It was quite the journey, M2TM kicks off in January and runs to the summer, with countless Friday nights in Voodoo Belfast, multiple bands fighting it out for the opportunity to play The Newblood Stage at Bloodstock Open Air Festival. Bands from all across the UK arrive at Catton Park to make their mark whilst the big hitters play the Ronnie James Dio Stage and the Sophie Lancaster Stage respectively, many of whom will have inspired the very bands on the Newblood. Our very own HAINT & NOMADUS made us proud laying waste to all who stood before them. It was a beautiful Friday in August and one they’ll never forget.
The band known as Haint began around 6 years ago when Bassist Darren and Guitarist Ian realised, they lived quite close to each other and had nothing better to do. Songs quickly began to form but something was lacking, mainly a drummer… after a few years of searching, with some other friends dipping their toes as second guitar, a chance chat between Ian and Steve led to the line-up being complete and sweet music being made. Blending crushing heaviness with sweet harmonies, dynamics and soundscapes, Haint are carving out their own little corner of the Northern Irish metal scene. This story is only just beginning……….
Rock ‘N’ Load caught up with the guy’s post M2TM and post-Newblood performance to find out how they look back on the whole experience.
Bloodstock, wow. It’s an honour to have been chosen to play. As music fans we have seen many of our hero’s play at Bloodstock and on a local level, personally knowing some of the previous winners of Metal2themasses, we have had an amazing insight into just how incredible the whole weekend is. The integrity of the Bloodstock organisers is second to none, especially given where live music has been the last two years. We are incredibly privileged and can’t wait to showcase Haint.
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Haint are: Ian Booth – Guitar/Vocals Darren Lavery – Bass/Vocals Steve Hobson – Drums
Nømadus are a metal band based in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Mixing Thrash, Groove and progressive elements in metal with a lot of melody in the riffs they were formed in 2016 by rhythm guitar Neil and lead guitar/vocals Fredy. After several line up changes on bass, drums and starting their sound, the band’s first live experience was Bloodstock Metal 2 the Masses NI, 2019 which they got to the final. Releasing a couple of songs in 2021 during the pandemic, 2022 sees Nømadus with a different and stronger line up from the start, getting once again to the M2TM final and an album being released later in the year. It’s with great honour that we are getting to play in one of the best metal festivals in Europe, this means everything to us as it has been our goal since day one. Our first gig was at Bloodstock Metal 2 the Masses, Belfast and to achieve a spot at the New Blood stage 3 years later it’s mind-blowing. We thank Simon Hall and the whole Bloodstock family for this huge opportunity
Nomadus have been banging at the door of Bloodstock for the past few years, from their very first gig at M2TM they announced their arrival and haven’t looked back since. Hefty sounds, banging riffs, and a continuous growth as a band make them one to watch for the future and a recently announced signing to Distortion Project Records means that they will get their opportunity to cement their sound in the history of Northern Irish Metal with their debut album “Axis Primordial” being released on jewel case CD and across all digital platforms on Friday 25th November 2022.
Rock ‘N’ Load chat with the lads to find out if the journey was all worth it and what’s on the horizon!
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