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With a beer in one hand and a suspicious looking burger in the other, it’s ‘once more into the breach dear friends’ as we head into the final day of Bloodstock 2012; and what a killer line up it is to see the festival out with…
Despite the early start time, there is a reasonably healthy crowd to see Corrosion Of Conformity take to the Ronnie James Dio stage. Those that have made the effort to catch the band are rewarded with a tight set that sees the trio belt out both classic and new tracks with their aplomb and, despite some sound issues nearing the end, this proves to be a perfect way to spend a Sunday morning. Bonus points go to Mike Dean for his energetic, albeit wobbly amp surfing. JH
It’s always great when you see that a New Blood band of previous years has evolved and returned on the Sophie stage. Flayed Disciple won their regional heats back in 2010 and this year their debut ‘Deathhammer’ was released, proving their worth with death/thrash fury. This afternoon sees the country boys continue to prove themselves live with an energetic set and some of the audience already knowing the latest songs. This sound is dodgy at points but once you find a top spot in the tent, the head banging is subconscious as the grooves take over. LR
For many death metal fans at the festival, the news of Deicide dropping out was disappointing, albeit predictable. However Sunday’s afternoon is still full of brutality; US titans Nile take to the stage next. It would appear they have beckoned down the Egyptian rain god as the skies begin to open, however this doesn’t dampen any spirits as they showcase new riffing rituals from their latest. As is slightly the case on open stages such as Bloodstock, the dangerously deep Karl Sanders’ vocals are slightly muffled, however his shredding is far from ignored with ‘Lashed to the Slave Stick’ sounding as terrifying as ever. LR
As The Black Dahlia Murder take to the main stage, it appears that the audience has thinned out somewhat since Nile’s performance. The band open with the song ‘A Shrine to Madness’ from their latest album ‘Ritual’ and despite a smaller audience there appears to be some hardcore fans present. However, this doesn’t appear to be enough as the band live come across as generic of the mathcore genre, especially from the over use of triggered drums. The band tries hard to get the audience engaged but overall there is something missing with this performance. GL
With Deicide pulling out, Evile are pushed up from the Sophie stage to a decent afternoon slot on the RJD stage, however the pressure certainly doesn’t get to them, especially seeing as this is their fourth Bloodstock. Once the thrash ensues, the crowd is bulging with madness and bodies flailing and one can imagine the festival organisers breathing a sigh of relief as the Sophie stage avoids total devastation. For many the Northerner’s latest instalment, ‘Five Serpents’ Teeth’ was mediocre, however it translates to the live atmosphere with ease and ballad ‘In Memoriam’ opens when the skies do, causing everyone to feel like they’re a part of an insanely emotional music video. LR
It's been some time coming, but after two failed attempts, Indian metal flag-bearers Demonic Resurrection are finally here to play a show in the UK; and as first UK shows go, what better place to play than at Bloodstock? The buzz surrounding this band means that it is a pretty packed out Sophie stage that welcomes the five-piece as they waste no time in launching into a short solid set that sees them belt out their brand melodic death metal with gusto. You can see just how much being here to play their music means to this band and, along with the response of the gathered crowd, it all makes for a truly heartening ‘you had to be there’ moment. JH
Norwegian black metal favourites Dimmu Borgir put on some of the biggest shows around, but today’s effort is a somewhat muted showing from a band that seems to be more interested in costumes than putting much effort into their performance. Sure, the sound is spot on, and the set is full of hits, but at the end of the day it’s all a bit flat and it just doesn’t grab you in the way that it should. Judging by the muted response from a large part of the crowd gathered here today, they feel the same. JH
It’s time for Dave Hunt to hobble into the spotlight for the second time this weekend, however this time he’s leaving the thrash from some truly grim blackened grind, if you wish to label as band such as Anaal Nathrakh. The tent is rammed and despite a slightly sloppy start, the necro-butchers of metal have got everyone into a frenzy with their grinding speed and shrill evil. With a preview off the new album being sneaked as well, the fans who have come over to the Sophie Lancaster tent have no regret missing Dimmu Borgir and with the addition of Dave trying to start a fight with a pit member its fair to say this band will continue serving the British scene proud. LR
If there is one man on this weekend’s bill who is truly worthy of legendary status it is Alice Cooper, and today he closes out the day’s proceedings in bombastic style. Commanding the main stage in a way that only the consummate showman can, Cooper is on top form, his voice being noticeably stronger than it has been in some time, and hits such as ‘No More Mister Nice Guy’, ‘Feed My Frankenstein’ and ‘Poison’ have the crowd eating from the palm of his hand. With an amazing ‘Schools Out’/’Another Brick In The Wall’ mash-up and a glitter bomb covered encore of ‘Elected’ closing out the set, you couldn’t ask for a better way to close out a weekend festival. Perfect. JH
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Festival Reviews 
