We're going to be hitting up Sonisphere this weekend, and we hope you are too, so to get everyone in the mood and get those necks limbered up, here are THIRTEEN (yeah get over it) of the absolute must see bands across the excellent and varied line up. The two main stages don't clash so if whilst reading this you start to panic and cry about potential clashes, it will probably be alright.
Metallica
The 'Metallica By Request' tour finally rolls into the UK on Sunday night, and whilst the voted set-list doesn't feature as many rarities as you might have hoped when the idea was announced, it is a full on greatest hits Metallica set. The band of course played Glastonbury mere days ago, and if after watching that momentous and victorious set it hasn't got you pumped up for this show then something is wrong. Metallica FAMILEEH assemble, the band are headlining the Apollo Stage on Sunday Night at 20:15pm.
Iron Maiden
This is the first time Iron Maiden and Metallica have ever been on the same bill, and looking at the poster at them side by side truly is special. This will be the very last date of the 'Maiden England' Tour which has been showcased in all four corners of the world. Don't worry if you seen the set at other festivals recently, they've changed it up slightly with the 2014 version - but this may be the last chance you'll get to see some of the eighties classics. Iron Maiden headline the Apollo Stage on Saturday Night at 20:45pm.
The Prodigy
It would be unfair to cover the other two headliners here and not include the third, especially when it's one of the best live bands around (real reason they're included). If you've never been to see The Prodigy before, you know all the chaos you're expecting? Well it will be ten times that. Their intensity live is almost unmatched across music, it really is an experience. The Prodigy headline the Apollo Stage on Friday Night at 21:20pm.
Deftones
With a discography as varied and as brilliant as theirs, whatever set list Deftones decide on come Saturday evening it will be an awesome moment for everyone in attendance. In recent years, the band have really picked up with their live shows, and recent festival shows dictate that this will be one not to miss. Deftones are playing on the Apollo Stage on Saturday at 18:15pm.
Mastodon
Mastodon have just released the absolutely unbelievable Once More 'Round The Sun and it will be interesting to see what tracks they include from it during their set. Mastodon are one the most technically gifted outfits live, the vocals can be ropey, but the riffs live take on a new beastly form. Mastodon play the Apollo Stage on Sunday at 15:55pm.
Alice In Chains
Alice In Chains are riding high at the moment, selling out venues like the Alexandra Palace in recent months and an extensive touring cycle has cemented the band's legendary status. Much like Deftones, the band have such a varied and impressive discography, you should be in for a real treat. Alice In Chains play the Apollo Stage on Sunday at 17.45pm.
Gojira
Despite the preposterously early set time on Sunday morning, Gojira will still no doubt deliver the punishing, heavy beast that is their live set. When you see bands early in the line up and note that they'll 'blow the hangover cobwebs away', well Gojira will take those hangover cobwebs, spit on them and stamp them into the ground. Still touring off of the back of the excellent L'Enfaunt Sauvage make sure you drag yourself out of the tent Sunday morning. Gojira play the Apollo Stage on Sunday at 11:15am.
Limp Bizkit
Limp Bizkit function best in the live environment - this was the situation the first time round, and it still is now. Track after track you've got full crowd participation (don't pretend you don't know all the words to almost every song) and general chaos. Reports from the current leg of this tour suggest that they are absolutely at the top of their game. It's just one of those days. Limp Bizkit are playing the Apollo Stage on Friday at 19.40pm.
Dropkick Murphys
Their brand of Irish injected punk is so infectious that no matter what stage, or what time of the day it is, the band will create a party atmosphere. The beer will be flowing, people will be dancing and everyone will be having a great time - Shipping Up To Boston for one will likely see one of the biggest crowd reactions all weekend. Dropkick Murphys play the Saturn Stage on Sunday 16:50pm.
THE HELL
WE'VE SAID IT BEFORE, THE HELL ARE ONE OF THE MOST MENTAL HARDCORE BANDS AROUND AT THE MOMENT. IF YOU TAKE THEM TOO SERIOUSLY THEN YOU'RE DOING IT WRONG - THEY'RE ENTERTAINING AND TIGHT MUSICALLY WHICH IS ALL THAT MATTERS. AND YES THIS IN CAPITALS BECAUSE THEY LIKE IT. THE HELL ARE PLAYING THE JAGERMEISTER STAGE ON SATURDAY AT 14:00PM.
Raging Speedhorn
Raging Speedhorn are a Heavy Metal band, with some influences from Hardcore, who were active for ten years before going on hiatus in 2008. They built a strong cult following, spurring the extremely positive reaction to the announced comeback earlier in the year and rightly so. Their live performances have a fierce reputation for complete madness and they're sure to make some new fans as a result of their set, and all hailing from Northamptonshire no less! Raging Speedhorn are playing the Jagermeister Stage on Sunday at 19:00pm.
The Bronx
The Bronx are the kings of the Hardcore scene, and pretty much lead the way in how it should be done live. Shout out of course go to some other bands similar on the line up including Gallows, but when you see The Bronx live you better be prepared for the bedlam. Front man Matt Caughthran is an absolute force leading the line. The Bronx are playing the Bohemia Stage on Sunday at 17:50pm.
Therapy?
For this set Therapy? will be performing Infernal Love in full. Many may have been a little confused by that announcement - wondering why the far heavier and more popular Troublegum wasn't chosen – but this will no doubt be one of the sets of the weekend. Therapy? are a fantastic band live, and it will be more than interesting to see one of their big albums in full. Therapy? are playing the Bohemia Stage on Sunday at 19:00pm.
So there we go; thirteen bands not to be missed at this year's Sonisphere. There are of course more gems sprawled across the line up as is always the beauty with festivals on this scale. You'll see some of your favourite bands, and still discover new music. See you all at Knebworth!