Five Hidden Gems On The Bloodstock Lineup

With Bloodstock Festival fast approaching, many festival-goers are beginning to plan their weekends. Trying to navigate stages, avoid clashes, and curate your own perfect festival day can be daunting. Whilst the headliners may be great, it’s important to look lower down the lineup to support lesser-known bands and find your next big obsession. 


Moth

This four-piece grunge band from Brighton will be appearing on Sunday as part of the Metal 2 the Masses finals. The group has been gigging since 2021 and gained a small yet loyal following after releasing their first single ‘We Go Again’. Their sound definitely reflects a modern spin on the iconic Seattle grunge scene of the nineties. It will be interesting to see how Moth progresses in the festival-endorsed competition. 


Kittie

Whilst this all-female metal band has enjoyed increasing popularity over the years, they still deserve as much recognition as many of their contemporaries have received. Their debut record, ‘Spit’, was released when the original lineup was still in high school, yet it doesn’t feel at all juvenile; every song is fresh and well-played. Kittie will be playing the Ronnie James Dio stage on Sunday. 


Graphic Nature

This Kent-based group describes their sound as nu-metalcore. Their 2023 album ‘A Mind Waiting To Die’ certainly helped Graphic Nature to reach a larger fanbase with breakout hits like ‘Killing Floor’. Metalcore is a well-loved genre in the current alternative sphere. Now is the perfect time for bands such as these to gain further exposure by attending festivals and attracting potential fans. 


Dream State

Ever since this group was created back in 2014, they have evolved their sound and found themselves a niche that will be enjoyed at Bloodstock. Vocalist Jessie Powell is yet another female frontwoman who’s proving there’s a space for women-led bands in metal. The Welsh band has been known to take inspiration from electronic music. They are well worth watching for people who enjoy bands like Enter Shikari and Pendulum.


Sunk

Another band appearing on Sunday’s Metal 2 the Masses finals is Sunk. The Nottingham duo have already demonstrated their worth within the punk scene. After supporting the likes of Public Image Ltd and the Steve Ignorant Band, they are no strangers to playing in front of a large crowd. Their debut EP ‘Bun This Get Sunk’ fits perfectly into the current punk scene whilst still feeling unique and memorable. 

Festivals are the perfect place to discover bands that may change your life. Make sure to check out the smaller stages, the early slots, and stick around in sparse crowds. Everyone’s favourite band started this way. Bloodstock will be taking place from the 6th to the 9th of August at Catton Park in Derbyshire.


Emily Teague

@eastereverywhere 

Image: Bloodstock 2026 Official Lineup Poster



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