The countdown is on for one of Europe’s largest alternative music festivals, Download Festival, which returns to Donington Park Circuit in Derbyshire between the 13th-15th June 2025.
With three main stages boasting hundreds of acts across the weekend, the festival is one of the most significant celebrations of the rock and metal scene, bringing artists from across the globe to rock your world and send you into unforgettable mosh pits.
The festival is a golden opportunity to discover new and established artists across the genre, but with so many to choose from, where do you start? Not to worry, this guide has you covered day-by-day, stage-by-stage, to give you an overview and recommendations for each act and their stage times once announced.
Book your tickets now over at www.downloadfestival.co.uk.
Friday June 13th 2025
Apex Stage
Words: Jess Bland
Green Day
Punk-rock legends Green Day are one of the best in live performance, and although they’ve been active since 1987, they show no signs of stopping. We’re sure you already know hits like ‘Basket Case,’ ‘Boulevard of Broken Dreams’ and ‘Wake Me Up When September Ends,’ and you can look forward to condemning Trump in the ever-relevant ‘American Idiot’. Green Day are known for their audience participation, bringing fans on stage for a unique and unforgettable performance each time. Don’t miss them!
Weezer
Another recognisable name on the bill are alternative-rock giants Weezer, who have been around since 1992. Although less heavy than some acts across the weekend, Weezer’s songs are ingrained in a generation and you’ll find yourself singing along to ‘Island In The Sun,’ ‘Say It Ain’t So’ and ‘Buddy Holly’.
Jimmy Eat World
American rock band Jimmy Eat World are known for their blend of emo, rock and pop-punk, remaining a prominent name in rock music for over two decades. Check out songs like ‘Sweetness’ and ‘Hear You Me,’ and expect teenage nostalgia with ‘The Middle’.
Rise Against
Rise Against bring a strong mix of melodic hardcore from Chicago. The group are known for their politically-charged themes around social justice, war and personal struggle, meaning you can mosh with a purpose. Look forward to bangers like ‘Prayer Of The Refugee’ and ‘Savoir’.
Boston Manor
Boston Manor have emerged as a strong name in the alternative rock scene over the last decade, with catchy, grungy songs like ‘Foxglove’ and ‘Floodlights On The Square’. Fans of bands like Nothing But Thieves and Royal Blood will enjoy their mix of heavy riffs and strong vocals.
CKY
If you’re a fan of Jackass, you’ll recognise bangers from the Chicago rock band like ‘96 Quite Bitter Beings,’ with recognisable melodic hooks and punchy guitar riffs that’ll make you feel like doing something crazy. Other hits to check out include ‘Escape From Hellview’ and ‘Flesh Into Gear’.
SiM
Japanese alternative metal band SiM bring a unique combination of hardcore punk, reggae and metal – the more genres the better, we say. From this mix we would expect nothing less than a high-energy performance with a healthy dose of aggression and rhythm, much like many Download festival-goers. Get a feel for them with ‘The Rumbling’ and ‘Devil In Your Heart’.
Opus Stage
Words: Victoria Purcell
Within Temptation
Pioneers of Dutch symphonic metal, Within Temptation weld soaring film-score strings to skyscraper riffs while Sharon den Adel’s voice commands the spotlight. The turbo-charged anthem ‘Faster’ remains their streaming heavyweight, racing past 83 million plays and still the song most fans look forward to!
Opeth
Stockholm’s shape-shifting prog-metal elders, Opeth, sound as comfortable weaving death-growls into 70s jazz-fusion passages as they are drifting into acoustic melancholy. Over 30 years and thirteen albums, they’ve turned stylistic left-turns into an art form, but the song that listeners return to most is the haunting, Mellotron-soaked ballad ‘Windowpane’ from Damnation, now their single-most-streamed track on Spotify.
Myles Kennedy
Whether fronting Alter Bridge or trading solos with Slash, Kennedy’s elastic tenor is hard to mistake. His solo work strips things back to resonator guitars and confessional lyrics; the slow-burn epic ‘Love Can Only Heal’ has emerged as a favourite.
Starset
Front-man/astronomer Dustin Bates treats each release like a sci-fi saga, blending crunchy guitars, EDM pulses and cinematic orchestrations. Their breakout single ‘My Demons’ is practically a modern-rock standard, eclipsing 375 million Spotify spins.
Northlane
Sydney’s genre-restless heavy outfit evolved from djent-leaning metalcore into a futuristic mix of down-tuned riffs, ambient electronics and social-commentary lyrics. The tech-groove juggernaut ‘Clockwork’ will have you dancing/singing with passion!
Dirty Honey
Imagine Aerosmith swagger transplanted to 21st-century Sunset Strip: bluesy riffs, sandpaper vocals and you get Dirty Honey. The quartet famously crashed the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart as an unsigned act when the hip-shaking single ‘When I’m Gone’ hit No. 1 in 2019, instantly becoming their calling card on radio and on stage.
The Scratch
Four Dubliners armed with acoustic guitars, cajóns and a truck-load of manic energy fuse trad Irish rhythms with punk/metal attitude. Pub-roar sing-along ‘Another Round’ – equal parts drum pounding and fist-pumping rock tune.
Avalanche Stage
Words: Jess Bland
McFly
This would’ve been a controversial addition had Busted not played last year, allowing us to enjoy the McBusted supergroup separately and lean into our guilty nostalgic pleasures. Known for their upbeat melodies and charm, McFly blend an undeniable 2000s pop-punk sound with mainstream boyband appeal, and you can bet we’ll be singing along to ‘Five Colours In Her Hair’ and ‘It’s All About You,’ at the top of our lungs. Download fans are versatile.
Elliot Minor
Elliot Minor are another staple formed in the mid-2000s, originally from York, flaunting their unique take on orchestral pop-rock sound. Compared to the likes of Muse and My Chemical Romance, you can expect symphonic guitars, vocal harmonies and dramatic, theatrical style that promises a good show. Check out ‘Parallel Worlds’ and ‘Jessica’.
Crossfaith
Japanese metalcore band Crossfaith bring a fantastic fusion of electronic, industrial metalcore and dubstep – from this alone you know it’ll be a good time. With a cover of The Prodigy’s ‘Omen’ and a collaboration with Download legend Benji Webbe, Crossfaith are perfect for fans of bands like Enter Shikari and Pendulum, where you can enjoy a good D&B breakdown in the pits.
Trophy Eyes
Australian punk-rockers Trophy Eyes self-describe their sound as “sad songs disguised as happy songs”. With themes of mental health, loss and social commentary packaged up in melodic, uplifting electronic sound, their concept echoes album name Suicide and Sunshine. It’s a joyful yet existential listen that blends punk and hardcore with modern rock, and we expect plenty of crowd surfers. Check out ‘Blue Eyed Boy,’ ‘Chlorine’ and ‘Figure Eight’ to see what we mean.
Bad Nerves
Essex-based punk rock band Bad Nerves draw inspiration from the Ramones and the Strokes, giving fast-paced, high-energy performances like true rock-n-rollers. With singles like ‘Baby Drummer’ and ‘You’ve Got the Nerve,’ expect power-pop, indie-rock and punk elements to increase your heart rate and up the tempo.
The Meffs
Dynamic Essex duo The Meffs describe their sound as ‘frantic Britpunk’, with crashing drums, gritty riffs and socially charged lyrics – just as we’d want from the modern punk scene. Catch their high-energy performance with tracks such as ‘F R S F’ and ‘Broken Britain, Broken Brains’.
unpeople
London metal band unpeople draw influence from punk, alt-rock and metalcore, ripping through grungy riffs inspired by the world’s injustices (and oh, there are many). Definitely one to watch, as despite being relatively new on the scene, their sound brims with energy and passion on tracks like ‘the garden’ and ‘waste’.
Dead Pony
Glasgow-based rock band Dead Pony bring a unique combination of nu-metal and synth rock, described as both ‘modern and nostalgic’. Fronted by vocalist Anna Shields, tracks for their debut album take inspiration from N.E.R.D and Nelly Furtado – definitely check out their grungy cover of ‘Maneater,’ as well as tracks like ‘IGNORE THIS’.
Karen Dió
Brazilian punk rocker Karen Dió brings fierce riot girl energy. With dynamic vocals and confrontational messages on themes of gender, identity and resilience, Karen uses her sound to advocate for marginalised communities. Since going solo from her band in 2021, Karen has solidified her status as a rising star in contemporary punk.
Dogtooth Stage
Words: Victoria Purcell
Apocalyptica
Finland’s leather-clad cello quartet turn thrash metal into widescreen chamber rock, bowing detuned cellos through Mesa stacks and drafting rock vocalists for arena-sized singles.
Top tracks include ‘I Don’t Care’ and ‘Not Strong Enough’.
Eivør
Faroese singer-composer weaving Nordic folk chants, cinematic electronics and throat-singing into haunting art-pop that has scored The Last Kingdom and God of War.
Check out ‘Trøllabundin’.
Alcest
The Paris‐based duo that pioneered “blackgaze,” fusing blast-beat catharsis with Cocteau-Twins shimmer to soundtrack dreams of an imagined fairy realm, Neige remembers from childhood visions. Check out ‘Sapphire’.
VOLA
Copenhagen outfit splicing Meshuggah-style polyrhythms, ambient synths and radio-ready choruses into sleek, progressive “djent-pop.” Check out ‘Straight Lines’.
Svalbard
Bristol quartet who mix post-hardcore urgency, black-metal tremolo and stirring shoegaze chords while tackling sexism and mental-health stigma with poetic fury. Check out: ‘Open Wound,’ the breakout opener of 2020’s When I Die, Will I Get Better?.
Windhand
Richmond, VA doom titans whose monolithic fuzz and Dorthia Cottrell’s spectral vocals create smoke-wreathed hymns that feel like Sabbath played at half-speed inside a cathedral.
Check out ‘Two Urns’ and ‘Orchard’.
Graphic Nature
UK nu-metalcore revivalists channelling Iowa-era Slipknot with downtuned riffs, glitchy electronics and lyrics about dissociation and self-loathing. Their most played track is ‘Killing Floor’.
Riding The Low
Derby indie-rock outsiders fronted by actor Paddy Considine; scrappy, melodic guitar anthems that feel like Hüsker Dü jamming in a Midlands pub between film shoots.
Their top-streamed track is ‘Carapace of Glass,’ their most-played single on Spotify and centrepiece of live sets.
GORE.
Texas-bred trio blending Spiritbox-style djent grooves, nu-metal bounce and Haley Roughton’s switchblade vocals—equal parts vulnerable and vicious—dubbed “emotional gore.” Check out ‘Babylon’ and ‘Doomsday’.
Battlesnake
A Sydney seven-piece whose self-described “medieval power-metal rock-opera” pairs twin-guitar gallops, church-organ synths and tongue-in-cheek serpent-worship imagery.
Check out ‘Nightmare King’ and ‘I Am The Vomit’.
The Haunt
Florida sibling duo delivering glam-tinged alt-rock: fuzzy riffs, noir pop hooks and Anastasia Max’s sultry, swaggering vocals that channel ’70s Bowie and modern dark-wave. Check out ‘Cigarettes & Feelings’ and ‘Masochistic Lovers’ ft. Craig Mabbitt of Escape the Fate.
Saturday June 14th 2025
Apex Stage
Words: Jess Bland
Sleep Token
Sleep Token are undoubtedly dominating the metalcore scene with their theatrical, anonymous personas and versatile sound. Blending alternative metal, indie pop and even R&B, Sleep Token have exploded in popularity around the world, captivated by their enigmatic presence. As a relatively new band, their addition as a headliner has been contentious, however the English four-piece have solidly delivered atmospheric and emotionally intense live performances – it’s exciting to see how far their show will go for such a coveted spot. Listen to singles like ‘The Summoning’ and ‘Caramel’.
Shinedown
American band Shinedown hail from Jacksonville, Florida, bringing hard rock, alternative metal and southern rock to Donington. Tracks like ‘Leave a Whisper’ and ‘Amaryllis’ showcase their powerful vocals, melodic hooks that delve into personal and societal issues.
Don Broco
Don Broco have earned their way to the Apex Stage with a diverse music style, blending alternative rock, electronic and nu-metal influences. The Bedford rock band deliver a uniquely infectious sound, with upbeat, catchy melodies and engaging live performances. Check out ‘Everybody’ and ‘Gumshield’.
Palaye Royale
Canadian-American band Palaye Royale are a glamorous throwback to the styles of the 1960s and 70s, describing themselves as ‘fashion-art rock’ that combines garage rock, alt-rock and rock-and-roll. With theatrical flair and gritty riffs, fans of My Chemical Romance and Creeper will enjoy tracks such as ‘Lonely’ and ‘PRAY TO ME’.
Poppy
Poppy’s mysterious, robotic persona first came to attention back in 2015, where she made memeable videos and bubblegum pop. In recent years her sound has noticeably shifted towards electronic and nu metal influences, having worked with Bring Me The Horizon alumni Jordan Fish on her latest album. People are finally catching up with Poppy, who boasts collaborations with Knocked Loose, Bad Omens and BABYMETAL, as she proves herself an unstoppable force in the metalcore genre. Notable bangers include ‘New Way Out’ and ‘they’re all around us’.
Hatebreed
One for the heavy music enjoyers, American hardcore band Hatebreed deliver breakdown-heavy songs to circle the pit to. Despite their aggressive, relentless sound, Hatebreed’s lyrics echo themes of strength and perseverance – so it’s not all hateful. Listen to ‘I Will Be Heard’ and ‘Destroy Everything’.
Loathe
Liverpool band Loathe blend shoegaze, industrial and post-metal for a gutsy, experimental sound. Loathe’s uniqueness lies in their ability to contrast ethereal, atmospheric elements with heavy and aggressive tones, compared to the likes of Deftones. Expect clean, scream and whispered vocals in tracks like ‘Is it Really You?’ and ‘Two-Way Mirror’.
Static Dress
Hailing from Leeds, Static Dress bring a uniquely grungey, gritty sound with distorted guitars and emotive vocals that support their distinctive aesthetic. Their stage presence combines nostalgic and theatrical elements that compliment their ambient tracks, drenched in emotion and energy that has been praised by the likes of Oli Sykes, as well as earning them collaborations with nothing, nowhere and Loathe. Look forward to tracks like ‘Push Rope’ and fast-paced ‘Courtney, Just Relax’.
Opus Stage
Words: Victoria Purcell
Sex Pistols fronted by Frank Carter
In 1976 four snarling London upstarts detonated UK pop culture with sneering anti-royalist anthems and safety-pinned fashion. The band’s rallying cry ‘Anarchy in the UK,’ as well as ‘God Saved The Queen’ still lead as a tracks that shaped UK music and culture.
The Darkness
Reviving 70s pomp with tongue-in-cheek swagger and Justin Hawkins’ skyscraper falsetto, the band pairs Queen-level theatrics with earworm riffs. Their glam-rock evergreen ‘I Believe in a Thing Called Love’ is their most played track to date.
Eagles of Death Metal
Desert-rock lifers Jesse Hughes and Josh Homme trade in fuzzy, feel-good boogie that owes as much to Little Richard as to Queens of the Stone Age. Check out ‘Miss Alissa’ and ‘I Want You So Hard’.
Polaris
Sydney’s melodic metalcore five-piece fuse soaring leads, post-rock ambience and cathartic sing-alongs. Crowd-surf anthem ‘The Remedy’ holds the streaming crown at just over 60 million plays on Spotify.
Awolnation
Aaron Bruno’s shape-shifting project welds arena-sized hooks to glitchy electro-rock and yacht-pop detours. Their breakthrough single ‘Sail’ – a brooding, half-time lament that became a meme magnet – remains by far their biggest draw, with more than 875 million Spotify plays.
Currents
Connecticut’s djent-tinged metalcore outfit balances downtuned grooves with introspective lyrics about mental health and modern anxieties. The pummelling yet melodic ‘Better Days’ sits at just over 31 million plays, making it their top track on Spotify.
Kim Dracula
The Tasmanian genre-hacker splices trap beats, theatrical metal and pop covers into viral cocktails. His nu-metal-meets-Lady-Gaga rendition of ‘Paparazzi’ towers above the rest with 157 million streams on Spotify.
Sophie Lloyd
The UK YouTube-to-stadium shredder (who also slings leads for Machine Gun Kelly) writes slick, modern hard-rock built around virtuosic guitar lines and guest vocalists. Her most-streamed solo cut on Spotify is the Trivium-assisted ‘Fall Of Man’, showcasing rapid-fire alternate picking and a melodic chorus.
Avalanche Stage
Words: Jess Bland
Dayseeker
American post-hardcore band Dayseeker have evolved over the years from metalcore to a more melodic, ambient sound, backed by the singer’s smooth clean vocal and occasional screams. Their electronic influence and emotional lyrics have earned them a top spot in their genre, with tracks like ‘Dreamstate’ and ‘Without Me’.
Mallory Knox
Goodbyes don’t last forever, and English rock band Mallory Knox’s split announcement in 2019 lasted until 2024, where they performed a number of reunion shows. If you missed your chance to see those, definitely head over to their set to hear likes of ‘Lighthouse’ and ‘Sugar’, where you can enjoy the best of their pop rock abilities and the sweet taste of reunion.
Twin Atlantic
Scottish alternative rock band Twin Atlantic create loud rocking music drawing inspiration from Blink, Nirvana and Rage, making for a fusion of emo, pop rock and indie goodness. Listen to ‘Heart and Soul’ and ‘Crash Land’.
Smash Into Pieces
If you want to find out what a ‘digital cybertronic circus’ looks like, look no further than Swedish alt-metal band Smash Into Pieces. Their combo of electronic rock and metal packaged into a futuristic, apocalyptic aesthetic creates for a visually unique stage presence – listen to ‘Heroes Are Calling’ and ‘Six Feet Under’.
Mothica
‘Bummer bop’ creator Mothica blends sultry, honest and downright catchy emo and rock influences, creating a cult following online after producing her own music since the age of 18. Her music encompasses her personal experience with mental health and sobriety, with tracks like ‘Sensitive’ and ‘Buzzkill’. Great for fans of Royal And the Serpent and PVRIS.
Lolo
Canadian singer-songwriter Lolo is known for her mix of pop-punk, alt rock and indie pop, drawing inspiration from the likes of Avril Lavigne and Green Day. Her cover of Taylor Swift’s ‘Betty’ went viral on TikTok – who says Swift can’t go pop-punk? Check out her set for fun tracks like ‘wish I was a robot’.
Split Chain
Bristol-based heavy metal band Split Chain are early pioneers of ‘nu-gaze’ – you guessed it, nu-metal and shoegaze. For fans of Deftones and Suprheaven, their unique genre blend is also described as ‘dreamo’, creating a heavy yet ethereal sound. Check out tracks like ‘Future’ and ‘Chalk’.
Venus Grrrls
All-female goth-grunge rockers Venus Grrrls embrace the ethos of the Riot Grrrl movement, exploring themes of activism, feminism and social injustice through their own style of punk, synth pop and soul elements. If you want some good old audience participation, self-expression and full on passion, definitely don’t miss their set with tracks like ‘Hex’ and ‘Divine’.
Bex
Rising punk artist Bex caught attention for her debut single ‘Tiptoe,’ amplifying anti-establishment tones and a gritty, bold aesthetic to pair. With elements of punk, grunge and alt-rock, fans of Paramore and Wolf Alice should check her out.
Dogtooth Stage
Words: Victoria Purcell
Cradle of Filth
Suffolk’s long-running purveyors of baroque, gothic extreme metal, famous for Dani Filth’s Victorian horror lyrics and operatic shrieks. Their top-streamed track is ‘Nymphetamine Fix,’ the darkly romantic duet that dwarfs everything else in their catalogue.
Sylosis
Reading-born quartet led by virtuoso Josh Middleton; they fuse Bay-Area thrash speed with modern prog-metal dynamics and philosophical lyrics. Check out ‘I Sever’ and ‘Tears’.
Kittie
Canada’s trail-blazing all-female nu-metal quartet whose feral riffs and growled/sung dual vocals cracked MTV at the turn of the century. Check out ‘Brackish,’ – the breakout single from Spit that remains their signature song.
Anaal Nathrakh
Birmingham’s apocalypse-metal duo weld black-metal blastbeats, grindcore velocity and industrial noise into music that feels like the end of all things. Check out ‘Endarkenment,’ the band’s caustic 2020 single and their runaway leader on Spotify.
The Funeral Portrait
Atlanta “emo-glam” unit who marry My-Chem melodrama, pop-horror aesthetics and arena choruses tailor-made for sing-alongs. Check out ‘Suffocate City,’ their collaboration with Spencer Charnas that doubled their listener count.
Teen Mortgage
Washington D.C. fuzz-punk duo delivering sand-blasted surf riffs, garage-tempo ragers and anti-capitalist snarl in sub-two-minute bursts. Check out: ‘S.W.A.S.,’ a 105-second blast that sits atop their Spotify “Top Tracks” list.
Holy Wars
LA duo blending industrial beats, alt-metal guitars and Kat Leon’s venom-sweet vocals into cathartic songs about trauma and rebirth. Check out ‘TV DINNER,’ a sardonic, hook-stuffed takedown of consumer culture.
Underside
Kathmandu metalcore flag-bearers mixing down-tuned modern riffs, Nepali folk motifs and outspoken social commentary. Check out ‘Gadhimai,’ a ferocious rallying cry named after Nepal’s legendary festival.
Zetra
London duo cloaking shoegaze melodies in doom-metal fuzz and vintage synth haze, crafting songs that feel like 80-sci-fi played in a cathedral. Check out ‘Sacrifice,’ their hypnotic, slow-burn single that leads their streaming numbers.
Bastardane
Savannah, Georgia groove-metal upstarts (featuring Castor Hetfield on drums) who stir stoner heft, punk urgency and prog detours into riff-heavy jams. Check out ‘Above All,’ – their 2021 debut single and still their most-played cut.
Lastelle
Oxford-Bristol outfit merging post-rock atmospherics, post-hardcore urgency and soaring vocal harmonies for an emotionally heavy yet cinematic sound. Check out ‘Coping Without a Cure,’ just shy of the one-million-play mark on Spotify.
Artio
A Leeds trio mixing hyper-pop hooks, alt-rock guitars and glitchy electronics while front-woman Hol Brazill writes lyrics that flip between self-lacerating confession and righteous fury. Check out ‘Billionaire Nightmare,’ the protest anthem that first put them on editorial playlists.
Sunday June 15th 2025
Apex Stage
Words: Jess Bland
Korn
Nu-metal giants Korn will finally take their much-awaited headline slot on the final day of the festival. Pioneers of the nu-metal movement in the early 90s, Korn are expected to oo-rat-at through bangers like ‘Freak On A Leash,’ ‘Blind’ and ‘Falling Away From Me’. Their distinctly unique sound brings distorted guitar and gritty vocals from singer Jonathan Davis, coupled with hip hop and industrial influences – are you ready?!
Bullet For My Valentine
Welsh heavy metal band Bullet For My Valentine are heavy hitters in the 2000s metalcore scene, recognised for leading the movement alongside Bring Me The Horizon and Architects. Popular tracks such as ‘Tears Don’t Fall’ and ‘Your Betrayal’ showcase their melodic heavy metal abilities.
Spiritbox
Frontwoman Courtney LaPlante’s vocal range is nothing short of legendary, demonstrating deep visceral screams on heavy tracks such as ‘Holly Roller,’ and a range of clean melodic harmonies on ‘Jaded’. Catch the Canadian heavy metal four-piece on the main stage and prepare to have your socks blown off (or lost, in the pits.)
Meshuggah
Hailing from Sweden, Meshuggah will melt your ears with their complex and technical music style. Described as ‘extreme heavy metal’, they use intricate guitars, heavy metal grooves and multiple rhythms at once, because why stick to just one? It’s complex, it’s layered and it’s heavy. Listen to ‘Bleed’ to see what we mean.
Jinjer
Ukrainian metal band Jinger bring a powerful blend of metalcore, groove metal and djent, using complex rhythms, tempo changes and melodic elements. With frontwoman Tatiana’s clean and gritty vocals, fans of Opeth or Gorija should check them out. Listen to ‘Pisces’ and ‘Judgement’.
Power Trip
Dallas based band Power Trip have been thrash metalling through the 2000s with their aggressive punk sound and socially conscious lyrics. Expect tracks like ‘Firing Squad’ to deliver a high-energy performance with plenty of crowd surfers, circle pits and stage diving to fight against corporate greed and political apathy – just how we like it.
Bleed From Within
For fans of Panera and Lamb of God, Scottish band Bleed From Within mix melodic death metal, groove metal and metalcore. Although they started off as pure death metal, their evolution of the years haves created catchy hooks rooted in aggression and heavy breakdowns, as seen in tracks like ‘The End Of All We Know’ and ‘Levitate’.
Orbit Culture
Swedish metal band Orbit Culture deliver groove-laden riffs layered with gritty and clean vocals, with themes around introspection and existentialism (existential crisis in the pit, anyone?) Chek out ‘Saw’ and ‘Strangler’ for a taste.
Opus Stage
Words: Victoria Purcell
Steel Panther
A tongue-in-cheek resurrection of Sunset Strip hair-metal excess: think stadium hooks, Tiger-King solos and hilariously R-rated lyrics wrapped in spandex sincerity. Check out ‘Eyes of a Panther’ or ‘Death To All But Metal’ to ease yourself in!
Lorna Shore
New Jersey death-core titans marry black-metal theatrics, whiplash breakdowns and Will Ramos’s inhuman vocal gymnastics to create epic, orchestral brutality. Check out ‘To the Hellfire’.
Airbourne
Victoria, Australia’s heirs to Motörhead and early-AC/DC: turbocharged boogie, screaming vocals and choruses built for beer-soaked festival fields. Their top-streamed track on Spotify is ‘Runnin’ Wild,’ with 165 million Spotify plays.
Jerry Cantrell
The Alice in Chains architect’s solo work trades grunge sludge for desert-rock grooves and mournful country harmonies, spotlighting his sinewy guitar phrasing and dusty baritone.
Check out ‘Cut You In’ and ‘Afterglow’.
Alien Ant Farm
Riverside alt-rockers best known for turning Michael Jackson’s classic into crunchy, tongue-in-cheek post-grunge while sneaking prog touches into their own material.
Their top-streamed track is ‘Smooth Criminal,’ with 550 million Spotify plays.
Municipal Waste
Richmond, VA’s reigning party-thrash specialists write 100-second blitzes about toxic waste, skate ramps and cheap beer, delivered with gang-shouts and Slayer-speed riffs. Check out ‘Wave of Death’ and ‘Breathe Grease’.
The Ghost Inside
Los Angeles metalcore survivors whose breakdown-laden anthems about perseverance took on new weight after their 2015 bus crash and remarkable comeback. Check out ‘Engine 45,’ the band’s signature song and most-streamed cut on Spotify.
Nothing More
San Antonio quartet who weld prog time-signatures, electronic pulses and bare-knuckle vocals into radio-ready modern-metal anthems that tackle mental health and social angst.
Check out ‘Jenny’ and the newer track ‘Freefall’.
Seven Hours After Violet
Shavo Odadjian (System of a Down) joins metalcore vocalist Taylor Barber for a nu-metal-flavoured project mixing serrated riffs with electronic sheen and melodic choruses.
Check out ‘Paradise’ and ‘Float’.
The Southern River Band
Perth pub-rockers channel AC/DC swagger, bluesy slide licks and irreverent Australiana storytelling; their shows feel like last orders at a roadhouse. Check out ‘Stan Qualen’.
Avalanche Stage
Words: Jess Bland
Kids In Glass Houses
Kids In Glass Houses have been on the scene since 2004, splitting later in 2014 before reuniting a few years back. Their feel-good mix of indie rock, pop punk and 80s synth pop is infectiously groovy, as seen in tracks like ‘Give Me What I Want’ and ‘Matters At All’.
Me First And The Gimme Gimmes
The San-Franciso punk rock supergroup is made up of members of bands such as The Ramones, NOFX and Lagwagon. Best known for their covers, the group dates all the way back to the mid 90s and specialises in turning non-punk songs into fun, fast paced punk anthems – scream along to ‘Country Roads’ and ‘Over The Rainbow’. Expect humorous, theatrical performances and banter with the crowd – an all round good time.
Turbonegro
Norweigan rockers Turbonegro flaunt over-the-top glam and punk rock raunchiness, drenched in double denim that amplifies the wildness of their performance. With the swagger of glam rock and heaviness of hard rock, their provocative lyrics and gender bending personas give high camp theatrical silliness with the power of rock fury. Check out ‘Get It On’ and ‘All My Friends Are Dead’.
Dead Poets Society
If you like the sound of blues-infused hard rock, American rock band DPS have you covered. Described as a mix of Nothing But Thieves and Royal Blood, their fretless guitars gives them a distinctive sound that is both heavy and groove-driven. Listen to ‘HURT’ and ‘Running In Circles’.
House Of Protection
House of Protection have been creeping into the mainstream, recently collaborating with Architects and working with ex-Bring Me The Horizon member Jordan Fish. Consisting of former Fever 333 members, the duo have a dynamic blend of hardcore, electronica and punk – tracks like ‘Being One’ and ‘It’s Support To Hurt’ demonstrate their versatility.
Spiritual Cramp
Punk rockers Spiritual Cramp bring a distinctive mix of new wave, reggae and alternative rock all the way from San Francisco. With inspiration from The Clash and Talking Heads, their reggae-inspired rhythms, gritty punk aesthetic and hip-hop productions prove them to be a standout act in the punk scene – listen to ‘Talkin’ On The Internet’.
Amira Elfeky
American singer-songwriter Amira Elfeky is pushing through the forefront of gothic alternative metal, bringing her distinct take on ‘nu-gaze’ that leans on emotive vocal performances backed by gritty guitar riffs. Similar to Maggie Lindemann and Evanescence, her dreamy aesthetic and soaring vocals make her one to watch, having recently collaborated with Architects. Listen to ‘Death Of Me’ and ‘Save Yourself’.
Arrows In Action
Nashville band Arrows in Action bring upbeat, energetic pop rock described as ‘new-age nostalgia’. Tracks like ‘Cheekbones’ and ‘Uncomfortably Numb’ showcase their exploration themes of youth and self-discovery. Maybe you’ll discover yourself too.
Harpy
London-based nu-goth artist Harpy is known for her dark, atmospheric sound, blending elements of nu-metal, goth and pop. Her live shows promise theatrical elements, PVC outfits and smoke; its sultry and cool, channeling female rage and empowerment with the aesthetic of goth festish clubs. ‘Slaughterhouse’ and ‘Medicine’ are stand-out tracks.
Dogtooth Stage
Words: Victoria Purcell
SikTh
Pioneering UK tech-metal sextet whose twin-vocal hysteria, frenetic polyrhythms and spoken-word interludes laid key DNA for the djent movement. Check out ‘Vivid,’ the 2017 comeback single, still their biggest streamer!
Whitechapel
Knoxville death-core heavyweights whose recent trilogy of albums folds country-gothic storytelling into sledgehammer riffs and Phil Bozeman’s snarled introspection. Check out ‘When A Demon Defiles A Witch,’ their streaming champ and emotional centre-piece.
Fit For An Autopsy
Jersey death-core veterans whose Gojira-sized grooves, social-commentary lyrics and cinematic production push the genre past breakdown clichés. Check out ‘Far From Heaven,’ the 2021 single that vaulted them onto mainstream metal playlists.
Cattle Decapitation
San Diego extremists who weld death-grind speed, black-metal atmospherics and eco-apocalypse lyrics into music that sounds like the planet’s revenge. Check out ‘Bring Back The Plague,’ the viral pandemic anthem sitting near ten million streams.
Novelists
Progressive metalcore unit who create sleek eight-string grooves, met with skyscraper synths and EDM-tinged vocal hooks. Check out new track ‘Coda’.
Unprocessed
German prog-metal quartet blending percussive acoustic slaps, R&B falsetto and djent math-runs into genre-bending “cyber-soul metal.” Their top Spotify track is ‘Deadrose,’ the 2020 single that kick-started their viral growth.
PRESIDENT
Berlin indie-electro quintet pairing jangly guitars with neon-soaked synth lines and bittersweet lyrics that wouldn’t feel out of place on a John Hughes soundtrack.
Their top Spotify track is ‘Crystal Days,’ hazy nostalgia wrapped in a four-minute dream-pop shimmer. (Spotify Embed)
VOWER
New Brighton melodic-hardcore newcomers balancing glass-fragile cleans against throat-shredding screams, all drenched in reverb-heavy ambience.
Their top Spotify track is ‘Shroud,’ a cathartic, reverb-soaked post-hardcore track that tops their playlist.
Survive Said The Prophet
Tokyo alt-rockers marrying post-hardcore energy, pop sensibility and anime-sized melodrama; best known worldwide for a Vinland Saga opening. Their top Spotify track is ‘MUKANJYO,’ with 72 million-plus streams and counting.
VOWWS
L.A.-based Australian duo delivering brooding “death-pop”: Morricone desert guitars, industrial drum machines and whispered duets made for midnight drives. Check out ‘Structure of Love II – Renholdër Remix’ featuring Chino Moreno.
Faetooth
L.A.’s self-styled “fairy-doom” trio; imagine Slowdive dream-pop sung over monolithic doom riffs, with occult folklore replacing standard stoner fare. Top track ‘Echolalia,’ is spellbinding debut single and still their No. 1 play.
Archers
Sheffield-based alt-metalcore outfit mixing bright, post-hard-rock choruses with djent-edged riffs and lyrics about late-night anxiety and small-town claustrophobia. Check out ‘Perfect Strangers,’ an adrenalised, three-minute blast that’s currently their most-streamed song.
NECKBREAKKER
Rising Texas death-thrash trio obsessed with ’90s video nasties; expect whammy-bar dive-bombs, horror-sampled intros and lyrics straight from the grindhouse. Check out ‘Horizon of Spikes,’ a four-minute chainsaw of trem-picking and pick-squeals.
The Village
Wednesday 11th June 2025
The Doghouse
Words: Jess Bland
Rockstar
Dad rockers unite for a DJ set of all your favourites, including Nickleback, Creed and Foo Fighters.
Destruction In The Doghouse
Wrestling and metal go together hand-in-hand, so check out Destruction In The Doghouse for a live heavy metal, high-flying wrestling show with mystery masked performers.
Zoe London
Zoe returns to Download for her fifth year, bringing her unique mash up of drum and bass, garage and bassline with alternative rock and metal. Trust us, it works.
The Den
Nu-Castle
Move in, move out for the four piece tribute band Nu-Castle who will be bringing the best of the nu-metal era for the first night of Download. Don your Adidas and spiked frosted tips and take a journey to the early 2000s – expect plenty of Korn to honour Sunday’s headliner.
Now That’s What I Call A 00 Mixtape Presented By Sophie K
When listening to metal all day, sometimes we need a reset. Radio DJ Sophie K will be hosting Now That’s What I Call A 00s Mixtape, throwing in biggest pop and hip hip naughties throwbacks, mixed in with your classic emo and metal hits – they’re all a pivotal part of the 2000s. Expect DJ sets and massive prizes to close out the first day of the festival.
Ace Of Spades Tavern
Uprawr
Based in Birmingham, club night Uprawr has been on the scene since the early 2010s as one of the leading alternative nights. See what the Brummies are shouting about and get yourself to the Tavern for all things emo.
Emo Drag Karaoke
A first for Download, London’s Emo Drag Karaoke gives you the opportunity to unleash your inner queen with hosts Miss Leah Ding & The Grands Dream Team. If you’ve ever dreamed about performing at Download, now you can say you have – it’s time to rock the mic with flair.
Panic! At the Bingo
You’ve heard of Bongos Bingo, but wouldn’t it be better if it was emo? Panic! At the Bingo bring those dreams to life with three rounds of bingo and silly prizes.
Thursday 12th June 2025
The Doghouse
Vengaboys
Probably one of the most requested, most anticipated bookings of Download – no, we’re not talking about Korn, it’s Vengaboys! The magic of the Vengabus brings together all music enjoyers. Can we circle pit to ‘Boom Boom Boom’?
Famous First Words
Move over, karaoke – it’s time for a new singing experience. Famous First Words requires you to step on stage, hear the first few beats of a song and sing the first words – if it’s the G note, we know what to do.
Dave Hill
Comedian, writer and actor Dave Hill from Cleveland performs his live comedy and music all over the world, and this year he’s at The Doghouse.
Old Time Sailors
‘Rock and row’ with this rowdy crew of 21 musicians who will take us through a voyage of the thrashing seas of heavy metal.
Choir Noir
Expect hauntingly ethereal harmonies and dramatic vocal arrangements as you hear your favourite tunes sung by a powerful choir.
Heavy Metal Sports
We’ve always said Download was missing a sports day, and they’ve brought us the goods. Take part in the Roadie Rampage, Human Snake among a Battle and more.
Jon Mahon
DJ and radio host Jon Mahon hosts clubs nights across the country, known for his mash-ups of EDM and metal – think Sleep Token x The Prodigy. It’ll be a raving good time.
Hang The DJs
Expect matching outfits and banter with Hang the DJs, who blend hardcore, techno, donk and D&B to help you expel the last of your energy.
The Scratch
Hailing from Dublin, The Scratch are a delightful mix of heavy metal, Irish folk and post punk, scratching that itch you didn’t know you had.
The Den
Thanks For The Memories
Five-piece tribute band Thanks for the Memories are taking us back to the days of sweeping fringes and guyliner, although for many Downloaders those days never left us. Expect big vocals and the best of 00s emo and pop punk.
Stokes
Kickstart your weekend with the biggest metal, pop punk and emo tunes spun by Stokes – you’re bound to hear something you like.
Emo Drag Karaoke
Returning for the second night, unleash your dreams of being a Download performer with the hottest queens.
Battlesnake
Australian 7-piece metal band unleash their fury in The Den, described as the love child of Queen and Judas Priest. Expect epic, high intensity tunes like I am the Vomit.
Ace Of Spades Tavern
Alex Baker
Radio host Alex Barker promises a mega DJ set for Thursday, and we’re sure he won’t disappoint – you can also catch him hosting Never Mind the Download Quiz.
Defender Of The Riff
American podcaster Daniel Dekey brings his guitar-driven show overseas, diving deep into the careers of rock and metal’s most legendary riffs. Catch them in the podcast pit with surprise special guests.
Never Mind The Download Pub Quiz
Reckon you’re a rock trivia champion? Face Down and Alex Baker present Never Mind the Download Pub Quiz, where you can take part via the Download App and prove you’re a legend. Expect music rounds, picture rounds, and classic prizes.
Panic! At The Bingo
Panic! At the Bingo bring your emo bingo dreams to life with three epic rounds and silly prizes.
On Wednesdays We Wear Black
Award-winning alternative lifestyle podcast On Wednesdays We Wear Black returns with hosts Sophie K and Yasmine Summan. Feel seen and sit with the outcasts as they cover all things alternative, from gender, sexuality, music, news and more.
Friday 13th June 2025
The Doghouse
Dougie Poynter
It’s all about McFly drummer Dougie who is swapping the sticks for decks and sharing his favourite rock bangers, emo classics and alt floor fillers – probably with a bit of McFly mixed in for good measure.
Funeral For A Friend Acoustic Set
Welsh post-hardcore band Funeral For a Friend have been around since 2001 and one of the most influential bands in their genre. Check out their acoustic set for songs like ‘Roses For The Dead’.
Aled Phillips
Kids in Glass Houses vocalist Aled will be showcasing his mixing skills in the Doghouse, playing all his favourite bangers.
Gatekeeper
Raise your horns for the heaviest metal anthems that have shaped generations – were talking Metallica, Black Sabbath, Slayer and more.
The Den
90s & 00s Raveyard
Who said raving can’t be emo? Put on your sunglasses at night and join the Raveyard as they mash up the biggest floor fillers – we’re talking The Prodigy, Darude, and Chemical Brothers. Oh yeah.
She They Press Play
This DJ collective champions women and minority genders, emerging from a shared recognition of systemic inequalities in the music industry. Ignite change and have a bloody good time doing it!
Justin Hawkins Rides Again
We know Justin Hawkins as a cat-suit wearing noughties rock legend, but did you know he has his own YouTube show? Experience the magic at Download where Justin discusses legends of rock, new music and music news. No catsuit this time though.
Rock Kids
Parents can bring their Rock Kids to the Den to enjoy live performers, foam, confetti and mascots – it’s the ultimate under 16s disco with a family friendly circle pit.
The Tavern
Face Down Presents Emo Prom
Emo prom is taking over the silent disco, bringing non stop emo, punk and metal vibes. Dress in formalwear at your own risk.
Downloads Green Day Quiz with Kitty Cowell
Prove yourself as the ultimate Jesus of Donnington or the Donnington Idiot with Kitty’s Green Day Quiz.
Saturday 20th June 2025
The Doghouse
Modestep DJ Set
British bass music artist Modestep brings high energy aggression and bass with their fusion of dubstep and electric rock.
Liam Cormier DJ Set
Cancer Bats frontman Liam is DJing his top emo, nu metal and hardcore bangers with singalong and rowdiness encouraged.
Feelin’ This
The ultimate pop punk party will be having you questioning your age as you listen to Blink 182, Neck Deep, Sum 41 and more.
The Den
Dani Filth And Kam Haq
Cradle of Filth frontman Dani Filth brings his filthiest DJ set to Download.
K1
Liverpool legendary club K1 brings you the biggest anthems in heavy metal, thrash and metalcore, and maybe some scouse flair.
Delight
Expect nonstop action of punk party anthems, emo bangers and deep cuts to keep you on the dance floor.
Slay Dugee
Described as ‘five dogs that play hardcore metal versions of family favourites’, let the kids hear versions of ‘Baby Shark’ and SpongeBob like they’ve never heard them before.
Ace Of Spades Tavern
Masters of Pop Hits
For the third year running, embrace your guilty pleasures with an unapologetic mix pop hits as a light palate cleanser from the headbangers.
Bongo’s Bingo
Legendary rowdy bingo night Bongo’s is landing at Download on Saturday night, with music, mayhem and crazy prizes.
Sleep Token Quiz with Kitty Cowell
They may be newer to the scene, but Sleep Token have amassed a cult following that probably know everything about the masked performers. Test your knowledge against them and prove who is the most stuck like caramel.
Sunday 15th June 2025
The Doghouse
End of the World Party
It’s the end of the world, which means going back to the office on Tuesday. Have your last bit of fun at the End of the World Party and don’t hold back.
Salt Sweat Sugar
Manchester DJs bring their club night to the fields to close out the festival, with their best pop punk and party anthems.
The Den
Metal Night
Become one with total metal euphoria after an epic weekend, thrashing out to Anthrax, Megadeath and Slipknot.
Rock Kids
If they’re not too cranky by this point, parents can bring their Rock Kids to the Den for the final time to enjoy live performers, foam, confetti and mascots – it’s the ultimate under 16s disco with a family friendly circle pit.
Ace Of Spades Tavern
Attitude Era
Remember when we said metal and wresting go hand in hand? Celebrate the best of the WWE’s Attitude Era for a night of epic wrestling themes and nu-metal bangers.
Decade
Scottish club night Decade are taking us on a journey of UK & The World, with all the best that the overseas has to offer. Think Fall out Boy, Electric Callboy, and Poppy.
Korn Quiz with Kitty Cowell
Are you ready… to test your knowledge of nu-metal legends Korn, on everything from the early 90s to now? Prove you’re the ultimate freak.
See you in the pit!
