Bloodstock Bound: Chekhov’s Gun

Bloodstock Bound: Chekhov’s Gun

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 Chekhov’s Gun

Please introduce yourselves.

We are Chekhov’s Gun! A six-piece progressive metal band hailing from the recesses of Edinburgh, Scotland. The lineup includes Lithuanian frontman and ballroom dancer Ignas Sakuro, Scottish guitarist Joshua Roberts and bassist James Muir, Geordie drummer Ruben Hope, Polish violinist Kasia Jurek and Cockney geezer … and cellist Lara Andrews. For our unique performance on the Newblood Stage, we shall be joined by ballroom dancer and sword bearer Aimee Brown.

How would you describe your sound?

Our style of metal builds upon the shoulders of the great metal classics, taking inspiration from Black Sabbath, Metallica, Death and Opeth through the lens of progressive rock such as Rush, King Crimson and Yes. Our sound and visual style is transformed by classical and romantic influences creating an enticing amalgamation.

How did you land your spot on the Bloodstock bill?

To achieve our spot on this years Bloodstock bill, we fought our way through the Scottish Metal 2 The Masses competition. We used this opportunity to massively progress our live show with theatrics and a solidified image in mind. We continued to perfect our stage identity throughout the rounds ultimately manifesting in our M2TM final performance, complete with atmospheric interludes, reoccurring themes, dance and swordplay. The outcome being victory at the grand final.

How tough was the competition this year?

It’s always a tough competition, having participated multiple times, this year was no joke. Every band we faced off against gave us a run for our money and gave us motivation to improve. Dread Persephone, Permacrisis, High Noon, Bruxa, Lupine Rain, Late Landing, and the list goes on. Scotland has many talented musicians who all deserve to be heard. We highly recommend popping into one of Edinburgh’s local metal bars to check them out.

What does playing at Bloodstock mean to you?

For us Bloodstock is recognition for all the hard work we’ve put into the band and an opportunity to establish ourselves in the wider metal community. The chance to play alongside the very best of Metal at an independent festival is quite unique in the music world.

For people who’ve never seen you live, what can they expect at Bloodstock?

We bring theatrics, strings and dancing twisted amongst heavy riffs and haunting melodies. We are here to immerse and most importantly entertain.

What day are you performing?

We are performing Sunday the 9th August.

What other bands are you looking forward to watching at Bloodstock this year?

Amongst the giants we can’t wait to see Sepultura, Judas Priest and Party Cannon! Our friends from Edinburgh, Hammer hit the Sophie Lancaster Stage, which is great for the Edinburgh scene. We can’t wait to see Thrasher Wolf, Microtonal and SUNK on the Newblood.

Playing the New Blood Stage is just the first steppingstone in a bands journey. What’s next in your plans for world domination?

We are in the writing stage of our debut concept album. Over the months following Bloodstock we hope to complete writing and recording with a release set for 2027.

Are you camping with the fans? Which campsite are you heading for?

We are going to camp in the artists’ campsite.

You’ve gotta keep hydrated at Bloodstock, what is your drink of choice for the weekend?

Our resident Geordie loves a Newcastle Brown Ale or a coffee. Our guitarist Joshua is also a caffeine fiend and our Scottish bassist loves a tenants! Ignas lives off of Hules and Kasia drinks any kind of herbal tea she can brew. Lara loves the pub.

See you at Bloodstock in a few weeks!

WE CAN’T WAIT!

For all the latest news, reviews, interviews across the heavy metal spectrum follow THE RAZORS’S EDGE on facebook, twitter and instagram.