start to see the festival truly take shape. Bloodstock can have every other stage filled but it doesn’t feel even close to being complete without the list of bands appearing on the New Blood stage. This is testament to the incredible work done, not just by the festival, but the promotors and organisers of the events individually.
As for the bands? It’s you who matter the most. You’ve earned your spot and have an opportunity like no other. Get up there and smash it come August, and roll on 2024’s Metal 2 the Masses which, based off this year, might be bigger than ever.
