It’s that time of year again, when in the run-up to Bloodstock we endeavour to interview every band gracing the Sophie Lancaster, New Blood and Jägermeister stages from 8th – 11th August 2019. This means you’ve got a chance to read up on all your favourite bands set to play over the weekend and decide which new ones you’ll want to check out.
As ever, we’re predicting some horrible clashes because, true to form, there are some great bands across all three stages so you should start planning who you want to see.
Our thanks to all the bands for taking the time out to answer our questions!
Xero – New Blood Stage, Friday
Simple things first – where are you guys from?
We are all originally from Newcastle, although we have been living in Guildford for the last 5 years.
How long have you been playing together as a band?
The current line-up has been active for 4 years.
Where does the name of the band come from?
After a long-winded band discussion, XERO was the only name we came up with that didn’t sound shit.
Describe your music. What makes you unique?
We would describe it as alternative metal with prog influences. Our progressive influences result in us playing with odd time and meters, but we always try to make it groovy and accessible, so that the songs maintain their musicality.
What’s your live show like? Why are people going to watch you instead of another band?
A powerhouse quartet full of energy and gurn-inducing alt-metal grooves – if that’s your thing come have a swing!
Have you been to Bloodstock before? What did you think?
This will be the whole band’s first time at Bloodstock!
Which M2tM region did you win, or did you come through other channels?
We won the guest slot at the Metal 2 The Masses London.
Can you put into 10 words or fewer how it felt when you realised you were heading to Bloodstock?
No words – just this face.
What sort of setlist can we expect?
30 minutes of the heaviest, grooviest, sludgiest music we can conjure up.
Which other bands do you most hope you’re not squished up next to so you can see them play?
We are massively influenced by Tesseract, so we definitely wouldn’t want to miss them. We’re also really looking forward to seeing fellow Guildford based band Blind River.
What are you working on at the moment?
We are currently writing more material in preparation for a future release. Keep your eyes peeled for a new single on the horizon!
What’s the wildest thing you’ve seen or done at a live show?
We played a gig where someone stood on a table shirtless and stage dived straight into the floor.
What drink do you throw back to get yourself fired up before going on stage?
Lemon, Ginger and Honey mixed together in some hot water!
Xero: official | facebook | instagram | youtube
