Black Lakes opened the Sophie Stage today. The band took to the platform at 10:30 and were met with a decent crowd, considering the time. The vocals were stable. The singer going effortlessly between harsh and soft. Further supported by the drummer and guitarists. The crowd interaction throughout was great. The band would ask the crowd to join in on the chorus or their newly released track, “Burn”, and those of the crowd who had woken up were more than ready to sing along. It would’ve been great to see the guitarists moving around more. The vocalist was the only one who really roamed the stage and made it feel like their space, the others just stayed in their spots. It would have definitely helped the presence on stage to see more members treat it as their own. Regardless, the band have some really great tracks, that people passing would stop and look to the stage.
https://www.facebook.com/Blacklakes
Awake by Design came on with a sound reminiscent of 90s rock with some modern metal elements. The crowd is slowly growing as they make their way through the 30 minute slot and people are setting up chairs on the outskirts of the tent. The band seemed to be living up the moment with each other. The guitarists would constantly be playing next to each other and posing together, with the classic leg on the amp. It was clear they were all loving being on stage and here at the festival. After each song, the vocalist would ask if the crowd are having a good time. Met with a barely awake “Woo” from below, the band would commence their next song. Got to give props too, they actually introduced each song they played, which so many bands forget to do nowadays. The band give the impression of being experienced when it comes to performing live, as seen when they experienced a minor tech issue and chatted to the audience to bide the time. You can definitely get down to vibe when they’re on.
https://www.facebook.com/AwakeByDesign
Moon Reaper are the heaviest so far in the tent. Harsh vocals coming from both the vocalist and the guitarist. The singer was smiling every time she looked out to the crowd, so I can only imagine the excitement that comes from playing this stage. The guitarists would be roaming the stage, the bassist even holding up his instrument at one point as the sound droned to end. The vocalist was constantly pointing and reaching out to the crowd below, though not much crowd engagement between songs, it’s obvious that for them they want to reach the crowd via the music. Wanting to pass on that rage to the people below. The crowd here has almost doubled since the last band. A lot of people are sat on the floor, whilst the rest have formed a circle pit at the command of the singer and guitarist. The people here for the HEAVY music, definitely found a new band to obsess over I think.
https://www.facebook.com/moonreaperuk
Ignore what I just said about the heaviest band so far, Osiah just came on. The deep growls coming from this man sound like that from a beast. Throughout the set, it’s 90% guttural. Everyone watching has that look of disgust that happens when you’re insanely impressed. The members of the band would look out to the audience below, almost like they were being evaluated and judged. The pit was throwing hands and getting those steps in as they circled and hit the sides. Everyone on stage was killing it at what they do, but I just can’t get over those animalistic sounds.
https://www.facebook.com/osiahuk
As seems customary on the Sophie Stage, Grove Street was not what I was expecting. The hardcore band have a way with the crowd. Their energy immediately palpable from the get go and transferred to the audience, as they open with an axe man swinging down who then he patrols the pit. I think the mosh pit that ensued after they started was the biggest I’ve seen so far. I heard how big a hit Malevolence was yesterday and I can’t help but think that maybe we’ll be seeing an increase in demand for the hardcore and underground scene here at bloodstock. The members of the band were bouncing around the stage non stop, only further exciting the audience. The vibe was just there. The band came here to fuck around and have fun. I think on the last day of the festival, bands like this give a perfect send off. Can’t go wrong with some ass kicking hardcore.
https://www.facebook.com/grovestreetukhc
