Download Festival, the world’s premier rock and metal event, adds 36 new acts to an already meaty bill, including Jane’s Addiction, NOFX, Sixx:A.M., Alien Ant Farm and Amon Amarth. Download Festival takes place on 10-12 June 2016 in Donington Park.
Joining headliners Rammstein, Black Sabbath and Iron Maiden for three days of unmissable rock are the mighty Jane’s Addiction – Perry Farrell, Dave Navarro, Stephen Perkins and Chris Chaney – ready to bring their dizzying blend of funk-infused rock to Donington. The band are one of the most exciting and frenetic live acts in the game, fronted by the legendary Farrell whose spellbinding power onstage is sure to transfix the masses this summer.
Whilst we’re saddened to say Motörhead will no longer be performing at this year’s Download Festival, we will honour a true rock ‘n’ roll icon who inspired so many others on the bill, Lemmy Kilmister. This year, Download Festival’s Main Stage will be named ‘The Lemmy Stage’ in tribute to a much loved and missed legend. We are working with Motörhead’s management on a tribute to the great man during the slot he would have performed on, more information to follow.
SoCal pioneers NOFX are coming to stir a hurricane-like frenzy with their politically charged punk with its tongue firmly in its cheek. Sixx:A.M., featuring former Mötley Crüe bassist Nikki Sixx, will inject their brand of old school-style, high-octane rock into the hallowed grounds of Donington. Anti-Flag will bring a blast of white hot three-chord punk this summer. The band are about to tour the US with their new album, American Spring, and Download is currently their only UK show.
South coast metalcore mob Bury Tomorrow have been busy packing out increasingly large venues across the country over the past few years, installing themselves as one of the most exciting homegrown acts to emerge in the genre. Swaggering US rock gang Escape The Fate will come to rage with their energetic, visceral live shows that are the stuff of legend. Prepare for some nu mental antics when Cally foursome Alien Ant Farm takes to the stage at Donington. Their album ANThology featuring singles ‘Movies’ and their cover of Michael Jackson’s ‘Smooth Criminal’ turns 15 this year.
Next up, Amon Amarth; get ready to be at the mercy of these monolithic Swedish warriors whose fist-pounding take on Viking metal is not to be missed. Periphery are also confirmed and are one of the most revered acts in the progressive metal scene. Electric Wizard, the reigning kings of doom, return with their relentless, ritualistic blackness. Rightfully regarded as one of the heaviest bands in the world, expect some hefty, deep and crushing riffs that build, consume and destroy.
Monster Truck will provide an amped-up, modern take on good old fashioned bluesy rock. The Canadian rockers pack searing guitar riffs, intense vocals and just the right amount of vintage appeal. Graveyard have been capturing the hearts and minds of the rock world over the last few years, establishing themselves as one of the best live acts on the scene. The Swedish three-piece will also bring a blast of retro-cool to Donington.
Municipal Waste will lead the thrash metal party charge. The band plays with expert precision and intensity, embracing and feeding off the crowds’ constant chaos. Japanese phenomenon, One OK Rock have skyrocketed in popularity over the last few years. The enigmatic four-piece have been on tour with All Time Low and have just been announced to support Issues later this year. Nottingham’s Heck, formerly Baby Godzilla, will also bring the carnage to Donington.
Pop-punk upstarts Hill Valley High are ready to rock with their energetic and infectious party vibes; Turbowolf, renowned for their debaucherous live shows, will bring some of the chaos to Donington; Grand Magus are set for one hell of an exciting live show with bulldozer riffs and powerful vocals courtesy of frontman JB Christoffersson. Southern rockers Whiskey Myers provide some straight up, booze swilling, highway-driving, great country music.
Cane Hill have been pounding the pavements since their inception a few years ago and will bring their fresh interpretation on nu metal. With a set list guaranteed to be full of huge moments, London rockers Zoax are also confirmed. Canadian three-piece Danko Jones will have crowds in the palm of their hands with a smart mix of hits, fan favourites and cuts from their latest album, Fire Music; and Shvpes, formerly Cytota, are ready for a lethal concoction of aggressive hardcore and hard-edged metal.
With a raucous mix of death and doom backed with atmospheric black metal, The King Is Blind will blow the lid off Download Festival. Buckle in for one full on live set of head bangers from these metal behemoths. Berlin trio Kadavar have quickly become one of the most prominent acts in the European heavy underground, bringing retro, blues-fuelled psychedelic grooves to the masses at this year’s festival. As Lions, the new band from former Rise To Remain members Austin Dickinson, Will Homer and Conor O’Keefe, also join the bill.
Slaves (US), featuring the show-stopping vocals of Jonny Craig, will add drama and rock dynamism to the bill. Wage War will bring their heavy hitting sound, ready for an all-out energetic, circle pit inducing set, while Palisades provide their swirling concoction of hook-laden metal for the dance club masses.
Bristol crew Ashestoangels will add to their growing legions of fans with a hearty, gothic rock-tinged masterclass; London up and comers The Kenneths will perform some unapologetic, brash and bouncy punk, and indie-rockers Muncie Girls will make a splash with their unique injection of book-smart lyrics and streetwise musical sass.
Last but by no means least, Download also welcomes newcomers Reigning Days, who have hit their thunderous musical stride with latest single ‘Friendly Fires’, released last month. Brighton born quartet Black Peaks will pack a punch with their mix of hardcore and progressive rock. Strange Bones will bring unashamedly loud guitars and a real raw edge. The Blackpool trio are turning the heads of the rock scene off the back of their debut single, ‘Sick Of It All.’ Finally Transatlantic tech-heads Good Tiger will bring their fusion of metal, prog riffs and hardcore energy.
Download Festival is the home of rock music and takes place on the sacred grounds of Donington Park, which have been associated with rock since the eighties. The festival attracts icons of rock and metal to its main stage, plus some of the best and hottest new acts in the world. AC/DC, KISS, Metallica, Aerosmith, Guns N’ Roses, Rage Against The Machine, Slipknot, Linkin Park and many more have all headlined its main stage.
Published on 08 February 2016 by Ben Robinson
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