The sun is starting to shine, flowers are beginning to bloom, and the clocks move forward this week. These familiar signs can only mean one thing – summer is on its way, bringing with it the excitement of festival season.
Download Festival has long been known as the ultimate destination for fans of rock, metal and alternative music, and with the lineup announced so far, this year looks set to be no exception. The festival continues to deliver a mix of legendary acts and rising stars, ensuring that attendees will have plenty to look forward to across its stages.
While the headliners are certain to put on spectacular shows, there are plenty of other incredible artists on the bill. With that in mind, we at Songbird HQ have handpicked ten bands that should not be missed by anyone heading to Download this year.
Friday:
Boston Manor – Apex Stage
After a hugely successful UK tour in September last year, it’s exciting to see this band stepping onto the Main Stage at Download this year. Over the years, they have been on a journey from their early pop-punk roots to a heavier, more atmospheric post-hardcore and slightly grunge-inspired sound. Arguably two of their most popular live tracks, “Halo” and “Passenger,” are set to sound massive on the Download Apex Stage. The crowd’s reaction to these songs is sure to be massive. If you’re a fan of bands like Movements or Citizen, definitely give these guys a listen, and don’t miss their set on the Friday!
Within Temptation – Opus Stage
Closing the Opus Stage on the Friday night, we have the incredible symphonic metal band Within Temptation. Fresh off a hugely successful tour late last year, the band is known for creating a breathtaking live experience, complete with dramatic visuals, stunning light displays, and intricately designed sets. Their shows are a full-on theatrical experience, and fans can even hope for a few surprise guest appearances. During their UK tour, Within Temptation surprised us with special appearances from heavy metal and opera singer Tarja Turunen, as well as Ukrainian musician Alex Yarmak.
Dead Pony – Avalanche Stage
Their hard work over the years has truly paid off, and the past 12 months they have really boomed! From headlining their own UK tour in December to supporting You Me at Six on their farewell tour, they have been making sure that people hear their name. Their recent nominations for not one, but two Heavy Music Awards this year further highlight why these are a band that shouldn’t be missed. For those who were lucky enough to catch them on their tour at the back end of last year, count yourself lucky – small venues and intimate gigs are likely to be a rarity for this band going forward with the momentum they’re building.
Saturday:
Poppy – Apex Stage
Poppy is likely to draw a huge crowd at Download Festival this year. She rose to fame initially on YouTube with unusual performance art about internet culture and modern society. Many of you may know her from her viral performance with Knocked Loose on Jimmy Kimmel or her collaborations with bands like Bad Omens (manifesting a secret set or guest appearance from those guys!). Poppy is an incredibly talented performer in her own right, being able to flip from stunning melodies to screaming metal vocals. Make sure you head to the Apex Stage at the right time to catch her set!
Sophie Lloyd – Opus Stage
If you’re heading to Download this year, make sure you check out Sophie Lloyd. She’s an unbelievable guitarist, known for her technical skill and effortless style. Whether you’ve seen her viral YouTube videos or her work with Machine Gun Kelly, watching her play live is a whole different experience. Expect jaw-dropping solos, massive sound, and a proper display of talent from start to finish. If you appreciate top-level musicianship and a great live show, Sophie Lloyd is definitely one to watch.
Bex – Avalanche Stage
Bex is an artist not to be missed as she always brings something truly special to the stage. With captivating performances and a distinctive sound, BEX stands out for her ability to fuse hard-hitting rock with deeply personal lyrics. Her music has a way of hitting hard while still being deeply personal, moving from powerful, high-energy moments to quieter, more reflective tracks that really connect with the crowd. BEX’s live shows are known for their intensity and her ability to connect with the crowd, making them a must-see.
Sunday:
Spiritbox – Apex Stage
If you’re into heavy music that hits hard but still has tons of atmosphere, Spiritbox is a must-see at Download Festival. Courtney LaPlante’s ability to seamlessly shift from hauntingly beautiful to absolutely brutal in seconds is mind-blowing. The band’s been going from strength to strength since last festival season, recently selling out London’s Alexandra Palace, which just proves how massive their live shows are. Expect crushing riffs, huge energy, and a performance you won’t forget.
Amira Elfeky – Avalanche Stage
Amira Elfeky may be new on the scene, having only released her first EP last year, but she’s already building quite the fan base and has many alt music fans talking. Her dark, gothic vibe sets her apart, blending nu-metal with classical orchestral elements to create a sound that’s both powerful and mesmerising. Her live performances promise to be just as mesmerising, offering a unique and immersive experience that’s not to be missed. If you’re looking for something fresh, intense, and completely captivating, Amira Elfeky should be high on your festival watchlist.
Vower – Dogtooth Stage
Vower may have only formed last year, but they’ve already made a big impression. As a supergroup made up of former members of Black Peaks, Palm Reader, and Toska, they’ve quickly shown they’re a force to be reckoned with. Their debut performances were at major UK festivals, and their first headlining shows sold out well in advance. With their powerful mix of heavy riffs and emotional lyrics, Vower’s live shows are an experience you won’t want to miss. Their blend of intense energy and intricate musicianship makes them a standout, and they’re definitely one of the most exciting new acts to catch at Download this year. Don’t miss the chance to see where they’re heading next – it’s bound to be an unforgettable set.
President – Dogtooth Stage
Nobody knows who they are. Nobody knows what their music sounds like. However, by just appearing on the lineup and posting a couple of attention grabbing videos online, they’re already built lots of hype and fans have been going crazy trying to figure out more about this set. Rumour has it that it’s something to do with Charlie Simpson from Busted and Jordan Fish, formerly of Bring Me The Horizon. Download Festival has already announced that there will be multiple secret sets this year. Could this be one of them?
All we know is that with the amount of people already talking about this set, that Dogtooth Stage is going to get busy very quickly, so get up that hill as early as you can to avoid disappointment.
Let us know which bands and artists you’re looking forward to seeing on our socials!
T H E S O N G B I R D 