It’s hard to believe that two full years have elapsed since the last full Download took place (2019 – reviewed here), and yet here we are, stocking up on painkillers, beer and warm clothing in anticipation of returning to the hallowed Land of Donnington once more. While we roll a die as to whether we’ll need sun cream or rubber boots come next weekend, we thought we’d take a look at some of the best acts hitting the various stages in just a few days’ time. It’s a typically packed affair, with difficult decisions to be made, although thankfully the mainstage headliners have been left largely unopposed, meaning you don’t have to cry as you choose between Maiden and Sepultura, for example. As a result, you can take it as read that you should be trudging towards the main stage for the headliners, but here are ten other bands you should certainly be checking out.
Kris Barras Band (Opus – Friday – 14:45)
The name Kris Barras is already well-known in blues circles, but this former cage-fighter turned guitarist is a formidable talent, whose blistering guitarwork and impressive ear for a melody makes him a fine choice for the Friday afternoon. Kris has toured extensively, honing his stagecraft along the way, and it will be interesting to see him play to an audience fully invested in the rock pyrotechnics he so often brings to bear. Head on over to YouTube and check out the insanely addictive Hail Mary as proof of kris’ talent… we’ll see you down the front.
Lacuna Coil (Opus – Friday – 17:00)
Lacuna Coil are a case of a legendary band who just seem to keep pushing the boundaries with their various albums. From the goth roots of 1999’s In A Reverie, via the more commercial stylings of Karmacode to the blisteringly heavy Black Anima, the band have never rested on their laurels, and there is no doubt that they’ll bring a touch of dark glamour to Donnington. Always an impressive live act (The 119 Show is a case in point), the band are likely to bring something a little special to the newly-named Opus stage on Friday.
Red Fang (Dogtooth – Friday – 20:00)
Hailing from Oregon, Red Fang have been a stoner rock staple since their formation in 2005. Their eponymous debut saw the band snapped up by Relapse for its sequel, and the band have toured alongside the likes of Opeth and In Flames, effortlessly picking up new fans along the way. With the most recent album, 2021’s Arrows having landed during lockdown, Red Fang fans and newcomers alike should make a point to check out the band as they lay waste to the Dogtooth stage on the Friday evening.
Deftones (Apex – Sat – 18:10)
If the Deftones had never released anything other than the still-essential White Pony, there’s an argument that their place in rock history would be assured. The fact that the band already had a number of indelible anthems by that point (My Own Summer, Be Quiet and Drive) is nothing short of remarkable, while the band’s subsequent efforts have shown a strong commitment to quality and diversity. With 2020’s Ohms a particularly impressive offering, this will be a chance to hear material form that impressive offering alongside a selection of the band’s enduring anthems. Expect the band to make an emotional, bruising return to the main stage.
Napalm Death (Dogtooth – Sat – 19:15)
A metal institution, Napalm Death remain an unstoppable force, and they show no signs of tiring some thirty years into a career dedicated to making “noise not music” (as their T shirts proudly claim). Yet, for all the ferocity, the band have never lost their experimental edge and a scything cover of Sonic Youth’s intense White Kross not only showcased a skewed sense of dynamic, but also won praise from SY architect Thurston Moore. The last time Napalm Death played the Dogtooth, the crowd was ten deep outside the door, so if you want to see them, for goodness’ sake get their early.
Megadeth (Opus – Sat – 19:30)
Annoyingly clashing with Napalm Death, thrash titans Megadeth return to Donnington on the second stage. With 2016’s Dystopia having burnished the band’s impressive reputation, it’s been a long wait for the follow up (The Sick, The Dying… and the Dead – coming soon), while the band had their fair share of issues during lockdown, meaning that Dave Mustaine is likely to be on even fierier form than usual. A pretty much flawless live act, expect some of the most intense displays of fretboard mastery you’ll see all weekend, while we can but hope for the twisted monologue of Sweating Bullets amidst the torrent of formidable riffs.
Sepultura (Dogtooth – Sat – 20:15)
Sepultura are an awesome live force, and they have a back catalogue for which most bands would give their various appendages. Having released two of the finest albums of their storied career in Machine Messiah and Quadra, Sepultura remain one of the most forward-thinking bands of their generation and it was instructive that the band’s lockdown set (Sepulquarta) successfully highlighted just how consistently impressive the band’s output has been over the years, with its deft reimagining of songs from the very beginning of the band’s career right up to the present day. Expect highlights from those new outings alongside some of the most well-loved songs in metal’s firmament – it’s going to be intense.
Powerwolf (Apex – Sun – 12:20)
Engaging on record and endlessly entertaining on stage, it will be worth crawling out of your pit early on the Sunday morning for Powerwolf. A heady mix of power metal and gothic fantasy, with their songs about vampires and werewolves, the band often have a visually compelling stage show, and the various members are fiercely committed to their craft. Having released a best of in 2020 (Best of the Blessed), the band will undoubtedly be mining their impressive back catalogue, but if you do nothing else, keep an eye out for Christian “Falk Maria Schlegal” Jost, the “keyboard frontman” and an irrepressible spirit, who makes every Powerwolf performance a joy to behold.
Korn (Apex – Sun – 18:30)
Korn’s fortunes may have waxed and waned over the years, but their recent run of albums have seen the band delivering some of the most emotionally challenging and powerful music of their lengthy career. This year’s Requiem follows neatly on from 2019’s equally raw The Nothing, and there is no doubt that the band will want to air a mix of their deeply powerful new material and well-worn classics to the Donnington faithful. Expect huge anthems, scattershot scat singing, bagpipes and catharsis – Korn subscribe to the blues’ philosophy of drawing something positive out of life’s darkest experiences, bringing their audience together in the process.
Descendents (Avalanche – Sun – 20:10)
Taking to the Avalanche stage, punk legends Descendents may not have had a prolific career (releasing a scant eight albums since their formation in 1977), but they’re one of the most influential bands in US punk history. With elements of Surf and New Wave embedded in their sound, the band’s 1982 classic Milo Goes To College remains a punk staple, while the band’s distinctive Milo mascot has become so much a part of pop culture that its recognised far and wide, even by those largely unfamiliar with the band’s output. An absolute must-see, be mindful of the fact that the tent is liable to be absolutely rammed for this one.
With a typically diverse array of amazing talent spread across the weekend, this is a tiny fraction of what Download has to offer. You know what we’ll be seeing – who are you looking forward to checking out?
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