Bloodstock Metal To The Masses South Wales 2019 – Heat 1 Preview
2018 saw one of the most dramatic and intense series of events as local bands fought it out to qualify for the Holy Grail of a coveted spot on the New Blood Stage at Catton Hall. As we know (because they never fucking shut up about it!), Democratus were crowned winners with the death metal of Cranial Separation nicking a Jagermeister Stage slot. Both bands worked incredibly hard to get to the final and Bloodstock and both represented South Wales magnificently when they had their 30 minutes.
2018 saw one of the most dramatic and intense series of events as local bands fought it out to qualify for the Holy Grail of a coveted spot on the New Blood Stage at Catton Hall. As we know (because they never fucking shut up about it!), Democratus were crowned winners with the death metal of Cranial Separation nicking a Jagermeister Stage slot. Both bands worked incredibly hard to get to the final and Bloodstock and both represented South Wales magnificently when they had their 30 minutes.
This year we thought we’d preview each heat with a brief interview with some of the bands who are fighting it out to get into the next round. Ten standard questions, sent to the bands in advance, and no word count on how much they sent back. Let’s start at the beginning. Heat 1 and a vicious group of death to kick proceedings off on 15th February at Fuel. This will be a tough one with the experience of Blind Divide, finalists in 2018 going toe to toe with the extreme metal of Swansea’s Sepulchre, fellow Swansea stoner/doom merchants Urfe and the big heavy sound of King Kraken.
Blind Divide
We start our journey with the guys from Blind Divide and a potted history of the band from vocalist James.
Blind Divide
We start our journey with the guys from Blind Divide and a potted history of the band from vocalist James.
“Blind Divide started out as another metal band in 2006 founded by a Russian called Pav. In 2007 Pav was deported and the remaining members formed Blind Divide, two of the remaining members are in the band to this day”.
Introduce us to the current line-up: “The current line-up has been in place since 2017 and is James Birkett – Vocals, Adam Duffield – Guitar, James Ponsford – Guitar, Declan McCabe – Bass, and Anthony Ellis – Drums
Describe the band’s sound “Straight up metal with progressive and thrash elements with a hint of groove”. And who are the main influences for the band? “Gojira, Lamb Of God, Mastodon, Rombonoscop” [this is going to run and run]
Lemmy once said “if we moved in next door your grass would die”. If you moved in next door, what would happen to my lawn? “For a princely sum we would maintain it beautifully”. [do you trust Blind Divide to have honed horticultural skills? Not a green finger amongst them … then again, let’s move on quickly!]
So, what prompted you to apply for the M2TM competition? “Gluttons for punishment? We enjoy this competition every year it happens, regardless if we're competing or not. It always brings the best out in our scene and we're happy to be a part of it! “
What can we expect at Fuel? “Great deals on surplus E.Ps and t-shirts, we’ve written some new material for you lovely people too!”
There is a strong line-up this year and the competition will be fierce. It’s great to have a healthy Welsh Metal scene. Playing this event always seems to raise the game. Tell us a few highlights for the band since you started? “One highlight for us was accidentally working with Padge from BFMV on our E.P, A happy accident that we were happy to go along with! Following M2TM last year we had the great pleasure of supporting Wind Rose which brought many bands who had competed that year back all on the same line up, that was a great night. We recently started travelling into unknown territory starting with Hereford, we were invited up by the lads From Enmerkar to do a charity show in a skatepark, which was our first open air experience and hopefully it won’t be our last!”
Have you been to Bloodstock before? If so, tell us some of your experiences; why is it such a great festival? “Both James and James went last year, this is their statement: Great atmosphere, Awesome music, Burritos and drinking horns… YES!”
And finally, tell us something unusual about each band member that you feel needs to be shared with the rest of the metal community? "James Vocals practices bloodletting and arm touching; Dec’s beard is home to many species unknown to science; James Guitar shares his DNA with a banana and slenderman; Despite being 6’2 Anthony takes a size 3 shoe; Adams hair is slowly migrating from his head to his chin."
Sepulchre
Next up those extreme metal boys (and girl) from down West, Sepulchre and guitarist Dan who gives us the background to the band. “We started back in 2006 as a 2-piece death metal band but due to work commitments quickly stopped playing in around 2007/08. In 2012 we reformed again, releasing our first album Betrayed By God with a more complete line-up playing with well-known bands such as Desecration, Sarah Jezebel Diva, Bull Riff Stampede and also a few festival parts. In 2015 -2016 we had to stop due to an accident where I could no longer play guitar (I crushed my index finger and broke my thumb). 2016 saw us reform and make a new album entitled The Great South Western Depression and we haven’t stopped gigging since!!”
The current line-up is: “Darren: Vocals and Lead/Rhythm Guitar Aimee: Drums Dan: Backing Vocals and Lead/Rhythm guitar, James: Bass”.
How would you describe the band’s sound? “Heavy thrash metal!! we have crushing riffs, fast riffs, shredding solos and guttural vocals” And who are the main influences for the band? “Slayer, Carcass, Entombed, Kreator”.
Lemmy once said “if we moved in next door your grass would die”. If you moved in next door, what would happen to my lawn? “Your lawn would be fine but your eardrums on the other hand that’s a different story; whenever we are together be it for a gig practice or just meeting up we always have a jam as that’s just what we love doing” [so the lawn will be okay – phew!]
What prompted you to apply for the M2TM competition? “We feel we were ready to play at a major festival such as Bloodstock. We’ve already got our tickets, we go almost every year and it is the best festival around”.
What can we expect from you at Fuel?“Our sets are always a surprise, even to us most of the time. I can guarantee one thing; you will enjoy it (or your money back)” [you have it in print although try and get a fiver back from Tim or Alyn and I’ll just wish you good luck!]
There is a strong line-up this year and the competition will be fierce. It’s great to have a healthy Welsh Metal scene. Playing this event always seems to raise the game. Tell us a few highlights for the band since you started. “Our Swansea shows have been amazing in the last year; the turnouts have been so impressive and seeing the same fans returning time and time again to see our set really fills me with pride. At the end of the day this band would be nothing without the fans; we love them all and it’s so great to see these people at our shows and it really seems like the music scene is really thriving now. Also, we’ve recently recorded our first full music video which for me was one of the most difficult but rewarding aspects of playing in this band.”
You’ve already said you go to Bloodstock every year so tell us some of your experiences; why is it such a great festival? “We go to Bloodstock almost every year. I don’t look at whose playing before I get tickets. I go for the atmosphere, we met Dani Filth, David Vincent and Tomas Lindberg there. I mean what more can you want from a festival except meeting your heroes and having a great time”.
And finally, tell us something unusual about each band member that you feel needs to be shared with the rest of the metal community? "Myself Dan, Aimee and James, all have no knowledge of music theory. Also, I can’t click my fingers. James is a great cook, Dans got rubbish choice in women and Aimee is a drum machine in disguise; her timing is impeccable”.
King Kraken
Introduce us to the current line-up: “The current line-up has been in place since 2017 and is James Birkett – Vocals, Adam Duffield – Guitar, James Ponsford – Guitar, Declan McCabe – Bass, and Anthony Ellis – Drums
Describe the band’s sound “Straight up metal with progressive and thrash elements with a hint of groove”. And who are the main influences for the band? “Gojira, Lamb Of God, Mastodon, Rombonoscop” [this is going to run and run]
Lemmy once said “if we moved in next door your grass would die”. If you moved in next door, what would happen to my lawn? “For a princely sum we would maintain it beautifully”. [do you trust Blind Divide to have honed horticultural skills? Not a green finger amongst them … then again, let’s move on quickly!]
So, what prompted you to apply for the M2TM competition? “Gluttons for punishment? We enjoy this competition every year it happens, regardless if we're competing or not. It always brings the best out in our scene and we're happy to be a part of it! “
What can we expect at Fuel? “Great deals on surplus E.Ps and t-shirts, we’ve written some new material for you lovely people too!”
There is a strong line-up this year and the competition will be fierce. It’s great to have a healthy Welsh Metal scene. Playing this event always seems to raise the game. Tell us a few highlights for the band since you started? “One highlight for us was accidentally working with Padge from BFMV on our E.P, A happy accident that we were happy to go along with! Following M2TM last year we had the great pleasure of supporting Wind Rose which brought many bands who had competed that year back all on the same line up, that was a great night. We recently started travelling into unknown territory starting with Hereford, we were invited up by the lads From Enmerkar to do a charity show in a skatepark, which was our first open air experience and hopefully it won’t be our last!”
Have you been to Bloodstock before? If so, tell us some of your experiences; why is it such a great festival? “Both James and James went last year, this is their statement: Great atmosphere, Awesome music, Burritos and drinking horns… YES!”
And finally, tell us something unusual about each band member that you feel needs to be shared with the rest of the metal community? "James Vocals practices bloodletting and arm touching; Dec’s beard is home to many species unknown to science; James Guitar shares his DNA with a banana and slenderman; Despite being 6’2 Anthony takes a size 3 shoe; Adams hair is slowly migrating from his head to his chin."
Sepulchre
Next up those extreme metal boys (and girl) from down West, Sepulchre and guitarist Dan who gives us the background to the band. “We started back in 2006 as a 2-piece death metal band but due to work commitments quickly stopped playing in around 2007/08. In 2012 we reformed again, releasing our first album Betrayed By God with a more complete line-up playing with well-known bands such as Desecration, Sarah Jezebel Diva, Bull Riff Stampede and also a few festival parts. In 2015 -2016 we had to stop due to an accident where I could no longer play guitar (I crushed my index finger and broke my thumb). 2016 saw us reform and make a new album entitled The Great South Western Depression and we haven’t stopped gigging since!!”
The current line-up is: “Darren: Vocals and Lead/Rhythm Guitar Aimee: Drums Dan: Backing Vocals and Lead/Rhythm guitar, James: Bass”.
How would you describe the band’s sound? “Heavy thrash metal!! we have crushing riffs, fast riffs, shredding solos and guttural vocals” And who are the main influences for the band? “Slayer, Carcass, Entombed, Kreator”.
Lemmy once said “if we moved in next door your grass would die”. If you moved in next door, what would happen to my lawn? “Your lawn would be fine but your eardrums on the other hand that’s a different story; whenever we are together be it for a gig practice or just meeting up we always have a jam as that’s just what we love doing” [so the lawn will be okay – phew!]
What prompted you to apply for the M2TM competition? “We feel we were ready to play at a major festival such as Bloodstock. We’ve already got our tickets, we go almost every year and it is the best festival around”.
What can we expect from you at Fuel?“Our sets are always a surprise, even to us most of the time. I can guarantee one thing; you will enjoy it (or your money back)” [you have it in print although try and get a fiver back from Tim or Alyn and I’ll just wish you good luck!]
There is a strong line-up this year and the competition will be fierce. It’s great to have a healthy Welsh Metal scene. Playing this event always seems to raise the game. Tell us a few highlights for the band since you started. “Our Swansea shows have been amazing in the last year; the turnouts have been so impressive and seeing the same fans returning time and time again to see our set really fills me with pride. At the end of the day this band would be nothing without the fans; we love them all and it’s so great to see these people at our shows and it really seems like the music scene is really thriving now. Also, we’ve recently recorded our first full music video which for me was one of the most difficult but rewarding aspects of playing in this band.”
You’ve already said you go to Bloodstock every year so tell us some of your experiences; why is it such a great festival? “We go to Bloodstock almost every year. I don’t look at whose playing before I get tickets. I go for the atmosphere, we met Dani Filth, David Vincent and Tomas Lindberg there. I mean what more can you want from a festival except meeting your heroes and having a great time”.
And finally, tell us something unusual about each band member that you feel needs to be shared with the rest of the metal community? "Myself Dan, Aimee and James, all have no knowledge of music theory. Also, I can’t click my fingers. James is a great cook, Dans got rubbish choice in women and Aimee is a drum machine in disguise; her timing is impeccable”.
King Kraken
Third up, the mighty stomp of King Kraken.
Drummer Richard Mears answers the questions. “The band started mid 2018 when Pete Rose advertised for musicians to form a new band to take on the local rock scene. After a few auditions and trials from people who were interested and a few tweaks, the line-up was secured. We literally started writing straight away. We already had a handful of demos and ideas flying about and have worked very hard to make them the very best they can be resulting in the very strong set we now play”.
Current line up introductions:“Malk Donoghue on Vocals, Adam Healey on Lead Guitar, Pete Rose on Rhythm and Backing Vocals. The rhythm section, Karl Meyer on Bass and Richard Mears on Drums”.
Describe the band’s sound. “Heavy, groovy, frantic and intelligent”.
And who are the band’s influences? “We have strong connection with those who obviously laid down groove and riff-based songs such as Hendrix, Sabbath, Zeppelin and Pantera but that doesn’t mean we sound like any of them. There’s probably obvious influence individually but the mixing pot is being thoroughly stirred during writing sessions helping us to hone in on “our thing”. We are in a very positive place now and are finding our own connection within the songs as you will see in the direction and delivery we produce live as well as recorded. You’ll have a twitch when we’re finished with you!”
So back to the Lemmy quote. “If we moved in next door to you, I think you’d probably have the nicest looking garden in the street, I won’t mention names but for someone in the band everything has to be in order and top notch condition, everything from choosing the right colour light for their amplifier through to which colour guitar goes with what shirt. It must match.... As I said, no names but I’m damn sure he’d be out there weeding in his tighty whities”. [Let’s hope the neighbours don’t pop their clogs for a bit yet then … not sure I’m ready for this!]
So, why did the band apply for MTTM? “We all know and keep an eye on the Bloodstock festival line-up and there’s always a mad rush trying to get tickets for any festivals we can get time off work to attend so to be in with an actual chance to play at the festival would be like winning the lottery for us, plus we’re well up for a scrap in MTTM competition. It’s good honest fun with fantastic support and is gaining momentum annually. There are some amazing bands taking part so to be able to go up against them is going to be immense! We cannot wait!”
What can we expect from you at Fuel? “What you can expect from us is heads down, dirty screaming and ripping off fingernails for a place at Bloodstock. There will be many casualties as we’re bringing an army. We aren’t taking this lightly”.
Tell us a few highlights for the band since you started. “We have been so lucky to be part of some special gigs over the past months, everything from supporting Adam Bomb during his UK tour, travelling the UK everywhere from Sheffield to Ilfracombe but the highlight for us was being chosen to support King 810 at Hobos Bridgend. What a fantastic night with comradery from everybody taking part. South Wales has an amazing family of musicians who respect and support each other and we’re enjoying being part of it! We have also written and recorded our first EP, which we are extremely proud of! (available at most online sources)”. [Nice plug lads, and a fine EP it is too]
Bloodstock experiences? “Bloodstock is presently the number one festival and being at the front row in 2017 for Megadeth was a highlight for our bassist Karl. Weekend drinking and watching amazing bands with mates is always a great feeling”.
And finally, tell us something unusual about each band member that you feel needs to be shared with the rest of the metal community. “Malk – he does a wicked impression of Tom Jones, the cowardly lion and droopy dog. Richard – finds it easier to play drums to more difficult tracks than simple ones. Pete – can’t remember people’s names for shit, the same goes for song names too. Karl – also plays with a couple of cover bands if they need a stand in. Adam - owns more shoes than all our partners put together”.
Urfe
And finally, Urfe.
Let’s start with some background. give us a potted history of the band: "Spring 2018: 2 detuned guitars met with slow thundering drum beats. life was finally breathed into a back catalogue of bedroom-riffs. put with a huge pair of lungs and a rumbling bass, and we were performing our first gig by that autumn. since then we’ve been hitting the Swansea music scene as hard as we can. "
Introduce us to the current line-up: "The massive pair of lungs at the front is Bekah. Al and Nik are on Guitar. Daf is the Drummer. and Ethan, who’s only just joined us is on the Bass."
How would you describe the band’s sound? "Big, heavy, dark. moody and riffy. And what about the main influences for the band? “…. loads. we all listen to a big variety of music. and we all have our preferences. and I think this comes through in the music. the main influences are black sabbath and their decedents; Kyuss, Electric Wizard, Acid King, Mastodon. but there’s all sorts in there; from thrash to soft jazz."
Lemmy once said “if we moved in next door your grass would die”. if you moved in next door, what would happen to my lawn? "Dunno ...maybe someone might try to smoke it …"
What prompted you to apply for the M2TM competition? "We’re just starting out- having only played our first gig in November, so we’re trying to put ourselves around a bit. we’re looking forward to playing to a new crowd at a new venue …but the chance to play at bloodstock is awesome"
Drummer Richard Mears answers the questions. “The band started mid 2018 when Pete Rose advertised for musicians to form a new band to take on the local rock scene. After a few auditions and trials from people who were interested and a few tweaks, the line-up was secured. We literally started writing straight away. We already had a handful of demos and ideas flying about and have worked very hard to make them the very best they can be resulting in the very strong set we now play”.
Current line up introductions:“Malk Donoghue on Vocals, Adam Healey on Lead Guitar, Pete Rose on Rhythm and Backing Vocals. The rhythm section, Karl Meyer on Bass and Richard Mears on Drums”.
Describe the band’s sound. “Heavy, groovy, frantic and intelligent”.
And who are the band’s influences? “We have strong connection with those who obviously laid down groove and riff-based songs such as Hendrix, Sabbath, Zeppelin and Pantera but that doesn’t mean we sound like any of them. There’s probably obvious influence individually but the mixing pot is being thoroughly stirred during writing sessions helping us to hone in on “our thing”. We are in a very positive place now and are finding our own connection within the songs as you will see in the direction and delivery we produce live as well as recorded. You’ll have a twitch when we’re finished with you!”
So back to the Lemmy quote. “If we moved in next door to you, I think you’d probably have the nicest looking garden in the street, I won’t mention names but for someone in the band everything has to be in order and top notch condition, everything from choosing the right colour light for their amplifier through to which colour guitar goes with what shirt. It must match.... As I said, no names but I’m damn sure he’d be out there weeding in his tighty whities”. [Let’s hope the neighbours don’t pop their clogs for a bit yet then … not sure I’m ready for this!]
So, why did the band apply for MTTM? “We all know and keep an eye on the Bloodstock festival line-up and there’s always a mad rush trying to get tickets for any festivals we can get time off work to attend so to be in with an actual chance to play at the festival would be like winning the lottery for us, plus we’re well up for a scrap in MTTM competition. It’s good honest fun with fantastic support and is gaining momentum annually. There are some amazing bands taking part so to be able to go up against them is going to be immense! We cannot wait!”
What can we expect from you at Fuel? “What you can expect from us is heads down, dirty screaming and ripping off fingernails for a place at Bloodstock. There will be many casualties as we’re bringing an army. We aren’t taking this lightly”.
Tell us a few highlights for the band since you started. “We have been so lucky to be part of some special gigs over the past months, everything from supporting Adam Bomb during his UK tour, travelling the UK everywhere from Sheffield to Ilfracombe but the highlight for us was being chosen to support King 810 at Hobos Bridgend. What a fantastic night with comradery from everybody taking part. South Wales has an amazing family of musicians who respect and support each other and we’re enjoying being part of it! We have also written and recorded our first EP, which we are extremely proud of! (available at most online sources)”. [Nice plug lads, and a fine EP it is too]
Bloodstock experiences? “Bloodstock is presently the number one festival and being at the front row in 2017 for Megadeth was a highlight for our bassist Karl. Weekend drinking and watching amazing bands with mates is always a great feeling”.
And finally, tell us something unusual about each band member that you feel needs to be shared with the rest of the metal community. “Malk – he does a wicked impression of Tom Jones, the cowardly lion and droopy dog. Richard – finds it easier to play drums to more difficult tracks than simple ones. Pete – can’t remember people’s names for shit, the same goes for song names too. Karl – also plays with a couple of cover bands if they need a stand in. Adam - owns more shoes than all our partners put together”.
Urfe
And finally, Urfe.
Let’s start with some background. give us a potted history of the band: "Spring 2018: 2 detuned guitars met with slow thundering drum beats. life was finally breathed into a back catalogue of bedroom-riffs. put with a huge pair of lungs and a rumbling bass, and we were performing our first gig by that autumn. since then we’ve been hitting the Swansea music scene as hard as we can. "
Introduce us to the current line-up: "The massive pair of lungs at the front is Bekah. Al and Nik are on Guitar. Daf is the Drummer. and Ethan, who’s only just joined us is on the Bass."
How would you describe the band’s sound? "Big, heavy, dark. moody and riffy. And what about the main influences for the band? “…. loads. we all listen to a big variety of music. and we all have our preferences. and I think this comes through in the music. the main influences are black sabbath and their decedents; Kyuss, Electric Wizard, Acid King, Mastodon. but there’s all sorts in there; from thrash to soft jazz."
Lemmy once said “if we moved in next door your grass would die”. if you moved in next door, what would happen to my lawn? "Dunno ...maybe someone might try to smoke it …"
What prompted you to apply for the M2TM competition? "We’re just starting out- having only played our first gig in November, so we’re trying to put ourselves around a bit. we’re looking forward to playing to a new crowd at a new venue …but the chance to play at bloodstock is awesome"
What can we expect from you at fuel? "Big riffs. big vocals. there is a strong line-up this year and the competition will be fierce."
It’s great to have a healthy Welsh metal scene. playing this event always seems to raise the game. tell us a few highlights for the band since you started. "So far, we’ve been cutting our teeth on the Swansea scene. and it seems to be going well – people are remembering our name and we’re getting loads of requests to play. my personal highlight was that Al and Ethan met for the first time when Ethan played his first gig with us! seems to sum up how quick things are moving for us. have you been to Bloodstock before? if so, tell us some of your experiences; why is it such a great festival? “unfortunately, it’s not a festival any of us have had a chance to get to yet."
And finally, tell us something unusual about each band member that you feel needs to be shared with the rest of the metal community. "Errrrrm…every one of us is at least one other band. in fact, I’ve lost count of how many bands Daf is in! we all love making music and bringing our songs on stage."
So, this is Heat 1. Of course, getting to Fuel on 15th February to make your own mind up is what is most important. It’s going to be tough; let the battle commence.
So, this is Heat 1. Of course, getting to Fuel on 15th February to make your own mind up is what is most important. It’s going to be tough; let the battle commence.