Late last night on Daniel P Carter’s Radio 1 Rock Show, the DJ confirmed another 33 bands who will join headliners Rammstein, Black Sabbath and Iron Maiden.
With some of the major names previously announced, including the likes of Deftones, Korn and Motorhead, yesterday’s reveal is comparably smaller.
Most excitingly, Black Foxxes and Milk Teeth have both found their way onto the Download Festival bill, the latter having played the Jagermeister Stage back in 2014. It’s great to see some of the new UK class filtering through, including the likes of Fort Hope, Dead! and Counting Days.
The Sunday in particular has got our heavier-minded team members talking, but its the step into lighter territory that has most of us talking. It’s by no means a huge departure for the festival, who have welcomed upbeat pop-punk and pop-rockers before, but this announcement is definitely less heavy, including the likes of Twin Atlantic, Neck Deep and Don Broco.
The more widespread approach is bound to raise some eyebrows, but metal fans should still be pleased with the main block at the top of the bill. Punktastic favourites Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes also make an appearance, as do the ever-brilliant Billy Talent (who have also played the festival many times before).
There’s a lot of familiar faces which might not help the great ongoing festival line-up debate, but still plenty more to come.
For full details, and tickets, head to the official Download Festival website.