Ten Bands You Should Check Out At Bloodstock 2025 – Timothy Taylor’s New Blood 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 Timothy Taylor’s New Blood Stage.

Friday: Carl – ThunarWülf

I enjoyed the hell of ThunarWülf the last time I saw them and suspect I’ll enjoy the hell out of them again here. Bloodstock always needs a bit more folk, and while ThunarWülf do sit on the heavier side of things, they will still deliver an unforgettable half an hour filled with songs of ancient myths and legends.

Friday: Brendan – LN

Continuing the trend of bands on the New Blood Stage really branching out and evolving the scene, we have LN. A band who bring atmospheric pagan/Viking metal to the festival. The power metal styles mix wonderfully, bringing comparisons to bands like Heilung to mind but also being comfortable hitting the heavier side of stuff too. I like what I have been listening to, in the build up to the festival – they sound great, the songs are engaging, and it should be one hell of show.

Friday: Carl – If It Bleeds

I am keeping this really simple, I want to have my ass kicked and I suspect that If It Bleeds are up for it on the Friday. A hardcore metal band, new and very hungry, I think we will all be too sore to sit down after they dish out a whooping.

Saturday: Brendan – Mechromorph

The Essex Metal To The Masses winners for this year are sure to be a strong band at this year’s festival. Essex is a tough event to win and has churned out some strong bands over the years so expect Mechromorph to be highly skilled and fired up. Musically, they bring mad energy and brutality in a mix of slam, death and hardcore and already have a reputation for intense liver performances so expect that, turned up to the max, at Bloodstock this year.

Saturday: Brendan – Head Dent

I’m not going to pretend to know loads about Head Dent, and their Bloodstock profile is completely blank, but the songs I am listening to in advance of the festival have me excited. A little retro, high energy stomping punk tunes which I know will be great fun live and offer up a little taste of something different as well. I’ll be there.

Saturday: Carl – Symbyote

Gargantuan and furious sounding deathcore from London, Symbyote won one of the most competitive Metal 2 the Masses’ events of all and did so with power and poise. Heavy? Intense? Brutal? You have no idea, but be warned, this is savagery with an edge. Symbyote have something to say, and they deliver that message with aplomb.

Saturday: Brendan – Adfeilion

Speaking of something a little different, Adfeilion definitely tick that box bringing an enticing mix of experimental folk and atmosphere to Bloodstock 2025. I love the New Blood Stage at Bloodstock. Its so much fun checking out the next generation of talent, but even more when those bands are bringing something a bit different to the festival. I really like what I have heard so far from Adfeilion who clearly pack a ton of talent and songwriting skill, so I am excited to see how they capture that live.

Saturday: Brendan – Fortune Teller

I do love me a bit of symphonic/melodic metal and Fortune Teller tick all the right boxes for me. I’m a fan. They have a lot going for them packing a fabulous vocalist, catchy choruses, gorgeous melody but without skimping on the heavy riffs. They are an experienced bunch, with all members of the band having played Bloodstock in other bands and are led by Ross McLennan (Ingested, Viscera, Abhorrent Decimation) so really feel almost too big for the stage already but that should just make for a killer show from a band who are very likely to progress up the stages quickly.

Sunday: Carl – The Cartographer

My dark horse of the New Blood stage, given the difficult task of opening it up on Sunday morning, but sure to absolutely bring the house down with their modern deathcore sound. It will be noisy, it will be intense, it will be wild, but it will be special.

Sunday: Carl – Spitting Teeth

Remember what I said about having my ass kicked? That extends to Sunday as well, even more so as I might need an extra hoof up there to get me moving. Thankfully I think I can rely on the likes of Spitting Teeth to deliver what I want. It’s going to be beastly. So, what if it’s not even lunch time when they hit the stage!? We pit on an empty stomach.




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!