10 years down the line and Download isn’t showing any signs of slowing down! Bringing a line up of old and new, classic rock and tech metal, there really is a wide range of everything that manages to slip into that family tree of rock music.
We’re too skint to go, but we’ve still gone and compiled a fantastic list of old and new, British and American bands for you to check out. Let us know how it goes and don’t expect too much sympathy when you’re covered in mud! Get your horns out and let loose my friend, let loose!
Who are you looking forward to seeing? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter.
Black Sabbath
SABBATH BLOODY SABBATH! Where else do you start than the metal pioneers Black Sabbath? With Download being the bands only UK festival appearance this year and with a back catalog full of anthems; ’Paranoid,’ ‘War Pigs’ and ‘Iron Man’ there really is no better way to end Download Festival. (SR)
Where & When: 9:00 – 10:45 on the Jim Marshall stage, Sunday.
We Are The Ocean
Many questions are surrounding We Are The Ocean right now following the news that screamer Dan Brown has left. So, what does this mean for the band? Well, after listening to the band’s new song ‘Bleed’ it seems that clean vocals are all the rage right now. Deaf Havana pulled it off and now they’re doing fantastic! Go and see what the band have in store for the future and more new songs from their upcoming new album. (MB)
Where & When: 12:30 – 12:55 on the Zippo Encore stage, Sunday.
La Dispute
A first time at Download for the band who’ll bring their mixture of post-hardcore and spoken vocal style to the festival. Maybe a slight bit out of place to the usual Download crowd but be sure that the band will pull out an absolutely killer set of material from their latest album ‘Wildlife’ and fan favourites from ‘Somewhere At The Bottom Of The River Between Vega And Altair.’ Watch the frantic live show before the band head off to mainland europe with Title Fight, Make Do And Mend and Into It. Over It. Very jealous of that tour indeed. (MB)
Where & When: 4:30 – 5:00 on the Pepsi Max stage, Sunday.
Marmozets
I’ve not checked, but I’m pretty sure they’re the youngest band there and they’re probably one the best. They’ll be a massive surprise to loads of the dads there for Black Sabbath and the Dad’s will be all like ‘Oh my! What’s this?!’ and stuff. Ok, so Dads might not say that and I’m not sure what they’ll say, but Marmozets are wicked, brutal and oh so brilliant all at the same time. It’s more than enough to make you stop and listen, but take my advice and be there for all of it. (MB)
Where & When: 6:00 – 6:25 on the Red Bull Bedroom Jam stage, Friday.
Don Broco
New single ‘Priorities’ is an absolute CORKER. Those cheeky chaps have been touring the hell out of EP ‘Big Fat Smile’ for the past forever and their debut album release is drawing ever nearer. Go and dance like you’ve got ants in your pants and enjoy those new songs at a hopefully sunny Donnington. (MB)
Where & When: 12:30 – 12:55 on the Pepsi Max stage, Saturday.
The James Cleaver Quintet
I don’t think there’s an adequate word to describe The JCQ with the letters of the alphabet. It’s a compliment, incase that’s unclear. Technically challenging, catchy choruses and incredibly intriguing to listen to. It makes for a great sounding record and an even greater live show. Try and understand it if you can, but if not, take it from us that it’s really, really good. (MB)
Where & When: 3:40 – 4:10 on the Pepsi Max stage, Sunday.
Chase and Status
A drum and bass duo playing a metal festival? Yep that’s right. Sure Chase & Status stickout like a sore thumb at Download Festival and their booking is a daring choice. However, with a thriving and energetic show, they’re bound to set the mood for Friday’s headliners The Prodigy. (SR)
Where & When: 7:20 – 8:20 on the Jim Marshall stage, Friday.
Refused
Well well well, you lucky Download attendee! Sonisphere got cancelled and so those Download organisers jumped onto one of the greatest influences of punk and got them on the bill. It’s their first UK show since their reunion earlier this year, so expect lots of… welll, just everything really. It’s surely going to be one hell of a memorable experience. Go and show them that UK fans have missed them dearly. (MB)
Where & When: 6:05 – 6:50 on the Zippo Encore stage, Sunday.
Gallows
They stormed Slam Dunk the other week and now they’re here to headline the Red Bull Bedroom Jam Stage. Yeah, that tiny stage. Let’s think this through; new frontman means a revitalised energy through the Gallows camp. Recently recorded new album means new songs are ready to fuck you up. Oh, and they’re playing when The Prodigy are on, so if you want some hardcore british punk at a metal festival instead of electronica then you know exactly what to do. (MB)
Where & When: 8:35 – 9:20 on the Red Bull Bedroom Jam stage, Friday.
Killswitch Engage
Jesse Leach is back! After a 10 year absence from the band he rightfully earned back vocal duties, taking over from Howard Jones. There’s always been debate about who the better vocalist was, but now Jesse will be singing his songs as well as the Howard era. Expect this to come across in the set and prepare for some absolute immense nostalgia. (MB)
Where & When: 7.55 – 8:40 on the Zippo Encore stage, Saturday.
Additional Download 2012 Info:
Line Up & Stage Times|Site Maps|Meet & Greet Bands
Download Festival links: Website|Facebook|Twitter
Words by Michael Brown (MB) and Sean Reid (SR).