With Bloodstock 2025 just a few weeks away. The grounds of Catton Hall in Derby will soon be filled with thousands of heavy metal fans. All dying for their fix of live music. So with the roster of artists on Bloodstocks expansive bill semmingly growing by the year. We’ve taken a look at 2025’s amazing line-up and picked out the perfect dirty dozen to pack into your schedule!
Trivium-
Twenty years after their UK festival debut. Where they marked themselves as serious contenders. Trivum are back to headline Bloodstock once again. With heavyweight championship belts still in hand from their recent Poisoned Ascendancy Tour. Which saw the four-piece from Florida pack out some of the biggest Arenas the UK has to offer. Probably the only set of the festival that will have us all praying for Rain (iykyk). We fully expect Trivium’s showing on the Ronnie James Dio Stage to be one of the festivals most memorable moments.
Gojira-
Not everyone can lay claim to being the first ever heavy metal band to open the Olympic Games. French progressive metal masters Gojira can do more than just that though. One of the most critically acclaimed bands on this years bill. As well being only set where you’re likely to see flying whales without taking the purple Acid. Gojira’s headline performance will have to go some to top dangling from the balcony of a gothic Parisian cathedral but we have absolutely no doubts that they’ll rise to the occasion!
Machine Head-
Machine Head, or as they’re more affectionately known “Machine f**king Head” are no strangers to Bloodstock. Having topped the bill once before back in 2012. As well as returning in 2022 for one of the sweatiest secret sets ever to grace a festivals grounds. It may have been three decades since the Oakland natives dropped their earth shattering debut, Burn My Eyes. In that time Machine Head have lost none of their trademark ferocity though. With a brand new album under their belts to boot, the Bulldozer is set to crush all once again this weekend.
Breed77-
Name a band that combines the flamenco guitar flourishes of Rodrigo y Gabriella with all the punch of classic nu-metal. Go ahead, we’ll wait… Need a hint? Look no further than Gilbratars own Breed77! Part of Bloodstocks first ever open air event. Breed77 are a little piece of Bloodstock history that are making a welcome return to BOA this year. With one of the more unique sounds out of anyone on the bill this weekend, we reckon they are definitely worth your time!
Emperor-
One of black metals most influential bands, Emperor have already been stunning audiences worldwide on their recent tours of Japan, Australia and the US. Making their performance at Bloodstock this year one of the most highly anticipated sets of the weekend. The originators of symphonic black metal don’t come to the UK very often either. So, if you want to a front row seat to the birth of a genre, look no further than Bloodstocks Ronnie James Dio stage on Friday afternoon!
Ministry-
Having spent 2020/2021 squirreled away in his home studio. Industrial titan Al Jourgensen and Ministry are finally back out on the road. Bringing their unique blend of counter-culture commentary and pulverizing heavy metal back to Bloodstock this summer. Ministry are guaranteed to deliver one of the most whiplash inducing sets of the weekend. As well as being the perfect appetiser for Machine Head’s headline performance!
Paleface Swiss-
Paleface Swiss are becoming a force to be reckoned with in Heavy Music. With their latest album Cursed proving to be a smash with fans and critics alike and their sold out UK shows proving what a solid live act they are, their time on the main stage will be one of the most anticipated of the weekend. Expect beatdowns, singalongs, and more circles in the pit than there is in their native cheese, we may also see a spike in fishnet shirt sales…This will be one not to miss. (SC)
Lacuna Coil-
Italian gothic metal veterans, Lacuna Coil are back in town. With their brand new album, Sleepless Empire waiting in the wings. As well as a back catalogue that stretches back over two decades… Yes, Comalies turned twenty a few years ago and you are exactly that old. We wouldn’t count Christina Scabbia and co out of the running when it comes to providing one of the weekends biggest highlights.
Creeper-
Creeper might seem like an odd choice for this festival, but over the years we have the seen the BOA audience grow and diversify and with it the lineup as well. It makes all the sense in the world when you are masquerading as a vampire rock band that you’d play a place called Blood…Stock right? Expect 45 mins ish of theratricality, Whimsy and some of the best goth punk anthems this side of The Misfits, you can probably also, maybe expect some blood…raincoats are advised for those in the splash zone… (SC)
Mastodon-
Mastodon have had a tumultuous year. Having bid farewell to founding member Brent Hinds just a few months ago. The group haven’t slowed down their touring schedule one bit. With their performance at Bloodstock poised to polish off a spectacular run of UK shows alongside thrash metal royalty, Slayer. Giving seasoned metalheads everywhere a flashback to their Unholy Alliance tour days. As well as a coveted spot on the bill at Black Sabbaths farewell show. Meaning you can rest assured; even though they’re a full time member down, Mastodon will be warmed up and ready to go!
Heriot-
While not quite as well established as some of the names on our hitlist. Heriot have been blazing quite the trail over the past few years. From opening stages at Download Festival, to their recent addition to Jinjer’s upcoming UK tour. The Swindon based four piece have been going from strength to strength recently. Their debut album, Devoured by the Mouth of Hell was one of 2024’s most critically acclaimed metal releases too. Making them a must see at Bloodstock this year!
Kublai Khan TX-
Metalcore demolition crew, Kublai Khan TX are always a treat to watch. With some of the heaviest breakdowns in the game up their sleeves. Whipping crowds into a frenzy is something of a speciality for vocalist, Matt Honeycutt and his fellow Texans. Who are well known for their ability to incite circle pits that ought to come with their own tornado warning. You don’t just watch Kublai Kahn TX, you strap yourself in and feel the G’s!
Tickets for this years Bloodstock are dwindling fast. With many packages already completely sold out. You can browse the remaining packages here. Or, head over to the festivals approved ticket reseller, Tixel, to make sure you don’t miss out on what promises to be an awesome weekend!
For more information on Bloodstock, you can head over to the festivals official website. If you want to stay up to date on any forthcoming announcements, or just get involved in the discussion about this years line-up, you can give them a follow on social media too.
