As ever, we’re going to try and cover every single Jäger, New Blood and SOPHIE stage band before Bloodstock kicks off on August 9th. Your chance to check them out and start planning which bands to get there early for!
Trust us when we tell you that this is bound to result in some frustrating clashes because, as ever, there are some great bands on these three stages.
Our thanks to all the bands for taking the time out to answer our questions!
A Ritual Spirit – Hobgoblin New Blood Stage, Friday
Simple things first – where are you guys from?
We’re from the outskirts of Edinburgh, except Oli – he’s a Welshman – but we call ourselves an Edinburgh band.
How long have you been playing together as a band?
The band formed in 2009 and we wrote our first demo in 2010. The first show was 2011. As recently as 2016 new bassist Martin was recruited.
Where does the name of the band come from?
There were 100 names on the table but Stevie thought of Ritual Spirit. Then Oli added ‘A’ so the name would abbreviate to ARS.
Describe your music. What makes you unique?
A mixture of influences. Steven and Dave are very much metal influenced whereas Oli and Martin have a background in grunge. We think its a great combination!
What’s your live show like? Why are people going to watch you instead of another band?
Dave’s faces during his drum fills. That alone is enough… but also big riffs and getting the crowd involved.
Have you been to Bloodstock before? What did you think?
As spectators, but never played. It’s a great festival, can’t wait to play it!
Did you enter M2TM thinking you could win it? Which region did you win, or did you come through other channels?
We’ve always believed in our music so we thought we were in with a chance – but the Glasgow heats were full of fantastic bands so competition was stiff!
What sort of setlist can we expect?
Big riffs, melodic vocals and Stevie’s finger dislocating solos!
Which other bands do you most hope you’re not squished up next to so you can see them play?
Gojira, Devildriver and Suicidal Tendencies. All a must see.
What are you working on at the moment?
At the moment we are preparing for the release of a new single – and there are plans for a tour in the coming months too!
What’s the wildest thing you’ve seen or done at a live show?
Don’t know if this counts as wild really but Martin played the final of Metal 2 The Masses the same day his son was born. That was some 24 hours – pretty special!
Jager, Hobgoblin Ale, Red Bull, Kingstone Press Cider, Kaltenberg Beer or Bulleit Bourbon? And, yes, we’ll be counting all the votes!
Jager. Definitely Jager.
A Ritual Spirit: official | facebook | twitter | soundcloud | reverbnation | youtube | bigcartel
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kdupi8cHZ-A
