Bloodstock Preview By Emily Castles 

It’s just two weeks until all roads lead to Catton Park, when a green oasis in the heart of Derbyshire, becomes overrun with Dr. Martens, long beards and some serious headbanging. Approaching its twentieth year as one of the UK’s biggest metal festivals, Bloodstock Open Air returns and bigger than ever. Amongst the brilliant, varied line-up – there’s quite a few new things to explore this year (particularly for Motörhead fans!)

Of course we already have the much-loved Lemmy’s bar, but this year you’ll also be able to explore a recreation of Lemmy’s dressing room, featuring a specially-created bust as well as band memorabilia to explore as part of the wider gallery exhibits. We can also expect some eye-catching fancy dress this year, including ‘Motorhead Friday’ and ‘Horror Sunday’. Saying all of that, we’re all here for the music – so let’s take a deep dive into what we can expect at Bloodstock Open Air 2024

Friday

Day 1 is set to be a scorcher on the headline Ronnie James Dio Stage with a jam-packed line-up of unmissable acts. Greek titans Rotting Christ, now in their third decade of reigning over the black metal world, return to Catton Park once more. Norwegian Vikings, Enslaved, also make a welcome return after last year’s release of their sixteenth album Heimdal.

Switching up the pace are Connecticut crushers Hatebreed, celebrating their thirtieth anniversary with their hardcore punk metal mix. Stoner rockers Clutch hail in from Maryland, and the ever-evolving Swedish giants Opeth headline Friday with their distinctive bluesy moody sound. 

There are also some brilliant bands not to be missed over in the Sophie Lancaster tent (which fingers crossed won’t become a sweaty furnace) including Death Collector, founded by Andy Whale (ex-drummer of Bolt Thrower and Memoriam) as a 2021 Covid project.

We have more newcomers in the form of Dutch band Haliphron, who have been supporting Arch Enemy in their recent shows, as well as Icelandic prog-rockers The Vintage Caravan, for a slightly more mellow set.  

Saturday

Headlining the mainstage on the Saturday are Brighton’s Architects, having kicked off 2024 with their catchy new single ‘Curse’. Malevolence also take to the Ronnie James Dio, following the release of their EP (joint with Thy Art Is Murder and Fit for an Autopsy) ‘The Aggression Sessions’.

American deathcore mob Whitechapel promise an energised set, and with their ninth studio album on the horizon. Death metal founding fathers Deicide show no signs of slowing down, now in their thirtieth decade and having just released their new album Banished by Sin.

Brazilian Death Metal four-piece, Crypta, are also one to watch – the all-female group rapidly growing in popularity since their formation in 2019.   

Sylosis head-up the Sophie stage off the back of their brand-new opus, A Sign Of Things To Come, and will be joined by the likes of Enemies Everywhere and Red Rum who will also be taking a spot in the tented lair.   

Sunday

The Sophie Lancaster Stage is the place to be for many on the final day, where the always brilliant, always devilish Satyricon top the bill – who not long ago dipped their toes into the world of visual arts with their Satyricon & Munch album – specifically written to accompany an Edvard Munch exhibition in Oslo.

The Sophie tent also welcomes Moldovan band Infected Rain, fronted by the enticing Lena Scissorhands – their latest album ‘TIME’ released back in February. Sadus are another one to watch on Sunday – the Californian thrashers released their sixth studio album The Shadow Inside at the end of last year and are now approaching their 40th anniversary.  

Over at the Ronnie James Dio Stage on Sunday – the line-up is similarly enticing. Greek titans Septicflesh will take to the stage earlier on in the day, with their unique blend of symphonic death metal. Liverpuddlian veteran death metaller’s Carcass also take to the main stage – since reforming in 2007, the unit have regularly been on tour and released two further studio albums.

Heading up the RJD on the final day is everyone’s favourite metal pirates Amon Amarth …. you know what that means – time to get your oars out and start rowing, matey!   

Make sure to check out the Hopical Storm New Blood Stage throughout the weekend too – Bloodstock is a gem for discovering new bands and this is certainly the place for that. 

Otherwise, remember your suncream and bucket hats – and have a great time, Bloodstockers!   

For all the very latest up to the minute Bloodstock news click here.