Bloodstock Bound: Deathfiend
As Bloodstock gets closer, we delve deep into the line up to find out more about some of the bands playing the New Blood and Jägermeister stages at this years event.
Today we chat with Deathfiend!
The Razor's Edge: Please introduce yourself and your band mates.
Deathfiend: Hello, I’m John Pickering, guitarist and vocalist with Deathfiend. Rick Farn plays bass guitar and Andrea Pisu plays drums.
The Razor's Edge: How would you describe your style of metal?
Deathfiend: The concept behind Deathfiend is to channel some of the influences from classic bands that we listened to when we were growing up, such as Celtic Frost, Master, Discharge, Entombed etc but with our own spin on it. Whether its death metal, thrash, doom, sludge, crust punk or hardcore, we aim to mix it all together into a heavy mix of riffs and dark atmospheres and hateful energy.
The Razor's Edge: How did you land your spot on the Bloodstock bill?
Deathfiend: I have a history with Bloodstock as I’ve worked there, behind the scenes and DJ’d there a few times. I sent a few tracks and a video link to them and they were kind enough to offer us a spot.
The Razor's Edge: What does playing at Bloodstock mean to you?
Deathfiend: We’ve always enjoyed Bloodstock for many reasons. It’s got a great mix of all types of metal. It gives you chance to see classic artists but always pushes new bands. It’s just a great event and site with a really friendly atmosphere. It’s always nice to see so many patches and battle jackets and see the passion for underground or extreme metal in a lovely green field in Derbyshire.
The Razor's Edge: For people who’ve never seen you live, what can they expect at Bloodstock?
Deathfiend: We’re a ‘power trio’ who will pummel you with heavy gargantuan riffs, fast breakneck sections and even some hypnotic psychedelic atmospheres. If you like it raw and filthy, we are the band for you.
The Razor's Edge: What day are you performing?
Deathfiend: We’ll be performing on Friday, 11th. We haven’t been given exact times yet, but we will share on our page as soon as we know…
The Razor's Edge: What other bands are you looking forward to watching at Bloodstock this year?
Deathfiend: We’re especially looking forward to watching Triptykon performing a set of Celtic Frost songs. That will be a dream come true for us. Also things like Abbath, Decapitated, Candlemass, Gatecreeper will be worth watching, while headliners Killswitch, Meshuggah and Megadeth will crush it…
The Razor's Edge: Playing the New Blood Stage is just the first stepping stone in a bands journey. What’s next in your plans for world domination?
Deathfiend: Our debut album ‘Beyond Life’ has been getting some great reviews and gigs so far have been amazing. We’ve been travelling up and down the UK getting to know some of the smaller venues around the country and meeting lots of new bands so we’re going to carry on working our way through the underground and building on what we have. Next year we’re hoping to get to Europe and Ireland aswell. We are currently recording our second album ‘Dark Rising’, which will be out early next year…
The Razor's Edge: Are you camping with the fans? Which campsite are you heading for?
Deathfiend: I’ve camped at bloodstock many times, but also, it’s only about 40 minutes away from Birmingham where we live, so I think we may be travelling back each night then returning all fresh in the morning! Not sure yet.
The Razor's Edge: How many Jager shots will you be consuming over the weekend?
Deathfiend: We can handle quite a few, but not before we play! If the gig goes well we can get shots as soon as we exit the stage…
The Razor's Edge: See you at Bloodstock in a few weeks!
Deathfiend: See you there! If you want to listen to Deathfiend of grab some merch, visit https://deathfiend.bandcamp.com/
