Download and Sonisphere may be the summer Metal festivals that get most of the praise and publicity but the Bloodstock Open Air festival has developed a keen following in recent years. There is certainly a wider range of Metal than some of the other options available and if you take your Metal seriously, this is a music festival that has to be on your radar.

An exclusive UK show from Kreator

The German Thrash Metal act Kreator will be playing their only UK show of 2011 at the festival, making it a must see for all of their fans here in Britain. The band will be appearing on the Ronnie James Dio stage, which is the same stage where Sweden’s Wolf will be playing at the festival. The latest batch of new announcements is rounded out by 1349, the Black Metal group from Norway, who will be making their Bloodstock debut at this years event.

A strong Metal line-up

These three acts strengthen the European line-up of the festival which takes place between the 12th and 14th of August in Walton-on-Trent in South Derbyshire. They will be joining such revered Metal names like Napalm Death, Angelwitch, Therion, Nevermore and many more at the festival which some consider to be the most Metal of all of the British outdoor summer festivals.

With the usual array of other festival activities lined up to keep punters occupied, the Bloodstock Open Air festival is on course for another record breaking year and for another year of mosh-pit mayhem. With plenty more acts still to be announced, this festival could provide all the Metal you need this summer.