Suffolk’s Ghosts of Atlantis opened the Ronnie James Dio Stage on the closing day of Bloodstock 2025. Paul Castles caught up with the ‘Witches County’ crew afterwards.
Q You were first up on the Ronnie James Dio Stage this morning, how did it all go?
A We were a little bit edgy wondering if they’d be many there as MachineHead brought the place to its knees last night, but we were happy with the turnout. Trying to create an atmosphere around the stuff we do, in broad daylight and in 28 degrees can be a challenge. But it’s nice to be here and have the opportunity to play on the main stage.
Q Just give us a little background detail?
A We’ve been going for about four years, and have played the New Blood and Sophie Stage with different bands so it’s a special moment for us to make the main stage and hopefully a springboard for more good things to come.
Q And how did you enjoy today?
A It went well, there were some small technical issues at the beginning but it was great. We’ve had two nights without much sleep but we’ve been pretty sensible, keeping our heads down and preparing for the show.
Q Your new single, ‘Melkin’s Tale’ has just been released…
A Yeah, it’s just out, and people have been enjoying it and the video which was made in Suffolk. It was good fun to make.
Q Just explain Ghosts’ connection with Devilment…
A I was in Devilment with Dan for three or four years ago playing lots of shows and festivals. Then Cradle caught a second wind and took off again and that kind of killed things with Devilment really. You can’t fit two bands in and we all know Cradle is Dani’s main focus and I understand that. But in many ways the death of Devilment was the birth of Ghosts. It showed me I don’t need to be with a big name, but just by working hard you can do things, and things are looking good for us at the moment.
Q How was it working with Dani Filth?
A He’s a really good lad and has been very supportive of Ghosts. He text me this morning and said good luck with the set. It’s just nice to see those guys at stages in their career above us still be so personal and check in with us on a human level. He’s spoken to Metal Hammer about us in the past, maybe one day you’ll see Cradle with Ghosts on tour together!
Q How’s the scene doing in Ipswich?
A We’ve the Music Room for gigs, and the Punch n Judy pub is popular with the metal crowd. A couple of churches have been hosting shows but the local metal scene is strong, bands like Heart of Oblivion, Eastern Front and Cradle of course. There’s a healthy amount of bands and we all look out for each other.
Q You’ve been on the road with Fear Factory, how was that?
A The whole thing was amazing. We played 42 dates in seven weeks across Europe. We were driving ourselves. It was good fun, tiring, but we learnt a lot. The Fear Factory crew took us under their wing, Denis and Wayne, just great guys telling us what we needed to know about crossing borders and parking at venues. That inside knowledge made all the difference.
We hired an RV which we called the shitbox and it literally was! We were crossing Scandinavia in the winter and sleeping in the van with no heating, no electrics and holes in the windows. The police pulled us over one day and asked where our bumper was and we said it never had one to begin with! They actually asked us if we had paid money for it. We all had Covid in Scandinavia too. There was no time to heal. Every day was six or seven hours drive, then play then repeat. It was tough but you realise if you can get through that then you can get through anything
Every night we were playing crowds of 700-1,700. Lisbon was rammed and all the English ones were all good. Playing the main stage at Bloodstock, we wouldn’t have had that without the Fear Factory tour. We saw Dino yesterday after they played and it was, great to catch up. We love watching them play!
Q What gigs have you got coming up?
A We’ve one in Ipswich in September then a tour with Ektomorf in October playing Germany, and the Czech Republic. We managed to get a better van this time, and we’re stopping in hotels! Luxury!
Q Any further releases in the pipeline?
A There will be a collaboration with another band later in the year, on a new label with an album to follow, maybe next summer.
