Bloodstock 2026 Band Feature: Following the Signs
Where does the time go!? Once again, Bloodstock is right around the corner, and once again, it is shaping up to be one the best festivals of the year. Not just because there are a variety of bands spread across its main two stages, not just because it is packed with fun things to do, great food and drink to enjoy, and tons of likeminded people to experience it all with, but because it champions the future of the scene with its New Blood and EMP stages. Where unsigned bands, some handpicked, but most coming through the Metal 2 the Masses events, get to play the festival.
It can be an absolute gamechanger for a band to play the New Blood or EMP stages and plenty have gone on to bigger and brighter things. We know, we’ve been paying a lot of attention to that side of things for a long time now, and every year, tried to feature as many bands playing as we could. While we can’t promise that we will see all these bands at the festival, we can promise that you will find a wealth of talent should you wander over to either.
Who knows, you may even end up finding your new favourite band.
It’s almost time for BOA 2026, so it’s time to get to know some of bands who will be playing the New Blood Stage or the EMP stage. This is Following the Signs!
First things first, tell us a little bit about yourself. How and when did you get started?
We are a five piece metalcore band from Cork City, Ireland. The band was created in 2019 but didn’t really kick off until 2021. Rory and Noel have known each other since they were kids and eventually started playing music together. We’ve been going hard ever since!
Someone comes to you and asks you to sum up what kind of music you play – what do you tell them?
We would say we are a healthy medium between modern metalcore and Nu-Metal. We jokingly label ourselves Nu-Metalcore.
How has playing Bloodstock 2026 come about?
We work with a PR company called Overdrive from Dublin, Ireland. Oran from overdrive was able to put us in front of Simon from Bloodstock,he must’ve liked what he heard and from there we were able to secure a spot!
What does it mean for you to play the festival this year?
This means everything to us. We have dreamed of playing Bloodstock since we were children. It’s so surreal for us that it’s actually happening.
What’s the setlist looking like and can we expect any surprises?
Oh yes, we plan to blow the roof off the place with this performance. We are going to put everything we have into this set. We will male sure its one to remember!
Who are you looking forward to seeing, provided they don’t clash with your set?
So, so many bands! Lamb Of God, Vended, Sepultura and Bleed From Within, just to name a few!
Ignoring the obvious (tent, sleeping bag, toilet roll, etc.) what’s one thing you should always take with you to a festival and why?
Water and ice packs, because you have to make sure you can recover after you move for some killer bands!
It’s post-set, you’re packed away and your press is all done. It’s finally time to kick back and relax, what are you drinking and what are you eating?
Water, beer, whiskey and a pizza on the side for some soakage.
Following the Signs play the EMP stage on the Sunday of the festival. Limited Bloodstock tickets are on sale now and you pick them up here.
Following the Signs Links
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