Bloodstock 2026 Band Feature: Atarka
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 Atarka!
First things first, tell us a little bit about yourself. How and when did you get started?
We started writing for what would become Atarka maybe around 2016. Me and Dan started songwriting after some failed projects. Then after seeing the promise in the music, we pulled in Jamie, Alex and Phil to complete the lineup. Unfortunately Dan is no longer in the lineup with us but he helped set the strong foundations for our sound. After his departure we recruited Haydn for a show and the feeling we got playing with him, we knew he’d fit in as a permanent member. Now we’ve evolved with him even further and feel as though we’ve really found and perfected the Atarka sound.
Someone comes to you and asks you to sum up what kind of music you play – what do you tell them?
The basis of our music is melodic death metal, but we add elements from our influences in other metal genres to give it a nice blend of heavy riffs you can get in the pit to and catchy choruses that will be stuck in your head for days.
How has playing Bloodstock 2026 come about?
Well our first ever shows were Metal To The Masses Wolverhampton back in 2019. We got to the final and unfortunately weren’t successful in winning that year! So we carried on putting in the hard work with gigs up and down the country, and writing music we feel is stronger with every release. And then one of us said, shall we do Masses this year? At first there was a little apprehension, failing twice would not be fun haha! But we found our confidence quickly and we’ve had an absolute blast taking part this year. Every band who took part could easily have been in our place but we were lucky enough to win the final this year!
What does it mean for you to play the festival this year?
To play Bloodstock anyway is such a huge pleasure and privilege, but to do so on the year of the historic 25th anniversary means just a little bit more. It feels like we’re taking part in something way bigger than ourselves, and we’re humbled to have been selected to represent Birmingham on the New Blood Stage.
What’s the setlist looking like and can we expect any surprises?
I think for anyone who knows our music, there’s going to be some solid fan favourites on there. It is tempting to throw back to an oldie though! You’ll have to come see us on the Friday to find out, haha!
Who are you looking forward to seeing, provided they don’t clash with your set?
Where we do start? From Lamb of God to Leprous to Descendancy. Every stage has amazing talent from every era and sub-genre of metal. We’re really spoiled for choice this year! And we can’t answer this without a call to arms for fellow Birmingham bands Mantis Defeats Jaguar and Vanitas! It’s a truly great time to be a fan of metal music.
Ignoring the obvious (tent, sleeping bag, toilet roll, etc.) what’s one thing you should always take with you to a festival and why?
Gotta be the earplugs, protect your ears!!
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?
Last time I went to Bloodstock there was that roast dinner stall. It doesn’t make sense on paper but man… sun shining, roast dinner, ice cold beer? Can’t beat it!
Atarka play the New Blood stage on the Friday of the festival. Limited Bloodstock tickets are on sale now and you pick them up here.
