Metal 2 The Masses 2025: Meet the First Wave of Winners

Metal 2 the Masses 2025 has once again delivered the goods in the form of riffs, roars, breakdowns, and the occasional battle vest held triumphantly aloft. From sweat-soaked venues across the UK and Europe to the hallowed grounds of Bloodstock, this year’s hopefuls have been tearing it up for a shot at the New Blood Stage. The full list of winners is still unfolding, but we couldn’t wait to shout about the first wave, so here’s a roundup of the first few bands who’ve fought their way to victory. If this batch is anything to go by, Bloodstock is in for one hell of a summer.

Cyprus - Speak In Whispers

Speak In Whispers opened up the finals of the Metal 2 The Masses competition back in April and absolutely smashed it out the park with an electrifying performance, winning the first slot at playing Bloodstock open air this August. With powerful vocals and a high energy stage presence, they captivated the audience from the first note. Giving a polished yet raw and authentic performance, they engaged well with the crowd whilst executing memorable riffs with the emotional intensity that truly embodies the spirit of metal. We look forward to seeing them perform at the new blood stage on the 10th of August, Good luck guys! - AN

Scotland - Nothing Speaks

Nothing Speaks are a fast rising force in Scotland’s alternative scene, taking home the Metal 2 The Masses crown this year with their high-energy, Offspring-leaning brand of grunge-infused alt rock. Punchy, melodic, and packed with attitude, their sound blends catchy hooks with a raw, rebellious spirit that nods to the ‘90s while keeping things sharp and fresh. With an electrifying live show and a growing reputation for tight, adrenaline-fuelled performances, Nothing Speaks are quickly proving they’re a band to watch. - VR

Northern Ireland - If It Bleeds

Northern Ireland’s If It Bleeds smashed their way to victory with a hard-hitting fusion of groove and thrash that’s as tight as it is explosive. Heavily armed with crushing riffs, pounding rhythms, and a ferocious energy that we can imagine had bodies moving from the first note, we can see exactly why they took the top spot. With a sound that channels the raw aggression of classic thrash with the swagger and weight of groove metal, a combination that hits with serious force, If It Bleeds seem more than ready to bring the noise to the New Blood Stage. - VR

Leeds - Theocracide

Pure thrash metallers Theocracide took the crown in Leeds, flying the flag high for the genre with unrelenting force. Their sound is a full-throttle assault of unadulterated riffs wrapped in razor-sharp precision and breakneck speed; a true homage to classic thrash with a modern, blistering edge. With aggression in every note and no compromise in sight, Theocracide are proudly carrying the torch for thrash metal and proving it still has plenty of fire left to burn. - VR

Sheffield - ThunarWülf

Thunarwülf, what can we say? You’ve done Sheffield proud. Serving up a stirring blend of folk and Viking metal, and weaving mythic themes with soaring melodies and powerful riff work, Thunarwülf sit comfortably alongside bands like Elvenking, Thunarwülf balance ferocity and finesse, delivering tracks that feel both epic and deeply rooted in tradition. With rich instrumentation and an unmistakable sense of identity, they’re carving out a unique space in the UK metal landscape, and proving that the spirit of the old gods is alive and well in modern metal. - VR

Leicester - Baelfýr

Baelfýr were triumphant in Leicester, delivering their signature sound of doom and death metal, soaked in just the right amount of darkness. Their sound is crushing yet atmospheric, blending slow, oppressive riffs with bursts of feral intensity. It’s a style that feels both ancient and fresh, steeped in shadow but never losing its edge. With this win, Baelfýr have firmly staked their claim as one of the most compelling underground acts in the region, and we believe their ascent is only just beginning. - VR

Southampton - COMPOUNDS

What a band! COMPOUNDS joined the New Blood stage as the crowned winners in the Southampton finals of Metal To The Masses, and boy did they deliver! This 5 piece seem determined to push the boundaries with a hybrid mix of punk and hardcore metal that would leave any audience mesmerised. Their engagement with the crowd holds an air of authenticity and heightened emotion, which combined with their incredible vocals and thrilling musical mash up leaves us in no doubt that they’re a band to watch! Congratulations COMPOUNDS, We’ll see you on the stage! - AN

Manchester - VMBRA

What a way to close out the month of May! Manchester’s ears were met with the intricate riffs and powerful choruses from none other than VMBRA- prog metal darlings who were determined to shake things up, and that’s exactly what they did. From entertaining the crowd and fusing a connection with everyone in the building, to providing an intoxicating thrill of an atmosphere, they truly submerged us all within their music. Despite Manchester being arguably one of the toughest regions in Metal To The Masses, we’re not surprised that they won. We’re expecting them to take the New Blood stage by storm this August, and they’ve definitely made their way onto our must see list! - AN

Essex - Mechromorph

Mechromorph, Essex winners, are bringing pure slam chaos to the New Blood stage this year, and we couldn’t be more excited. Blending brutal breakdowns with infectious grooves, they deliver a sound that’s tailor-made for both pit veterans and headbangers alike. Whether you’re there to throw down or just feel the weight of the riff, Mechromorph bring the kind of energy that grabs you by the throat and doesn’t let go. Get ready; this is slam with serious bite. - VR

East Anglia - Koba

What an absolutely breathtaking sound Koba are bringing to the New Blood stage! This group blends instrumental trance and metal into a unique sonic experience. Hypnotic melodies intertwine with crushing riffs to create something truly spellbinding. It’s a sound that hits just as hard whether you’re there to chill with some good vibes, or to throw yourself into the pit. Their performance in the finals clearly left its mark, and it's no surprise they've earned a place on the New Blood Stage this August. Massive congratulations to Koba, we can't wait to see what you bring next! - AN

Somerset - Rizen

Just as their name suggests, Rizen have certainly risen up through the ranks as a serious competitor in the metal scene! The Somerset winners are incredible at pulling you in from the very first note with an edgy yet addictive blend to their music. This combined with raw energy and breathtaking performances definitely makes this group one to watch! With something for all moods and emotions they certainly know how to bring in a crowd. Well done Rizen, See you in the pit!

This is only the beginning. With two more batches of winners still to come, Metal 2 the Masses 2025 is already proving to be one for the books. From pit-starting slam to soaring prog and everything in between, these bands aren’t just here to fill a stage, they’re here to make an impact. Bloodstock better brace itself, because if this first wave is anything to go by, the New Blood Stage is about to be absolutely levelled like it's never been before.

Cover photo - Ace Cheng

Words - Vee Richardson and Athena Nikita