Bloodstock Bound: Moon Reaper
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 Moon Reaper!
The Razor's Edge: Please introduce yourself and your band mates.
Moon Reaper: Moon Reaper are a five piece upcoming metal band from the City of Bristol. Formed by Morgan (lead guitar, vocals) in 2018, we have since recruited Aidan on bass, James on Drums, Şirin on vocals and Jarrad on rhythm guitar.
The Razor's Edge: How would you describe your style of metal?
Moon Reaper: Blackened Hardcore Doom. If you don't like genre labels then imagine the atmospherics and riffing of Conjurer, mixed with the crushing brutality of Black Tongue and Malevolence.
The Razor's Edge: How did you land your spot on the Bloodstock bill?
Moon Reaper: We won the Bristol division of M2TM.
The Razor's Edge: How tough was the competition this year?
Moon Reaper: There was tough competition, but thankfully we are friends with the other finalists in Smile More, Froglord, Urzah and Virtual Reality so there was no bad blood. We hope to see them return to compete again and support their every success.
The Razor's Edge: What does playing at Bloodstock mean to you?
Moon Reaper:
[Morgan] Bloodstock is my spiritual home, a synergy of everything I love about life. To be on the other side of the barrier is mind-blowing.
[Aidan] I’ve been attending Bloodstock every year since 2012 so this is truly the culmination of a decade of dreams for me.
[James] Honestly it’s surreal, probably the crowning moment in my career so far.
[Şirin] It means the absolute world! Bloodstock is the event that I am most excited about going to every single year, it is by far my favourite festival that I have been to. For years it has been a dream to perform there, it still hasn’t fully sunk in that we are playing this year. Seeing our name on the poster blows my mind, I am truly honoured that we get to represent the city of Bristol this year!
[Jarrad] European metal festivals are one of the reasons I moved over here. Can't believe I'll be playing on my first time to Bloodstock.
The Razor's Edge: For people who’ve never seen you live, what can they expect at Bloodstock?
Moon Reaper: Music for the sound of a thousand dying stars. There will not be a still body in the crowd or a head left un-banged. One moment you will be slowly nodding to an atmospheric black metal passage, before being launched into a beatdown of cosmic proportions. Let the apocalypse commence.
The Razor's Edge: What day are you performing?
Moon Reaper: Friday afternoon
The Razor's Edge: What other bands are you looking forward to watching at Bloodstock this year?
Moon Reaper: [Morgan] Fit for an Autopsy, Gaerea, Tuskar and Urne
[Aidan] Helloween, Brothers of Metal and Triptykon playing Celtic Frost.
[James] Meshuggah, Sacred Reich, Gutalax, Embodiment
[Jarrad] Megadeth, Abbath and Sacred Reich
[Şirin] Knocked Loose, Crowbar, Tuskar, and Meshuggah
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?
Moon Reaper: Most of our setlist comes from our upcoming album, which we are keen to record this year.
In the shorter term, we have some shows in Bristol and Swindon to look forward to at the end of the Summer and are hoping to play in a bunch of new cities throughout the year.
The Razor's Edge: Are you camping with the fans? Which campsite are you heading for?
Moon Reaper: [Morgan] I’ll be in Artists’ camping, mainly for the experience. However, you’ll catch me on the hallowed grounds of Midgard every day.
[Aidan] I will be camping with my wife in Midgard.
[James] I’ll be in artists’ camping. It’s my first festival!
[Şirin] I’ll be staying in Artists’ this year given we have the opportunity to but I will certainly be spending plenty of time in Midgard to see our Bloodstock family!
[Jarrad] I've got to take the chance to sample the artist camping
The Razor's Edge: You’ve gotta keep hydrated at Bloodstock, what is your drink of choice for the weekend?
Moon Reaper: [Morgan] Got to be an authentic Lemmy’s bar Whiskey & Coke.
[Aidan] Hobgoblin, obviously 😉
[James] Give me a Lucozade Sport any time of day.
[Şirin] Before we perform I'll be sticking to water but after our set I will certainly be celebrating with one of Bloodstock's signature cocktails and a classic Whiskey & Coke at Lemmy’s Bar with Morgan!
[Jarrad] It'll be a bad weekend to be a beer
The Razor's Edge: See you at Bloodstock in a few weeks!
Moon Reaper: You couldn't keep us away if you tried. Catch you there!
