AUGUST: AMON AMARTH

Amon Amarth and Ghost played their first festival headline sets

It began life as a small, one-day, indoor festival. But over the last few years, Bloodstock Open Air has become a three-day immovable fixture on any self-respecting metalhead’s calendar. This year saw Megadeth headline for the second time, while Ghost and Amon Amarth played their debut headlining festival slots.

“It was good to finally get out there and put on our full show,” says Amon Amarth frontman Johan Hegg. “We could bring all we had, it was a great show, and it always has a great atmosphere there. It’s a great event.”

From their helmet drum riser, to the neverending jets of flame, to a spectacular Viking Row – the ridiculous tradition was actually started at Bloodstock in 2009 – it was a joy to see Amon Amarth crown years of toil by finally closing the day at a major festival.

“The Viking Row was amazing,” Johan remembers. “Looking out and seeing so many people having a good time was a really satisfying thing for us, and we’d love to be able to come back one day and do it again… but with even more next time!”

Bloodstock also boasted their most diverse bill yet. It truly welcomed all metal fans to the party, with dancecrossover kids The One Hundred and ragga-metal party starters Skindred receiving just as warm a welcome as Obituary’s old-school death metal and Blind Guardian’s classic power metal.

“I don’t want to skip too far ahead,” says Johan, “but it can only get bigger, I think. You get so many good new bands and the classics together, and the good mixture there reminds me of early Wacken, because they have the potential to grow into something really special.

It’s also really well run and has a great vibe – what isn’t to like about it?”

Standouts from the awesome weekend included: Kreator’s vicious thrash being complemented by one of the most insanely pyro-heavy nonheadline sets we’ve ever witnessed; UK newcomers Venom Prison decimating the main stage with their savage crusty death metal in the blazing sun just after breakfast; and Ghost giving us a glimpse of what’s sure to come.

The bond between Bloodstock organisers, bands and fans was also in evidence; once again, it was a weekend full of smiles, laughter and new friendships being forged over a love for heavy music. It’s this family atmosphere that makes Bloodstock the essential music festival for anyone in our world.

“We did over an hour in the signing tent,” smiles Johan. “To see so many people come and speak to us was incredible, and of course we want to meet them and sign everything we can. It’s a place where just hanging with so many cool people makes it such a good time.”

With Judas Priest, Nightwish and Gojira set to headline in 2018, we can’t wait to get back to Catton Park.

“Bloodstock can only get Bigger. it’s really well run and has a great viBe”