Bloodstock 2026 Band Feature: Concrete Age

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 Concrete Age!

First things first, tell us a little bit about yourself. How and when did you get started?

Ilia: We are Concrete Age, an Ethnic Death/Thrash Metal band that blends the primal sounds of traditional music from around the world with the visceral power of extreme metal.

I formed the band in 2011 in Mineralnye Vody, a place surrounded by majestic mountains and enriched by the diverse cultures of the peoples of the North Caucasus.

In 2014, the band relocated to London. The years that followed were marked by numerous lineup changes as I searched for the right people to bring this vision to life.

Eventually, I met Boris, Alex and Giovanni, and together we formed the lineup that people know as Concrete Age today.

Throughout all these changes, one thing has remained constant: our desire to create meaningful and engaging music that resonates with people.

Someone comes to you and asks you to sum up what kind of music you play – what do you tell them?

Ilia: We give voice to the many faces of antiquity, echoing from the depths of the ages. Nothing more, nothing less.

How has playing Bloodstock 2026 come about?

Alex: At the start of 2026 we got an email one day from Simon where he officially invited us to perform at the New Blood stage this year, and to say we were shocked and mindblown is to say nothing.

What does it mean for you to play the festival this year?

Alex: Aside from the fact it’s my first time at Bloodstock both as an audience member and an artist, it already feels quite exciting, but getting to play on its 25th anniversary along with the biggest and most influential bands from across multiple decades that I grew up listening to feels truly unbelievable.

What’s the setlist looking like and can we expect any surprises?

Ilia: This setlist features a wide range of ethnic sounds—from the majestic mountains of the North Caucasus to the mysterious mantras echoing from behind the walls of ancient Buddhist temples.

We also have a few surprises up our sleeves: a couple of explosive tracks that are guaranteed to send the audience into a state of ecstasy.

Who are you looking forward to seeing, provided they don’t clash with your set?

Giovanni: I’m really hoping to catch Nevermore this year, as long as they don’t clash with our set. I’ve always appreciated their music, and seeing them live has been on my list for a long time. I’m especially curious about the new singer — from what I’ve heard so far, he sounds incredibly promising, and I’m excited to see how he carries that legacy on stage.

Alex: I’m looking forward to seeing Judas Priest, Sepultura, Lamb of God, Slaughter to Prevail and many more, including the special guests.

Ignoring the obvious (tent, sleeping bag, toilet roll, etc.) what’s one thing you should always take with you to a festival and why?

Boris: A Flag or Totem, ideally tall as f*ck so all your friends can find you.

Alex: Toilet paper! A LOT of toilet paper.

Giovanni: A good power bank.

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?

Ilia: I’ll be drinking tomato juice on the flight home on Saturday night, because it’s time to recharge, find some inspiration and start working on new material.

Alex: I’ll try to enjoy myself and have a few beers but at the same time stay hydrated by drinking water in between as the heat and open sun can be merciless.

Giovanni: After a set, when everything’s packed away and the interviews are done, I like to keep it simple and satisfying. If I can get my hands on some proper Polish sausages — kielbasa — and a shot of rakia, that’s the perfect way to unwind, but then, I still think water is the best drink you can have.

Last year there was also a stand serving incredible chicken, and I’m really hoping it’s there again.

Concrete Age play the New Blood stage on the Friday of the festival. Limited Bloodstock tickets are on sale now and you pick them up here.

Concrete Age Links

Website | Facebook | Instagram