The way the bands were set up today was going to involve a lot of running backwards and forwards between stages to see the bands we wanted to. I also had fun shooting from the main arena rather than having a front of stage photo pit pass which meant trying to worm my way up to the front and get a few snaps. Luckily people were mostly more than obliging even if it was somewhat impossible by the time the headliners hit the stage.

The quality of what was on meant that we unfortunately had to rule out the New Blood stage completely, which was a bit of a shame but until time travel is invented we cannot be everywhere at once.

Of course sometimes there are lulls and bands playing that you are not particularly bothered about or simply don’t want to see (in my case anything power metal related) and Malefice were not the sort of group I would have gone out my way to catch outside a festival. Still they were opening the main stage so it would have been rude not to check them out. The other good thing about bands you were not that bothered about was that 40 minutes was not too much of an ordeal.  The Brit bruisers were quick to go on full chug mode with lots of brootal beats and macho posturing backing it all up. It was great to note again that the sound was really good and nice and meaty to emphasise the chunky riffs. They may not have got a circle pit straight away but you could feel one would come before long. Some dextrous guitar solos added polish to the abrasive neck snapping tumult and songs such as ‘Sickened’ guaranteed everyone was now awake. Walking around the arena the sound travelled nicely throughout and the bottom end boomed forth and pretty much got you right at the back. Although not my thing the power and might of Malefice was undeniable and it was good to see a healthy crowd enjoying things from the off.

Next on the main stage was Freedom Call so I legged it coward that I am. Besides had heard that the oddly named Commander In Chief on the Sophie stage were worth a look. The Commander in case was actually an Italian born lady she was a bit of a guitar virtuoso as well as a singer. She was backed up by a drummer and equally flamboyant bassist and looked resplendent dressed up in a brightly coloured military jacket making sure nobody would question her rank. It was quickly established that her voice was one that was going to have no trouble hitting the rafter, as high up as they were. The operatic warbling was perhaps a tad uncomfortable even for those not with a high tolerance for such things. I was slightly reminded of a band I was going to be checking here lately Pythia but things were not gelling for me on first impression. The bassist was giving it his all and tearing around the stage enthusiastically but by the second number it was noted from our viewing point now near the back that there was a bit of a mass exodus from the tent. It certainly was a sound that was on the marmite side and despite the cut and thrust and enthusiasm I had to admit that the Commander had defeated us too although this was probably not the desired victory.

How can you not go and watch a band like Grand Magus at a festival in the sun? It’s actually impossible to avoid the Finnish trio, they get everywhere and I honestly cannot remember going to anything outdoors in an age where they have not played. Come to think of it I have lost count of the amount of times they have turned up and played as support at gigs in the past few years. This was though possibly the first time with ex Shining drummer Ludwig Witt on the kit not that it was seeming to have put the band off their stride in the slightest as they got down to things quickly getting the crowd eating out their hands. Even if only a trio with JB and Fox working the front of the stage there is an undeniable charisma about these road hogs and it is an infectious one that with some great tunes cannot help but have you beaming and singing along. The likes of ‘Ravens Guide Our Way’ had us swaying and clapping along and new numbers such as ‘Sword Of The Ocean’ are greeted just as exuberantly. ‘The Hammer Of The North’ was indeed mighty and this was a classic performance that should see the band gaining more fans and moving up the bill in years to come. (PW)

Caked in blood and warpaint, Moonsorrow transform the stage into a field of battle bringing their glorious Heathen might to the bill. On one hand, their drawn out numbers are hardly what could be deemed Festival Friendly, but nevertheless they always prove a hit. Truth be told, song-titles aren’t my strong point especially when all in Finnish, but ‘Kivenkantaja’ is one I did recognise with it’s beguiling Middle-Eastern melody which drifts airily along through storming blackened moments and epic, plundering riffs at times springing into a fiddle-de-dee jig. Their twinkly, crepuscular keyboard sound comes across well, and there is plenty of harmony flowing through their fist-pumping battle anthems. ‘Sankaritarina’ soars towards their final destination getting the crowd going with its ‘wooahhhhh’ clean vocal chants, and ferocious rasps. I do find them not quite living up to how I remember them from previous shows and today they don’t quite setting things ablaze, although still it’s a solid performance. (LH) 

A mid afternoon slot for US power metallers Iced Earth was ideal, the weather was glorious as was the exemplary performance by this stalwart band whose followers turned out in droves for their set which kicked off with “Dystopia” from the latest album. Decked out in virtually matching denims, the guys powerful riffing uppercuts were truly infectious and delivered with consummate fortitude on “Burning Times” and the awesome “Angel’s Holocaust”. Plenty of tears for “Watching Over Me” as expected but soon sniffled away once “My Own Saviour” was unleashed on the baking crowd.  A good mix of material was played from the bands extensive discography hut nothing from “The Dark Saga” which surprised me. New singer Stu Block was incredible, making Matt Barlow fans stand back in absolute amazement at his massive range and depth of tone. A lengthy section about human spirit and the mashings of political turmoil worldwide was inevitable from Iced Earth but proved a point by playing “Anthem” from “Dystopia” and following it with an emotive, epic and exuberant “Damien”. No Iced Earth set is complete without their namesake tune. This was a beast of a song packed with monumental riffs perfect for snapping the neck tendons in multiple places which I suspect many did during their magnificent hour set. (MH)

It was severe stage swapping time now and on the way to the main stage we caught the last song by Andraste from Manchester on the mainly acoustic Jagermeister stage. Things were spooky, indeed in The Realm Of The Supernatural and a fiddle led jig. This was the sort of thing that would have gone down a storm over in some sort of German hamlet and it had a real medieval feel about it. A few curiosity seekers were appreciating it here and I kind of wish I had caught more of this. Next time perhaps…

My love affair with Sepultura pretty much ended after 1996 but don’t hold that Against me (sorry bad pun). Still not disputing Derrick Greens talents and formidable presence in the slightest and will always check the band out but it’s the glory years that always counted as far as I am concerned. They burst on the stage and drew a big crowd and fair play to them for giving us what we wanted at first. Refuse / Resist is a great number and it quickly is one that gets everyone pepped up with Derrick stomping around the stage marking out his territory as if he owns it. Indeed for the next 45 minutes he does. The sound is suitably thick and angry and the drums have a nice tribal beat about them. It’s time to bounce around and get into the groove and even if newer numbers are songs that the old guard do not particularly know it is difficult not to be knocked around by them. As they played ‘Mask’ I had a feeling that the group were going to deliver some older numbers before they finished but it was clash time so  it was off to the Sophie stage for something completely different.

I do like Pythia and out of all the operatic sounding bands with female singers think these Brits have a real spark about them. They do appear to have a dedicated fanbase too and they all seemed to want to get as close as possible clinging to the barrier at stage front. It was strange to realise that out of all the bands seen so far this was the one whose songs were All ones I was going to know. Emily was dressed in a kind of pagan fashion today and the rest of the band almost Roman and the photo pit here was rammed to get some snaps of the band. Whilst keeping busy doing that it was almost impossible not to bang my head and sing along to songs like ‘Betray My Heart’ and ‘Sarah (Bury Her)’. The band are gung ho and mucho a complete contrast to the feminine charms of the singer and this works well. It is good that musically there is plenty of oomph and there is plenty of power behind the delivery, as for that voice it is at times enchanting and at others completely commanding. ‘Kissing The Night’ saw the Sepultribes coming in to see what was going in and the place got a lot busier as each number seemed to top the one before it. By last number Heartless they were storming. Totally impressive, if you have not done so already check them out.  (PW)

While I am not the greatest advocate of heavy metal, I do have a real soft spot for Dio and like many I was saddened by the news of Ronnie James’ death back in 2010. Originally booked to headline Bloodstock that year with his band Heaven And Hell, this sadly didn’t happen when he lost his fight with stomach cancer and it was then that the main stage was named after the late metal legend. So as much as a certain colleague of mine may argue that covers bands do not belong on a festival bill, in this instance it seemed a very worthy and fitting tribute for Dio Disciples to play the main stage given these circumstances. Featuring ex band mates, this tribute act is fronted by the well revered Tim Ripper Owens who hits the stage running as he ‘Stand[s] Up And Shout[s]’, straight away proving he is the right man for the job with a voice that isn’t a million miles away from the legend himself. The band power through classics such as the excellent ‘Holy Diver’ with its instantly recognisable riff, with ‘The Last In Line’ and ‘Egypt’ getting heads banging and air guitars flying. All are delivered with plenty of might and precision although it has to be said the performance was rather static. Nothing brings these songs to life in quite the same way as with the poisoned dwarf at the helm, having being one of the most charismatic and commanding frontmen I had the pleasure of watching back in 2005. When all is said and done, this IS just a tribute act; it’s nice to hear the songs we all know and love, but it’s not quite the same is it? (LH)

Ah can you smell that, it’s the stench of war as blackness sets in for Eastern Front a band we know well around these parts. It was almost like being on foreign soil catching this lot outside of London for a change but the band had plenty in the Sophie tent to witness them and those who had not caught them before no doubt were intrigued by their barbed wire encamped stage and strobe spot light set up. The show was certainly different in more ways than one as we settled down with the likes of old favourites such as Stalingorel and revelled in the onslaught and battery from the musicians and just how damn throat raping the full blooded shrill and shrieking vocals were coming from singer Nagant. However after hearing the ‘Blood On Snow’ material countless times the surprise was in the airing of not one but several new numbers. I can only say that the depth and complexity of these make it very hard to sum them up on the first listen also as for the titles well, we were told them in black gurgle speak something others in the band laughed About when I mentioned it later, guess that is one way of not unveiling them yet. I will say that mixed with the expected brutality there were some choral harmonies that took us to a slightly different place and there was some evident maturity on display here. A song about Freezing I believe had a militant but dare I say somewhat accessible stomping melody riding roughshod over it before we were dropped back into the more comfortable ‘At The Gates Of Moscow.’  The inevitable closer was missed as it was time for Watain so we thought.

Yep there were many stories about Watain and their show and what may or may not have occurred after it. One thing that is for sure is that they came on later than planned. The spectacular set looked dressed and lit (tridents on fire) on time but as to whether they refused to go on until dusk was setting is uncertain. It did mean that the festivals stupidest clash of Watain and Alcest meant there was no chance of seeing the latter if you had like us decided to watch the whole of Watain’s show. Security were dressed in plastic as were some photographers (I a victim of pigs blood in the past could only smirk). There was none that I saw although others say a bit was flung and there was no foul stench. I am guessing the group were denied everything they would have liked to do. However what they did do both musically and visually was nothing short of spectacular!

For the next hour the Swedes completely owned this field and in my opinion were neither bettered or even touched all weekend. From the opening bombast of Malfeitor they stormed ahead with feral, savage and unrelenting intensity. I have witnessed the band about 10 times but this was one of the best and the sound was precise and clear as it could have been in fact I am hard pushed to remember a time I have ever heard such clarity for a black metal band certainly at a festival. Often you see people taking the piss out of bands who play such a genre and with the likes of some (Immortal and Dimmu take a bow it is hard not to). As Watain ploughed into Sworn To The Dark there was not a hint of this, it seemed treated with the respect it deserved and I think any detractors had scuttled off tail between legs looking for other lesser gods to worship. Brimstone and flame were part of the ritual, there were massive hellish explosions as dusk turned to dark and it is surprising none of our cast combusted along with them. Although E was very much the focal point and raged and ranted and flung himself around the rest of the fleshed out live band could not be ignored. Set with his peculiar make up particularly looked demonic and Pelle’s corpse paint an equal work of devilish inhuman design done in a way that actually would frighten small children (and quite a few adults) rather than looking comical. We got some great numbers such as ‘Total Funeral’ and ‘Reaping Death’ and we were wowed by the sheer blazing incendiary show as a whole. One thing I would not have expected was having last number ‘Waters Of Ain’ played in its entirety but it worked fantastically finalizing a rather special set. One complaint! Well they could have got Carl McCoy out to do his part (only joking).

Alcest for the main stage to make up for the clash next year please!

(PW)

With the blood-red sun setting across the arena, thanks to the most diabolical of clashes (not to mention Watain running about 20 minutes late), I only managed to catch three songs of the Swedes doing their best Dimmu Borgir impression before it was time to run over to the Sophie tent to watch everyone’s favourite Frenchmen Alcest.

The stifling, sweaty conditions and thundering sound system were perhaps not the most conducive to the four piece’s delicate sonic textures but they nevertheless seemed completely at ease and delivered a sterling set. Last year’s heavy touring schedule has whipped what was once a rather uncertain, tentative outfit into a well-drilled, confident machine. Neige is now completely at home fronting the band, delivering those trademark fragile vocals with a force and clarity that belies the serenity of the tone. The many weaving layers of reverb-heavy guitar textures cut through the mix beautifully – indeed, the sound is pretty much the best it has been all weekend in this tent – and Winterhalter’s drums pack real punch.

Whilst the material from this year’s slightly underwhelming ‘Les Voyages De L’ame’ is delivered with aplomb, the songs still don’t seem to quite hit the heights we know Neige and his compatriots are capable of. Decent enough for sure but as expected, the highlights are inevitably the cuts from 2010’s ‘Ecailles de Lune’ – the delicate interplay of dynamics that underpins ‘Ecailles de Lune – Part 1’ and the bouncy, guitar-wave assault of ‘Percees de Lumiere’ enveloping the audience in rapture. This band have skyrocketed over the last two years and on tonight’s professional, powerful showing, the ascent will clearly only continue. (FA)

I have to admit I was very sceptical about Behemoth being a headliner at Bloodstock, and in some respect I was right as it was clear that the band weren’t firing on all cylinders, except the drumming demon Inferno of course, whose astonishing artillery like battery beggars belief at times. Headliners pull out all the show shenanigans and Behemoth’s set was as fiery as one could get without burning the damn stage down. Multiple flame throwers must have toasted the front row people in a set that burst into life after the intro with “Ov Fire And The Void”. Straight into the magnificent “Demigod” Nergal’s roar was nearly as formidable as before his recovery from leukaemia and I must applaud his miraculous recovery time from such a devastating illness. “Moonspell Rites” followed which passed me by a little until the blackened fury of “Christians To The Lions”. Recognisable was “Decade Of Therion” as was “Slaves Shall Serve” as the fire from the stage felt like very pits of hell were unleashed on the rank and file. I always look forward to “Chant For Eschaton 2000”, the tune ranks as one of my all time favourites and was done perfectly. The set seemed shorter than programmed as the encore gave the crowd “23 The Youth Manifesto” and “Lucifer” during which fireworks blasted out reflective black pieces of paper over the audience, to much adulation, though it seemed a bit non-extreme after the blaze on stage to me. Behemoth pulled off the headline spot on Friday just about by my book and hopefully the band will go from strength to strength with the prospect of a new album soon.  (MH)

Reviewers Frank Allain, Martin Harris, Luci Herbert and Pete Woods

Photos © Pete Woods