As the last evening rolls in, we continue on the theme of something different as Flogging Molly takes to the stage. The Celtic-Inspired Punks are much more folk than metal but given the amount of people gathered to see them, this crowd still love them. With jigs and ditties galore, there’s no way that you can stand still during this set. There’s violins, tin whistles and banjos along with the usual instruments you’d expect in a punk band making this band’s sound more folk-like. If that wasn’t enough, frontman Dave King is charismatic and entertaining when addressing the crowd making the whole set thoroughly enjoyable to watch and it seems I’m not the only one looking at this crowd’s reaction. It seems Bloodstock have once again nailed it with the booking of this band.
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With only 2 bands left on this stage, it’s time for Carcass to bring back the heavy. Within the opening riffs of the first song, the pits open up and normality has resumed. Jeff Walker’s deep growls echo across the arena and there’s no mistaking we’ve got some Death Metal goodness back on. The fast tempos and distorted guitars are the perfect backdrop to let go and rock out to. Bill Steer shreds away on the left-hand side of the stage creating the melodies that have made the band pioneers of Melodic Death Metal. It’s not long before the waves of crowd surfers can be seen above as Walker growls out “I can see you, but I can’t hear you” which only excites the crowd further. For the next hour, the band play their all and the crowd give the same energy back as they make the most of the time left before the festival ends.
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It’s time for the final band of the day and weekend for this stage. With a black sheet covering the stage, the video screens black too and an epic intro playing, it must be Amon Amarth. As the sheet drops and reveals the most incredible set, that towers over the stage, the crowd goes wild. Fire bursts from the front and back of the stage while the band plays “Raven’s Flight” and you just know that we’re in for the biggest performance of the weekend. The Viking Metal is full of epic tales, catchy riffs, and gruff growling vocals. The crowd are quickly singing along, chanting, and pumping their fists in the air in appreciation for the band. Vocalist Johan Hegg encourages the crowd further not that they need it as they cheer in appreciation. For those unfamiliar with the band and Viking Lore, Hegg fills the crowd in telling tales of Ragnarök and building suspense for the next song. The band are clearly extremely talented musicians as despite all the staging around them, they hold their ground as being just as fascinating to watch. They don’t run around in the same manner that Hegg does, but they do move around the set to allow the battles and acting to take place. Throughout the entire set there is always something going on from the pyro and Co2 cannons to the actors taking over the stage or just the band putting on an incredible show. It’s during “Put Your Oar Into It” though where a huge amount of crowd participation is required as the challenge to create the biggest rowboat is given and it’s quite a sight to see so many people get down on the floor and involved. Amon Amarth will always be fascinating to see live whether it’s for the huge show that they put on, the catchy melodic music or the audience participation.
Yet another incredible weekend with a huge range of different and amazing metal acts. Even though it’s barely over, I already can’t wait for next year to do it all over again!
