Architects | Photo: Nick Davarias

Live Review: Bloodstock Open Air Festival 2024 – Gallery And Recap

Bloodstock Open Air has once again proven why it reigns supreme in the UK heavy metal scene, with its 2024 edition delivering an unforgettable experience. As metalheads flooded Catton Park, the electric atmosphere was undeniable—a blend of anticipation and pure metal energy that only Bloodstock can evoke. The entrance, flanked by a massive metal airplane, was a fitting gateway to the epic weekend that lay ahead.

The mayhem began on Thursday as Acid Age tore up the Sophie Lancaster Stage, unleashing a sonic assault that set the tone for the festival. Performances from Tailgunner, South Of Salem, and Hellripper only fuelled the crowd’s further, each band leaving a trail of mosh pits and adrenaline in their wake. As night fell, Evergrey took the stage, weaving a spellbinding set of progressive metal that left everyone in awe and set a lofty standard for the days to come.

Friday morning dawned bright, and the festival roared back to life. Haxan reopened the Sophie Lancaster Stage with a blast of hard-hitting rock, while Desert Storm ignited the Ronnie James Dio Stage with an eruption of riffs that resonated across the festival grounds. With the sun shining, Bloodstock was in full swing, offering fans a heady mix of relentless music, quirky market stalls, and drinking horns galore. Standout performances from Green Lung, Hailphron, and Enslaved kept the energy high, but it was Hatebreed’s earth-shaking set that turned the entire field into a swirling mosh pit. Clutch’s long-awaited Bloodstock debut thrilled the masses, while Opeth’s fan-chosen setlist reaffirmed their place as prog metal legends. The night closed with the wild, genre-bending madness of Igorr, leaving the crowd buzzing with excitement.

Saturday morning was all about shaking off the hangovers with a jolt of metal-fuelled adrenaline. Biomechanimal took the New Blood stage by storm, followed by Ignea, who reignited the crowd’s fighting spirit. The festival offered plenty of offbeat entertainment, from Viking battles to Guitar Hero showdowns, while acts like Ludovico Technique and Mimi Barks kept things unpredictable. The seamless flow of metal madness continued with Unleash The Archers leading into Deicide, and Combichrist’s explosive set on the Sophie Lancaster Stage was a highlight for many. Malevolence, a Bloodstock favourite, delivered a performance that left a lasting impression, with a massive circle pit around the sound tower and over 900 crowd surfers. Architects, headlining their first UK festival, had some hits and misses, but Korpiklaani’s whimsical set sent everyone back to their tents with a smile.

By Sunday, the festival spirit was at its peak. Raised By Owls delivered a standout moment when the singer’s mother, dressed as a nun, joined the stage, to the delight of the crowd. Moon Reaper rose to the occasion on the big stage, proving they were more than ready. Soen’s progressive metal vibes and Beast In Black’s theatrical flair added unique flavours to the day. Whether headbanging to Septicflesh, dancing with Flogging Molly, or indulging in festival treats like spuds, Bunnychow, and pitch-black ice cream, there was something for everyone. Carcass delivered a masterclass in death metal, setting the stage for Amon Amarth’s epic, pyro-filled finale. With swords, Viking ships, and a battlefield atmosphere, they transformed Catton Park into a metal Valhalla. The Sophie Lancaster Stage bid farewell with an intense set from Satyricon, as the metal faithful raised their horns one last time.

Bloodstock 2024 was a true celebration of heavy metal, leaving everyone counting down the days until the next pilgrimage to Catton Park.

Full Bloodstock 2024 Gallery here: