Co-authored by Simon Crampton
The Headliner
Machine Head
Saturday sees the arrival of Machine Head to the Bloodstock grounds, bringing with them a wealth of hits as well as their reputation for being one of the finest live bands around.
Not only is this the bands first ever UK festival headline show, but the band is also giving their fans the chance to select and vote for 5 songs the band will play of their 1994 debut album, “Burn My Eyes.”
When you put that alongside all the bands hits, with a rich back catalogue to choose from, this will be one of the biggest sets, not just of the weekend, but in all of Bloodstock‘s history.
The Heavy Hitters
Testament
Testament are another one of those thrash bands that seems to be overlooked much like Sepultura they operate just outside of the Big Four (although many could argue that they along with Sepultura, Exodus and Annihilator could form their own Big Four, or adequately support the other Big Four in some kind of Giant Eight super tour.)
They were consistent in their earlier days and thanks to the release of “Formation of Damnation” in 2008 and now with “Dark Roots of Earth” the band is revitalised and back kicking ass with the best of them.
Crowbar
Crowbar make an appearance this year, with the sludge icons playing the mid afternoon set. Kirk Windstein and co never disappoint and are fully deserving of their place on a bill, which on the Saturday in particular, features many bands that are legends within their own sub genre.
With all of the band featuring in other bands, most notably Down and Kingdom Of Sorrow, it is a treat that doesn’t happen to often to see Crowbar on these shores. An opportunity not to be missed.
Hatebreed
Hatebreed may seem like fish out of water, but if there’s anything I’ve learnt about Hatebreed, it’s that they can throw down with anyone in any environment and usually come out on top, and I expect nothing less from the bands only UK show of 2012.
Expect some of the most brutal pits of the weekend when the band takes the stage… you have been warned!
Other Highlights
Orange Goblin
Riding high on the back on recent acclaimed album “A Eulogy For The Damned,” Orange Goblin close the Sophie Lancaster stage with their own brand of balls out rock influenced by the likes of Motorhead and Black Sabbath.
Orange Goblin have played almost all of the major festivals over the years, but this band were born to headline nights like this, just make sure you are there for the party.
As the band say themselves; “All you need to do is get the beers in and prepare your neck muscles for maximum punishment.”
Dripback
Judging by their support slot on the Biohazard tour at the beginning of the year, Dripback could well be one of the most intense sets of the weekend. Frontman Wes4 will be prowling the Sophie Lancaster stage on Saturday afternoon looking like a man possessed, as if searching for his next victim to terrorise.
Make sure to make the most of their set as it will fly by in a furious blur of grinding hardcore that is just about as abrasive as it gets. A band that few others will match over the weekend.
Savage Messiah
Waving the flag for British thrash over the weekend will be Savage Messiah who will take to the Sophie Lancaster stage on Saturday.
With the critically acclaimed new album “Plague of Conscience” under their belt, they look to be one of the break out stars of the festival, with Bloodstock providing the perfect setting for them to rise up and destroy the place.
