Bloodstock Festival, more than any other, promotes and showcases best new and rising talent. 2024 was no different and ROCKFLESH managed to watch a number of impressive bands across both the New Blood and EMP Stages. Here's a short summary of some of the bands that stood out to us, and for many of these acts you can find interviews (HERE) and live photos (HERE) on our site as well.

Divided By Design kicked off their set with a display of instrumental prowess that left the crowd mesmerized. It’s clear to see that they meaningfully craft melodies that transcend the limitations of traditional vocals, while remaining a three-piece allows them to fully explore the depth of the rhythm section in those segments that allow the guitar a break. Their performance was nothing short of a masterclass in progressive metal, pushing the boundaries of what instrumental music can achieve.

Dead Flesh brought their intense deathcore sound to life, balancing raw aggression with technical precision. We chatted with the band before their set, and they opened up about the mix of nerves and excitement that comes with playing Bloodstock. But no nerves showed when they brutally unleashed their set on stage. Influences ranging from classic death metal to more contemporary deathcore were evident in their crushing performance, which resonated powerfully with the audience.

Slaughterhead embody everything classic metal and infectiously traditional in their sound and performance. Hailing from Norway they made the journey across to the UK with plenty of energy and musicianship on display. Wearing their influences on their sleeves, it’s invigorating to see a young band like this squarely pointing to the sound, structures and ethos of the rock metal that placed this festival on the map.

Straight For The Sun delivered an early final day set that was a raw and impressive performance. The future looks bright for these newcomers with their melodic and catchy alternative metal. The vocal variety, layered sound and anthemic choruses mean that there is undoubtedly plenty to see from these guys in the future.

One of the festival's surprise stars were Lethal Evil, whose groove-heavy thrash death sound had the crowd headbanging from start to finish. Drawing from their South American roots, they brought a unique flair to their set, but showed that deep connection to the classic metal community. The overwhelming positive response to their performance shows there’s plenty more to come from these guys.

Lost To Light took the stage with a sound that pays homage to metal’s storied past while embracing the modern metalcore landscape. This collective of seasoned musicians, with a pedigree that includes sharing stages with the likes of Architects and Motionless In White, delivered a set that was both technically impressive and emotionally charged. Early comparisons to Betray The Martyrs were well-founded, as their blend of melodic and aggressive elements captivated the Bloodstock audience.

Akkadian proved why they’ve been making waves in the underground scene. Their fast-paced, groove-metal set was infused with psychedelic undertones that kept the crowd interested and also impressed with a delightful blend of power, intricacy and melody. Fans of Gojira will have found plenty to love in Akkadian’s performance, which was nothing short of spellbinding.

Bradford’s own Rupcha Farms brought a unique energy to the festival, combining rap vocals with high-octane metal/punk riffs and punchy electronica. Their set was a chaotic yet controlled burst of energy, reminiscent of Skindred and The Prodigy, and resonated deeply with the audience. Anyone disillusioned with the status quo found a voice in their lawless anthems, making Rupcha Farms one of the most dynamic acts of the weekend.

Parting With Origin delivered a performance that expertly balanced the heavy with the melodic, drawing comparisons to early Northlane. Their tech-heavy sound and seamless transitions between aggressive verses and soaring choruses made them a perfect fit for Bloodstock’s diverse lineup. The crowd was hooked from start to finish, a testament to the band’s ability to connect on a meaningful level.

Last but by no means least, Them Bloody Kids offered a blend of alternative punk, groove metal, and catchy choruses that had the crowd bouncing from the start. Their set was a powerful showcase of both hard-hitting energy and memorable songwriting. Fans of Therapy? would do well to checkout what might just be their new favourites in Them Bloody Kids. Anyone who likes their performances full of fun, high-energy metal need to see these guys asap.

Bloodstock Festival 2024’s New Blood and EMP Stages are always the place to discover the future of metal. Without fail there is a band or two that surprise and leave a positive lasting impression. Each band brings their unique sound and energy, and I can only implore punters to in the future check out these stages rather than just camping out at the Main Stage. Don’t sleep on these rising stars as they take the next steps on their journey to making their mark on the metal world.

Check the “In The Flesh” page for more photos!
Divided By Design + Dead Flesh + Straight For The Sun + Akkadian + Parting With Origin + Them Bloody Kids

Interviews : Divided By Design + Dead Flesh + Straight For The Sun + Lethal Evil + Lost To lIght + Akkadian + Parting With Origin + Them Bloody Kids