(Transcription by Ross)
Blaakyum came all the way from Lebanon to play at this year’s Bloodstock, to headline the New Blood stage. We caught up with them as they shared their feelings of playing in the UK, their thoughts on the festival and next year’s already announced headliners, alongside their future plans. Read on for the full transcription…
Is this your first time at Bloodstock? What do you think of it so far?
Yeah. We’re enjoying it; it’s a great festival, accessible. The atmosphere is incredibly positive and friendly. It’s like a dream weekend.
How does it feel to be headlining the New Blood stage?
We didn’t even know we were until three days ago! We’re just playing like everyone else. It’s a big honour; it’s our first time in the in the UK in ten years. Ten years ago, Blaakyum came to the UK to compete in the global battle of the bands. We played at the Underworld in Camden and the Electric Ballroom. But now we’re coming as an actual metal band playing at a metal festival, surrounded by metal fans. This by itself is incredible! Mainly because in our country metal is not… loved. Being surrounded by people like you, you don’t have to worry how they’re going to look at you or if they’re going to arrest you.
What are some of the bands you’ve seen? Who are you looking forward to seeing?
Bassem: Kreator, Testament, Havok because they’re the thrash bands; Havok is one of my all-time favourites. It’s sad they had to cut their set but it was brilliant. Amon Amarth – it’s the first time I’ve actually watched them and it’s a fucking huge set. Looking forward – Skindred, I’ve never seen them live. Megadeth, of course. Personally, I hope I can catch Obituary. I’m not sure if I will because we’re playing. And Hell. Because Andy Sneap’s performed with them and I’m a big fan of him for all of his production abilities.
Rabih: For me, it’s most of the bands he said. I’m going to miss Arch Enemy… it’s ok. I might not, they’re on the left side of our stage so I might go down and have a peak.
Hassan: I actually really enjoyed Fallujah even though they were playing pretty early on the main stage. Soilwork were also good, Decapitated were great, Whitechapel were awesome, too. I’m hoping I can catch Obituary and Possessed.
Elie: For me, it’s all of the same bands they all named before and Hatebreed. We had a good discovery in the Jägermeister tent with Electric Mother. Nice fellows and their music is very energetic. We saw so many in the New Blood tent, I’ve forgotten the names!
What do you reckon has led to Bloodstock selling out this year?
Bassem: We’re not very well-learned in the British scene to know what’s going on. My guess is the last few years, festivals have started spreading like ants; all over the place. I think that contributed to many of them collapsing while the festivals that held on were the ones doing it right, giving the people what they want. Ever since we discussed going the UK, everyone would say: “Bloodstock, that’s where you have to go”. Also the fact it’s all metal. Other festivals like are mixed. It’s held on, all these years, getting better and better.
Rabih: I don’t think it will ever stop as my brother said because we have been to a good number of festivals but the moment you come here, the atmosphere is different. The way the people talk to you, the staff are different, you meet the security guys and they’re so friendly; they say “Thank you” when you show them your wristband. It’s friendly, pure metal. I think someone who has been to this and other metal festivals would rate this as the best. I think in ten years, the festival will still be going on, bigger and bigger.
Is there anything you’d change?
Bassem: Maybe. Maybe for the artists… like a special catering area where the food is cheaper. The fact you have two main stages and the New Blood stage and the Jägermeister tent and the way they put it all together; it’s brilliantly thought out; everything falls into place. Even the small stage in the Serpent’s Lair (VIP). Whoever organised it this way is too brilliant for us to give any tips to.
Rabih: I’ve heard from a lot of people that the sound quality at the main stage varies because of the wind. I’m not a technician, I don’t know if it can be fixed. Speaking more of an upgrade than a change, if the festival got any bigger, the sound on the Sophie and New Blood stages could be a bit louder. I was watching a band yesterday and the tent was full and if you’re not in the middle…
What did you think of last night’s announcements?
Bassem: Personally, I consider Gojira as today’s kings of metal; they’re incredible. I used to be a big Nightwish fan when Tarja was with them. I’ve not listened to them in a long time. Gojira – that’s a bullseye!
Rabih: Going from the reaction when people heard Nightwish, a lot of people booed. A lot of people were happy when they got announced and then they got pissed off when they saw they were headlining… I don’t know.
If you had to book the acts for next year, who would you ask?
Rabih: Candlemass, I think would do a great show onstage. Machine Head would be a very good pick. Onslaught, I think they played here before…
Bassem: I think if they headlined, it would be a massive thrash killer show. Especially taking the history into consideration; one of the pioneers of the British thrash scene. Maybe Havok, put them as a co-headliner…
Rabih: Nine Foot Ninja. It’s a new band but they’re really fucking awesome. Maximum the Hormone, if it’s possible to get them from Japan.
What has the band got planned for the rest of the year?
Sleep! [laughs] We head into the studio in January to record our third album. We’re going to do it in Italy so we might get shows around there. My hope is through Bloodstock and after our performance, we can get a UK tour going on because this is the birthplace of heavy metal, it’s where we want to be around.
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