Bloodstock S.O.P.H.I.E. Stage Recommendations

Every year I give people my recommendations for bands to watch during the Bloodstock weekend, and to their utmost credit, they usually humour me by actually doing so. It is at this point that it can go one of two ways: either they like the band or the lack of pre-knowledge of the band's material means that they are not grabbed at all or become quickly bored.

With 2014 being the strongest Bloodstock line-up yet and probably the strongest festival line-up I've ever been lucky enough to experience, there are almost too many bands to make time for. I mean, we have to eat and drink, right?!  So, this year, to make it easier to plan beer and noodles around the bands, I'm going to share my list of the top 5 second stage bands I think shouldn't be missed at this year's fest and it's up to you 'orrible lot what you do with the information. Some of the bands you may be familiar with and some you won't, but have a listen and decide for yourself if you're going to join me at the left-hand side of the stage.

Jaldaboath

Start your weekend off early with the excellent (and hilarious), Jaldaboath who play on the Thursday night. As a fan since the first demo and after watching him (them) play a support slot for Svartsot in February, I know that this is going to be a beer-fueled, mayhem filled set of Monty Python influenced "Knights Templar Metal" from the former Meads Of Asphodel man. Laughter and sing-a-longs guaranteed. Definitely not to be missed.

Skyclad

The "originators of Folk Metal" (and my all-time favourite band, incidentally) may lack a little of their vintage bite without Martin Walkyier on the mic, but with long-time producer and now long-time vocalist, Kevin (yes, Kevin) Ridley at the helm, you can still expect an energetic blast through the band's impressive back catalogue. This is likely to be a crowd-pleasing "best of" set from these hoary old veterans and one that will be brimming over with intelligent and passionate Folk Metal. If you don't leave dripping with sweat and with a smile on your face then you are probably an elitist Black Metal fool.

Rotting Christ

These Greek, Mustaine-botherers should be at the top of any self-respecting Metal Fans list of bands to see this August. With a career spanning 2 decades and with recent albums tapping into the traditional music of their homeland, Rotting Christ bring something completely different to the table and will definitely be at Bloodstock to put on a show. I, for one, will be right down the front. OK, near the front. I'm not as young as I once was. I'm nearly 38, you know.

Winterfylleth

Yes, Winterfylleth might be (relatively) old hands at this Bloodstock lark by now and many of you will have already seen them, but with their very British take on Pagan Black Metal, they are a real force to be reckoned with. Sadly, they are playing in the middle of Friday's line-up, where a late night slot would have been more fitting for their epic, sprawling songs. That said, their no-frills, no gimmick stage presence will be enough to win over the doubters.

The Mercy House

This young British act combine an obvious love of Grunge with more Metal-friendly acts such as Queensryche and old-school Skid Row and although the influences may be tried and tested, TMH deliver their unique blend of styles with an energy and passion that many bands can only dream of. These guys should be huge - and who knows, after Bloodstock, they just might be.