The Bloodstock Metal 2 The Masses competition stands as a quintessential platform within the metal music community, fostering emerging talents and unearthing the raw energy of the underground Metal scene. Torchbearer were one of the bands to emerge victorious.
Bloodstock 2023 – Torchbearer
A first venture of the weekend to The New Blood Stage for the winners of the South Wales Metal to the Masses, Torchbearer. The quartet draw a decent crowd and put in a commanding, confident show.
Their aural assault is a mix of crushing Hardcore mixed with Death Metal that ensures pits are yet again ignited. It may be smaller than the swirling chaos that has unfolded through the day in front of the main stage, but those involved are as dedicated as any others.
Singer Andy Mansel seems unsure whether to dive into the crowd. His frequent forays to the barrier caused some consternation amongst the pit crew. Playing tracks from two EPs and their album Solace, they grab their 30 minutes to make a giant boot-sized imprint in the festival.
It flies by, but the mass cheers at the end make it all worthwhile. This is a band that could cause a genuine splash in the Metal world.
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 £165. 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.