The New Breed: 10 To Watch At Download 2013 (Download Festival Feature)
Monday, 10 June 2013
Written by Heather McDaid
On June 14, the great and good of the metal world will descend on Donington for the latest edition of Download. The UK's biggest festival for fans off all things fast, loud and hairy, this year's line-up offers a little something for everyone.
It goes without saying that the headliners are a must see. Iron Maiden will command the stage on Saturday night, with Rammstein set to close proceedings with their own brand of crazy unpredictability on Sunday. On Friday night, Slipknot will be, well, Slipknot.
Looking a little further down the bill though, there are plenty of hidden gems to unearth. Here we run through 10 up and coming acts itching to steal the show from beneath their illustrious counterparts.
Who: Modestep Where: Pepsi Max Stage When: Sunday, 8.05-8.45
Every man and his dog seems to be spicing up rock music with a dose of electronics, but Modestep have reversed the roles. Flavouring a predominantly electronic sound with rock nuances, the band have made massive waves across Youtube and in turn with their live shows. Skrillex put on one hell of a show in a tent at T in the Park, and it's not that far-fetched to imagine Modestep doing the same.
Who: Blood Command Where: Red Bull Studio Stage When: Friday, 6.15-6.40
Ever since their second album, 'Funeral Beach', dropped in 2012, Blood Command have been an unshakable addiction for their hardy band of followers. The Norwegian punk outfit bring a whole dose of attitude and hooks, with tracks such as High Five For Life epitomising their sound. Silje Tombre's vocals are a perfect front for the band, who are famed for their short but punchy sets. Fresh from a run of dates in the UK, they come highly recommended.
Who: Verses Where: Red Bull Studio Stage When: Friday, 4.45-5.10
This clean-cut rock foursome are among a number of UK bands to make the cut, with a positive vibe emanating from their melodic tunes. With clear influences plucked from the likes of Jimmy Eat World, their music is really easy to fall into. With plenty of catchy hooks and quality tracks their set might be short, but it's certainly going to be packed with a hell of a lot of dancing.
Who: Bury Tomorrow Where: Pepsi Max Stage When: Saturday, 5.15-5.45
Bury Tomorrow have been in the fold for a while as an up and coming talent. But their latest offering, 'The Union of Crowns', took their metalcore foundation to a new level. It's a heavier, darker, more thematic work that solidifies their place as ones to watch. A definite must-see.
Who: Dir En Grey Where: Zippo Encore Stage When: Friday, 1.00-1.25
Dir En Grey prove difficult to slot into one single genre, but every aspect of their sound can be traced back to metal. They're brash and bold and have a fervently dedicated fanbase. Whether or not they're your cup of tea - a taste test would be their video for 'Obscure' - they are an intense live band, and one everyone should see at least once.
Who: Crowns Where: Pepsi Max Stage/Jagermeister Acoustic Stage When: Saturday, 12.25-12.50 / 3.30-3.55
Playing host to a lot of classic rock and metal history, there can be a misconception that Download only deals in the heavy. Cornwall's folk lot Crowns prove otherwise, with a catchy and cheery brand of folk-rock. When opening for Dropkick Murphys earlier in 2013 they proved they could not only match the traditional side of their headliner's sound, but win over others in the process. If you're looking for a bouncy, acoustic interlude to your day, then Crowns are a good place to start.
Who: Rival Sons Where: Zippo Encore Stage When: Sunday, 4.15-4.45
You know those fire and brimstone religious preachers you see on television? The ones with voices tinged with profound passion, and a tuneful air to their speech? Well, that's pretty much Jay Buchanan's vocal style, but what he preaches are the soulful ramblings that accompany Rival Sons' bluesy rock perfectly. Having developed a wider following after touring with Black Stone Cherry in 2012, they're a really refreshing rock band.
Who: Blitz Kids Where: Zippo Encore Stage When: Sunday, 11.00-11.25
Blitz Kids are one of those bands who seem to keep rearing their heads through friends' recommendations. When 'Never Die' was finally given a spin, it was clear that this is a band who have many faces and look to push themselves. The title track from their mini-album simply soars, man.
Who: Huntress Where: Red Bull Studio Stage When: Sunday, 1.55-2.20
Plucking some real quality from the Stateside pool of metal, Download wisely opted for California's own Huntress. Their sound is simply enormous, from pounding drums to thrashing guitars. All the while, they reel you in with a clean-cut element here and there. Jill Janus' vocals are unbelievable, right up there with the likes of Angela Gossow, and possess the neat balance between vicious and powerful. This band's 2012 debut put them on the map, and this is the perfect opportunity to see them at the start of their journey upwards.
Who: Patent Pending Where: Pepsi Max Stage When: Friday, 2.35-3.05
As straight up as a recommendation can go: If you like Bowling For Soup, then chances are you will like Patent Pending. If you like Bowling For Soup, you've probably already seen Patent Pending supporting them. Pop-punk bounce at its finest, this band encompass that fun-loving, carefree party vibe. Probably the best band Bowling For Soup picked up for touring since old friends Zebrahead made the rounds. You will not just dance, you will likely pogo.
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