TVD Live Shots: Bloodstock Open Air at Catton Park, 8/11

From growling vocals to shredding solos, Bloodstock 2023 proved to be an unmissable event for metal enthusiasts. With thousands flocking to the arena, the festival was a testament to the undying spirit of metal. Here’s a breakdown of the performances that left the crowd headbanging for more.

TOP TEN OVERALL

Megadeth | A standout amongst an ensemble of legends, Megadeth stormed the stage with undeniable fury. Their set was a vivid reminder of why they occupy the coveted position in metal’s big four. With a sound uniquely theirs and an approach to music that few can emulate, they proved their mettle, quite literally. Seeing them revel in the joy of performing was a cherry on top. A metal masterclass, indeed!

Meshuggah (at top) | Meshuggah’s headline set on Saturday night was a mind-blowing display of technical skill and musical intensity. The band’s complex, polyrhythmic compositions and heavy, percussive sound left fans stunned.

Skynd | This electronic-industrial duo took everyone by surprise. Known for exploring dark themes and true crime events in their music, Skynd weaved haunting narratives, often based on real-life criminal events.

With singer Skynd’s eerie vocals and multi-instrumentalist/producer Father’s intense soundscapes, their performance was a cinematic journey into the psyche of both criminals and their victims. It was a chilling, unforgettable experience that resonated even with the most hardcore metalheads.

Heaven Shall Burn | Rising from Germany’s metalcore scene in the late ’90s, they’ve masterfully blended melodic death metal into their fierce sound. It’s impossible to ignore their roaring riffs, and their lyricism is a passionate cry against societal ills, from racism to war.

Their set was a testament to their rich history and the deep roots they’ve grown, influenced by both hardcore punk and metal. For many, Heaven Shall Burn isn’t just a band; they’re a movement, and their performance was a stark reminder of their powerful place in the European metal hierarchy.

Royal Republic | I’d never heard of these guys before but a friend of mine said that they were the ones that didn’t really fit the bill. That being said, holy shit these guys were good. Was it metal? No. Was it high-energy rock ‘n’ roll that gave our necks a break from the furious headbanging? Indeed.

Adding a dash of swagger and flair to the metal fest, Royal Republic’s electrifying performance had everyone, from the front rows to the back, jumping to their insanely infectious beats. Funny enough, they proved their metal-worthiness closing their set with a blistering version of Metallica’s “Battery.”

Gaerea | A symphony of black metal and theatricality. Their performance was a journey into the depths of darkness, and they made sure no one came out unscathed.

Abbath | With a stage presence that is larger than life and riffs that echo in your soul, Abbath’s set was an ode to black metal’s rich legacy.

Tribulation | Their gothic undertones and mesmerizing stage visuals set them apart. Each song felt like a story, taking the audience on a macabre fairy tale adventure. Imagine Sisters of Mercy if they were a death metal band.

Biohazard | They brought the raw, gritty sounds of the New York hardcore scene to Bloodstock. Mosh pits, crowd surfing, and sheer energy defined their set. It was the last set of the festival and there could not have been a better band to close it out. Although I think security would have thought differently. Just after the second song Biohazard’s frontman declared, “these people in the orange shirts (referring to security in the pit) get paid a lot of money. Let’s make sure they earn it.” Then all hell broke loose and we were chased out of the photo pit.

Killswitch Engage | No stranger to the annals of metalcore, Killswitch Engage came in with their signature blend of melodic harmonies and face-melting riffs. Their songs, often a mix of gut-wrenching screams and soulful clean vocals, carried an emotional weight that resonated with every fan present. Proving yet again why they’ve been a staple in the metal community for decades, their set was a heart-pounding end to the top acts of the festival.

TOP FIVE HEAVIEST SETS

King 810 | Flint, Michigan’s King 810 dominated the Sophie Lancaster Stage. Presenting their signature aggressive sound and stark socio-political lyrics, the band showcased tracks from their album The Fall of Kings. Their performance was notably one of the heaviest things I have ever witnessed, with some of the most disturbing lyrics. Holy shit these guys were insane. Time for the US crowds to catch up.

In Flames | Masters of melodic death metal, their set was a harmonious blend of brutal vocals and melodic interludes, a reminder of why they are legends in the scene.

Fit for an Autopsy | Storming Bloodstock’s main stage with an opening salvo of “A Higher Level of Hate,” the raw growls and fierce guitar work sent waves of electricity through the crowd. The tight rhythm and anchoring beats, combined with a dominant set, hinted at the group’s potential as future Bloodstock headliners.

Sepultura | I watched Sepultura from the corner of the crowd and I have to say it was the loudest set of the weekend. Forget about heavy, these guys wrote the fucking playbook. Hearing the classics from the first few albums played to a festival crowd reminded everyone there of the band’s place in thrash/death metal history. From the signs and fury of the newer material, there’s still plenty of piss and fire in the gas tank.

Decapitated | Emerging from Krosno, Poland, Decapitated unleashed their signature technical death metal on Bloodstock’s main stage, making even the sun seem to consider early retirement. Formed in 1996 and influenced by heavyweights like Death, these Polish maestros, with a name suggesting headless tales, transformed the festival’s daytime atmosphere into a midnight mosh pit. Pure metal mastery!

BIGGEST SURPRISES

Ugly Kid Joe | Ugly Kid Joe stormed the stage with a kick-off of “That Ain’t Livin'” from their recent Rad Wings of Destiny album, oozing undeniable AC/DC vibes that the crowd eagerly lapped up. While usually resonating with ’90s grunge-filled rooms, their sunny set drenched the festival in nostalgia, transporting everyone straight back to 1992.

All Hail the Yeti | Hollywood hits Bloodstock. Hailing from Los Angeles with arguably the best band name on the bill, these guys are known for blending Southern rock, groove metal, and doom. Their lyrics delve into horror and the supernatural, creating a distinct and aggressive sonic landscape. I thought they were one of the more interesting bands of the day after watching them play “Headless Valley” and whipping the crowd into a frenzy.

Trypticon performing Celtic Frost | Trypticon, channeling the spirit of Celtic Frost, faced the daylight with a performance that might’ve made the gods of darkness themselves crack a smile. The gloomy, legendary riffs of Celtic Frost during broad daylight? Only Trypticon could pull off this metal paradox, blending the classic with the contemporary in a sun-soaked homage.

Crowbar | The sludge metal titans from the bayous of Louisiana, took on the day with the kind of weighty riffs that could eclipse the sun itself. Best known for their lumbering tempos and heavy-as-a-mountain sound, their midday set felt like a glorious, deliberate contrast, reminding everyone that metal knows no bounds—or set times.

Knocked Loose | Straight out of Kentucky, Knocked Loose stomped onto the daytime stage, unleashing hardcore punk riffs so fierce they practically created their own shadow. While their aggressive sound feels built for grimy basements, seeing them blast it out under the sun was like watching a caged beast finally set free—and the crowd was all in for the wild ride.

Skin Failure | Hailing from Bristol, London, and Brighton, and boasting perhaps the “best (or worst) band name” of the festival, Skin Failure stormed onto the scene in 2022. With members from Memory of Elephants and ex-Black Peaks and Kainoah talents, their 2023 debut album “Radillac” merges thrash metal, hardcore punk, and sludge metal. The group, led by Will Gardner, takes inspiration from giants like Metallica and Slayer, delivering a potent sound that’s as evocative as their unique band name.

Trollfest | The madcap maestros of folk metal took to the tent stage in uproarious pink flamingo costumes, adding an extra layer of zaniness to their signature antics. As their energy bubbled over, inflatable pink doughnuts and flamingos danced atop the crowd, riding the waves of hands in unison.

Amidst the muffled sunshine outside, their performance inside evoked the revelry of a raucous midsummer night’s dream. Each accordion note and guitar riff, combined with the colourful spectacle, transported everyone to a chaotic and delightful Nordic tavern party.

KK’s Priest | Stepping in as a last-minute replacement for Helloween, K.K’s Priest, with their roots deeply embedded in the Judas Priest legacy, took to the stage under the sun’s glare. The outcome? A chapter of metal history played out in broad daylight.

With K.K. Downing on guitar and the formidable Tim “Ripper” Owens smashing it on vocals, the anthems that once dominated shadowy arenas echoed powerfully under the open sky. This performance was a testament that legends truly shine, regardless of the hour or circumstance.

Hate | From the shadowy realms of Poland, Hate emerged under the glaring sun, proving that their blackened death metal can dominate any time slot. It’s not every day you witness a band typically suited for midnight rituals rocking a daytime stage. Their ’90s-rooted spellbinding riffs had the crowd headbanging by daylight—a surreal and undeniably metal spectacle.

Visions of Atlantis | I didn’t even know “Pirate Metal” was a thing, but it is and it’s fucking awesome. Symphonic metal with epic storytelling with male and female vocals hitting back and forth? I’ll take it. This Austrian band seems to be at the forefront of this emerging style and for good reason.