Bloodstock has revealed the first wave of Metal 2 the Masses winners for its 2026 New Blood Stage, handing slots to eleven unsigned bands who have battled their way through finals across the UK and beyond.
Friday’s intake brings East Anglian thrash and groove outfit Regicide, Belfast death/thrash crew Microtonal, Birmingham melodic death winners Atarka, and Leeds hardcore five piece Bailed Out. Saturday adds Sheffield metalcore victors Descendancy and Northamptonshire noise merchants Dead Bait. Sunday rounds things out with Scotland’s theatrical Chekhov’s Gun, Manchester prog quintet Technologist, South Coast doom act Sunk, Cyprus collaborators Joakem, and Ka’aper, a death metal band made up of Russian and Ukrainian musicians. More winners will be confirmed as the finals continue around the country.
There has been one change to the main bill. Of Mice & Men have pulled out of their European summer plans, telling fans the decision came down to circumstances beyond their control. Stepping into the breach are Ohio death metal favourites Sanguisugabogg, who join as direct support to Leprous on the Sophie Lancaster stage on the Saturday.
Main stage headliners Lamb of God, Slaughter to Prevail, Judas Priest and Saxon lead the charge, with Cryptopsy (performing None So Vile in full for its 30th anniversary), Wednesday 13, Leprous and Carpenter Brut topping the Sophie Lancaster stage. Body Count, Sepultura, Testament, Kittie and dozens more fill out a deep bill.
There is a charitable angle on site too. Fans can pick up an entry form at the Sophie Lancaster Foundation stand and hunt down ten hidden S.O.P.H.I.E. signs across the site for the chance to win a pair of 2027 weekend tickets, with a suggested £2 donation to the charity.
Weekend tickets have sold out, though day tickets remain at £99 plus fees, with under fours admitted free.
For anyone still weighing up a first visit, a day ticket is a low commitment way in, and on this lineup we reckon the New Blood Stage alone is worth the trip. Bloodstock 2026 takes over Catton Park in Derbyshire from 6 to 9 August.
