Live Review: Bloodstock Open Air Festival 2022 – Thursday

Bloodstock has finally returned to Catton Park and fans could not be more thrilled! With the festival boasting 4 days of live music, the event has had little trouble attracting the attention of metalheads from around the globe and it promises to be an almighty return for the heavy metal festival! Here’s what went down on the opening day of Bloodstock.

As the sun scorched the hallowed grounds, metalheads from around the world descended upon Bloodstock Open Air. Long hair and all-black attires would be herded into the entryway as they awaited the festival gates to open and the party to begin. 1000’s of miles travelled and gallons of booze drank, the festival had begun and once people were all set up it was time for some music!

Kicking off the festival was the ever eccentric Basement Torture Killing who quickly won over the crowd as singer Millie Rose plunged a knife straight into the head of a teddy bear. The set was full of brutally heavy riffs and even more, gruesome teddy murder as each part of the bear was torn from its squishy body and launched into the Bloodstock hoards to cheers of delight. That’s one way of getting people’s attention.

Following on from that was always going to be tough however Thuum brought their melodic sludge fusion out for all to see. Bringing elder scrolls esc feel to the festival, the band captivated those in attendance with slow and methodical metal that was designed to hit your ears in just the right way to get you to headbang your heart out.

The day continued and the heaviness did not let up at all. Mother Vulture brought a more punky attitude to the festival while delivering a high octane set that saw the pit start to fire up for the first time of the weekend. Nanowar Of Steel brought the laughter with their comedy-infused heavy metal style straight from the depths of Italy. Satire mixed with catchy riffs may just be my new favourite festival trope.

As the sun finally started to set and the heat slowly subsided, it was time for Nekrogoblikon to bring the heat. Melodic death metal seems to be at home at this festival and fans wore their best goblin attire to party down with the band from the states. Not to mention the fact they brought their own goblin who had a slight tendency to flip the crowd off at least 3 times per song. Only at Bloodstock, I guess.

Closing out the night was Sweden’s own, Dark Tranquility! Their unique blend of melodic death metal has seen them amass quite the following which was made even more clear when the Sophie Lancaster stage was packed from the front to the back before they hit the stage. Sinister settings and a gloomy atmosphere loomed over Catton Park as they delivered their hellish set to the ravenous, alcohol-infused hoard of Bloodstock.

For some, that would be the end of the day’s festivities however for some, the party didn’t stop whether it was at the fabled Silent Disco, just vibing back at their tents or taking part in the prohibited sport of Bin Jousting, the mood around the festival was one of happiness and glee which doesn’t sound like Bloodstock but hey. Metal festivals are full of surprises!