Our Must-See Bands For Bloodstock Open Air 2024

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Bloodstock Festival, the ultimate celebration of metal, is back with an electrifying lineup that promises to deliver unforgettable performances. This year’s festival features a diverse array of bands, from seasoned legends to rising stars, each bringing their unique sound and energy to the stage. Whether you’re a fan of shock rock, doom-laden metal, or hardcore thrash, Bloodstock has something for everyone. Here are the must-see bands that will make this year’s festival an epic experience.

South Of Salem – Sophie Lancaster Stage – Thursday, 19:40

Bursting onto the scene in 2020 from Bournemouth, UK, South Of Salem faced a unique challenge: their first live show was just a week before the pandemic lockdowns began. Undeterred, this five-piece shock rock/metal band released their debut album, The Sinner Takes It All, in September 2020, to critical acclaim. Their resilience and gritty sound quickly made waves in the UK rock scene, making them a must-see act at this year’s Bloodstock.

Green Lung – Ronnie James Dio Stage – Friday, 12:45

Green Lung has rapidly become one of the most exciting young metal bands from the UK. Infusing doomy hard rock and proto-metal with a modern twist of occult themes and sharp wit, their two albums, Woodland Rites and Black Harvest, have earned them a dedicated global following. Signed to Svart Records, Green Lung’s captivating sound will be a highlight on the Ronnie James Dio Stage.

Crowley – EMP Stage – Friday, 16:50

Newcastle’s CROWLEY brings a fresh take on retro pagan rock. Formed in 2022, the band, led by vocalist Lidya Balaban, includes guitarists Eliza Lee and Ruth Cranston, bassist Kim Waugh, and drummer Saverio Montore. Their singles The Witching Hour, Something Wicked This Way Comes, and Pyre blend heavy rock with gothic elements, gaining support from major outlets like Planet Rock and BBC Introducing. Their performance is set to deliver a spellbinding experience.

Praetorian – New Blood Stage – Saturday, 14:15

Emerging from North Herts, Praetorian combines primal sludge, post-metal, and old school black metal into a convulsive sound. Their debut album, Pylon Cult, is set for release in late 2024, and their performance is perfect for fans of heavy, grotesque music. Influences like Iron Monkey and Darkthrone shine through in their brutal riffs and relentless energy.

Mimi Barks – Sophie Lancaster Stage – Saturday, 14:20

Mimi Barks, originally from Berlin and now based in London, has made waves with her unique blend of trap-metal. Staying independent, she released her debut EP, Enter The Void, in 2019, quickly amassing over 25k streams. Known for her fierce vocal style and aggressive beats, Barks channels raw emotion into her music, creating a powerful hybrid of calm and chaos. Her set on Saturday promises to be intense and unforgettable.

Grove Street – Sophie Lancaster Stage – Sunday, 14:20

Southampton’s Grove Street brings a fusion of hardcore and thrash, reminiscent of the late 80s/early 90s crossover era. Their sound has drawn comparisons to iconic bands like Suicidal Tendencies and Cro-Mags. With their energetic and raw performances, Grove Street is set to deliver a show that’s both nostalgic and fiercely contemporary.

Carcass – Ronnie James Dio Stage – Sunday, 18:55

Carcass, the UK legends of extreme metal, have consistently pushed the boundaries with their groundbreaking albums. From pioneering gore-grind with Reek of Putrefaction and Symphonies of Sickness to shaping melodic death metal with Heartwork, Carcass has been a trailblazer. After a long hiatus, they returned to the scene, proving they’ve lost none of their edge. Their performance at Bloodstock is a must-see for any metal fan, as they continue to set the bar high for the genre.