Nanowar of Steel — Bloodstock Open Air 2022

On the opening Thursday of Bloodstock 2022, metal's solemnity meets a less-than-respectful opponent. Nanowar of Steel takes the Sophie Lancaster Stage on August 11, during the Tour Managers Tour. Italian Folk Metal was already out, but the selection spans other periods of the Italian band's career.

Potowotominimak and Mr. Baffo share vocals, accompanied by Mohammed Abdul, Gatto Panceri 666 and Uinona Raider. Barbie, MILF Princess of the Twilight opens the eight-number sequence. Between Norwegian Reggaeton and Valhalleluja, the satire takes concrete form: an IKEA table is assembled, but security stops it from being passed over the crowd.

The following year, the band releases Dislike to False Metal and continues expanding its international reach, including a North American tour with DragonForce and Amaranthe. The English performance survives in the festival's audiovisual recording. Its ending offers a decidedly tangible summary of this approach: the worship of Valhalla ends before an assembled piece of furniture.