The 5-piece have only been together as a performing band for a matter of months, so according to vocalist James to play Bloodstock is “completely surreal…We didn’t know what to expect at all, but the tent was full, people were circle pitting.. it was amazing!”
With bands like Lorna Shore, Cattle Decapitation and Behemoth on the lineup this year they had the chance to convert a lot of new fans. James says he “wouldn’t describe (the band) as blackened per se, but we are definitely influenced by the dark theatricality of those bands. Our new music definitely has some serious Evangelion era Behemoth vibes.” He isn’t wrong, with the vitriol of the angriest death metal paired with an enormous atmospheric side, Draconian Reign have forged a sound that is just as impressive live as it is brutal on record
“"It's a privilege to play at Bloodstock, we never expected to be able to do it so soon."”
Bloodstock is an iconic festival for metal, and one of the UK/Europe’s most prestigious. So for a new band like the Nottingham death dealers, they have ticked a bucket list moment off already. “I’ve been coming to Bloodstock for so many years and I’ve seen a lot of my friends play the New Blood Stage” James tells us. “It’s definitely a privilege to play here. We just never expected to be able to do it so soon.”
While the performance was fresh in his mind, we asked James whether he was more nervous or excited to get onstage. “30-45 minutes before we come on I have a little stretch and warm up my voice. It’s been a real mix of excitement and nerves. I think as soon as the music begins I’m suddenly in character and have to entertain!”
“"I wouldn't say we're blackened per-se, but we are definitely influenced by dark theatricality."”
And entertain they definitely did! Spinning tracks from debut EP ‘Necromantic’ has been a great experience according to James. “We wrote this EP before we had a full band, so we didn’t even know if we would ever play shows! We’re lucky that platforms like yourself and Bloodstock even give us the time of day, so we’re always happy to see people enjoying the music.”
People have not just enjoyed the music but loved it. The reception to the EP release “Blew the band away”. “We wrote and recorded it in our guitarist James’ bedroom, so to see people wearing the shirts is amazing. We are currently tracking a new EP, which in my opinion is a huge evolution from Necromantic. It’s faster, heavier, more epic… we can’t wait for you guys to hear it.”
We can’t wait either, as Draconian Reign will surely use their stellar performance at this years’ Bloodstock as a springboard for even more great things in the future. If you like your music evil, give find the band a listen and throw some horns to what will be a staple name in UK deathcore very soon.