As well as bringing you well established names, the Bloodstock Festival organisers are also renowned for their ongoing support to the unsigned scene. The Bloodstock Unsigned Stage is the ideal place to discover new and untapped talent so that someday you will be able to say “I saw them first!”
12:45pm - 1:15pm Mindflow
Kicking things off on the unsigned stage are Mindflow. All the way from Brazil, these progressive rockers formed in 2003 and shortly after their formation they released their debut album “Just the two of us”. The band embarked on a world tour in support of the album, which sold many copies and received critical acclaim. After jaunts across Asian and European territory as well as playing numerous festivals in South America, Mindflow began recording their follow up album “Mind over Body” which saw the light of day in 2006.
1:30pm - 2:00pm The Omen Known for their theatrical performance and brutal pits, West Londoners The Omen have been entertaining crowds with their blasphemous brand of death metal since 2004, having shared stages with Trenchead, Forever Never and Mutant. The band has gone through a number of line-up changes, although things are currently looking up for the four piece having had a solid line up for over six months. If you miss these gore fiends at Bloodstock then you really are missing out, although fret not as you can catch them on tour throughout August and September!
2:15pm - 2:45pm Life Denied
Birmingham, UK. 1987. A group by the collective name of Napalm Death release their debut album “Scum” and grindcore is born. Eighteen years later Life Denied emerges to show that Birmingham can still produce bands every bit as brutal as back in the day. Influenced by Napalm Death, Morbid Angel, Extreme Noise Terror and the likes, Life Denied are currently working on a second CD entitled “Hell of your own creation”. Featuring members of Mistress and SLAB, Life Denied are a force to be reckoned with and their live show has won over crowds as they supported the likes of Napalm Death and Krisiun as well as opening the London Deathfest VIII.
3:00pm - 3:30pm The Aftermath
Keighley based sextet The Aftermath formed in 2004 and have rapidly built a following through a vehement gigging schedule both on the Yorkshire scene and further a field. In 2005 these Yorkshire lads entered the studio to record their debut CD and they are currently working on new material which will hopefully be previewed at Bloodstock Open Air. To quote their website, The Aftermath are a pack of wild dogs that eat, drink, shag, smoke and sleep metal, and their dual vocal, twin guitar attack is one worth seeing.
3:45pm - 4:15pm Enemo J Politically charged hardcore/metallers Enemo J formed in 2000 and began their career playing in battle of the bands contests across the Midlands, winning many of these and carving a name for themselves in the process. After the band managed to raise some cash they recorded an album, which has since received outstanding reviews and seen tracks featured on various compilations. In more recent years the band has supported a number of high profile metal acts including Gutworm, Napalm Death, Viking Skull and Johnny Truant.
4:30pm - 5:00pm Timefall Having been dubbed the UK’s answer to Dream Theater, Timefall are certainly a band worth looking out for. The band was conceived in 2005 when four experienced musicians came together to make music inspired by the likes of Symphony X, Rush, Angra and Evergrey. Timefall have built up a solid fanbase through playing numerous gigs in London and across the East of England as they continue to win over crowds with their vibrant live performance. Timefall have just released their debut album “In The Shadows”
5:15pm - 5:45pm Cerebral Fix
Cerebral Fix are possibly the band with the greatest amount of experience on the unsigned stage and a band you may remember if you have been into metal for a while. These death/thrash veterans formed in 1986 and released three albums; “Life sucks and then you die” released on Vinyl Solution Records, “Tower of Spite” released on Roadrunner Records and “Death Erotica” was released on Music For Nations. After releasing their debut album the band embarked on a tour with Bolt Thrower and supported Sepultura for two consecutive nights at the famed Marquee club in London. They also toured with Obituary, Paradise Lost and Napalm Death and collaborated with Shane Embury (of Napalm Death) and Andy Pyke (of Marshall Law) on their 1993 album “Death Erotica”. After two of the members left (Frank went on to join Benediction), Cerebral Fix decided it was time to call it a day and played their final gig in 1994 in Walthamstow. Thirteen years later the Fix are back! Earlier in 2007 they played at the London Deathfest and a new album is firmly on the cards.
6:00pm - 6:30pm Forevernever
Fast rising Essex boys Forever Never are bringing their heavy yet melodic brand of metal to BOA after recent jaunts with Corey Taylor’s Stone Sour and Gibraltar metal mongers Breed 77. From the ashes of various other local bands, Forever Never formed in 2004 and since then have played over 150 shows, sharing stages with Stuck Mojo, Caliban and Panic Cell as well as performing on the main stage at Damnation Festival. Currently the band are working on a follow up to their 2006 release “Aphoria” which was produced by Dave Chang (Stampin’ Ground, Earthtone9).
6:45pm - 7:15pm Sinocense
Hailing from Northern Ireland, Sinocense have managed to develop a loyal fanbase not only in their locality but extending across the United Kingdom. These guys have proved to be 100% dedicated as they regularly venture out of Northern Ireland into mainland UK, having supported such metal stalwarts as Machine Head, Soil and W.A.S.P. In the Battle Of Britain contest judged by Kerrang!, Peaceville Records, Terrorizer and Bloodstock Festivals, Sinocense managed to claim 2nd place out of a total 180 bands. After a number of self released E.P’s, the band released their debut album “Black Still Life Pose” on Casket Records in 2005 and are currently working on a follow up. Sinocense create the perfect blend of power and melody!
7:30pm - 8:00pm King Lizard
The winners of the Bloodstock unsigned competition, King Lizard, will be bringing the sleaze with them all the way from London. These glam rock young guns regularly trash venues in their vicinity and have their sights set on taking Britain by storm. If you don’t fancy shelling out £35 for a ticket to see Motley Crue on their next UK tour then King Lizard are the next best thing, even gaining recognition from the Sixxman himself!
8:15pm - 8:45pm Idiom All the way from Devon, IDIOM bring the funk as they mix powerful metal grooves with laid back funk beats. With an exciting live show, the band have won over new crowds as they supported the likes of (Hed)PE, OPM, Skindred and Exit Ten venturing out from their hometown of Exeter to walk the stage in cities such as London, Manchester and Bath. Having formed in 2005, IDIOM entered Notting Hill studios in South Wales (Where Funeral For A Friend have also recorded) in 2006 to record their 4 track E.P. “Sideshow”. IDIOM will be joining (Hed)PE for their UK tour later this year.
9:00pm - 9:30pm Hexagram
Hexagram are the winners of the competition held by Total Rock Radio. This three piece band from Portsmouth began life back in 2003 when Aaron Miller, already an experienced musician after spending time playing in other bands from his locale, decided to form his own band where he could play the style of music that he wanted to create. Spending the next three years trying to stabilise a line up whilst focussing his efforts largely on writing, it wasn’t until 2006 that Hexagram became a stable three piece band. Influenced by Pantera, Crowbar, Brutal Truth, Death and Fear Factory just to name a few, Hexagram have a unique sound which combines melody with brutality. You voted for them and now you can watch them!
Saturday
12.00pm -12.30pm Hanging Doll
Birmingham may be best known for bringing us grindcore and Ozzy Osbourne, but Hanging Doll are leaving a separate set of footprints, spreading a trail of gothic romance behind them as they do. Featuring the ethereal vocals of Sally Holliday, this classical metal act is rapidly becoming known in their local area for their beguiling live performance. After putting out an acclaimed three track E.P, Hanging Doll are currently working on a full length album with producer Greg Chandler (Gutworm, Conquest of Steel), expected to be released early 2008.
12:45pm - 1:15pm Kobrakai
Kobrakai is a name you may have heard of, having supported such big acts as The Towers of London and The Inbreds. This post-hardcore fivesome have released three E.P’s, continually growing as a creative force with each record. Kobrakai have encountered many problems along the way and undergone a number of line up changes which would cause many a band to crumble, although such setbacks have never stinted this bands vision. In January 2007, Jack Slade, son of renowned drummer Chris Slade (AC/DC, Jimmy Page and Uriah Heep), joined the band on drums. With a new line up in tow, Kobrakai are currently working on a fourth E.P.
1:30pm - 2:00pm The Apostacy
Originally forming under the moniker “Spiritwalker” at the turn of the millennium, The Apostacy didn’t release their first full length album until 2004. Spending the following two years gigging solidly to promote the record, the band began to make a name for themselves as they became known for their strong political and philosophical messages projected through their intelligent lyrics. After a change of line up in 2006, the band set about working on a second full length album which they are currently in the process of recording. On the matter of their forthcoming release, the band has informed us all to “expect off the chart cosmic prog hippycore mother fuckers!”
2:15pm - 2:45pm Hollow Earth Theory
Having released one full length album and two E.P’s, Hollow Earth Theory have had their fair share of underground success already. Their most recent E.P. “Hanging of the Followers” has helped to push the band further into the limelight, having received regular airplay on radio stations across the world and being named best breakthrough band on Kerrang! FM. The band also filmed a video for the song “Letter to the List”, which has been shown on Scuzz and Redemption TV. Having supported the likes of Skindred, Hundred Reasons, Enter Shakiri and Biomechanical, Hollow Earth Theory are a band to watch out for!
3:00pm - 3:30pm Sinnergod
Shock goth rockers Sinnergod formed in 2001 and have spent the majority of their time building up a loyal fanbase through a rigorous live schedule. These guys know how to get a crowd going and do exactly that though their highly entertaining live show, with their aggressive sound being equally as impressive. After a few line up changes, Sinnergod return stronger than ever before, with a debut album entitled “The Revolution” expected some time in 2007.
3:45pm - 4:15pm Nephwrack
Conceived in 2001, Nephwrack have spent the past six years building up their reputation as a highly respected live band. This Hampshire quintet offer an equal dose of metal, progression and melody, which can be heard on their assortment of E.P’s which they have released over the years. Now ready to take things to the next level, Nephwrack are working on their first full length album entitled “The Once and Future King”.
4:30pm - 5:00pm Speed Theory
In 2004, four young metalheads from the city of Wolverhampton decided to form a band where they could make music inspired by the likes of Pantera, Lamb of God, Metallica and Machine Head. Having never played a gig before, they entered a battle of the bands contest where they surprisingly reached the semi finals. It wasn’t long after this that they were packing out venues and successfully headlining their own shows. Their first E.P. “Vengeance” was awarded “Demo of the Month” in Metal Hammer (and subsequently was made “Demo of the Year” at the close of 2006). With a distribution deal in place with Casket Music, Speed Theory’s self-produced album “Hit The Dirt” quickly became an underground sensation. Fresh from a tour with American Head Change and Panic Cell, these Wolverhampton boys look set to conquer the world, starting with BOA!
5:15pm - 5:45pm Nemhain
Nemhain are here to win over the crowd at BOA with their infectious blend of punk and metal. Featuring ex. Cradle Of Filth stage performer Morrigan Hel and Adrian Erlandsson, formerly of At The Gates and The Haunted, these dirty London rock ‘n’ rollers are a force to be reckoned with. Since releasing their debut E.P. “Blood Runs Free” in 2006, they have played gigs with Rose Tattoo and Girlschool as well as contributing to the Misfits 30th anniversary tribute album with their version of “Die, Die, My Darling”. As the band are currently putting the final touches to their forthcoming debut album, they are also preparing for a slot at Metal Holocaust where they will perform along side W.A.S.P, Hanoi Rocks and Twisted Sister.
6:00pm - 6:30pm Honey For Christ
Honey For Christ are one of Northern Irelands most unique metal bands. Since forming in 1998, the band have recorded three demos, having each received impressive reviews from the metal press. The band have forged their own sound, rooted firmly in traditional heavy metal while being dark and emotional. In 2005, Honey For Christ became a trio as one member left the band. With a new line up, they recorded “The Darkest Pinnacle of Light” which contains their most potent material yet.
6:45pm - 7:15pm Trigger 9
Trigger 9 was born from the ashes of Memphis Heads in South Africa, who, in 2005, relocated to London in order to unleash their sounds upon a British audience. Originally forming in 1999, these guys are metal through and through, although that doesn’t mean that they don’t know how to incorporate funky, catchy rhythms into their sound. Their unique brand of metal has earned them a loyal fan base and a handful or high profile gigs including Bloodstock Open Air and a support slot with Panic Cell in October 2007.
7:30pm - 8:00pm EXIT Ten With a diverse range of influence ranging from Emperor to Radiohead, you can be sure that Exit Ten are no copycat band! These dudes started jamming together while still revising for their GCSE’s. All they were missing at the time was a vocalist who they soon found in Ryan Redman, whom impressed the existing band members from the second he opened his mouth. In April 2004 they recorded a self-titled E.P. which demonstrated their technically adept fusion of metal and hardcore comprising melodic vocals. This E.P. lead to an exciting chain of events for the band, as they appeared on “Rebel Billionaire”, a reality TV show hosted by famed entrepreneur Richard Branson, which earned them a slot on the NME stage at V2004 Festival plus an in store appearance at Virgin Megastores. Following this, a support slot with Avenged Sevenfold opened the band up to a whole new audience. In 2005 they recorded a mini album with the aid of producer extraordinaire Andy Sneap, which sold in excess of 3,500 copies in the UK and lead to support slots wit Sikth, Soilwork, Deftones and Every Time I Die.
8:15pm - 8:45pm Axis Of Evil Axis Of Evil are the final band to be announced as the winners of the Bloodstock Unsigned Competition. If you haven’t heard this band, chances are you will have heard the name, having gained publicity not only in the metal press but in the Sunday Sport, Channel 5 and probably on various “WANTED” posters. Axis Of Evil are one big “FUCK YOU” to society and to clean cut emos’ with freshly styled hair everywhere! They came first in the “Best Unsigned Band” category in the 2005 Terrorizer readers’ poll, although sadly, shortly after that the band split and the members each went their separate ways. Now Axis Of Evil return louder, more obnoxious and more offensive than ever before!
9:00pm - 9:30pm Terrathorn
Southampton quintet Terrathorn formed in late 2005. These guys take inspiration from old school thrash bands such as Metallica, Megadeth and Merciful Fate, and mix it up with more modern influences to create a sound that is fresh and exciting yet brutally heavy. What really sets Terrathorn apart from the rest of the pack is the “fun” element to their live show, something many bands seem to miss the point of entirely. Terrathorn make a worthy addition to the BOA unsigned stage, and should guarantee that those watching will leave the tent on a high.
Luci Herbert
MTUK Metal 'Zine
www.metalteamuk.net
A muddy sound does no favours for The Belonging who kick off the day's proceedings with a competent but predictable hybrid of black and death metal. A spirited performance from local lads Let Em Burn ascertains that following their recent health problems they are back with a vengeance and prepared for war! The vocals tread along a similar path to those of Kreator frontman Mille Petrozza while a definite Overkill persuasion imbues the likes of 'War Slut' and 'Weapons Of Mass Destruction'. Unsurprisingly their latest demo had sold out within an hour! This is thrash as it should be done, and more than makes up for Carnal Rites who do a fine job of clearing the room with their bland interpretation of the genre. They are marginally redeemed by the occasionally exciting riff although the 'melodic' yet monotone post-'The Black Album' Hetfield vocal impersonations leave a lot to be desired. 
