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Blogstock – S.O.P.H.I.E Stage, Day One, Part Two

By on 10 August 2012

It’s a few hours and a fair few more beers later, and it’s time to recap what’s been happening on the S.O.P.H.I.E. stage!

Pythia are really living up to their name these days, with the band donning battle armour and front-siren Emily Ovenden dressed as a Greek oracle. Perhaps the biggest crowd of the day has gathered for their symphonic metal stylings, and they aren’t left disappointed. Offerings from album one and their recent sophomore effort ‘The Serpent’s Curse’ provide operatic wonders from perhaps the most enchanting act of the day.

 

Things are all noisy on the Eastern Front as their eerie  cacophony creeps through the shadows of the tent. The trve-to-roots Ipswich black metallers invoke the spirit of their Scandinavian forefathers and provide the first of the raw, haunting aggression that many have been waiting for today.

Meanwhile on the New Blood stage, Darlington’s home-grown heroes Fallen Fate do a fine job of whipping up a frenzy in a respectable crowd. With their roots firmly planted in traditional metal soil, the foursome surely win over new fans and prove to the older ones why they’re a rising force to be reckoned with.

Alcest provide the perfect soundtrack to a setting sun. The Frenchmen’s mesmerising sound – one that’s hard to define – is one that lulls to the edge of sleep, but is entirely compelling enough to stay awake for, and closes the first night of the biggest weekend of UK metal in a chilled style. But what to call them? Prog-metal? Shoe-gaze? Post-metal? In fact, whoever can supply the most suitable term for Alcest’s genre wins a fabulous prize, courtesy of Terrorizer!*

Well, that’s it for the S.O.P.H.I.E stage today. Check back later for all the latest from the main stage, and join us again tomorrow for all the best on the festival’s frontline!

Words: Andy McDonald

 

* Prize guaranteed not to be fabulous. Or exist.

About Miranda Yardley

I'm Miranda. Bite me.

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