Bloodstock 2026 Band Feature: Chekhov’s Gun
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 Chekhov’s Gun!
First things first, tell us a little bit about yourself. How and when did you get started?
So we formed in 2024 with the first iteration of Chekhov’s Gun consisting of Joshua Roberts on Guitar, James Muir on Bass, Ruben Hope on Drums and Ignas Sakuro on Vocals/Guitar. We met in various ways: two of us are pals from high school, one from university, and one miraculously from Facebook. We got very lucky finding Ignas via Facebook as that site can be a cesspit at times. Then later down the line in 2025 we finalised the lineup with violist Kasia Jurek and Lara Andrews on Cello.
When we formed, thrash music was the plan — taking influence from Metallica, Slayer, Carcass etc. But plans change when you realise you’re having more fun writing weird prog riffs, mucking around with synths, and arranging for cello and violin. We’ve not abandoned our thrash roots though; it’s just evolved into something a bit different.
Someone comes to you and asks you to sum up what kind of music you play – what do you tell them?
We’re a progressive metal band inspired by the likes of Opeth, King Crimson, Death and Cardiacs. We’ve got a gothic style to our music too. This gothic influence is most likely because of the city we write, practice and perform in. The architecture of Edinburgh really is something special, and with the castle always looming in the background you can’t help but feel the influence of a dark past. So basically, if you like weird experimental music, metal and gothic architecture, you should like us.
How has playing Bloodstock 2026 come about?
We battled our way through the M2TM Scotland competition to secure our slot. It was tough — we’ve attempted the M2TM competition a couple of times before but with no luck. This time we really pushed ourselves to secure our place at Bloodstock. Having violin and cello really gave us a leg up compared to previous years, and we made sure to improve the overall atmosphere of the performance with new stage garb and some ballroom dancing courtesy of our frontman and his dance partner. We also put serious thought into the overall flow and presentation, crafting a seamless, unique musical journey complete with eerie interludes and a dramatic opening and close.
What does it mean for you to play the festival this year?
Everything! Being able to say we’re playing at the same festival as Priest, Cryptopsy, Sepultura is beyond amazing and really is a dream coming to fruition.
What’s the setlist looking like and can we expect any surprises?
Aye, we’ve got some cards up our sleeve. Expect a seamless show that should suck you into our world for half an hour and won’t let you go! There are no gaps between tunes, just one continuous symphony of sickness!
Who are you looking forward to seeing, provided they don’t clash with your set?
I personally really want to see Battlesnake. I love all that Thin Lizzy harmonised guitar stuff, their tunes are absolutely stellar and a lot of fun! And being part Aussie myself, I’ve got to give my brothers from down under some love!
Of course we’re hyped to see all the other heavy hitters like Judas Priest, Sepultura, Body Count, Cryptopsy, Municipal Waste — just to name a few.
We’ll also be checking out our fellow Scots, Hammer and Party Cannon, who are always killer!
Ignoring the obvious (tent, sleeping bag, toilet roll, etc.) what’s one thing you should always take with you to a festival and why?
Me and Kasia always take our SOFT FLASK 500 (or the flaccid flask as we like to call it). It freaks everyone else out for some reason, but it’s actually super practical ’cause you can drink all that nectar and then stash it in your pocket rather than carrying a clunky bottle around all day. And it doubles as a water pistol or portable bidet!
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?
Our resident Geordie loves a Newcastle Brown Ale or a coffee. Our guitarist Joshua is also a caffeine fiend, and our Scottish bassist loves a Tennants Lager! Ignas lives off Huel, so that’s him covered for food and drink in one go. Kasia drinks any kind of herbal tea she can brew.
Chekhov’s Gun play the New Blood stage on the Sunday of the festival. Limited Bloodstock tickets are on sale now and you pick them up here.
