A Taste Of New Blood – The Dead XIII

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Another year, another Bloodstock Open Air and what better way to get excited for the upcoming festival then getting a better look at some of the up and coming acts who have been given the opportunity to share their craft on the New Blood Stage! For those of you who may not be familiar with Bloodstock, every year the festival showcases the best new talent on the scene on its own dedicated stage! This gives smaller bands a chance to make a lasting impression on the metal masses. We got hold of The Dead XIII to hear what they had to say about this wonderful opportunity!

Hope you’re doing well! With Bloodstock creeping ever closer, how are you feeling about hitting the New Blood Stage?

We are so hyped to be playing the New Blood stage. We’ve been relentlessly running the show and just finished our warm up show with Bloodyard in Manchester. We can’t wait now.

Bloodstock is one of the leading festivals when it comes to giving up-and-coming artists a chance, how important do you think this platform is for aspiring bands?

The opportunity Bloodstock provides through the Metal to the Masses programme is one of the biggest things keeping metal alive in the UK. Its run by the right people, for the right reasons. Even the bands that don’t get through have an incredible time, and make band connections that they will have for a lifetime.

Being at the UK’s largest metal festival, how has your preparation changed compared to a normal club show?

The biggest difference in the prep for this one is that the show is part of a weekend long, massive machine. It’s like a metal tour de force and we have to make sure we bring our absolute A-game. We’ve rehearsed relentlessly, tried to prepare for every eventuality and compiled an absolutely killer setlist. Every show we play is special to us and we give every one or all, but this one really runs deep.

A band’s image and sound are a big part of what makes them attractive to a wider fan base so how would you describe your style?

We are a four-piece metal band from Manchester but we make a hell of a lot of noise. We are all about crowd interaction and making our shows something to remember for everyone who sees them. Our sound is metal with a slight industrial influence, but we’ve crafted our sound so that it usually appeals to pretty much all heavy music fans. The best way to understand it is to come down to see us at bloodstock, then come and grab a beer with us and tell us what you think.

The music landscape is ever-changing and social media is a big part of that. With bands like Bad Omens and Sleep Token gaining massive popularity through TikTok, how do you think that’ll affect metal as a whole?

Social media is a game changer. It allows you to constantly stay in touch with people from all around the world and really build a brand. There is nothing that really compares to that.

Over the past few years, countless local venues have unfortunately had to close their doors due to rising costs. What are your thoughts on the current state of grassroots music venues around the area you’re based?

Venues shutting SUCKS! How will we get the next Metallica or Slipknot if there is nowhere for them to play? I think actual metal is stronger than ever, but the live scene is struggling because not as many people get out to shows as they used to. With that said, shows are still something special and although there are less venues around now, people travel to shows more. Maybe that in itself is building the new era.

Let’s get a bit more light-hearted! Obviously, you have your own set to look forward to at Bloodstock but which band on the lineup is your must-see act?

For us it’s a tough one but it’s probably Killswitch!

With Festival season, unfortunately, nearing an end, do you have many plans for the upcoming colder months?

We’ve just recorded our 3rd album so we will be shipping the hell out of that. Hopefully it will be out in the later half of the year, then we will be pushing to tour it far and wide. It’s great to be back on the road!

That’s all I’ve got for you today! Is there anything you’d like to add or promote?

Bloodstock, Saturday, New Blood Stage, It will be special.