BraveWords.com has received the following press release:

Bloodstock Open Air came to a climactic close as Swedish Rock legends EUROPE ended the festival with one of the world’s most instantly recognizable songs, 'Final Countdown', providing a fitting end to one of the most fantastic metal weekends the world has ever witnessed. Despite an apprehensive response from Bloodstock regulars on the initial announcement of Europe as the Sunday headliners, the band went down a storm, with the strongest reaction and biggest turn out of the weekend. Mass sing-alongs, conga circle pits and mile wide grins were testament to the great reception the band received.

9,500 attendees descended upon Catton Hall, Derbyshire over the course of the festival to enjoy a weekend of fun packed Heavy Metal Hedonism, including exclusive appearances from headliners Europe, BLIND GUARDIAN, ARCH ENEMY and CARCASS. With so many memorable moments it’s almost seems unfair to single any out, but highlights included Battle Metal heroes TURISAS inspiring what must be the biggest chant of “Battle! Metal!” the UK has witnessed, AMON AMARTH performing to a sea of fist pumping warriors singing along to their Viking themed metal, MUNICPAL WASTE causing a tidal wave of crowd surfers - including some on inflatables - and German thrash legends SODOM playing their first UK show in 20 years to a rapturous reception.

As well as the stellar main stage line up, attendees enjoyed sets from the cream of the UK’s unsigned talent, including an Unsigned Battle Of The Bands (winners to be announced shortly), sets from up and comers such as ABGOTT, THE ROTTED and CELESTY on the SOPHIE LANCASTER stage, THE FOUR DJS OF THE APOCALYPSE, and of course, the now legendary Bloodstock Metal Karaoke.

Festival director Rachael Gregory commented: “We couldn't have wished for a better turn out, the atmosphere in the arena was absolutely incredible, everyone had an amazing time fans, bands and crew and even the weather has shined down on us this year. We are already planning our 10th Anniversary which is next year and have some great added attractions in store.”

Bloodstock intend to announce their first confirmed act for next year’s festival this Friday, August 21st

(Photo: CRADLE OF FILTH close the Saturday Night at Bloodstock)