Bakken

Bakken is a fiery thrash metal force hailing from Belfast, Northern Ireland, known for blending old-school riff worship with modern metallic aggression. Formed in 2013, the band—Simon Pickett (vocals), Niall Hogg (guitar), David McCallum (bass), and Ryan Cole (drums)—carves out a sound that nods to legends like Metallica and Megadeth while tackling themes of war, corruption, and dystopian chaos. Their 2019 album *Death of a Hero* solidified their reputation for breakneck rhythms and socially charged lyrics, with tracks like "This Means War" and "Worldwide Genocide" showcasing their knack for pit-stirring anthems. Bakken’s live shows are sweat-soaked, no-frills affairs, earning them slots at festivals like Bloodstock Open Air and a loyal following in the UK’s underground metal scene.