Bloodstock Bound: The Machinist
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 Machinist
The Razor's Edge: Please introduce yourself and your band mates.
The Machinist: We are The Machinist, a three piece from Manchester! On vocals and Bass, there’s John T. On guitars there’s George Kal, and on t’other guitar, there’s Tobias Gray.
The Razor's Edge: How would you describe your sound?
The Machinist: An amalgamation of death and black metal put through a late 90s and early 00s meat grinder. Think early Anaal Nathrakh, mixed with the Berzerker, mixed with Mysticum and early Aborym. Harsh blasts, harsh vocals, Harsh topics, it’s just a bit harsh all around, man.
The Razor's Edge: How did you land your spot on the Bloodstock bill?
The Machinist: Like many we submitted an application through the normal channels - it was a bit of a trip to receive an invitation!
The Razor's Edge: For people who’ve never seen you live, what can they expect at Bloodstock?
The Machinist: A good old fashioned no nonsense, no frills extreme metal set. We have 30 minutes, our songs are long and our set is short, so we’re going to just hunker down and get on with it. Expect many blasts, rapid fire vocals, heavy fast-riffing guitars and, PA withstanding, repeated overuse of distorted industrial/gabber 808/909 kicks that should trigger an ectopic beat. Otherwise we’re not doing it right. Ultimately we want to give you a catharsis. We want you to use our set as an opportunity to exorcise your pent up aggression.
The Razor's Edge: What day are you performing?
The Machinist: We will be performing on Friday 8th. Better not clash with Emperor else I’m fucking off to watch them.
The Razor's Edge: What other bands are you looking forward to watching at Bloodstock this year?
The Machinist: John: Emperor, Nailbomb, Ministry, Fear Factory, Obituary, and our gig friends Symbyote and Baelfyr
George: Oh there’s so many that I wanna watch.. Me and That Man, Emperor, Fear Factory, High Parasite, Konvent, Gojira, Nailbomb, and the list goes on. Definitely gonna catch a few bands on the New Blood Stage as well.
The Razor's Edge: Playing the New Blood Stage is just the first stepping stone in a band's journey. What’s next in your plans for world domination?
The Machinist: After the requisite amount of Ibuprofen has been applied, the next move is to keep on trucking. We will work on releasing an EP towards the end of 2025, as well as churn through the riff bin for album 3. We’re setting our sights on some European festivals for 2026, and of course we just want to do what all bands want to do: Hit the road and bring our music to more of you. We are grateful to be given that opportunity.
The Razor's Edge: You’ve gotta keep hydrated at Bloodstock, what is your drink of choice for the weekend?
The Machinist: John: I’m afraid I’m a diet coke and water man haha!
George: Plenty of bee..water and coke..with rum!
The Razor's Edge: See you at Bloodstock in a next week!
The Machinist: See you there man!! Looking forward to it!
