Preston’s young metal band Covert into semi-finals of Bloodstock competition

Preston-based band Covert are through to the final stages of a competition run by Bloodstock, the UK’s largest independent metal festival.

Despite being together for less than a year, the band has already won the 2024 Preston Tattoo Convention Battle of the Bands, and played at Preston Markets for the city’s Encounter Festival.

Now they’re set to appear at the semi-finals of Metal 2 The Masses, the annual, grass roots-supporting scheme that offers unsigned and DIY bands the chance of appearing on the Bloodstock bill via the New Blood stage.

The youngest band in the competition, the age of Covert’s members ranges from just 14 to 21.

Harvey – who is 21, from Tanterton and works at Brockholes Nature Reserve – fronts the group He’s joined by bassist Dexter, who is 14 and from Hoghton. Talented Dexter is also a double bass player in the Lancashire Youth Orchestra and plays for Preston Basketball Club.

Lead guitarist and backing vocalist Owen is 17 and from Bamber Bridge, and is currently studying music at Runcorn College. Drummer George from Broughton and guitarist Jakub from Tanterton are both 16 and studying music at Cardinal Newman College.

The five band members write their own music with George and Jakub on producing duties.

Covert on stage Pic: Rich Price Photography

Describing their sound as a blend of hardcore, nu metal, and metalcore, Covert draw inspiration from the likes of Slipknot, Knocked Loose, Bring Me The Horizon, and Rage Against the Machine. The band says they pair emotional, politically charged lyrics with crushing breakdowns and two step riffs.

Vocalist Harvey spoke to Blog Preston and described the band’s recent success as surreal.

“Being the youngest band in the competition and playing with such a prestigious group of talent – we just can’t believe the stage we are at,” said Harvey.

“It was such a shock being chosen, as we’d not even been around for a whole year yet. And being from Preston, to get picked out of all the talent Manchester has to offer, it was truly a surprise to be welcomed. And then to have won our way to the semis is insane!”

The band has been busy getting ready for the competition.

Harvey said: “We’ve worked so hard over the past few months in preparation. From writing three new songs in two weeks to win our place in the finals to choreographing stage moves – we want to put in a show the judges and crowd won’t forget.”

Beyond that, Covert want to prove to the youth that the heavy metal scene isn’t dead.

“We need kids making bands again, get them off the street and into a studio. Pick up your guitars! Bang a drum! Slap a bass!”

The Metal 2 The Masses semi-final takes place this Sunday (11 May) at Rebellion in Manchester. The band are calling on local supporters to attend and vote them through to the grand final, which takes place at the same venue on Saturday 31 May.

Covert’s debut single Ribs (on show) is available on all major streaming platforms, and their next release Twisted Mind is out on Friday 6 June alongside some new merch.

Fans can catch them live at The Old Pint Pot in Salford on Sunday 25 May, and a hometown Twisted Mind release show in Preston is in the works.

To find out more, follow Covert on social media.

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