Bloodstock Bound: Adfeilion
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 EMP stages at this years event.
Today we chat with Adfeilion
The Razor's Edge: Please introduce yourself and your band mates.
Adfeilion: We are Adfeilion, a five piece, atmospheric and experimental folk metal band from Swansea that weaves sonic landscapes of enchanted forests, ruined castles and heroic kings. We comprise of Matt on Keyboards and Storytelling, Scott on Classical Guitar, Thom on Bass, Ben on Electric Guitar and Kevin on Drums.
The Razor's Edge: How would you describe your sound?
Adfeilion: We describe ourselves as ‘Post-Folk Metal’ as our sound takes inspiration primarily from the melodies, energy and power of Folk Metal and the instrumental, brooding soundscapes of Post Rock. We are also big fans of Electronic Ambience and Dungeon Synth, so you’ll hear a mixture of soaring Celtic melodies over crushing riffs, interspersed with ambient drones and synth fantasy atmospheres. Between each track, we incorporate spoken word, to weave a narrative through the set, taking you with us on a unique journey inspired by our ancient roots.
The Razor's Edge: How did you land your spot on the Bloodstock bill?
Adfeilion: We are honoured to have won the South Wales Metal 2 the Masses and feel a great sense of responsibility for this opportunity.
The Razor's Edge: How tough was the competition this year?
Adfeilion: We competed against six other bands in the Grand Final (Karmen Field, Struggler, Exaust, Kill By Mouth, Akuma) and any one of them could easily have taken the crown. We are determined to bring their skill, passion and ferocity to Bloodstock with us, along with the Celtic Spirit of our storied homeland.
The Razor's Edge: What does playing at Bloodstock mean to you?
Adfeilion: Playing Bloodstock means the Old Ways are returning! Bardic Storytelling and Folk infused Metal. This will be a sacred journey for all of us in the band, and after facing such incredibly fierce competition in the South Wales M2TM, we are deeply honoured to have been chosen to represent Swansea and South Wales at the New Blood Stage. Our sound is quite unusual, blending elements of Folk Metal, Dungeon Synth and Post Rock/Metal, and to be able to bring this sound to Bloodstock gives us immense confidence that the music which burns in our hearts is ready to be heard and enjoyed by a wider audience on big stages.
For us, Bloodstock represents a sacred space of freedom and expression. A celebration of Metal that spans its epic genres and gives life to both new and highly established bands, creating a living, deafening tapestry to depict the story of Metal unfolding each day. Such a celebration of Metal is only made possible by the legendary and beautiful Bloodstock community, from the organisers, fans, bands, stage technicians, caterers and merchants. We are very honoured to be part of such an incredible community and to have the opportunity this year to write our own little story into the grand Opus that is Bloodstock Open Air Festival.
The Razor's Edge: For people who’ve never seen you live, what can they expect at Bloodstock?
Adfeilion: We love art to be immersive. The stage is adorned with vine leaves, candles, swords and shields. The sound of birds, fire and thunder fill the air. Ominous figures adorn themselves in shadow and robe, before unleashing a high energy, primordially charged set of light and darkness. After winning back-to-back competitions, the Swansea BOTB 2024 and South Wales M2TM 2025, we have built a fierce reputation as a ‘Wildcard Act’ that delivers an unforgettable live experience. Expect to dance and to stare.
The Razor's Edge: What day are you performing?
Adfeilion: We are performing on the Saturday, which is great because it means we can catch and enjoy our folk metals friends on the New blood who are playing on Friday, Thunarwulf and LN.
The Razor's Edge: What other bands are you looking forward to watching at Bloodstock this year?
Adfeilion: So many! We're really excited to see Thunarwulf, winners of the Sheffield M2tM competition, and LN, an incredible pagan folk metal band also from Sheffield. It’s especially meaningful for us to see more folk and pagan metal acts represented at Bloodstock this year—a genre that often feels under-represented yet speaks deeply to our influences such as Soar, Can bard and Heilung. There is also a strong contingent of Welsh bands, that we would love to catch and support, in Z machine, Rites to Ruin and Ofnus (who blew us away recently after sharing the stage with them).
The Razor's Edge: Are you camping with the fans? Which campsite are you heading for?
Adfeilion: Due to the festival being sold out we are only allowed to camp in the artist area, but can’t wait to meet and mosh with fans throughout the weekend.
The Razor's Edge: You’ve gotta keep hydrated at Bloodstock, what is your drink of choice for the weekend?
Adfeilion: Either Mead, which we’ll make sure to bring plenty of and share, or my own experimental concoction which I’ve named ‘Aqua Helios’. This is basically like natural squash. You take a little bit of fruit juice and mix with water or soda water to become the ultimate hydration elixir.
The Razor's Edge: See you at Bloodstock in a next week!
Adfeilion: We can’t wait to perform for you and become part of the incredible community that is Bloodstock!
