Ten Bands You Should Check Out At Bloodstock 2026 – EMP 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 EMP Stage.

Brendan – Vanitas (Friday)

Vanitas are a symphonic progressive metal band hailing from Birmingham, and they are a band I have been a fan of since their debut release back in 2022. They use their symphonic edge to build an immersive fantasy-like world around their music, inspired by anime and gaming, then, once you are fully immersed, hit you with their heaviness. Technical guitars, harsh and clean vocals and plenty of catchiness are bound to leave watchers transfixed at times, head banging and pitting at others. They are a band still on a very promising upwards trajectory and I’m excited to see what they bring to the EMP Stage this year.

Carl – After Smoke Clears (Friday)

A banging modern metalcore band with a polish that makes them sound like they’re been doing this for far longer than they actually have. While it remains to be seen just what the new and improved EMP stage looks like and how its new position works for sound, I have no doubt that these guys will be one of the nosiest of the weekend. I also reckon they’re going to pull in a huge crowd.

Carl – Change Persona (Friday)

I don’t know much about them, but I like the sound of them. Offering up an electrifying blast of melodic punk with hardcore twists that should create some fun carnage at this stage. The kind of show that has intensity, but leaves a smile on the face.

Brendan – Dosed (Saturday)

While it’s hardly a surprise to see a band that have hardcore elements at Bloodstock these days, it’s rarer for me to be excited to see them. Dosed I like a lot though. I don’t know them very well, to be honest, it’s only through pre-Bloodstock playlists that I have come to listen to them and enjoy them but the South Wales band have more of that old school sound where it leans heavily into punk and crossover thrash to create the “core” sound I do love. Reminding me of bands like Shai Hulud, I love their energy and their aggression backed by immense riffs and drums – these guys should be awesome.

Carl – Troll Mother (Saturday)

When I first saw the name, I figured Troll Mother would probably be a folk metal band. What I didn’t expect was sludge, and sludge that comes warped by power and metal. This duo make heavy music, and it is bloody captivating stuff. This going to be a weird one, but one to remember.

Brendan – Cancel the Transmission (Saturday)

I’m not normally a big fan of hard rock but thanks to adding bands to the pre-Bloodstock playlist, I have really found myself enjoying Cancel The Transmission. The Cardiff based band do a really good job of balancing the more traditional hard rock sound with a more modern edge to bring plenty of riffs and heaviness, lots of energy and a sing along quality. There are some real anthems, and I adore the song Gotta Get Away. I am really looking forward to seeing how their sound translates live.

Carl – Aethoria (Sunday)

The EMP stage is really strong (again) and all because of bands like this. A hard rock band that I think is already good enough to be playing bigger stages at this festival. Do not miss Aethoria, you will regret it as it might be the EMP set that is talked about for years to come afterwards.

Brendan – Following the Signs (Sunday)

Following The Signs are bringing a whole heap of heaviness over from Cork City, Ireland with a sound that blends progressive, groove and modern metal into a precise and intense assault. I really got into them through their EP Evolve that came out earlier this year and am really looking forward to seeing and hearing them perform live. I became a little obsessed with the title track of that EP, Evolve, so am really hoping to see that one in the set list too.

Carl – Stitched (Sunday)

How’s about some heavy, beastly, and downright angry sounding hardcore to wreck the EMP stage this year? Stitched have us covered and they might be the perfect band to inject some energy into tired minds, bodies, and souls. They go f**king hard. What more do you need to know!?

Brendan – Wrex (Sunday)

Brighton’s Wrex are a band that I am excited to see. They are a bit of something different that I wouldn’t necessarily normally go out of my way to see on a standard tour. That’s part of the great things about festivals – you get to check out things you may not check out otherwise. What I have found, while listening to them in advance of the festival is that they are wildly creative combining many genres from pop to electro to hardcore to create a really unique sound that screams modern. I’m excited to see how this translates live.