With the approaching of this year’s event, BLOODSTOCK has announced that all Sunday day tickets for 2023 have been completely sold out! While standard weekend tickets are still up for grabs but vanishing rapidly, there is also a restricted supply of day passes left for Friday and Saturday.
The Metal 2 The Masses program is concluding its annual initiative by announcing the final group of 10 fortunate bands who emerged victorious in their local heats and secured a spot on the esteemed New Blood stage.
Amongst Friday’s impressive lineup is SHOOT TO KILL, winners of the Oxford heat. They will be treating audiences to their metalcore breakdowns and nostalgic 90s riffs, which were brilliantly showcased in their recent music video for ‘Crimson’. Also gracing the stage is APATHY, a contemporary metal collective that triumphed in Devon & Cornwall with their brutal downtuned guitars and mind-bending psychedelic soundscapes. Be sure to check out their official music video for ‘Gravewalker’. Joining them are Bournemouth’s champions TO OBEY A TYRANT, whose blackened deathcore has garnered them numerous admirers – immerse yourself in their world through their captivating music video for ‘Vermillion Moon’. DEVIL’S HENCHMEN have claimed the Merseyside prize with an electrifying display of retro riffage – witness it firsthand in their music video for ‘Built By Hate’. Lastly, securing the remaining slot on Friday are TORCHBEARER from South Wales. This four-piece band released their scorching Warrior EP just last month, featuring an explosive track titled ‘Catharsis In Karma.‘
Cheltenham’s SKORA secures a coveted Saturday New Blood slot, thanks to their progressive hardcore sound that has established them as fixtures in the underground scene of the South West. To understand what sets them apart, check out their captivating video for ‘Harakiri.’ PICTURE THE SCENE from Northampton also earns their place after receiving airplay on Radio 1 and support from Arts Council England. Discover why they’re causing a stir with this live set from North Acre Studios. Burnley heat winners, THE DEAD XIII, claim their spot with an impressive track record including multiple albums and airtime on Kerrang! Radio – witness their power in action through the gripping video for ‘Killers.’ Stoke’s champions BLOODMORES complete Saturday’s lineup by drawing inspiration from various corners of the metal realm, particularly leaning towards melodic death influences. Immerse yourself in their world with the intense visuals of ‘Virulence,’ taken from their acclaimed second album ‘Too Close To The Sun.’
Sunday brings forth BEYOND YOUR DESIGN, winners hailing from Nottingham who skillfully blend massive metalcore riffs with melodic hooks and fierce vocals. Witness them confront marauders head-on in the official music video for ‘United We Fall’. At the Sophie Lancaster Stage on Sunday morning, the winner of Planet Rock Radio’s band competition ignites the party. PHOENIX LAKE emerged victorious after being selected from a vast pool of contenders. Drawing comparisons to Evanescence, Parkway Drive, and Paramore, their debut EP titled Beyond The Flames has been garnering significant recognition. Experience their talent firsthand by listening to their single ‘Faithless’.
As a result of unforeseen circumstances, several changes to the bill have become necessary. Unfortunately, due to logistical issues beyond ZEAL & ARDOR‘s control, they will not be able to perform on Saturday at BLOODSTOCK. However, in order to ensure that festival-goers do not miss out on an incredible performance, the festival management has successfully rescheduled the band for Sunday’s Sophie Lancaster stage lineup. ZEAL & ARDOR will now have the opportunity to deliver their full 75-minute set with their complete production just before headliners BIOHAZARD. Moreover, KING 810‘s set will be moved to Thursday and TRIBE OF GHOSTS‘ performance will take place on Saturday instead. Additionally, EYES had no choice but to withdraw from the festival and AMBRIUS will step in as a replacement for them in the opening slot on Saturday morning at the Sophie Lancaster Stage.
The organizers of BLOODSTOCK are equally delighted to unveil the participants in this year’s RAM GALLERY, an exclusive art venue specially designed for the festival and overseen annually by its visionary founder, Paul Raymond Gregory, a highly acclaimed artist renowned worldwide for his captivating works in fantasy.
KILLSWITCH ENGAGE‘s bass player and founder of Dark Icon Design, Mike D’Antonio, will have his artwork displayed on two entire walls of the space. Although you may be familiar with his work featured on albums by his own band, you might not know that he has also created designs for various heavy music acts and merchandise such as posters, t-shirts, skateboard decks, and more. Some notable names he has collaborated with include 36 Crazyfists, Armored Saint, Crowbar, and Harley Davidson. BLOODSTOCK is incredibly excited to be the first art space to showcase a selection of Mike’s impressive body of work from his “other side” career. Another artist exhibiting at the gallery is Oliver Andrew (known for his remarkable handcrafted ‘guitars-as-art’ under Cynosure Guitars), who will present his latest project called ‘Bloodworks’. This innovative endeavor involves using his own blood as a medium for hyper-realistic artworks. Additionally, Dan Seagrave will display 20 exceptional pieces including creations made for ENTOMBED, SUFFOCATION, PESTILENCE, THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA and others. Sculptural artist Paul Cutting will exhibit a magnificent winged masterpiece alongside a metal guitar inspired by one of the headlining bands. Finally returning to the gallery is Liam Brandon Murray with his extraordinary sculptural throne that never fails to attract attention from those seeking memorable gallery selfies!
