Words by Tom Donno & Marta Tavares
Hatebreed - Apex Stage - 13:05pm
There was a time not all that long ago where it felt like there was a bit of a fun "movement" in place to get Hatebreed on the bill at Download. They have of course shattered the Donington turf before but nowhere near as frequently as we all would have liked - so their placing on the Main Stage, early Saturday afternoon is most welcome indeed. Nothing drop-kicks a hangover in the face harder than Doomsayer or Destroy Everything circa 1.30pm in the afternoon. Just trust us on that.
Stand-out tracks: Doomsayer, Destroy Everything, Looking Down The Barrel Of Today
Underside - Dogtooth Stage - 14:10pm
Metal from the Himalayas!!! Not enough to make you check them out? They are the first Nepali band to break into the international Metal scene, and you'll see why. They deliver brutal riffs and rebellious spirit with bold lyrics that tackle important subjects for us all (animal rights, political corruption and social change). They are Metal with a mission, packed with Himalayan fire!
Stand-out tracks: Gadhimai, Satan In Your Stereo, Scare
Teen Mortgage - Dogtooth Stage - 15:50pm
This noisy duo combine Garage Punk and Surf Rock vibes like no other. They formed in 2017, after a fateful Craiglist connection no-less, to unleash a raw and gritty sound which will make you want to run around in circles for sure. Get ready for sweaty chaos and a fun cathartic release, they are really worth checking out.
Stand-out tracks: S.W.A.S., Tuning In, Devil Ultrasonic Dream
Eagles Of Death Metal - Opus Stage - 17:05pm
It's been six years since Jesse Hughes and his crew brought the boogie to Download Festival and they're set to kick off a run of EODM > The Darkness > Sex Pistols in what's set to be a truly entertaining Saturday afternoon. There doesn't seem to be any concrete news around the release of new material but safe to bet that the resurfacing of a refreshed line up means we may hear a few new ones dotted amongst the heavy hitters. Cherry Cola as the sun is beginning it's descent across the site? Yes bloody please.
Stand-out tracks: Cherry Cola, Wannabe In L.A., I Want You So Hard (Boy's Bad News)
The Darkness - Opus Stage - 18:10pm
Ok. Fuck yeah we are keen to see the Darkness. First of all, what are they going to wear? Is Hawkins bringing back one of his skin-tight catsuits? If not, that might be the only "faux paw" we are predicting with these guys. We are expecting a fun chaotic ride through waves of silly lyrics shouted at us in a gorgeous voice and heavy melodic guitar riffs. They are glam, they are rock, they are metal, they are fucking fun. If look at recent years and The Darkness being at Download, this one will be packed - get down early.
Stand-out tracks: Get Your Hands Off My Woman, Black Shuck, Growing On Me
Sex Pistols - Opus Stage - 19:35pm
Not having been fast enough to get tickets to watch Frank Carter fronting the Sex Pistols at the Bush Hall last August, it is unthinkable now that we won't be in the front row headbanging like it's 1977 come their debut showing at Download Festival.
Footage from that gig and those that followed proves that Carter is able to instigate an absolute riot as he has done in some form for his entire career. As he himself has bent over backwards to say as well, he wouldn't be able to pull this off and stand shoulder to shoulder with his heroes without the OG punk spirit that emanates from Paul Cook, Steve Jones and Glen Matlock. They are still as rowdy as they fucking come. Anarchy In Donington.
Stand-out tracks: Anarchy In The U.K., Pretty Vacant, Problems
Sleep Token - Apex Stage - 21:00pm
Interestingly this year's festival contains three brand new headliners for this particular event, but whilst that is the case, it's Sleep Token's addition sandwiched in between two genuinely legendary acts which has brought the most intrigue. Their rise over the years has been impressive, at times baffling, organic and the result of blood, sweat and hard work all round. It's both incredible and borderline inspiring to note that the first review we ever posted for Sleep Token came all the way back in 2018 where Vessel and his pals launched themselves through a short but to the point set in a 1pm slot at the now defunct Camden Rocks Festival. On that day, they played to a crowd which barely topped 30 people. Fast-forward seven years and Sleep Token can sell out a 30,000 sized show for breakfast.
For dinner, they'll take to the stage in front of 60,000+ at Donington Park come Saturday night in what could genuinely be a career-defining show. Not to lump on more pressure than it needs but if Sleep Token nail this, they cement themselves as go-to headliners for this festival for years to come. They have the ability, and up to now there's not really been any sign of them being consumed by the expectation. We can't wait to see what they have in store for us.
Stand-out tracks: The Summoning, Granite, Hypnosis
There are still a handful of tickets still available for Download Festival this year. Go go go - https://downloadfestival.co.uk/tickets/