Bloodstock 2022: Introducing - Denali
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 Simon, bassist with Denali!
The Razor's Edge: Please introduce yourself and your band mates.
Simon: We are Denali, a 5-piece death/doom metal band from Hertfordshire in the UK. We're made up of Ross King on vocal duties, Nathan Robshaw on drums, James McGrenery and Adam C. Taylor on guitars and myself, Simon Marston, on bass guitar.
The Razor's Edge: How would you describe your style of metal?
Simon: Crushing, weighty riffs underpinned by haunting melodies and lyrical tales of despair, loss and madness, inspired by titans such as My Dying Bride, Katatonia and Swallow the Sun. Our aim is to take our listeners on a journey, be it lyrically, musically or, preferably, both.
The Razor's Edge: How did you land your spot on the Bloodstock bill?
Simon: We were very fortunate! Alongside a treasure trove of amazing underground bands we applied to the organisers and sent a link to our debut EP and thankfully there was something in there that they liked, and enough for us to get one of the coveted spots!
The Razor's Edge: What does playing at Bloodstock mean to you?
Simon: Bloodstock is a festival that we've all attended at various points and have all discovered new and exciting music through, as well as having made lifelong friends. For so many people it is THE metal event of the year, and one people look forward as soon as the last one has ended. To be able to stand on stage at the festival and perform is a tremendous honour and, honestly, it's something I never thought that I would have the opportunity to do, so it means the world to have the chance.
The Razor's Edge: For people who’ve never seen you live, what can they expect at Bloodstock?
Simon: I like to think that Denali brings a certain atmosphere with our performances. We like for our audiences to feel the weight of our songs, to guide them through meloncholic melodies before driving them headlong into pumelling riffs, all whilst underpinned with a growling narrative of humanity's darkest themes. It will exact a heavy toll.
The Razor's Edge: What day are you performing?
Simon: We are playing on Sunday on the New Blood stage
The Razor's Edge: What other bands are you looking forward to watching at Bloodstock this year?
Simon: Speaking for myself, I'm so excited to finally catch Dark Tranquillity live, but also Sylosis, Testament, Pupil Slicer and GWAR!
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?
Simon: Denali is just at the start of its journey. We're hoping to use Bloodstock as an opportunity to expand our audience and find new and exciting underground bands to play alongisde. We have a lot of ideas waiting to come to the fore, and new horizons to explore; we hope Bloodstock can help us on our way to achieving those goals.
