PODCAST: Episode 139 – Colleen Kanowsky Interviews Blackstarkids at Riot Fest 2021


The Ghost Cult Magazine Podcast is back! Colleeen Kanosky covered Riot Fest 2021 for the site (read our review here) and she also did some interviews in the Media Tent! She chatted with Blackstarkids, one of the hottest bands in the world right now, on the strength of their killer singles “Juno” – “Fight Club” and nowAll Cops Are Bastards! Their debut album Puppies Forever drops October 15th, 2921, and they shared some knowledge about the direction of the band, how they formed, their many influences, and more

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PODCAST: Episode 138 – Gary Alcock Interviews Onslaught at Bloodstock Open Air


The Ghost Cult Magazine Podcast is back! We pick up with Gary Alcock’s interview with Onslaught at the super successful return of Bloodstock Open Air 2021. The band continues to support their excellent 2021 album Generation Antichrist, out now via AFM Records. Check out the conversation and our review of the festival here:
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FESTIVAL REVIEW: Bloodstock Open Air 2021 Part III


Having shown resounding and unequivocal support for every single band so far, the Bloodstock faithful are still raring to go after four full days of partying. As battle commences one final time, highlights on the Sophie Stage include the hard hitting Midlands retro-fuzz of Wolf Jaw, Brighton doomsters Grave Lines, the angry sounding double punch of Vexed and Pist, a debut performance from symphonic death metallers Ghosts of Atlantis, and Manchester black metal mob Necronautical.

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FESTIVAL REVIEW: Bloodstock Open Air 2021 Part 2


 

FRIDAY

With energy levels and festival excitement still high, quality acts such as Welsh black metallers Agrona, Norfolk thrashers Shrapnel, Liverpool doom/sludge merchants Conan, and a reinvigorated and retooled Evile invade the Sophie Lancaster Stage, decimating all before them. Birmingham grindcore legends Napalm Death complete the day’s entertainment with a reliably devastating set, the crowd gathered outside the tent almost as huge as the one inside.

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FESTIVAL REVIEW: Bloodstock Open Air 2021 Part 1



We’re back!

Sure, we might be having to follow a series of new Coronavirus safety protocols which may or not become a regular thing for live shows, but we’re back. And judging by the size of the opening day crowds spilling out from the main entrance, car parks and campsites, not a moment too soon. Since its inception Bloodstock Open Air has always attracted early birds who like nothing more than to arrive long before the gates even open, but this time feels different. Everyone seems to be here early. Coiled springs desperate for release. The festival’s twentieth anniversary isn’t just a celebration of metal this year, it’s a genuine escape.

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Win a Chance to Exhibit Your Artwork at Bloodstock 2021s RAM Gallery


Bloodstock Open Air is making plans to return in 2021 and every year festival founder Paul Gregory curates a selection from other heavy-metal-friendly artists, both established and new, who has caught his attention the previous year. In 2021, Paul wants to give a chance to artistic newcomers to win the opportunity to hang a piece of their work alongside his own and other respected creatives in the on-site RAM Gallery, so he’s devised an art competition. To enter you need to design and create your own piece of artwork, based around and inspired by one of the bands performing at Bloodstock 2021. Paul will jointly judge the competition alongside friend and fellow artist, Mark Wilkinson (illustrator of album sleeves for Marillion, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, The Darkness), and the winner will have their work professionally framed, lit, and hung in the RAM Gallery on-site next August. In addition to this honour, the winner will bag a pair of weekend festival tickets, a personal tour of the RAM Gallery on-site with Paul Gregory, and the potential to watch 3 songs from the side of the stage of the band they’ve chosen to create their artwork for (subject to closed stages).

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Bloodstock Open Air 2021 Adds Mercyful Fate and Dimmu Borgir!


 

Bloodstock Open Air, rebooked for 2021, has announced a new headliner! The great Heavy Metal legends Mercyful Fate, featuring King Diamond, will headline the Ronnie James Dio stage on Saturday, along with Dimmu Borgir as special guests. Watch a new trailer now!
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Bloodstock Open Air Postponed Until 2021, Bands Announced and an Extra Day Booked


It seemed inevitable, but Bloodstock Open Air has been postponed until 2021. The festival made a statement today announcing the move, caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The fest will freeze 2021 prices for the next six months fro those who have yet to buy tickets for the next fest, at which point they will rise. They also released a video statement from Rob Halford of Judas Priest, still the headliner in 2021, and updated poster and fest trailer. Continue reading