Last week, Download Festival announced its first batch of bands, including the three headliners, all ready and waiting to take your voices and adoration with them, forever etched in their memories.
Friday sees the long-awaited return of a metal behemoth, the mighty System Of A Down. With massive anthems heard at rock clubs across the world, such as “Vicinity of Obscenity” and “Violent Pornography”, not to mention the infamous “B.Y.O.B”, this is a set that you will not want to miss.
Saturday will highlight the talents of Scotland’s Biffy Clyro. The trio, whose “co-headline” status earlier this year at Reading and Leeds was totally unjustified as they were one of the best bands by light years, mixing their heaviest songs (“Animal Style” and “Living Is A Problem…”) with delicate numbers like “Re-Arrange” (from the truly brilliant “Ellipsis”) and the classic “Many of Horror” in a manner that truly defined them as headliners. Not as heavy as some of the former headliners, but I have a feeling that The Biff will truly redefine Download’s future. Expect massive production to enhance the wonderfully intrinsic musical talents of the band.
Sunday has the veterans Aerosmith to close out the festival, in a way that only Aerosmith can do. This will be a massive singalong set, from start to finish. Screamin’ Steven Tyler’s iconic voice, Joe Perry’s guitar mastery, just Aerosmith. There is no real way of describing this band, other than Aerosmith. They’re “Classic Rock” but they have fans across the spectrum. Old, young, black, white, male female, it doesn’t matter. Everybody knows “Dude Looks Like A Lady” and “Love In An Elevator”, and will be united in singing along to all the classics from Aerosmith’s storied history.
Download have also announced a stellar first bunch of bands, from across the different subgenres of rock. All will deliver a great show. Sleeping With Sirens’ passion, energy and boy band looks may not be for you, but Slayer might well be. For those who like something in the middle (and a little link to last year’s NXT success), “the best in the world at what [he] do[es]”, the Ayatollah of Rock and Roll-ah, the incomparable Chris Jericho and Fozzy are on the bill, to thrill you in the way that only they can.
Expect chaos and fury with a smile when Five Finger Death Punch take to the stage, to annihilate any damp feelings caused by the weather. They are tried and tested, and will have you chanting “Burn Motherf*****, Burn!” faster than you might think.
Emo giants, AFI will be on the bill as well. And you can expect some absolute brilliance. The progression between “DecemberUnderground” and “Crash Love” seems set to continue, with the band proving they can still do brilliant things, after previewing a new song recently. Every Time I Die are also here to bare their teeth and raise some hell. They’ve played recently, and are another band that looks set to improve with time.
The Story So Far and Simple Plan are here to bring the sunshine to what is more than likely going to be a very wet weekend.
And for those who like their music with a heavy political influence, Prophets Of Rage are here to spread the message. Recently formed, of Chuck D (of Public Enemy), Cypress Hill and most of the original line up of Rage Against The Machine, you can imagine that a lot of injustice will be spoken about.
For you Horror-Metal fans, you have the inimitable Rob Zombie and Motionless In White to sate your bloodlust. Honestly, there is something for everybody in this bunch of bands alone.
There is still time to get your tickets, and even more bands to talk about, and be announced. There will be a large number of bands for you to choose from, and get excited for, if this selection hasn’t already whet your appetite.
I’ll see you there.