Bloodstock Ones To Watch 2014

With Bloodstock fast approaching, and the set times going up just today, we thought we'd put together a compact list of ones too watch this year. And forget the limelight of the mainstage, we're talking the smaller bands playing the smaller stages. Although no doubt watching large names like Obituary, Emperor, Saxon and Megadeth may be the majority of your weekend, investing just half an hour of the four days to check out one of these less well known bands may well just make your weekend. So, let's crack on!


01. Incinery - Sophe Stage - Thur. 8:05pm

"Thrasher's INCINERY will hit you with a fast, aggressive and uncompromising feast of neck-snapping riffs and face-shredding solos. The all-out riff massacre is accompanied by a bombardment of drudging bass, visceral drums and a devastating attack of low rasping vocals barked out in a machine gun like tirade of aggression."


02. Monument - Sophie Stage - Thur. - 8:55pm

"Formed in the streets of East London by vocalist Peter Ellis (Ex- White Wizzard, The More I See), MONUMENT is bringing back a sound that has been missing from the UK for nearly 30 years... True British Heavy Metal!

With thunderous, melodic bass tones, dual guitar harmonies, rock-solid drum beats and signature falsetto wails, the band is determined to make a difference in today's Metal scene and is celebrating a sound that is rooted in melody and good songwriting that will inspire a new generation of Metal fans.

True Metal is back in the Empire and MONUMENT will undoubtedly be the band at the forefront of this new wave."


03. Ten Foot Wizard - Jagermeister Stage - Fri. 2:50pm

"A juggernaut of power blues stoner rock, milked from the beard of Zeus!"


04. Old Corpse Road - Sophie Stage - Sat. 12:40pm

"The band hail from the North East of England, an area rich with ancient tales and rife with folklore. The line up consists of five members who have played together in various other projects over the last decade, most notably the dark metal band Nemain. We consider our individual identities to be unimportant, although those who ask shall be told. The members of the band are long time friends who form a part of the Nemain Collective. On a personal level the band follow the entire metal scene passionately and regularly attend gigs and rock nights whilst indulging in fine ales and beverages."




05. Synaptik - New Blood Stage - Sat. 3:50pm

"SYNAPTIK is an British heavy metal band from the East Coast of England. Formed in 2012, known to incorporate elements from styles such as thrash, power, progressive.
Synaptik aren't afraid to mix up the influences and certainly don't fear melody with their heavier than a black hole riffage and dynamic vocals, death metal aggressiveness with a progressive, melodic outlook. They draw on influences old and new to create a mutant hybrid sound-scape that makes them stand out."


06. Eradikator - New Blood Stage - Sun. 1:45pm 

"Eradikator are a 4 Piece Thrash Metal Band from Birmingham UK. The birthplace of heavy metal monsters such as Black Sabbath, Napalm Death and Judas Priest. Drawing on all their life and musical influences, Eradikator set out to create face melting, ear shredding Thrash metal that would make even the most hardened metal heads ears hemorrhage liquid steel. Eradikator are commited to the ideal of living in mediocrity to bring Heavy music to the masses and living life as one big raging, smokin party. With a single goal of being able to tour their asses off for the rest of their life's Eradikator are 100% commited to doing whatever it takes to play metal all over the world and have a fucking blast doing it."

Camp Tickle. None more metal!

So there we are! Just a handful of bands to check out at Bloodstock 2014. If you like the sound of any of the bands featured, click their photo above to check out their music. And if you like what you hear get them on that list of bands too see. Us lot in Napalm Promotions will be going this year checking out all the bands we can, so if you happen to see this super cool flag flying in Valhalla come and have a beer with us. See you all there!

Aftermath [Crossover/Chicago]

It's not too often that a band pops up on Napalms page with a demo of music that wasn't written and recorded in the small time that we've been running. But just last week one band from Chicago posted a demo straight from their tape released in '87... That's right, Nineteen eighty fucking seven! If there's ever bands that like to pretend to be old school, Aftermath are not one of them. Because they are just about as integrated with the Crossover Thrash scene as Mike Muirs love for Pepsi.

Formed in the pivotal 80's decade that spawned Thrash and Crossover, Aftermath are no strangers to the scene, and even played a good role in pioneering the genre. Being one of the first bands to embrace the clash of Metal and Punk, and chuck their own mix of hybrid sound out to the public. Now reformed in 2014 the band are once again looking to gig and write material that pay decadence to their now well defined sound. Although dates for this year are yet to surface, the band have two hometown shows in Chicago, as well as an outing to Germany planned for 2015. Here they'll be playing tracks not heard in live form since the dusk of the '80's, and Thrashing once again!



1987's 'Killing The Future' demo was one of the first releases I heard by the band, and for good reason. Searching for material by them is a damn hard prospect. Even in todays internet flooded society, only a hand full of tracks have been uploaded to the tube of you's, and 'Killing The Future' happens to be the only full release. Kicking straight in with all the in your face brashness you'd expect from Crossover, the old school elements and warm raw feeling are all in place as expected. Tempos quickly reach blistering pace, but are greatly split by really cool melodic interludes which introduce a more technical edge, not something often heard in the gung-ho styling of the genre. The touches on tracks like 'When Will You Die' certainly give the band a really cool technical edge, reminiscent of the likes of early Coroner who were growing around the same time, only over the other side of the Atlantic. For a second demo, it really sounds like Aftermath had developed a sound embracing their influences extremely well.

The bands recent re-forming has also had them embrace the world of social media, and they can now be found loitering the all familiar realm of facebook, as they look to spread their music on a format that was never around when it was wrote. Hopefully rekindling their old audience, and growing to introduce it to a younger one, that may have not heard them before. Whichever you may be, you can find the band here: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Aftermath/166697546694163 The band are yet to announce the details on their booked dates, but I should imagine all will be coming soon enough on their 2015 run of shows. If you happen to live in or around Chicago, or some undisclosed area of Germany, you may well be in luck! Either way, give that page a like, and help support old veterans looking to rise once again.

Aftermath is:

Kyriakos "Charlie" Tsiolis - Vocals
Steve Sacco - Guitar
John Lovette - Guitar
Ray Schmidt - Drums
Adam - Bass

RamRaid [Thrash/Liverpool]

Liverpools Thrash scene is a slowly growing one, much like the rest of the countries, following on from its influx in popularity in the late 2000's. And following the unfortunate split of Bludvera last year, RamRaid are top of the odds to be spearheading Liverpools scene. Delivering there ferocious attack of Thrash in the pioneering Bay-area and Teutonic styles, the band have quickly made a name for themselves around the North of England.

Despite not having a full release to date, the bands constant intense gig schedule, and online tracks have kept the band in the local spotlight. Delivering a strong live set and stage presence, including binding Thrash classics with their own material the band have quickly grown.

Following on from this years appearance at the annual Full Thrash Assault, the band also have a prime spot on the first Thrashoholic Fest, set to take place in August. And are currently busy recording their originals in the studio in between live shows. The band currently have two of their own songs; 'Reactor 4' and 'Systematic Genocide'. Both of which show the bands 'ultra-violence Thrash' approach, similar in style to the old school Exodus, Kreator and Sodom

The band currently have an EP in the works as well, featuring the aforementioned tracks and (...) more. And looking to have it done before the approach of 2015. Allow the focus on genocide and nuclear catastrophes to give you a taste of what's to come. The band certainly won't be relenting any time soon.

As well as the date at Thrashoholic, the band will also be keeping busy the rest of the year, with dates in Liverpool and *hint hint!* their debut in Manchester. As always full dates are below, so check them out!


RamRaid Dates 2014

July 11th - Out of the Ashes festival, Elsmere Port.
Aug 16th - Thrashoholic Fest, Leeds.
 

[L-R] Ben Gannon (Vocals, Guitar), Dominic Williams (Drums), Oscar Fitzpatrick (Guitar), Paul Hutton (Bass).

Insurgency [Thrash/Lancaster, UK]

Heavy hitting Thrashers, Insurgency,  will have you thinking Lancaster is a city in Germany with their incredible Teutonic Thrash sound. The sort of band that would sound in their element opening for the likes of early Destuction, Sodom and Kreator. Insurgency take all the best elements of the old school, and leave the softer elements to rot. Uncompromising riffs, vocals, battery and brutality!

Starting just 2 years ago the 3-piece came to be from a mutual love of old school metal, and quickly found a sound akin to it. Using the tried and tested setup of single guitar, bass, vocals and drums, the band don't mess about delivering the goods of devastatingly powerful riffs and driving rythmn section.

First starting with demos straight from the off, the band posted a good few of their practice sessions on to SoundCloud, already having another for a solid demo down. Their first song properly recorded was 'Tunguska' which showcases the band overlying theme of warfare lyrics and chainsaw riffing.



Playing their first show in the September of 2012, the band bring it all to life when playing live. A brutal wall of sound brought about by the thick and quick Thrash assault is something to behold. And really pervays the sense of outright aggression that the band is all about. A good mix of the bands own songs and some covers of the afformentioned Teutonic greats make for an interesting and all powerful playlist, with no relenting from start to finish.



Their only release to date is the 'Live Insurgency Demo' a live recorded demo of three of their own tracks; Pan Arabic Attack, Beghazi and Desert Holocaust. The songs on the demo really take you back to the 80's incarnation of the more heavy styled Thrash giants such as Kreator, Exodus and Possesed. The harsh vocals, aggressive guitar , thunderous bass and blasting drums. All boxes of Thrash purity ticked.

The demo is currently on SoundCloud only, with a few CD promo copies floating about. Although reliable sources (totally not myself) know there may be a limited tape run of the demo too come. You'll have to keep your eyes out for that yourselves though!



The band are currently looking to release their debut before the year is out, with artwork already complete, and 'Desert Holocaust' released in anticipation for its release. Tracklisting is currently yet to be announced along with a date, but should not be all too far away. The band are also going to be playing a number of shows in the UK, including the fantastic Thrashoholic Fest. Full dates are shown below, as always check to see if they're in you town and get down to the show!

Artwork by Alice Biddau

 Upcoming Insurgency dates

18th Jul - The Boulevard, Wigan w/ Mower/Bastard of the Skiies
23rd Jul - Liverpool w/ Coltsblood/ Corrupt Mortal Altar/ Dismal
25th Jul - Royal British Legion, Newcastle - Stuart Bartlett's birthday w/ Wraith of Satan +1 more
16th Aug - Wharf Chambers, Leeds - Thrashoholic Fest.
13th Dec - Bannermans Bar, Edinburgh, Scotland - w/ Evil Blood, Exxxekutioner, NNGNN

[L-R] Malek Baali (Drums), Andrew Shackleton (Vocals, Guitar)
Will Anderson (Bass, Backing Vocals)

Gods Of War [Extreme/Liverpool, UK]

Liverpools Gods Of War are band built on the exploration of Metals more extreme side. Rejecting to pick aside among the ocean of subgenres, they've instead remained resilient. And instead mix and match at their own will, for the benefit of the music. Forming in 2009, the band currently have a demo, two EP's and a single under their belt. Along with an impressive plethora of shows, alongside bands such as; Insurgency, Bludvera, Exiled and D.A.M..

The bands first release came in 2009, the three track demo 'We March For Metal'. The release showcased the bands unique blend of Metal. From the acoustic opening of Mourning The Departed develops a song highlighting Thrash-esque riffing, powerful leads NWoBHM style, and deep, rough vocals akin with Black and Death Metal. The demo really is a divere showing throughout and helps keep it interesting, with songs of changing direction rather quickly and sharply.
 

Following up the demo the band released their first EP 'Litanies Of War' in October of 2011. Continuing to push forward experimenting with their infusion of genres, the EP benifited from a much greater production value which helped add power to the tracks. Kicking straight off with 'Ignite', the EP remains consistently strong throughout. The overwhelming theme and focus on battle and combat warranting the display of power in and rythmn. My only real criticism would be some sections in the riffing that rely on the single note chugging a bit too much, something which is rather prevelant towards tthe start of 'Foes Who Oppose Me'. Although the song does redeem this with great key changes towards the middle interlude, adding a great contrast.


Gods Of War - Litanies Of War [EP] [2011]

01. Ignite
02. Pillage and Punder
03. Foes Who Oppose Me
04. Apocalypse
05. Arrival

Gods Of War - Litanies Of War [EP] [2011]

After releasing their first single 'Gods Of Old' in 2013, the band was ready for a full follow up to Litanies by 2014, and 'Tales From The Dark Lands' was unleashed. In the EP you can definetely hear how the band are starting to find their sound and define themselves. All the time still keeping the different genres elements but in a more cohesive way. It's really cool to see a band that can take so many influences and really build them together to create music that can switch up parts from song ot song. A really good example of this is the change between 'Gods Of Old' and 'Operation Engage'. With Gods' more somber ending opening up into the more Thrash orientated Engage, where vocal styles are changed completely to compliment the track.


Gods Of War - Tales From The Dark Lands [EP] [2014]

01. Formost
02. Gods Of Old
03. Operation Engage
04. Angmar

Gods Of War - Tales From The Dark Lands [EP] [2014]

The band are currently continuing gigging, with their dates listed below, so be sure to get to a show if you can. Their discography is also currently all on Bandcamp with on a 'name your price' basis. If you like what you hear then definetely go and download one... or them all! If I had to recommend one then if most likely be the latest, 'Tales From The Dark Lands' as it definetely seems like the bands best to date. They're definetely a band that have developed with time. Also make sure you do drop them a few pennies when downloading, as it will keep them on the road and gigging!

[L-R] Danny Hell (Vocals), Kris Dobson (Drums),
Matt Hughes (Guitar, Backing Vocals)
James Collins (Bass, Backing Vocals)

Upcoming Dates

21/06/14 - The Yorkshire House, Lancaster, UK
w/ Project Unicorn, King Cobra.

24/07/14 - Sound Control, Manchester, UK
w/ ArnoCorp, Footprints In The Custard, Scumface.

Gods Of War facebook
Gods Of War BandCamp
Napalm Promotions facebook

Exiled [Thrash/Liverpool, UK]

Straight out of Liverpool are young Thrashers Exiled. Combining the classic sound of bands like Exodus and Testament, with newer influences in bands such as Havok and Evile, they've created their own sound in the relatively short time they've being together. With their first gig coming in October of 2013 supporting UK Thrash legends D.A.M., along with local bands Bludvera, RamRaid and Gods of War. The band have continued to gig consistantly since, and have one track 'Nuclear Holocaust' recorded so far.

Flyer for the Halloween Hell show

Their first show was on the Halloween of 2013, stepping up in support up for UK legends D.A.M., alongside fellow Liverpudlian bands Bludvera, RamRaid and Gods of War. And I was luckily enough to be in attendance after my friend Danny made a trip down after talking to the band over Facebook. Despite having big boots to fill for a first show, the band seemed relaxed and confident, eager to get on stage and have a good time. For an opening set the band certainly weren't shy and managed to pefrorm a great set mixing in their Thrash offereings with cover of Testament classic 'Alone In The Dark', and Iron Maidens self-titled track. The set warmed up the crowd nicely, and got a great crowd response from people generally unfamiliar with the band, leaving a great first impression. The set went down as well as could be hoped, and definetely stoof up to all other bands on the bill.

Since the show the band have recorded their own song 'Nuclear Holocaust' with the help of friends in a true DIY style. Showcasing the band for the first time, the track has more than a nod to the classic slice of Bay Area goodness. With ripping riffs right from the off, supported by a solid rhythmn section, the song will certainly appeal to the fans who cherish the classics of Thrash. Topped off with the genre standard lyrics on nuclear war, and shredding leads, the track covers all bases.

Exiled - Nuclear Holocaust [Single] [2013]

The band are currently looking for a new drummer, though are continuing to push through with shows into Summer, with an appearance at Thrashoholic Fest and a support slot for Desolator along with Terror Drone and Reaper in Manchester. Drumming duties are currently being covered just for these shows. As always if you like what you here, check out the links below.

[L-R] John Riley (Bass/Backing Vocals), Liam Kempton-Robshaw (Drums) (Recently left the band),
Joe Bradley (Lead Guitar/Backing Vocals), Sam Robinson (Rythmn Guitar/Vocals).

Exiled on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/exiledliverpool
And on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRI3v6YldbsxUE3sa80nM8g
Show with Desolator: https://www.facebook.com/events/783974394970904/?ref=ts&fref=ts
Napalm Promotions on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NapalmPromotions

Crÿptic Shift [Thrash/Groove/Leeds, UK]

Hailing from Leeds, Cryptic Shift are a Thrash band bringing Groove elements in to the mix. With influences ranging quite diversly from old timers like Sepultura and Pantera, to modern shredders Revocation and the heavy hitting Lamb Of God. The band originally formed in 2010 as just a bit of fun playing the music they loved. Undergoing a few line-up changes, they finally solidified in 2013 and started on the local gigging circuit. The band currently have one EP, recorded early 2014 titled 'The Old Chapel Demos".

Cryptic Shift - The Old Chapel Demos [2014]

The EP is five tracks long and showcases the bands wide array of influences. With the name coming from the place it was recorded at, Old Chapel Studios. One thing to note is the prevelance of bass in the mix, and how to key is it to the groove side of proceedings. It really drives through and plays alongside the guitar, as opposed to usual modern approach of 'drown it out'. It's nice to be able to hear it come though in a raw and natural way for once. The EP is available to listen to and download on a 'name your price' basis. So be nice and chuck them a few quid if you do decide to download it.


Crÿptic Shift - The Old Chapel Demos [EP] [2014]

01. Mass Gathering
02. Noose Crowned Prophet
03. Slaughtergazm
04. Leviathon Walk
05. In Revolution We Trust




The bands future plans are to be soldiering on recording more material, and also get to playing out of town shows and start touring. And inbetween also getting wasted and having a fun time. Just what it's all about! I'm yet to see the band live, but they'll be playing at this years Thrashoholic Fest, which drummer, Ryan, is a part of putting on with Leeds Metal Scene Promotions. My own band, Viocide, will be playing alongside them, so it's a good a time as ever to see them!

The guys in Crÿptic Shift all seem like a bunch of guys in the band for the music and fun times, just generally doing what they do for the love and enjoyment of it. And that's just about the best reason for it. If you like what you hear, as ever be sure to check out the links below and support the band. It's what these bios and spotlights are all about!

[L-R] Rob Castle (Vocals), Oli Griffiths (Bass), Ryan Shepherson (Drums), Xander Bradley (Guitar).

Crÿptic Shift on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/crypticshift
The Old Chapel Demo: https://cryptic-shift.bandcamp.com
MAS Records: http://mightyatomsmasher.com/
Napalm Promotions facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NapalmPromotions

Repulsive Vision [Death Metal/Cumbria, UK]

From the darkest reaches of Ulverston, Cumbria comes the unmistakably heavy sound of Repulsive Vision, bringing a slice of Old School Death Metal to the otherwise sleepy county. The bands main influences stretch from the many branches of Death Metal history, including Floridas famed scene with bands such as Morbid Angel, Obituary and Death. Sweedish legends Entombed and At The Gates. And influences a little closer to home with bands like Carcass and Napalm Death. The band are currently in the process of producing their first EP 'Premature Burial', which is due to be out soon.

Formed in the December of 2010 as the result of an influx of ideas by main Songwriter Matt Davidson, Repulsive Vision grew from the music he wrote that didn't quite fit into his other projects at the time (The Vile Bodies, Ensnared). Spending many months riding solo bringing together these ideas and developing them into the bands first songs, Matt soon began recruiting members for what has become to be known Replusive Vision. After solidifying their line up the band have continued practice and have kept busy playing many gigs, with slots supporting Destroyer 666, Hecate Enthroned and Avenger.

Repulsive Visions sound is unmistakably gutteral, forged through the many years of Death Metals development. Taking inspiration from the entire spectrum has allowed the band to keep songs varied and interesting throughout. An example of this is the difference in sound from the more Old School Florida Death Metal inspired 'Bathroom Surgery'. Compared to 'Credophillic' which has more hints of later Swedish offerings, most notably later era At the Gates. Each track allows it's influence to bleed through, but without letting it devour the song and just become a clone of the afformentioned bands.

Subject matter of the band are also well thought out, and more focused on avoiding the typical blood and gore that oversaturates the genre. Instead substituting it for political, philosophical andsocial ideals. Featuring songs on censorship, video nasties and scapegoats. Making for a new and fresh element to their overall sound.

Repulsive Vision - Nematocyst and HSHK live at W43, Newcastle [07/12/2012]

Be sure to catch one of Repulsive Visions shows if they're in the vacinity. These guys are keeping themselves busy until September, so there's plenty of gigs to choose from. Cities they'll be hitting include; Manchester, Barrow In Furnes, Bridlington, Bishop Auchland and Edinburgh.

Repulsive Visions upcoming shows

[L-R] Matt Davidson (Guitar), Gary Young (Drums), Mark Pardy (Vocals), Alex Jones (Bass).
Photo credit: Repulsive Vision.

Repulsive Vision on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RepulsiveVision
Premature Burial demos: https://www.facebook.com/RepulsiveVision/app_178091127385
Napalm Promotions on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NapalmPromotions

Exxxekutioner [Thrash Metal/Salford, UK]

Salford Thrashers, Exxxekutioner are a band kicking hard, straight from the old school of Heavy Metal. Making their mark with their own brand of 'Dirty Thrash' heavily influenced by bands such as old school Sepultura, Bathory, and most notably, Venom. The band have relentlessly been playing gigs all over the North of England since the release of their first demo, and inception in the middle of 2013.

Starting up around September last year, they immediaetly broke into the scene with their raw as fuck demo, 'Black Witchery'. Which was quite literally a live recording straight on to an 8 track tape, with a jacket thrown over for good measure. Recalling the recording of the demo, Bassist Ryan Council said: "We literally just set it to play, and threw a leather jacket over the top. Once we had it recorded me and [guitarist] Mike [Woods] took it with us, and put it on one of the shit online audio converters. When it was done, it only ended up playing out of one side."

The Exxxekutioner recording studio!

The demo never saw an official physical release, with the band instead electing to post the songs up on YouTube to  give people a jist of what the band was about. First reactions to the demo were incredibly positive, with many people loving the old school sound and approach, even with only being able to hear it in one ear. Despite the bands choice not to produce physical copies themselves, fans decided to go full out, and bootlegs of the demo started to emerge. Once again returning it to it's humble beginnings on tape.


Exxxekutioner - Black Witchery [Demo] [2013]

01. Black Witchery
02. Maniac Asylum
03. March To Death
04. Into The Crypts Of Rays [Celtic Frost Cover]

One example of the Black Witchery demo (Tom Hughes)

Another Example (Mike Woods)

The band have kept busy playing shows none stop around the Northern parts of England over the late parts of 2013 to mid 2014. Hitting cities such as Manchester, Liverpool and Lancaster. With their sets consisting of a mix between tracks from the Black Witchery demo and upcoming Fear The Priest EP. The band have also made a staple out of their Celtic Frost cover of Into The Crypts Of Rays. Which they have made apart of just about every set thaey have played thus far. Having seen them a number of times now, I can only say the band have certainly grown with experience. And the live shows now have become intense and lively, especially around their local scene in Manchester. Their opening set supporting Bonded By Blood being one of the best crowd responses to a local band I've seen. The support from everyone due to the bands presence in the scene certainly pays dividens when they take to the stage.

Exxxekutioner - March To Death live at The Star And Garter [22/05/2014]

As well as playing shows, they've also now signed to UK based underground label, Ulthar Records. They will be releasing their first EP, 'Fear The Priest' with Ulthar soon. The EP will be the bands first physical release, and will be getting an actal tape run, in glorious stereo sound this time too! A release date and track list has not yet been announced, but it is expected to be released in around a months time. With an official announcement coming from the band soon. Keep your eyes open for it as it's sure to be kicking you're arse back to the 80's, like a Heavy Metal Marty McFly. UGH!

[L-R] Ryan Council (Bass), Cliff Edge (Vocals), Liam Waring (Drums), Mike Woods (Guitar).

Exxxekutioner on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Exxxekutioner/1413994888820085
And on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfilFugMgvZc6QZF4jvmmSQ
Ulthar Records on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UltharRecords
Napalm Promotions on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NapalmPromotions