Ten Bands You Should Check Out At Bloodstock 2025 – EMP Stage

Brendan Fisher 5 min read

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and we couldn’t be more excited. Bloodstock festival is right around the corner and this year’s line-up is one of the best. Yes, we know we say that every year, but this year really does feel like it. Hence the near-sell out status of the festival (just a handful of Friday day tickets left). It’s going to be an immense weekend of head banging, circle pitting, two stepping, and singing and shouting our hearts out. Will you be there with us?

We hope so, and while (as always) we hope to see every band on the bill, we all know that simply isn’t possible, but we’re going to try, especially as there are so many great bands on the bill. How about you though? Who are you going to be checking out? Do you need a little guidance? Some bands, that maybe you’re not sure about, that we could recommend for you? Perhaps per stage?

Guess what!? We got you. Here are ten bands (five chosen by Carl, five chosen by Brendan) we think you should check out on the EMP Stage.

Friday: Carl – Insidious Void

I love many different genres, and the way so many bands genre-bend these days, but do you know what else I like? Straight up metal that sticks to one sub-genre and does it really well. Say hello to Insidious Void, who are going to bring death metal ferocity as the first band on the EMP stage all weekend. It’s going to be a hefty and head banging good time.

Friday: Brendan – Shrike

Shrike are a strong band, blending modern metal genres from deathcore to melodeath to metalcore but definitely don’t limit themselves to any specific genre boundaries. Their use of symphonic and cinematic soundscapes elevates them and their songs to stand out from a crowd. I’m expecting a very strong showing from these guys.

Friday: Carl – Lust Ritual

As evil sounding as it comes, heavy metal laced with sinister doom tones, it might sound cliché to say, but Lust Ritual’s EMP stage set promises to be hypnotic. Don’t be under any false illusions though, they’re a heavy band, so while it is easy to be mesmerised by them, you’ll also find yourself head banging hard too.

Saturday: Brendan – Crown Solace

A touch more symphonic metal for me here with Crown Solace who came to my attention recently. I was initially blown away by the vocalist who has to be heard but from that, the songs catch you, the melodies and flows and the harsher elements all work so well. With this being the first ever live performance for the band, it’s a really exciting time for them, I’m sure, and I’m really looking forward to seeing how they bring their pretty huge sounds to the EMP stage.

Saturday: Carl – Rites to Ruin

This is going to be epic and one of the most talked about shows of the weekend if their recently released debut album is anything to go by. Modernised heavy metal with a ton of flair, the talent in this band is staggering and their set is not to be missed. Expect to be energised.

Saturday: Carl – Thrashist Regime

How’s about some good old fashioned thrash metal to wrap up the EMP stage on the Saturday night? The excellently named Thrashist Regime have us covered and even though it’s a name that might make them sound like a parody band, they’re anything but. Although that’s not to say fun can’t be had with them. It’s just the kind that comes with head banging intensity.

Sunday: Brendan – The Five Hundred

The Five Hundred are a cool band, delivering a very listenable brand of metalcore but with a technical/progressive edge. Catchy songs, great energy, breakdowns and plenty of melody, they open up this stage on Sunday and are the right band to re-energise a crowd.

Sunday: Brendan – Maatkare

Being an all-female death metal band, Maatkare brings to mind the masterful Crypta from last year. This time though, rooted in Egyptian mythology and focusing on powerful women, lost to time, Maatkare have a story, but they have the tunes to back it up as well. It’s going to be heavy and is not to be missed.

Sunday: Carl – Orme

Bloodstock isn’t going to know what hit it when Orme take to the EMP stage in the afternoon of the Sunday of the festival. Drone at Bloodstock? How has this not happened before!? Expectations are high but anyone who has seen Orme before (I have) knows this is going to be very special. It’s not for everyone, that’s clear, but those brave enough to witness it will be left gobsmacked as Orme are one of the best to do it.

Sunday: Brendan – Z Machine

Okay, in truth, this is more of an intrigue one, than an excitement one. I guess I’m excitedly intrigued by Z Machine. A band bringing a mix of prog and jazz to Bloodstock with twin guitars, drums, bass and saxophone. I think this could be fantastic – just a collection of rocking tunes, to dance to, and enjoy. A couple beers in hand, hopefully some sun and some bouncy jazz – it could be one of the most talked about sets of the festival.




Authors

  • Owner/Editor/Writer/YouTuber - Heavy Metal and reading, two things I have always loved so they are the two areas you will find most of my reviews. Post apocalyptic is my jam and I always have a book on the go and have for decades now. From a metal perspective, age has softened my inadequacies and I now operate with an open mind, loving many bands from many sub genres but having a particular admiration for the UK underground scene. In my other time, when not focused on Dad duties and work, I try to support the craft beer movement by drinking as much of it as I can and you will also find me out on the streets, walking. I love walking, I love exploring new places and snapping nature photos as I go.

  • Owner/Administrator/Editor/Writer/Interviewer/YouTuber - you name it, I do it. I love gaming, horror movies, and all forms of heavy metal and rock. I'm also a Discworld super-fan and love talking all things Terry Pratchett. Do you wanna party? It's party time!