Download ones to watch
With Download Festival returning next week with a full lineup for the first time since 2019, it’s a chance to cram in as much live music in one weekend as you can.
But if you’re not sure who to look out for, here we give you some of our top acts you should see at Download this year!
Sleep Token
It seemed that Sleep Token came out of nowhere over the last couple of years, with debut album Sundowning releasing in 2020 with absolute hits including The Offering and Blood Sport but the band have been around since 2016.
Sleep Token are for those people who appreciate atmospheric metal-style music and have been a hit everywhere they’ve played! Download has already had a taste of the band’s live performance as they played the Pilot last year but you really should catch them on the Avalanche stage on Friday!
The Faim
If you want a fun, upbeat set then look no further than Australian alt-rockers The Faim! The band has cemented themselves in the hearts of many with their pop-infused anthems since their 2018 formation (well rebrand from pop-punk band Small Town Heroes). So if you want a sing-a-long to anthems like Fire and My Heart Needs to Breathe, make sure you catch them on Saturday on the Avalanche stage!
The Ghost Inside
The Ghost Inside set is set to be a busy one as the hardcore band have not only been popular for years but after that crash, many thought they wouldn’t get the chance to see them again.
Expect hits including Out of Control, White Light and Mercy as well as newer singles from the band’s self-titled album!
We’ll see you on the Avalanche stage on Friday!
Those Damn Crows
Those Damn Crows have cemented themselves as a great British band following in the footsteps of their compatriots Bullet For My Valentine and Funeral For A Friend.
In 2019, the band were one to perform in the RIP area at the festival and have now jumped to the Apex stage (thats main stage to you and me).
We’ll see you there on Saturday!
Venom Prison
South Walean band Venom Prison are ones to watch as they hit the Dogtooth stage on Saturday.
Fresh from releasing their second album Samsara, you can expect a brutal set from the death metallers.
Boston Manor
Boston Manor are one of the UKs top acts at the moment. With three albums under their belt, you can expect a strong, energetic set as the punks return to Download.
Catch Boston Manor on the Avalanche stage on Sunday.
Bury Tomorrow
Southampton metallers Bury Tomorrow are definitely ones to catch on main stage on Friday. With catchy hooks, melodies and riffs they will bring a set we hope is packed with hits from Black Flame and latest record Cannibal.
We’ll see you in the pit.
Aniimalia
You may or may not have heard of Aniimalia. The quartet only formed in 2020 so are quite new to the scene, especially with covid hitting their first two years as a band.
But there is a lot of promise here as the group won Kerrang’s The Deal competition which saw them not only get a spot on the Avalanche stage on Saturday morning but a deal with Marshall Records. They’ve also already toured with the likes of Kris Barras Band (who’s also on the lineup) and The Virginmarys.
Holding Absence
Holding Absence don’t know how to put on a bad set, so you’re in for a treat at the Avalanche stage on Saturday.
Fresh from touring Australia and a showstopping performance at last weekend’s Heavy Music Awards, the Welsh quartet are going to blow you away with their atmospheric sound.
Skynd
Gothic electronic may be a niche genre but Skynd certainly attract a wide audience with their sound.
The duo cover some of the most bizarre and baffling crimes across their EPs and we can’t wait to see their set on second stage on Friday.