Blogstock – Main Stage, Day One, Part Two

While we wait for the gods of Hellfire to hit the mainstage at Catton Hall, here are some of the best moments from Day 1 one of Bloodstock… those that we can recall through the alcoholic haze, anyway.

Iced Earth dominate.

It’s a match made in heaven – the most ballsy band in heavy music and the biggest weekend in every UK metalhead’s calendar. With latest frontman Stu Block ably stepping into Matt Barlow’s mighty big shoes and getting the sun-baked crowd in the mood for some serious drinking, the riffs remain huge and the choruses mighty. Doubters are left to wolf down a plate of humble pie.

The Sepultribe assemble.

Brazillian titans Sepultura might divide opinion these days, but their live prowess is indisputable. Rattling the very foundations of the mainstage Andreas Kisser and co are fierce as fuck and utterly commanding, firing out cuts like ‘Refuse/Resist’ with unholy fervour. With Tim ‘Ripper’ Owens making a guest appearance and horns aloft from the front row to the very back, it’s an appearance to remember.

Horns for Dio

Paying tribute to the late, great Ronnie James Dio, Dio Disciples (featuring an all-star cast of key collaborators) brought a lump to Terrorizer’s cold, dead throat, running through an enjoyable greatest hits set. From ‘Neon Knights’ to ‘The Last In Line’ the classics come thick and fast, Tim Owens and Toby Jepson combining in doing justice to the legend’s astonishing vocal power. The void at centre stage is impossible to ignore, but as a homage to one of rock’s greatest ever frontmen, DD deliver the goods.

That’s all for now… check back later for more dispatches from the frontline, including the lowdown on Watain, Alcest and Behemoth!