Bloodstock 2023

The eagerly anticipated Bloodstock Festival made its return last weekend, bringing together dedicated metal fans for a weekend of sonic exploration and electrifying performances. The festival's grounds once again transformed into a haven for headbangers and mosh pit enthusiasts, as both established legends and emerging talents took the stage to deliver a metal experience like no other.

This year, Team Femetalism were able to enjoy the festival again thanks to the accessible campsite. I was zooming about the field on my scooter with Vassily as my co-pilot ensuring I didn’t miss a single band that I wanted to see!

We have been going to Bloodstock for a long time now and it’s become an annual event in our calendars; line up be damned. It doesn’t matter to us who is playing, just as long as we can get to that field - it always feels so good to be home.

This year the line-up really was fantastic with a great mix of bands we knew and bands we didn’t. Obviously the headliners are a great draw for many, but I rarely go for the headliners and always tend to find my favourite bands of the weekend over on the Sophie Lancaster Stage.

This year was no exception with 4 out of the 5 of my top picks, performing on this coveted stage. Here are my top 5 bands from this epic weekend:

Skynd

The industrial metal duo, Skynd, left an indelible mark on the Bloodstock stage with their hauntingly intense performance. Combining eerie visuals with bone-chilling vocals, Skynd's set was a captivating journey into the darker realms of metal. Their ability to create an atmosphere that's both unsettling and mesmerising was truly a sight to behold. Thoroughly captivated and invested in their performance. My favourite of the weekend.

MuddiBrooke

Hailing from the underground scenein Derby, MuddiBrooke erupted onto the Jägermeister stage with a ferocity that caught everyone off guard. Their blend of groove metal and thrash sent shockwaves was a surprise to the audience I’m sure but MuddiBrooke's raw energy and unbridled passion for their craft were contagious, making them a standout act of the festival for me.

Brothers of Metal

For those seeking epic and anthemic metal, Brothers of Metal delivered in spades. Their grandiose melodies, harmonious vocals, and powerful stage presence created an atmosphere reminiscent of Viking legends and battles of old. The crowd was swept away by their tales of honour and valour, as the band's symphonic metal prowess filled the air with an aura of heroism. It was great fun and thoroughly enjoyed by the whole team.

Visions of Atlantis

The symphonic power metal of Visions of Atlantis brought a touch of pirate metal to Bloodstock 2023. With enchanting vocals and intricate instrumentals, they transported the audience to realms of fantasy and wonder. The band's ability to seamlessly blend operatic elements with intense metal riffs showcased their musical finesse and honestly, what metalhead can’t get on board with pirates?

Dakesis

Perhaps one of the festival's hidden gems, Dakesis exploded on stage as a force to be reckoned with. Their progressive approach to metal, characterised by complex rhythms and atmospheric soundscapes, along with their strong messaging and positivity , drew in curious listeners and held them captivated throughout their performance. Team Femetalism have seen and been following Dakesis for a while now and it is always so great to see a band who work as hard as these guys, get the support and applause from such a huge audience.

Bloodstock 2023 proved once again why it's a cornerstone of the metal calendar. The diverse lineup, featuring a wide spectrum of metal subgenres and showcasing both established icons and rising stars, exemplified the genre's vibrancy and evolution. As the festival concluded, we departed with our hearts and ears resonating with the echoes of a truly unforgettable musical journey and our tickets are already secured for 2024🤘