Riff After Riff: The Stereoboard Sonisphere Setlist
Thursday, 03 July 2014
Written by Matt Williams
Festival season isn’t for the faint of heart. Glastonbury is still seared onto some retinas, while post-Download hangovers are an ongoing reality for many rock fans. But, once more unto the breach, dear friends. Sonisphere is here, and it’s not taking prisoners.
Celebrating 40 years of music at Knebworth, this year’s bill is truly mighty. The Prodigy, Iron Maiden and Metallica will headline, with James Hetfield and friends running through a ‘By Request’ set a little over a week after rousing a bunch of hippies from their slumber.
Here, we take a run through some of the bands that we’re keen to bang heads to, from thrash legends to punk heroes via some mighty rockers who’ll have all sorts of surprises in their locker.
Anthrax - Bohemia Stage, Friday
Metallica might be the flavour of the month, but Anthrax have something up their sleeves that will give their big four rivals something to chew over prior to headlining on Sunday night. Scott Ian and the boys will play two sets during the weekend, including a run through ‘Among The Living’ in its entirety on Friday night. Caught In A Mosh, Indians, I Am The Law...you know what to do.
Comeback Kid - Bohemia Stage, Friday
This Canadian hardcore troupe returned with the brutal ‘Die Knowing’ earlier this year, following up the excellent ‘Symptoms + Cures’. Live, you can expect great slabs of guitar during the breakdowns, breakneck drums and Andrew Neufeld’s paint-stripping screams.
The Winery Dogs - Saturn Stage, Saturday
Featuring the combined talents of guitarist Richie Kotzen, bassist Billy Sheehan and former Dream Theater sticksman Mike Portnoy, expect the Winery Dogs to provide a set that blends their musical experimentation with the sort of hooks that you could hang your coat on. Their self-titled debut is one of the finest rock records in recent years.
Hundred Reasons - Saturn Stage, Saturday
Hundred Reasons had been all set to play ‘Ideas Above Our Station’ front to back at Sonisphere in 2012, to celebrate its 10th anniversary, before the event was abruptly cancelled. Well, they’ve been invited back and it’s time to get nostalgic for 2002 and a time when the UK’s punk and hardcore underground was in superb shape. Oh yeah, and it’s worth remembering that this record was, and is, fucking great.
The Cadillac Three - Bohemia Stage, Sunday
Representing the new breed of down and dirty American rock ‘n’ roll, the Cadillac Three won’t let the fact that they’re on early doors on Sunday detract from their need to have a shit-kicking good time. As Jaren Johnston, the band’s frontman, said: “Hide your women and your cold beer.”
Airbourne - Apollo Stage, Sunday
We all know the drill by now, right? Airbourne are going to keep it simple. They’re going to plug in and melt your face. The Australian rockers’ UK shows at the end of last year were incendiary, arriving laced with the sort of energy that you don’t see every day. Expect to see Joel O’Keeffe somewhere in the rigging/crowd in no time at all.
Mastodon - Apollo Stage, Sunday
Arriving immediately after Airbourne, these prog masters will re-assemble your melted face before whisking you away on a mind-bending trip. Their recent record, ‘Once More ‘Round The Sun’, packed riffs and experimentation in equal measure, meaning that the Georgia quartet won’t lack for a little muscle.
Dropkick Murphys - Saturn Stage, Sunday
How’s your singing voice these days? You’re going to need it. Dropkick Murphys will take your weary, hungover soul and give it a rousing boot up the arse, churning out the sort of singalong street punk that never fails to hit the spot.
Alice In Chains - Apollo Stage, Sunday
Arriving just before Metallica on the main stage, Alice In Chains will deliver their grunge classics alongside cuts from their recent album ‘The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here’. William DuVall will never replace Layne Staley but he’s a settled presence out front now and, for the first time, has a strong set of new songs to work with. Plus, you know, Man In The Box, Would? and stuff.
Therapy? - Bohemia Stage, Sunday
This legendary power-trio will repeat a popular trick this year, running through ‘Infernal Love’ in full a couple of years after delivering the same treatment to ‘Troublegum’. Still one of the UK’s most underrated rock bands, Therapy? will provide a highlight for those sensible enough to let Stories, Loose and Diane into their lives on a Sunday evening.
Sonisphere Upcoming Tour Dates are as follows:
Fri July 04 2014 - STEVENAGE Knebworth Park
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