The battle raged on as Day 2 began. Half asleep, hungover metal heads dragged themselves back into the field. Tired but still excited everyone showed up early that morning as dedicated fans would to enjoy the music. Cambion and Kill II. These were our early morning openers. I had the pleasure of seeing Vellenfyre for the first time. They were very interesting live and their music had a very sombre, deep tone to it. It was very beautiful and as singer Gregor Mackintosh said “it’s too early to play & the sun is out” but none the less they did an amazing job.
Up next we had Akercocke. This was an incredibly special set because it was the bands first show together after 5 years. Bloodstock had the pleasure of hosting their return. Many people were anxious to see them reunite. It might have been a few years since they have played together but you could feel how they all played together as if their time never stopped. To hear their songs once again for several fans was very special. The guys were very thankful and happy to have played. It was an exciting moment for all.
Gears changed as we had the Greeks from Rotting Christ hit the stage. Back in 2014 they had headlined the Sophie Lancaster stage and this was their 1st time on the Dio Stage. It was incredible to see them on such a grand space as they are one of the best bands out there. Their sound is so unique, their lyrics and over all vibe is one of a kind. Their set was killer as expected and they dominated the crowd. Everyone chanted and clapped for them. The guys worked so hard on their last show at Bloodstock they proved they are great and ruled every second on the Dio Stage.
The one and only Fear Factory brought their classic sound to the stage. The guys played songs off ‘Demanufacture’ and a few other albums and did a great job. Burton’s clean vocals, Tony’s bass skills, Dino’s guitar shredding skills and Mike’s force behind the kit made a spectacular set. Everyone was singing a long to every song.
As the night continued everyone was still ready for more. Paradise Lost proceeded to perform for this congregation of metal maniacs. As they began to play, immediately Nick Holmes voice shinned through. There’s something about his raspy, deep vocals that was intoxicating to the crowd. That deep tone and melancholic feel was bewitching. I don’t think a single person wasn’t headbanging to their set.
Gojira hit the stage and all the hype was crazy. The energy of the crowd did a 360 almost as if someone flipped a switch. I have never seen fans so excited like this before. I remember in 2013 when they had played they did not have their equipment and had made it barely to the show due to bad airport luck. This time the guys set went off without a hitch. It was absolutely perfect. They were over the top running from the left to the right and singer Joe Duplantier was fierce on that stage. The guys played a few tracks off their new incredible album “Magma” and a few other fan favourites.
It was that time of the night for the headliner. Mastodon was an interesting choice. Again another groovy band which was very enjoyable. The guys did a stellar job closing the night. Dressed in white fringe and skills to compare fans enjoyed their set. I was incredibly impressed by Brann Dailor who pulled double duty and sang a bit. Not only is he a great drummer but his voice was as well.
Day 2 was a success. Another consistent line up and a group of happy fans. Excited and sad to go to sleep as we knew the final day approached, although ecstatic for the upcoming line up. We knew the end was near.
Click Here For Day 1 Live Review