Bloodstock 2026 Band Feature: Vampyra
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 Vampyra!
First things first, tell us a little bit about yourself. How and when did you get started?
The band was originally formed in 2021 when we had been exiled to the human realm for crimes against the underworld. We were very bored and needed to cause as much mayhem as possible. What better way to achieve that goal than by starting a rock band? Our current lineup consists of Madame Hex on vocals, Count Venom II on guitar, Boingo the Clown on bass and Ingrid Orlok on drums.
Someone comes to you and asks you to sum up what kind of music you play – what do you tell them?
People call it music but we’re really just trying to make as much obnoxious noise as possible. It’s just unfortunate that the noise we make just happens to resemble music. Witnesses describe us as “horror punk” with catchy songs and an energetic theatrical stage show.
How has playing Bloodstock 2026 come about?
We were invited to participate in Metal 2 the Masses Kent and successfully vanquished the opposition.
What does it mean for you to play the festival this year?
We are always eager to torment new crowds. Survivors usually don’t come back to our shows, so we need to look elsewhere. We are looking forward to the carnage.
What’s the setlist looking like and can we expect any surprises?
Well, nobody knows who we are, so the entire set will be a surprise. Expect a lot of singalongs, energy, jumping, head banging and monster walks.
Who are you looking forward to seeing, provided they don’t clash with your set?
There are many bands the four of us want to see together. Judas Priest, Lamb of God, Saxon, Municipal Waste, Heavysaurus, Party Cannon, Evil Scarecrow, Wednesday 13, Kittie, Mushroomhead…just to name a few. There’s also a bunch of smaller bands we know and want to support such as Archaea, Redeemon, Concrete Age, Withdrawn, Tempest Saint and Noisepicker.
Ignoring the obvious (tent, sleeping bag, toilet roll, etc.) what’s one thing you should always take with you to a festival and why?
We don’t want people to be prepared. We would rather keep the element of surprise on our side.
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?
We’re scavengers. We eat and drink whatever we can find.
Vampyra play the New Blood stage on the Saturday of the festival. Limited Bloodstock tickets are on sale now and you pick them up here.
