It feels like just yesterday we were getting ready to head off to Donnington for a weekend of debauchery at Download Festival, yet here we are again, preparing for what will be another fantastic time. This year the line-up is one of the most stylisticly diverse, covering everything from metal, punk, hardcore, electronic, and even hip hop. It’s a testament to the growth of Download, and the willingness of alternative music fans to accept more than you think.
We’ve tried to reflect that in our preview, picking 10 acts you need to watch this weekend, rain or shine. If you want the most extreme music at Download, you can find it here, along with some of the most bizarre.
We will be bringing you all the action from across the weekend, which you can keep up to date with on our social media accounts. For now, prepare yourself with our mammoth playlist and guide below.
Creeper
Saturday, Main Stage: 12:05 – 12:45
Undoubtedly the hottest band in the UK right now, Creeper will bring their goth punk greatness to the masses when they take to the main stage this year. No strangers to a festival crowd, Creeper are set to go supernova following their universally acclaimed debut album, ‘Eternity, In Your Arms’, and it would be a crime to miss them. Misery never goes out of style
Code Orange
Friday, The Avalanche Stage: 15:30 – 16:00
If you’ve never witnessed a Code Orange live show before, then Download is your chance. The Pennsylvanian band have transcended their hardcore roots, becoming a full-on metalcore assault weapon, and their new album, ‘Forever’, is one of the most crushing releases this year. It won’t be pretty and they will destroy everything in their path, but Code Orange are unmissable at this weekend.
Mastodon
Friday, Main Stage: 16:10 – 17:00
The masters of modern metal returned earlier this year with their stunning seventh album, ‘Emperor Of Sand’. The ground will shake beneath you as Mastodon fire out earth-shattering riffs and enchant you with their mythical tales. Arguably the natural successor to the throne of metal when “The Big Four” begin to step down, this will be the next rung of the ladder for them before the one day headline this stage.
Venom Prison
Friday, The Dogtooth Stage: 18:50 – 19:15
Venom Prison have become one of the most unexpected breakout bands over the past 12 months, but when you listen to their debut album, ‘Animus’, and catch their frenetic live show it’s easy to see why. Putting a new and original take on a classic, brutal death metal sound, Venom Prison are one of the most powerful forces in British metal today. Watch with caution.
System Of A Down
Friday, Main Stage: 21:15 – 22:50
It may be more than 10 years since System Of A Down released any music, but they are still more than deserving of their headline slot at this year’s Download Festival. One of the most unique, powerful, and politically outspoken bands in alternative metal, and still unrivalled to this day in terms of originality. Not to mention they know how to write festival anthems that will set the Friday night off perfectly.
Junior
Saturday, The Dogtooth Stage: 13:30 – 13:55
Download might traditionally be known for heavy rock and metal, but who says you can’t enjoy some pop punk? Fronted by pro-wrestler, Mark Andrews, who recently competed in WWE’s United Kingdom championship, Junior will be bringing their big hooks and singalongs to Download. Who knows, maybe their uplifting sounds will bring the sun with them to Derbyshire.
AFI
Saturday, Main Stage: 17:00 – 18:00
Beloved Bay Area punk band, AFI, made their long-awaited return earlier this year with a new record, and even came back to the UK for a handful of shows supporting Deftones. Now they will take to the main stage at Download on Saturday, bringing a combination of their earlier dramatic punk sound, arena rock baiting current style for what will be one of the highlights of the weekend. This is a rare appearance from AFI, and one that is not to be missed.
Touche Amore
Sunday, The Avalanche Stage: 15:50 – 16:20
Few bands evoke the level of emotion that Touche Amore manage with their live show, and their set at Download should be no different. Their brand of melodic hardcore has evolved over the past 10 years, with vocalist Jeremy Bolm getting even more personal and articulate with each record, particularly on last year’s ‘Stage Four’. Whether it’s a tiny club or a large festival, Touche Amore will bring out feelings you didn’t know you had.
Pertubator
Sunday, The Dogtooth Stage: 19:40 – 20:30
Never afraid to bring their audience something different (see Pendulum in 2008), Download have booked Pertubator to close The Dogtooth Stage on Sunday. The French electronic musician, James Kent, blends pulsating beats and dark synth to create a euphoric, near sexual experience. Definitely one of fans of 80’s horror and sci-fi, and opening your mind into another dimension.
The Dillinger Escape Plan
Sunday, The Avalanche Stage: 20:10 – 21:10
This year at Download, for all the excitement across the weekend, it will feature a bittersweet moment as The Dillinger Escape Plan play their last UK show. After the release of their excellent 2016 album, ‘Dissociation’, it was revealed the band will call time on their career, but not after going out with a bang. Expect chaos, carnage, and maybe even a few tears of sadness as we say goodbye to one of the most unique metal bands of all time.
For more information about Download Festival, check out their official website.