Ten Bands You Should Check Out At Bloodstock 2025 – Ronnie James Dio Stage

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 Ronnie James Dio Stage.

Friday: Brendan – Trivium

I did plan to leave headliners out of my choices but the more I looked at the line up, the more I considered who I am genuinely excited to see play Bloodstock, my eyes kept going back up to Trivium so here they are. I have nothing but love for all of the Main Stage headliners but have seen Machine Head and Gojira a hell of a lot more than Trivium in the last decade. I have always had love for Trivium and a lot of respect for the band. Some of their songs are anthems of my youth and I’m truly excited to see them play.

Friday: Carl – Famyne

How’s about some doom to start the day (sort of – second on)? We love Famyne here, a band who have scratched and clawed their way to being one of the most respected names in the UK metal scene and their return to Bloodstock has long been sought. Now, they’re back and they’re on the main stage, an opportunity you can be confident they will embrace with open arms. It is going to be epic.

Friday: Carl – Paleface Swiss

I think this might be wildest show on the Dio stage of the weekend, and the pits are going to stretch far and wide. Two-stepping, arm-flailing, and spin-kicking madness, if that stuff isn’t your jam, I suggest you stand well back. The rest of us? We’re going to be losing our s**t to the one of the best modern heavy bands, even if it results in a black eye and busted lip.

Saturday: Carl – Cage Fight

Opening up the main stage of the festival on the Saturday, this should be a daunting task for Cage Fight, but trust me, this band is uber confident and uber cool. They’re going to eat this up and deliver one hell of an early morning wakeup call that comes with intense hardcore-infused heaviness. I’ve seen them before, and they never disappoint.

Saturday: Carl – Heriot

Speaking of not disappointing any time I have seen them perform live, it’s Heriot and I think this might be one of the ‘where you there’ moments of the weekend. They’ve come so far in such a short amount of time, but have worked so hard for it there is no doubt in my mind that this is going to very special. Heavy, intense, manic, and moody, but downright beautiful, in a savage way. Do not miss out on seeing this band at Bloodstock, trust me.

Saturday: Carl – Creeper

Ok metalheads, hear me out. I like Creeper, I used to love them, but their last couple of releases haven’t hit for me, and I’ve seen them live a few times too. They can be so much fun, especially when they go the anthemic route. Sure, they stand out on the bill, but that’s not a bad thing and I’m fascinated to see what kind of show and setlist they bring to a very heavy stage and weekend. It could be amazing and certainly one hell of a singalong if they bring out songs like ‘Hiding With Boys’.

Sunday: Brendan – Ghosts of Atlantis

We have the mighty Ghosts of Atlantis. A band that have never played a bad show, at least not in all the ones I have seen and that’s a large part of the excitement factor really, seeing a band you love, knowing they will bring it and put on a performance. It’s also special, and important to see bands progress and GOA are a shining example of hard work paying off. A few years back they were due to play the New Blood Stage, got moved to the Sophie Stage, were a member down and now they open the main stage. It’s going to be great, heavy, anthemic and then the added factor of my daughter finally getting to see a band she has loved for years – I can’t wait!

Sunday: Brendan – Rivers of Nihil

I was trying to think back on all the gigs, all the festivals and all the bands I have or may have seen over that time, and I cannot think of any time I have seen Rivers of Nihil live. Strange only because I see myself as a big fan so am really pleased that I get this opportunity to put that right. With them having just released their latest, self-titled album back in May, it seems to be the perfect to see them in their reinvigorated form and I’m confident they will put on a great show.

Sunday: Brendan – Feuerschwanz

Sunday is a strong day for me, as you can see by this list and one of the bands bringing something a bit different to the main stage are the medieval folk/power metal band Feuerschwanz. A band sure to bring a visual spectacle along with catchy tracks that should bring smiles, movement and a positive party vibe to the festival. With 8 members, multiple singers, plenty of bangers and the ability to hit with a more serious heavy metal side as well as “fun”, I think they are going to be a fantastic festival band where, with beers in hands, a lot of fun is there to be had.

Sunday: Brendan – The Black Dahlia Murder

I have always been a big fan of The Black Dahlia Murder and have had the pleasure of seeing them bring their crushing melodeath sounds plenty of times but not since the sad passing of vocalist Trevor Strnad. Their new music still captures their magic though and the continued existence and power of the band is as fitting a tribute to their late singer as you could ask for so this is a very exciting performance to look forward to, and one that will probably be quite emotional too.