Bloodstock Open Air 2024 // Sophie Stage // Friday 9th August // Part 2

Heading into the afternoon and we have Dutch band Haliphron taking over the tent. The Extreme metallists have only been collectively on the scene as a band a few years but have been making huge waves within that time. Blending dark melodic symphonies with deep growling vocals, to create their sound, it’s no wonder that so many people have come by to catch these guys perform. As they completely own the stage, this is a band ready to deliver and showcase their sound. Pouring their all into the performance, they are completely captivating to watch on stage.

  https://www.facebook.com/haliphronofficialband

 Next up it’s more Swedish Heavy Metal with Wolf who have a very NWOBHM sound to them. With those classical stylings it’s no wonder that the tent is the busiest it’s been all day for these guys as they shred and tear up the stage. From powerful guitar solos to catchy choruses this is a band with a force to be reckoned with. It’s no wonder they’ve held their ground for all these years with performances like this and a sound that continues to push and evolve. Providing a mix of old and new songs from the latest album, this was a set that fans new and old could enjoy.

https://wolf.nu/

 We’re treated with another Northern Irish band on this stage next as Darkest Era take over the Sophie Tent. With a whole host of influences behind these guys, they have come up with a formula that has mass reach to fans far and wide. From folk to Doom to Pagan rock, the result is captivating riffs, and haunting vocals that pull you in. Holding their own and keeping a crowd who could be at the main stage for Hatebreed is further testament of a band you don’t want t to have missed out on.

https://www.facebook.com/darkestera

With the sun dropping and the evening pulling in, it’s time for Heavy Metallers Eternal Champion to take over. Heading over to the already incredibly busy tent, the sound of what I can only describe as circus music floods out into the arena however once the band takes to the stage, their music is the complete opposite. Fast and heavy is what’s on the menu with this band all while being complimented by strong melodic vocals. There’s something refreshing about these guys as despite being what you would call general heavy metal, the actual composition of their tracks brings something a little different.
 Up next are Icelandic Prog metal band The Vintage Caravan who are a sharp and swift change from anything we’ve seen today. The band’s range covers everything from funk ridden Prog to harder hitting classic rock which is somewhat of a breath of fresh air. With each Song, the band sounds different as they clearly aren’t afraid to experiment and mix things up. Saying that, they are still going down a storm with this crowd who have gone from the extremes of metal to this which has a far more poppy vibe. The band’s energy on stage is keeping the crowd’s attention too as they provide an engaging performance with plenty of participation. These guys are a perfect palate cleanser before Opeth hit the main stage.