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Shadow Company Impress at Bloodstock with Standout New Blood Stage Performance

9 Aug 2026

Lancashire band Shadow Company delivered a strong performance at Bloodstock, with an explosive set that showed why they deserved a place at the UK’s biggest independent metal festival.

Shadow Company won Metal 2 the Masses at Sanctuary Rock Bar and took to the New Blood Stage on Saturday. As the festival crowd filled out, the Blackburn band seized the moment and delivered an impressive set, with tracks including Icon of Sin and Saturated Mind. 


Winning Metal 2 the Masses is no easy feat, as bands from across the country battle it out for the chance to win a coveted spot at Bloodstock. Only a single act from each region progresses to the New Blood Stage, and Shadow Company’s victory in Burnley proved that they belong.


Delivering strong vocals and crushing riffs, the band gave festival-goers a show to remember. 




A Huge Milestone for Lancashire Metal


The performance marked a significant milestone for Shadow Company, but at the same time, also put a spotlight on Lancashire's thriving music community. 


Bloodstock has long been regarded as a launchpad for emerging talent, with many bands using the New Blood Stage as a platform to gain exposure to bigger audiences. 


For Shadow Company, this performance was more than just a festival slot; it was a reward for years of hard work and dedication.


Their success at the event also highlights the importance of local competitions like Metal 2 the Masses and venues like Sanctuary Rock Bar, which continue to provide grassroots bands with the genuine pathways needed to make it onto major festival stages.


If their Bloodstock show is anything to go by, Shadow Company have made it clear that they are one of Lancashire’s fastest-rising metal bands, and this is only the beginning of what’s proving to be a very exciting journey.


Image credit: Shadow Company

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About the Author

Lancashire Loud is an independent news website celebrating Lancashire's live music scene. We cover local bands, gigs, festivals, venues and industry news, giving grassroots artists the same passion and attention as established acts. 

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