Ten Bands You Should Check Out At Bloodstock 2026 – Ronnie James Dio Stage

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. Yes, we know we say that every year, but this year really does feel like it. It’s going to be an immense weekend of head banging, circle pitting, two stepping, and singing and shouting our hearts out. Will you be there with us?

We hope so, and while (as always) we hope to see every band on the bill, we all know that simply isn’t possible, but we’re going to try, especially as there are so many great bands. How about you though? Who are you going to be checking out? Do you need a little guidance? Some bands, that maybe you’re not sure about, that we could recommend for you? Perhaps per stage?

Guess what!? We got you. Here are ten bands (five chosen by Carl, five chosen by Brendan) we think you should check out on the New Blood Stage.

Brendan – Evil Scarecrow (Thursday)

Okay, considering I have seen Evil Scarecrow a huge amount of times, you would be forgiven for questioning why I am excited to see them still when there are so many other bands around I haven’t seen before. Put simply, there are two reasons. The first is simply that they are always excellent bringing a glorious mix of humour and heavy music to brighten up anyone’s day. The second is an excuse I get to use a lot these days – my daughter is too young to see a lot of these bands play because many of the venues I have seen them at don’t allow under 16’s. So, this is her first time, she is hyped and that adds so much to my excitement levels.

Carl – Party Cannon (Friday)

Are you ready to break some world records!? Party Cannon, purveyors of nonsense and chaos, will be aiming to break six, and each is as absurd as the other. What do you expect though? It’s the dumbest band on the planet and they’re playing the main stage of Bloodstock. How amazing is that? It’s more than deserved though and I reckon this is going to be one of the most fun sets of the entire weekend.

Carl – Municipal Waste (Friday)

Last time Municipal Waste played Bloodstock, I thought they were a ton of fun, so I’m envisioning another hyperactive, thrashy, heavy, and fun show here. Although I won’t be partaking, the sight of tons of people going over the barrier should be quite something too. Remember kids, Municipal Waste are going to f**k you up.

Brendan – Urne (Saturday)

Local London lads, Urne, are a band we have been fans of and supported since the very beginning and have seen them play at festivals, including Bloodstock, and at many local shows. They are a powerhouse live, and our last time seeing them at their homecoming show in London saw their first gig as a 4 piece where they were immense and just sounded more powerful than ever. I can’t wait to feel that power and emotion hit me when they take the stage and these are another band where my daughter’s excitement to finally see them as really adding to the magic for me.

Carl – Inhuman Nature (Saturday)

There’s nothing like an early morning blast of thrash and heavy metal to clear the cobwebs and Inhuman Nature are the perfect band to deliver on this. It’s going to be loud, it’s going to be energetic, and it’s going to be leave everyone with some serious neck ache. A main stage opening slot they more than deserve.

Brendan – Imperial Age (Saturday)

Imperial Age are a band I really admire, especially from a DIY and a work ethic perspective and to see that hard work paying off and them landing a slot on the main stage is awesome. This year at Bloodstock they also seem to be one of very few symphonic/power metal bands at the festival. Musically, they are superb and super tight too with a much heavier sound overall live too. All of that, coupled with it having been a couple years since I last saw them, at the band’s own Imperial Age Fest in London, means I am very excited to see them again.

Carl – Graphic Nature (Sunday)

This is going to be special. Graphic Nature are beasts live and have all the potential to blow away a ton of other bands on this stage with their nu-core sound. It is going to be fascinating to see how they handle a stage this size, but I reckon they’re going to command it. I also think they’re going to win themselves a ton of new fans too.

Brendan – Orbit Culture (Sunday)

I love these guys and have still not had an opportunity to see them. Unfortunate dates, and festival appearances at festivals I can’t get to mean it just hasn’t happened – until now. I’m very excited to see these guys tear it up and am expecting it to be brilliant, especially considering their current form with recent releases like Death Above Life and Descent being tow of my favourite albums of the last decade.

Carl – Kittie (Sunday)

As much as I am looking forward to seeing Kittie at Bloodstock for nostalgic reasons, they’re not here because they’re a nostalgic act and that pleases me. They’re at the top of their game right now, but I’m also looking forward to losing my s**t and singing along loudly to some old school heaviness.

Brendan – Body Count (Sunday)

I’m sure a bucket list band for many people – me included. Body Count have been around so long, standing tall and doing things their way. They aren’t a band I listen to daily, but I love a lot of their output, I back their political standpoints and love their story. Another one I am really looking forward to seeing and I’m sure these guys will put on one hell of a show and pull one hell of a crowd. I imagine it will be tough for anyone playing up against them on other stages.