Blogstock – Main Stage, Day Two, Part Two

We’re at Catton Hall for metal’s biggest weekend – here are the latest developments from day two of Bloodstock 2012.

Crowbar: Fucking Heavy As Fuck

A warm summer afternoon isn’t the ideal environment to appreciate Crowbar’s horrendously sludgy fare, but hey, it’s Bloodstock baby. As usual Kirk Windstein’s wrecking crew are phenomenal, with ‘The Lasting Dose’ a devastating highlight, and their slot flying by in what seems like no time. A great band, a great set, and one big punch in the guts.

Never Mind The Bollocks, Here’s Mayhem

Let’s face it – Mayhem can be hit and miss live, so we approached today’s performance with a little trepidation. No need though, as they’re on fine form, and, with the crowd behind them, a real force to be reckoned with once more. They could do with a little more sense of visual spectacle, but we’re not going to complain.

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah – It’s Sanctuary

Though they don’t draw the biggest of audiences, Sanctuary give their fans plenty of bang for their buck. It’s a loud, proud, noisy as fuck spectacle and, while they seem a little rusty at times, a strong showing overall. New material is aired too, so keep your eyes peeled for a new full-length.

Hatebreed Destroy Everything

In what could well prove the set of the festival, Hatebreed utterly dominate the main arena. Pulling in one of biggest, loudest and most passionate crowds of the event they provide a masterclass in the art of the festival set, delivering a succession of mosh anthems and a truckload of PMA. It’s crushing, brutal, sharp, and the sound is near-perfect. Not bad at all…

The Thrash Masters Return

Off the back of their latest record ‘Dark Roots Of Earth’, Testament return for a cracking performance. From new singles to old classics the setlist is impressive, bar a slight loss of momentum in the middle section, and the five-piece seem typically on the ball. Their class shines through – as well as the dedication of their fans – and finishing with the likes of ‘Into The Pit’ and ‘Practice What You Preach’ was always going to be a good move. Impressive stuff.

We’re all outta words – come back in the morning for the lowdown on Machine Head’s headline set!