Mercyful Fate will headline next year's Bloodstock alongside Judas Priest and Devin Townsend
Bloodstock have announced that the mighty Mercyful Fate will be headlining the Saturday night of next year's festival in a UK exclusive.
“It is with sinister pleasure Mercyful Fate will finally bring the Devil himself to Bloodstock Summer ‘21," says frontman King Diamond. "We cannot wait and neither can he. It’s gonna be dark as hell.”
Reforming last year after an eight-year hiatus, the iconic occultists were one of black metal's most influential bands, having a serious impact on the burgeoning '80s thrash scene – most notably Slayer and Metallica, the latter of which paid tribute to the Danes on their 1998 Garage Inc album.
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But Mercyful Fate aren't coming alone, as the Norwegian symphonic black metallers Dimmu Borgir join Bloodstock's Saturday line-up as special guests. After being forced to cancel their set in 2019 due to illness, this will be the first time Dimmu have graced Catton Park since 2014.
"UK! After our triumphant London show this January, we will be back at your shores next year. See you at Bloodstock in August 2021!," say the band.
Mercyful Fate and Dimmu Borgir will join the likes of Judas Priest, Devin Townsend, Paradise Lost, Skindred, Saxon and Bury Tomorrow at Bloodstock on August 11-15 – yes, it's now a five-day event! Tickets for Bloodstock 2021 are on sale now.
