MetalTalk Home › Gig Reviews ›

Bloodstock 2023 / Ofnus And Elimination Beat The New Blood Dampness

Bloodstock Festival 2023 – Sunday. The morning sees a blast of dampness. Unforecast rain casts a layer of misery across Bloodstock, but this does not stop the revelry in the New Blood Tent as Ofnus and Elimination get things underway.

Ofnus

Ofnus - Bloodstock Festival 2023.
Ofnus – Bloodstock Festival 2023. Photo: Paul Hutchings/MetalTalk

As the clouds race across the sky, it’s almost perfect for the sadness that South Wales band Ofnus bring.

The New Blood Tent is pleasingly full as they launch into their nine-minute opener. Atmospheric Black Metal may not be the easy like a Sunday morning vibe that many like, but it’s perfect for me.

Ofnus - Bloodstock Festival 2023.
Ofnus – Bloodstock Festival 2023. Photo: Paul Hutchings/MetalTalk

Vocalist Will Philpott snarls, growls, and generally spreads misery as the rest of the band focuses on their sound, which is crystal clear.

Ofnus - Bloodstock Festival 2023.
Ofnus – Bloodstock Festival 2023. Photo: Paul Hutchings/MetalTalk

The crowd are appreciative, and a small but enthusiastic pit opens up, much to the surprise of most. The music grips you deep, and Ofnus make their mark.

The fact they have sold all their t-shirts less than 30 minutes after they finish tells it all.

Ofnus - Bloodstock Festival 2023.
Ofnus – Bloodstock Festival 2023. Photo: Paul Hutchings/MetalTalk

Elimination

Elimination - Bloodstock Festival 2023.
Elimination – Bloodstock Festival 2023. Photo: Paul Hutchings/MetalTalk

We are back to the Thrash as East Anglia’s Elimination brings their muscular sound to the New Blood Stage. It’s fast and furious, and the band, fronted by David Hill, don’t ease off the accelerator for a minute.

Elimination - Bloodstock Festival 2023.
Elimination – Bloodstock Festival 2023. Photo: Paul Hutchings/MetalTalk

There have been several line-up changes in recent times, but Elimination today are cohesive, and vibrant, and they deliver a blistering set that gets the heads shaking.

It’s the opposite of the Mongolian act on the main stage, but those who have made the effort enjoy every second.

Elimination - Bloodstock Festival 2023.
Elimination – Bloodstock Festival 2023. Photo: Paul Hutchings/MetalTalk

Bloodstock Festival 2023 is held over the weekend of 10-13 August 2023. MetalTalk’s Paul Hutchings and Adrian Stonley report from Catton Park.

All Photography: John Inglis and Paul Hutchings

All MetalTalk Bloodstock Festival 2023 coverage can be found at  MetalTalk.net/tag/bloodstock-2023.

Weekend early bird tickets for Bloodstock 2024 will be available to purchase at the box office on-site for ÂŁ165. This is the cheapest way to buy a 2024 ticket, minus any online booking or admin fees.

Bloodstock 2022 can be relived at MetalTalk.net/tag/bloodstock-2022.

Sleeve Notes

Sign up for the MetalTalk Newsletter, an occasional roundup of the best Heavy Metal News, features and pictures curated by our global MetalTalk team.

More in Heavy Metal

Comments

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Search MetalTalk

MetalTalk Venues

MetalTalk Venues - The Devil's Dog Digbeth
MetalTalk Venues – The Green Rooms Live Music and Rehearsal
The Patriot, Crumlin - The Home Of Rock
Interview: Christian Kimmett, the man responsible for getting the bands in at Bannerman's Bar
Cart & Horses, London. Birthplace Of Iron Maiden
The Giffard Arms, Wolverhampton

New Metal News