Bloodstock 2026 Band Feature: Groom The Giant
Where does the time go!? Once again, Bloodstock is right around the corner, and once again, it is shaping up to be one the best festivals of the year. Not just because there are a variety of bands spread across its main two stages, not just because it is packed with fun things to do, great food and drink to enjoy, and tons of likeminded people to experience it all with, but because it champions the future of the scene with its New Blood and EMP stages. Where unsigned bands, some handpicked, but most coming through the Metal 2 the Masses events, get to play the festival.
It can be an absolute gamechanger for a band to play the New Blood or EMP stages and plenty have gone on to bigger and brighter things. We know, we’ve been paying a lot of attention to that side of things for a long time now, and every year, tried to feature as many bands playing as we could. While we can’t promise that we will see all these bands at the festival, we can promise that you will find a wealth of talent should you wander over to either.
Who knows, you may even end up finding your new favourite band.
It’s almost time for BOA 2026, so it’s time to get to know some of bands who will be playing the New Blood Stage or the EMP stage. This is Groom the Giant!
First things first, tell us a little bit about yourself. How and when did you get started?
We’re Groom The Giant, a four piece from North Wales. Jake (guitar/vocals) and Taran (keyboards/vocals) first started the project a few years ago. The current line up with myself (another Jake) on bass and Laz on drums, we’ve spent the last four years writing, gigging and trying to get in front of as many people as possible.
Someone comes to you and asks you to sum up what kind of music you play – what do you tell them?
We’ve always called it Wizard Grunge. It’s mainly rooted in stoner rock, but we pull influences from metal, psychedelia, grunge and classic rock. We like big riffs, big grooves and catchy melodies, so if you enjoy any of those, you’ll probably have a good time!
How has playing Bloodstock 2026 come about?
We earned our place by winning the Wrexham Metal 2 The Masses competition. The standard was incredibly high, so to come away with the Bloodstock slot was an amazing feeling.
What does it mean for you to play the festival this year?
It’s a huge milestone for us. Bloodstock is one of those festivals every UK metal band knows about, so to be part of it is pretty surreal. Hopefully it’s the first of many big festivals, and it’s a great opportunity to introduce Groom The Giant to people who’ve never heard us before.
What’s the setlist looking like and can we expect any surprises?
We’ve packed it with the songs that always seem to get the best reaction live. If you’ve never seen us before, we want you to leave knowing exactly what Groom The Giant is about. As for surprises… you’ll just have to turn up on Sunday and find out!
Who are you looking forward to seeing, provided they don’t clash with your set?
Lamb Of God are right at the top of the list for me. It’s been a few years since I last saw them, so I’m really looking forward to that. I’m also hoping to catch Bad Earth. They’re another Wrexham band, who won MT2M last year, and they’re brilliant live.
Ignoring the obvious (tent, sleeping bag, toilet roll, etc.) what’s one thing you should always take with you to a festival and why?
Your wizard hat of course!
It’s post-set, you’re packed away and your press is all done. It’s finally time to kick back and relax, what are you drinking and what are you eating?
First step is a beer. After that… probably another beer. The first festival I went to, I’m pretty sure I survived entirely on burgers and chips. Festival food has come a long way since then though, so I’ll have to wander around and see what’s on offer. If that fails, a burger.
Groom the Giant play the New Blood stage on the Sunday of the festival. Limited Bloodstock tickets are on sale now and you pick them up here.
