Bloodstock Bound: The Five Hundred
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 The Five Hundred
The Razor's Edge: Please introduce yourself and your band mates.
The Five Hundred: I’m Andy, bassist for The Five Hundred. We’re a metal band with roots in both Nottingham and Gibraltar. Alongside me are John on vocals, Kelsey on drums, and Paul and Mark on guitars. We’ve been through a lot together — creatively, personally, and logistically — and somehow we’re still going strong.
The Razor's Edge: How would you describe your sound?
The Five Hundred: We mix groove metal, metalcore, and djent with a strong melodic core and cinematic depth. Our latest album Ghostwriter really captures that balance — technical and heavy, but emotionally rich too. We like to hit hard, but also leave a mark.
The Razor's Edge: How did you land your spot on the Bloodstock bill?
The Five Hundred: A healthy mix of hard graft, good timing, and not giving up. After the release of Ghostwriter and a string of intense live shows, the team at Bloodstock gave us the chance to headline the EMP Stage — and we’re grabbing it with both hands (and a few pedals).
The Razor's Edge: What does playing at Bloodstock mean to you?
The Five Hundred: It’s a huge milestone. Bloodstock is one of the most respected festivals in the metal world — it’s where careers are forged and memories are made. Representing both Nottingham and Gibraltar on that stage means a lot to us personally, and as a band it’s the perfect way to mark the next phase of our journey.
The Razor's Edge: For people who’ve never seen you live, what can they expect at Bloodstock?
The Five Hundred: Controlled chaos and full-throttle emotion. We bring high energy, crushing riffs, and a sound that hits hard but still connects on a deeper level. Expect tracks from Ghostwriter, a few older slammers, and maybe even a surprise or two. If you’ve made it to Sunday night, we’ll make sure your Bloodstock ends on a high.
The Razor's Edge: What day are you performing?
The Five Hundred: We’re headlining the EMP Stage on Sunday night, just before Gojira take the main stage. Not a bad warm-up slot for them, really.
The Razor's Edge: What other bands are you looking forward to watching at Bloodstock this year?
The Five Hundred: We can’t wait to see our friends Breed 77 from Gibraltar — we go way back.. Also really looking forward to Waterlines, who are smashing it lately. And of course, Gojira —They’re one of the few bands we’ll willingly sprint to the front for after our own set.
The Razor's Edge: Playing the EMP is just the first stepping stone in a band's journey. What’s next in your plans for world domination?
The Five Hundred: We’ve got a packed schedule ahead. Post-Bloodstock, we’ve got a few more festivals, headlines and supports lined up:
CroftFest in Lincoln – 6 September
Spain & Gibraltar** – 20/21 September
Novacaine Festival in Sheffield – 4 October
Supporting Earthtone9 on tour in November – Norwich, Southampton, London & Milton Keynes… and a yet unannounced run in January TBC!
We’re using these shows to keep building off the momentum of Ghostwriter, while writing and planning for 2026. The goal is to keep growing — bigger venues, more countries, heavier riffs, deeper songwriting. Bloodstock is a turning point, not a finish line.
The Razor's Edge: Are you camping with the fans? Which campsite are you heading for?
The Five Hundred: Only Kelsey is camping — he’s the baby of the band and still has the energy for that. The rest of us are wannabe rockstars now. We’ll be in a hotel with proper beds, running water, and slightly fewer people trying to cook bacon on disposable BBQs at 3am.
The Razor's Edge: You’ve gotta keep hydrated at Bloodstock, what is your drink of choice for the weekend?
The Five Hundred: Hydration by day — Red Bull for power, water for survival. After the set? A Jägermeister or two, maybe chased with a cold beer.
