Summer Festival Guide

Our top ten picks for Slam Dunk 2015

by

What is Slam Dunk 

Festival season is on the horizon and getting ready to kick start it all is SlamDunk Festival taking place May's Bank Holiday weekend. The ever expanding festival is now set to take place over three central, easy to reach locations across the UK in Leeds, Wolverhampton, Hatfield. 

With previous years showing the likes of All Time Low and The All American Rejects its no wonder why this one day wonder is not to be missed.

Just announcing their final editions to this year’s festival, joining the line-up are;

Architects, Finch, We Are The Ocean, Set It Off, Cartel, As It Is, ROAM, Moose Blood, Stick To Your Guns, Deez Nuts, Dead Harts, Being As An Ocean, Baby Godzilla, SHVPES, Rob Lynch, Aaron West and The Roaring Twenties, This Wild Life, Fort Hope, Only Rivals, Wind In Sails, Survay Says! and Seaway.

And not only that, you can Catch Dani & Davyd from Bury Tomorrow (DJ set), Tek-One, The Algorithm, Teru from Crossfaith (DJ set), Mellisa Clarke and Total Uprawr resident DJ's at this year's Uprawr DJ Stage"

With an incredibly diverse line up this year, tickets are going fast with the southern location almost sold out. It's a bargain, and if you've not got the money for a big festival then this is by far the next best thing!

Check out our top ten list of who to see at Slam Dunk Festival 2015!

1) Neck Deep

Pop punk's finest new addition, this band from Wrexham, Wales formed in 2012 are taking the UK by storm. After the release of their debut album 'Wishful Thinking' the band soared to success, winning Kerrang's 'Best British Newcomer' in 2014. Having just finished touring the UK with the likes of All Time Low, taking on huge arenas, Neck Deep will be sure to have the confidence to smash SlamDunk's more intimate stages. Neck Deep's sing along anthems, and heartfelt acoustic set list guarantee one of the best crowd interactions of the whole festival. With a new album already recorded and produced by A Day To Remember's Jeremy McKinnon and Reading and Leeds main stage on the horizon these boys have earned their way to our Top Ten band to see at SlamDunk 2015.

2) Pvris

With little need for introduction Lynn Gunn's hugely hyped pop rock band PVRIS are ready to take the UK as their own. With VANS Warped Tour just around the corner amongst non stop tour dates it's no wonder that this hardworking three piece have earned our top two.

After nearly a year after signing with Rise/Velocity Records, and the release of their debut album White Noise last November, this monochrome trio from Lowell, Massachusetts have already created a strong fan-base in England. Lynn Gunn's iconic female presence has taken our second place after the nomination for three of the upcoming Alternative Press awards, set for July. Why not come along and see what all the fuss is about, if it takes your fancy then be sure to cast your votes on Alternative Press's website.

3) Architects 

With the single Black Blood and the album Daybreaker , it was clear this band has a message they wanted to express to the world. They have proven to do things their own way and recorded their latest album within the comfort of their own home. The sixth album titled 'Lost Together Lost Forever' was released last March and these boys are still touring strong with that material. 

Not only have they got an extravagant back catalogue filled with extremely diverse tracks, the band have good morals, all of the members are vegan, and are completely against animal cruelty. Not only can this be heard through Sam Carter's bark, the frontman lives up to his bite and is currently the Sea Shepherd UK ambassador. This organisation helps prevent whaling and is something the band is extremely passionate about. If you're interested in being part of this cause then be sure to head over to their merch table as some of the proceeds are forwarded to these charities.
Not only known to be an amazing studio band it's guaranteed you're going to get the same performance and passion in their set. It's precisely this reason why this band deserves to be so high up on our top ten bands to see at SlamDunk 2015.

4) While She Sleeps

After relentless touring, the band announced a set of cancelled shows, with frontman Lawrence announcing he had to undergo throat surgery due to excessive strain from his passionate and heavy vocals.
With concern and controversy over whether or not the band would even return after his operation they came back as promised, dedicated and only with a more aggressive extravagant Sleeps' sound we all know and love, they have truly never sounded better.
After just releasing their latest album 'Brainwashed' this March it's very clear this band have a strong message that's not to be missed.

With comments still being shared of the five piece's performance on Download's main stage last summer being the highlight of the bands career this has catapulted the metal-core band known as 'Sleeps' onto our top ten.  

5) Gallows 

A band still under much controversy after the departure of Frank Carter, Alexisonfire's Wade Mcneal is still persisting with an onslaught of new music. The band are currently touring Europe with material from Desolation Sounds as well as original tracks from the days of Frank.  The stress and pressure the Punk band from Watford have endured hasn't made them buckle it's made them thrive and very angry, be sure to check this hardcore band if you want to see some passion.

6) Being As An Ocean

A highly religious melodic hardcore band from California releasing their debut album 'Dear G-d' with  Invogue Records in 2012. The divergent frontman Joel Quartuccio accompanies his vicious screams with his bands melodic choruses and thrashing breakdowns. With sing-alongs and amazing crowd intimacy, this band will have you hooked from the first verse in their set.

7) Deez Nuts

Known as complete party animals Deez Nuts are a low tuned bass heavy four piece post hardcore band formed in Australia. After front man JJ Peters parted with his old band ' I Killed The Prom Queen' he left us questioning what he would do next. Deez Nuts rolled onto the stages with an aggressive thrashy sound accompanied by rapped lyrics. This band stay true to themselves and are in the business for all the right reasons, fun, fans and nothing more. It's certain this band don't mess around and will demand stage dives and high fives.

8) Zebrahead 

Orange country California seems to just spit out amazing bands. This late 90's act are proving that pop punk's still not dead, with their ever expanding fan base these five punk rock guys are still bashing out albums. This band are renowned for their rap metal style, a modern twist of punk rock with a hint of Rage Against The Machine, it's a fact their shows are supposed to tear the roof off. They were nominated for a Grammy for their cover of Metallicas ' Enter Sandman', who knows you may even be lucky enough to hear it at SlamDunk.

9) Millencolin

Swedish skate-rock sensation have been signed with Epitaph Records since 1996 and have just released their first album in over seven years, titled 'True Brew'. If you don't know what they sound like then maybe this will jog your memory, if you were a skater kid you'll definitely know their track 'NO CIGAR' which featured on 'Tony Hawks Pro Skater 2', yeah that's right that was them! Now you know go check them out, they're definitely experienced enough to rock SlamDunk's intimate stages.

10) Don Broco 

Formed in England in 2008, this band are fairly new onto the scene, however their non stop touring attitude has earned them a fairly stable fan-base. Don Broco can be summed up as punchy intro's followed by aggressive power chords with awesome clean vocals and a disco drum beat overlaid. This combination creates an amazing kick which a crowd can really sink their teeth into. These boys are planning to release a new album in Autumn this year, you'll most likely hear new tracks live.

If you're standing around with no one on your must see list then why not check out some of the bands listed above

 

Outlook Festival complete lineup with SBTRKT, Beenie Man and more

by

Outlook has just revealed the final wave of artists for September 2015 as the festival enters its 8th season in Croatia. Set in an abandoned 19th century fortress of dance floors, intimate spaces and passageways which look over the Adriatic Sea, Outlook unites some of the world’s finest purveyors of dub, reggae, hip-hop, drum ‘n’ bass, garage, grime, dubstep, house, techno and electronica and more across a spectacular weekend of music.

SBTRKT is the final artist announced for the opening concert at the incredible 2000-year old Roman Amphitheatre in Pula. One of the UK’s most celebrated and intriguing producers, his catalogue of esteemed remix work includes M.I.A, Radiohead, Modeselektor, Basement Jaxx, Mark Ronson, and Underworld. SBTRKT joins the already announced Jurassic 5, Roni Size Reprazent Live, Gentleman’s Dub Club and Trojan Sound System on Wednesday 2nd September.

Outlook Festival’s roots dig deeply into a rich range of sources and inspirations, with reggae and Jamaican dancehall just two of these strands. Beenie Man is a Grammy award-winning Jamaican reggae artist and is referred to as the world's "King of Dancehall," whilst New York by way of Brixton meets France as Shinehead & Legal Shot Sound create crowd-rousing Jamaican Reggae sounds. The Bug’s ‘Acid Ragga Live’ joins the dots between experimental acid and ragga dancehall to incredible effect, the 7” label and Ninja Tune offshoot a truly unique creation from Kevin Martin, and The Heatwave is a bashment-raving scandal, a non-stop dancehall party like nothing Outlook has ever seen before.

Outlook features several momentous anniversaries in 2015. DMZ will be bringing their full crew celebrating their 10th anniversary with Digital Mystikz, Loefah, Kode 9, Hatcha, Youngsta, Chef, N-Type, Quest, Silkie, Distance, Pinch, Sgt Pokes & Crazy D, featuring long-lost dubs to showcasing the freshest heavyweight plates. Also deeply embedded in the festival’s DNA is drum and bass, dubstep, bass music and garage. The final round of names further enhances Outlook’s credentials; Rinse FM’s Oneman has been turning heads melding old school UK garage with DMZ style dubstep, famed for his hip hop and sets for The Boiler Room, the now legendary back to back parties with Jackmaster or opening for dance titans such as SBTRKT and Major Lazer. DJ Hype is one of the most iconic names in drum and bass, the long-serving Fabric London resident a pillar of the scene, and Renegade Hardware is one of the most iconic drum and bass nights in the past two decades, from their scene-leading The End parties in London to curating riotous sessions around the UK. In 2015 they celebrate 20 years in the business, and bring Loxy & Ink, Bad Company UK, Maztek, Digital & Spirit, Keaton, Ant TC1, Cold Fusion and MC Stapleton to Outlook. Break & Kyo (Live) bring their drum and bass to Outlook too, and Pinch, Bristol's leading man of dubstep who runs Tectonic Recordings, also comes to the party showcasing the 10th anniversary of his label.

Chris Lorenzo / Cause & Affect are widely known for pioneering the jack house / bass hybrid scene, furthered by Lorenzo’s award-nominated productions with Hannah Wants, Cause & Affect’s weekly show on Rinse FM and accolades from the likes of Annie Mac, Eats Everything, Monki, Skream, B Traits, Target and EZ. And Loefah’s Swamp 81 label will be taking over the Moat Stage with their bass infused house & techno, helmed by Loefah alongside label artists Mickey Pearce, Paleman, Klose One, Benton and Chunky.

Outlook embraces many kinds of diverse artists performing at the festival. UK reggae collective Vibronics Feat Madu Messenger & Echo Ranks lay down their heavy steppers and dub sounds, whilst old skool veterans Kenny Ken & DJ Ron will be taking Outlook on a musical journey through 20 years of jungle and drum and bass. OBF Feat Shanti D & Stand High Patrol will be bringing their dub & dancehall selections from France. Both run their own sound systems, have released albums on their own in-house imprints and rock dancehalls worldwide. LEVELZ is a loose-knit group of MCs, DJs and producers with the potential to evolve into one of the most exciting creative forces to emerge from Manchester in recent years. Hailing from Japan, Part2style are one of the top sounds in the Tokyo bass scene; they will be playing their original dubplates in reggae, dancehall & jungle styles. Reggae Roast will be bringing their Sound System to Outlook for the first time which will vibrate the walls of the fort, and Croatian female experimental hip-hop MC/vocalist Diyala will be making her debut at the festival. She lived in Brooklyn in her childhood and in 1999 Diyala started MCing in Croatia. Influences from hip-hop, alternative rock and experimental music can be heard in her amazing vocal work.

Further names revealed include Fracture, Novelist, The Mouse Outfit, Elijah & Skilliam, Solo Banton, Xtrah, Hybris, Moxie, Catching Flies, MC DRS, SP:MC, Foreign Concept, Hyroglifics, Fre4knc, Kutmah, Chopstick Dubplate Feat Jacky Murda & Aries, Mark System, MC GQ, Stamina MC, Charlie P, Barely Legal, Compa, Gerra & Stone, Anti Social – Quest & Silkie, True Tiger, David Boomah, Kiko Dan, Chef, Siobhan Bell, Work It Girls, MC Sgt Pokes, MC Crazy D, Shanty, Chainska Brassika, Dan Man, Mantmast, Sun of Selah, Vital Techniques, Doctor Jeep, Sammy Dreadlocks, Shepdog, Blazin and Finwa.

The complete lineup:
Beenie Man, Run The Jewels, Boy Better Know, The Madlib Carnival – Madlib, Pete Rock, J Rocc and Moodymann, Wiley, Noisia, Dusky, Flatbush Zombies, Shy FX, Congo Natty feat Congo Dubz & Tenor Fly, Jeru The Damaja, The Beatnuts, Digital Mystikz, DJ EZ, Goldie, Mount Kimbie (dj set), Cutty Ranks, Kate Tempest, David Rodigan, Loefah,  Oneman, Protoje & The Indiggnation, BADBADNOTGOOD, Yung Lean, Araabmuzik, The Bug Feat Flowdan, Manga & Miss Red, DJ Hype, Chris Lorenzo, Sherwood & Pinch, dBridge, Icicle Entropy Live, Dub Phizix & Strategy, Renegade Hardware 20 feat Loxy & Ink, Bad Company UK, Maztek, Digital & Spirit, Keaton, Ant TC1, Cold Fusion, MC Stapleton and Fokus & Mantmast, Break & KYO (Live), Zed Bias, Toddla T, Tippa Irie, Shinehead & Legal Shot Sound, Sango, Mr Carmack, Newham Generals, Stormzy, P Money, Big Narstie, My Nu Leng, Norman Jay MBE – Good Times, Artful Dodger, Kurupt FM, Youngsta, Hatcha, The Heatwave, Novelist, Maribou State Live, Paleman, Vibronics Feat Madu Messenger & Echo Ranks, Bodhi, Lone, Mumdance, Om Unit, Fracture, Kenny Ken, The Mouse Outfit, Mickey Pearce, Klose One, FKJ Live, Kahn & Neek, The Upbeats, Enei, Mefjus, Rockwell, High Focus Records, Little Simz, Rodney P, Skitz, Mungo's Hifi, Iration Steppas, Channel One Sound System, Soom T, OBF Feat Shanti D, Stand High Patrol DJ Set, Elijah & Skilliam, Barely Legal, Cause & Affect, Riko Dan, Skeptical, Kasra, Ivy Lab, Xtrah, Matt Jam Lamont,  Logan Sama, Flako, Kenny Knots, Hybris, Distance, Applebottom, Chopstick Dubplate Feat Jacky Murda & Aries, LEVELZ, MC DRS, SP:MC, Chunky, Moxie, Flava D, Truth, Foreign Concept, Hyroglifics, Fre4knc, Kutmah, Mark System, Emperor, DJ Haus, Billain, Seven Davis Jr, Dubkasm, Benton, Kromestar, Spooky, Mella Dee, Catching Flies, Commodo, Quest, Silkie, MC GQ, Stamina MC, Jack Sparrow, Kaiju, Alexander Nut, Amy Becker, Charlie P, Jay Prince, Jon Phonics, DJ Milktray, Pyrmdplaza, Chimpo, DJ Ron, Diyala, Necessary Mayhem, Part2style, Reggae Roast, 2Shy, Biome, David Boomah, N-Type, Chef, Compa, Gerra & Stone, Egoless, Kiko Dan, True Tiger, Digitron, MC Fox, MC Sgt Pokes, MC Crazy D, Shanty, Chainska Brassika, Afriquoi, Danny T & Tradesman, Ishan Sound, Adam Prescott, Parris, Shepdog, Dan Man, MC Fokus, Visionobi, Mantmast, Fixate, Hi5 Ghost, Boofy, Hannah Faith, Bambooman, Siobhan Bell, Work It Girls, Dread MC, Vital Techniques, Filip Motovunski aka Noon, Rahmanee, 207, Chew The Fat, Roots In Session, Said, Necone, Rasheed, Dirty Beatz Crew, Kodin , Vilify, Push UK, Sun of Selah, Doctor Jeep, Sammy Dreadlocks, Pean, Blazin and Finwa.

Action Bronson, Pusha T and more added to Fresh Island Festival lineup

by

Fresh Island has cemented itself as one of Europe's best Hip-Hop, R&B and urban festivals for the past three years with international acts and thousands of revellers jetting to the isle of Pag for the ultimate celebration of the genres' music and culture. For three days the festival will host a mix of stunning live performances, cutting-edge DJs, MC battles, dance crews and beach, boat and pool parties in the idyllic setting of Zrce beach, with takeovers of Aquarius, Kalypso and Papaya (voted best club in Croatia in DJ Mag's Top 100 Clubs).

Larger than life ex-chef Action Bronson will be cooking up a storm for his Fresh Island debut following the recent release of the appropriately titled Mr Wonderful. Next up Pusha T joins the festival, making it up to fans after sadly being unable to perform at last year's event. Working hard on the followup to his critically acclaimed debut LP My Name Is My Name, expected this Spring, the former Clipse member will no doubt be dropping brand new material for revellers at Fresh Island. Having lived and breathed Hip-Hop culture for most of his life, it's only fitting that LA's Evidence is onboard for the festival. A graffiti artist and skateboarder from an early age, Evidence is one of the founding members of respected Hip-Hop group of the 90s, Dilated Peoples. Breaking out on his own, the rapper/producer has since picked up a Grammy for lending his producer talents to Kanye West on College Dropout as well as a slew of revered underground solo material including The Weatherman LP and Cats & Dogs. 

Just Blaze is arguably one of Hip-Hop's most iconic producers having worked with some of the biggest names in the industry including Jay Z, Kanye West, Jay Electronica, Eminem, Rick Ross and Kendrick Lamar. His talents aren't confined to the studio, starting out as a DJ Just Blaze has forged an impressive career touring the world and will be demonstrating his skills behind the ones and twos for the Fresh Island crowds. The original champion of Hip-Hop in the UK and firm Fresh Island favourite, Tim Westwood returns to the festival in 2015. Now hosting a show on Capital Xtra, Westwood has used his radio DJ status to bring Hip-Hop to the masses for nearly 30 years, garnering some big name friends in the game as well as going out on his own with the Tim Westwood brand, selling millions of compilation albums.

2015 sees the first ever grime takeover with VICE's Noisey, as Fresh Island gives a deserved nod to some the UK's best. After appearing at this year's Brit Awards with Kanye West, grime's most promising new talent Stormzy will appear along with NAA founding member, MC and now YouTube sensation Big Narstie and Radio 1/1XTRA DJ DJ Target. 

A truly international festival, Fresh Island celebrates talent from around the world, other names set to grace the Hip-Hop stages include influential French DJ Cut Killer, Slovakia and Czech Republic's best selling hip-hop artist, Rytmus, Austrian MC Big J and a live collaboration between Czechs DJ Wich and Vladimir518. The festival will also welcome Haftbefehl, one of Germany's biggest Hip-Hop stars, respected by genre fans and literary critics alike for his lyrical prowess in German, Turkish, Kurdish and Polish.

Cream Ibiza 2015 Line Up Announced

by

With a love affair that began back in 1994, Cream is back at its spiritual home Amnesia taking over Thursday nights with a jam packed summer line-up guaranteed to rock the Main room and legendary Terrace, this year’s line-up features an array of exclusive performances, residencies and special guest appearances from some of the world’s biggest electronic acts including Above & Beyond(Exclusive residents), Eric Prydz (Exclusive Resident), Paul van Dyk (Exclusive resident), Fatboy Slim, Alesso, Duke Dumont, Pete Tong, Tchami, Aly & Fila (Resident), John O’Callaghan (Resident), Sasha, Mark Knight, Andrew Rayel, Fedde Le Grand, Danny Howard and Simon Patterson (Resident).   In addition the Terrace welcomes some fresh new faces and exciting hot producers all making their Cream debut including Boys Noize, Carnage, Philip George, Michael Calfan, Kölsh (DJ Set), DJ Fresh and Kryder and with Main Room support stronger than ever with performances from Cosmic Gate, Omnia, Bryan Kearney, Jordan Suckley, PureNRG Live, Arty, Andrew Bayer and Ilan Bluestone to name a few, 2015 is set to be a big one!

Cream kicks off on Thursday 11th June and will be closing out the season on Thursday 17th September 2015.  Tickets on sale now.

*** Opening Party ***

Thursday 11th June

Main Room

Above & Beyond

Arty

Jerome Isma-Ae

Gareth Wyn

 

Terrace

Fedde Le Grand

Danny Howard

Philip George

Kryder

 

Thursday 18th June

Main Room

Aly & Fila

John O'Callaghan

Simon Patterson

Omnia

Special Guest:  PureNRG Live

 

Terrace

Mark Knight

Danny Howard

Michael Calfan

Mike Mago

 

Thursday 25th June

Main Room (In Association with Politics of Dancing 3)

Paul van Dyk

Aly & Fila

Bryan Kearney

Will Atkinson

 

Terrace (In Association with Nothing Else Matters)

Danny Howard

Philip George

Michael Calfan

Kryder

Tom Staar

 

Thursday 2nd July

Main Room (In Association with Anjunabeats)

Above & Beyond

Andrew Bayer

Ilan Bluestone

Grum

 

Terrace

Duke Dumont

Boys Noize

Kiwi

Jemmy

 

Thursday 9th July

Main Room (In Association with Politics of Dancing 3)

Paul van Dyk

Cosmic Gate

Simon Patterson

Ben Gold

 

Terrace

Carnage

+ more guests to be announced

 

Thursday 16th July

Main Room (In Association with Anjunabeats)

Above & Beyond

Andrew Bayer

Genix

Gareth Wyn

 

Terrace

Alesso

Danny Howard

Lucas & Steve

James Dutton

 

Thursday 23rd July

Main Room (In Association with Politics of Dancing 3)

Paul van Dyk     

John O'Callaghan      

Jordan Suckley

Will Atkinson

Paul Webster       

               

Terrace

Eric Prydz

Mark Knight                      

Ben Santiago     

 

*** Cream Ibiza 21st Birthday Party ***

Thursday 30th July 

Main Room        

Paul van Dyk     

Andrew Rayel   

Bryan Kearney 

Special Guest: PureNRG Live

 

Terrace

Eric Prydz            

Sasha   

Anthony Probyn              

               

Thursday 6th August         

Main Room        

Above & Beyond             

Cosmic Gate

Ilan Bluestone  

Grum   

 

Terrace

Eric Prydz            

Pete Tong

Andy Mac

 

Thursday 13th August       

Main Room (In Association with Politics of Dancing 3)     

Paul van Dyk     

Aly & Fila              

Simon Patterson              

Jordan Suckley 

 

Terrace

Eric Prydz            

Kölsch (DJ Set)

Jeremy Olander

Rob Harnetty

 

Thursday 20th August       

Main Room (In Association with Anjunabeats)   

Above & Beyond             

Arty      

Super8 & Tab    

Gareth Wyn      

 

Terrace

Eric Prydz            

Tchami

Jeremy Olander

Sean Hughes     

 

Thursday 27th August            

Main Room (In Association with Anjunabeats)        

Above & Beyond             

Arty      

Ilan Bluestone  

Grum   

 

Terrace

Eric Prydz            

Tchami

Jeremy Olander

James Dutton

               

Thursday 3rd September              

Main Room (In association with Ibiza Trance Event)

Paul van Dyk     

John O'Callaghan              

Bryan Kearney B2B Jordan Suckley

Craig Connelly    

               

Terrace

Tchami

Danny Howard

Philip George

Mike Mago

 

*** Closing Party Part 1 ***

Thursday 10th September

Main Room        

Above & Beyond             

Andrew Bayer B2B Ilan Bluestone 

Jaytech

Gareth Wyn        

               

Terrace

Duke Dumont

+ more to be announced

 

*** Closing Party Part 2***

Thursday 17th September      

Main Room        

Paul van Dyk     

Aly & Fila              

Simon Patterson              

Jordan Suckley  

               

Terrace

Fatboy Slim        

DJ Fresh

Disciples              

Anthony Probyn

Eastern Electrics 2015 full lineup announced

by
Soundtracking the EE main stage will be an international melting pot of two-ton heavyweights, including The Netherlands’ groove master Joris Voorn, Panorama Bar resident and EE favourite Cassy, king of tech house Matthias Tanzmann, the deep thrills of Guti live, as well as DJ sets from German techno staple Nick Curly and the man behind Fuse London’s unique brand of East London hedonism, Enzo Siragusa. Closing the festival once again is icon of the scene Jamie Jones, a true innovator who will no doubt deliver another unforgettable sun down set.   
 
Over at the Big Top, Skreamizm in full effect will showcase the man himself in house head mode alongside unbridled force of nature Boddika, electronic wunderkind Midland, Detroit royalty Robert Hood as Floorplan, Hot Creations / Paradise main man Richy Ahmed and Jasper James from Glasgow’s finest Sub Club. 
 
Global underground goddess, tINI is bringing a very special gang to everyone’s favourite open air stage, The Switchyard including Australia’s most recent break out star and ENTER. affiliate Bella Saris, godfather of Detroit house Delano Smith and a live performance from techno maverick Jichael Mackson. Also joining tINI are Fuse London residents Seb Zito & Rossko and DJ collective Die Holländer from Berlin’s Club De Visionaire.
 
Sankeys presents another killer line-up headlined by vIVA chief and Ibiza warrior Steve Lawler, and starring Outcross Records boss and Hot Creations family Miguel Campbell plus a selection of the hottest underground talent including Hamburg’s chart topping Sidney Charles, Berlin’s Santé, plus two of Sankeys’ beloved residents Jozef K and Manu Gonzalez. 
 
Revolutionary UK label Black Butter Records will be bringing a bass-laced edge to proceedings in the Forest, featuring the irrepressible UK garage pioneer DJ EZ as well as a host of the imprints’ break out stars, Melé, My Nu Leng, Applebottom, Woz, Wayward and Tazer. Blowing up the scene and the mainstream charts over the last couple of the years, Black Butter’s fusion of styles represents all that’s fresh and exiting about UK dance music and their Eastern Electrics debut is sure to be unmissable.
 
 
Perhaps the most decadent stage you’ll encounter all day, XOYO & Sink The Pink present Gloria’s Cabaret featuring world-class producer Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs and his eclectic boogie selections,  DJ Mag’s breakthrough producer of 2013 Citizenn, plus a DJ Set from dance music’s super group Crazy P. Godfather of House Lil Louis will be delivering an electrifying performance like only he knows how, alongside Horse Meat Disco’sSeverino, a DJ Set from The 2 Bears (Raf Rundell and Hot Chip’s Joe Goddard) and some deep grooves from newcomer Joshua James – all wrapped in the kinky embrace of Gloria and her favourite London Queens. 
 
Presiding over the Star of EE Pub will be whole host of musical legends including UK garage hero Matt Jam Lamont, Mike Skinner bringing his DJ skills to the fore, and pillar of UK clubland Jon Carter. Also bringing the heat will be Bristol heads Waif & Strays, BBC Radio 1’s Jaymo & Andy George, Vitalik boss Ryan O Gorman, and London party starters Michael Bibi, Two and Eight, Capulet and Eastern Electrics protégé Jordan Mina.
 
Over in the VIP area, Kubicle will be dishing out the disco thrills in a sea of glamazons with Miguel Campbell delivering a special hip hop set, Leftroom boss and EE regular Matt Tolfrey back to back with Geddes of mulletover / nofitstate fame, Colors LDN’s Remi Mazet and Kubi regulars Robert Outch,Andrew Baxter and Johnny Hunter bringing the vibes all day.
 
Safe in the knowledge that the fun doesn’t stop when the sun goes down, Eastern Electrics will be hosting not one but TWO after parties, one in Hatfield ending at 6AM and one in King’s X London, less than an hour away from the main event and going off until 10AM! Watch this space for more info…
 
FULL LINE UP
Eastern Electrics Main Stage
Jamie Jones 
Joris Voorn / Cassy
Matthias Tanzmann / Guti (Live)
Nick Curly / Enzo Siragusa
 
Skreamizm hosts the Big Top
Skream / 
Boddika / Midland
Robert Hood presents Floorplan
Richy Ahmed / Jasper James
 
 
tINI and The Gang in the Switchyard
tINI
Bella Sarris / Delano Smith 
Jichael Mackson (Live)
Seb Zito & Rossko / Die Holländer
 
Sankeys 
Steve Lawler 
Miguel Campbell
Sidney Charles / Santé
Jozef K / Manu Gonzalez
 
Black Butter Records in The Forest
DJ EZ
Melé / My Nu Leng
Applebottom / Woz
Wayward / Tazer
 
XOYO & Sink The Pink present Gloria’s 
Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs (DJ Set)
Citizenn / Crazy P (DJ Set)
Lil Louis / Severino
The 2 Bears (DJ Set)
Joshua James
 
Star of EE Pub
Matt Jam Lamont / Mike Skinner
Jon Carter / Waifs & Strays /
Jaymo & Andy George / Ryan O Gorman
Michael Bibi / Two and Eight
Capulet /Jordan Mina
 
Kubicle VIP Disco 
Miguel Campbell (hip hop set) 
Mat Tolfrey & Geddes b2b
Remi Mazet 
Robert Outch 
Andrew Baxter 
Johnny Hunter

SW4 announce The Gallery 20th anniversary lineup

by

Having been involved since its birth back in 1995, Paul Oakenfold has gone on to reach legendary status at The Gallery, following a catalogue of countless performances over the past twenty years. A truly remarkable achievement in itself, Paul has played a defining role in the nights two-decade reign. 2015 also marks twenty five years of his label Perfecto Records, a fitting addition to August’s anticipated celebrations. For over thirty years Paul has helped to elevate and shape trance into a genre we all know and love today, with The Gallery providing him the platform to do so. Leaving him out was simply not an option as we bring home a true hero for a very special summer performance.

“After having lived abroad and on the road for so many years there is always something incredibly special about coming back to my home city London. Catching up with family and old friends is always high on the agenda – as is trying to get to Stamford Bridge for a game! But what usually puts the cherry on the top is getting to play a show for my home crowd and this year there’s nowhere better to do that than for The Gallery’s 20th Birthday celebrations at the massive SW4 festival on Clapham Common. There’s a special bond that exists between me and Clapham Common. I’ve had a lot of incredible shows there and I’m sure this year is going to be another to add to that list. I literally can’t wait to be home!"  Paul Oakenfold

Historically South West Four has played host to many ‘major firsts’ and ‘must sees’ but in 2015 we welcome something truly special. Globally celebrated as one of the most defining electronic imprints of today, we are pleased to announce that Anjunabeats will present two of their greatest acts as part of the 20th Birthday celebrations. The first is one of the labels finest and most loved figures, the unmistakeable Andrew Bayer. Following a magical Easter performance as part of Above & Beyond’s album launch party at Brixton Academy, we are pleased to have secured Andrew for his next London performance. His latest EP ‘Do Androids Dream’ has reached worldwide acclaim, something we cannot wait for this August.

Joining Andrew Bayer for this landmark showcase is another of the label’s most cherished assets and one of our favourite guests at The Gallery. Over the past twelve months, Ilan Bluestone has developed a reputation of one of electronic music’s most promising acts and has been marked as Anjunabeats’ next big star Testament to his astronomical rise, Ilan has recently been called upon to re-launch the legendary Anjunabeats Worldwide series following in the footsteps of former label legends and supported by a full US tour. To say we’re excited to bring these two to Clapham Common would be an understatement. Expect the unexpected.

Following their incredible back-to-back performance as part of our 10th Anniversary celebrations back in 2013, we are pleased to welcome back Andy Moor & Lange to present their brand new project Stadium4. After the concepts sensational London debut at The Gallery in March, a summer return has always been on the cards. Individually Andy and Lange are two of trance’s most respected figures with countless championed productions and remixes to their name. In 2015 they reach dizzying new n heights as they take their tag team performance to a whole new level. With an arsenal of brand new music set to showcase on the Common, the return of these masters to present Stadium4 is simply huge. Don’t miss it.

Completing the 20th Anniversary stage is another of trance’s hottest rising stars. With an impressive diary bursting with dates covering all four corners of the globe, Ben Gold returns to South West Four as one of the futures biggest stars. A favourite at The Gallery’s Elephant & Castle home, Ben’s productions have garnered support from trance’s elite with the likes of Armin van Buuren, Paul van Dyk and Tiesto giving him their blessing. 2014 saw Ben conquer Ibiza with a string of dates and devastating performances at both Cream (Amnesia) and ASOT (Ushuaia) and with the summer on the horizon, we can expect more of the same from this promising young talent.

"There is nothing quite like the energy of playing in front of my hometown crowd and there’s no better stage to do it on than at SW4…bring it on!!"  Ben Gold

After what can only be described as an unforgettable experience at The Gallery back in March, we are pleased to welcome back Infected Mushroom who join us at South West Four for the very first time. After delivering one of 2015’s most electrifying performances to date, their return to London will see the Israeli-born, LA-based duo join the 20th anniversary celebrations as the stage’s very special guests. Internationally renowned for their leading role within the Psy trance world, the combined talents of Erez and Amit’s unique fusion of dark hypnotic sounds with complex psychedelic melodies make them one of the most exciting acts to perform on Clapham Common this summer. Don’t miss their SW4 debut on Saturday 29th August.

Reading and Leeds Festival add alt-J, Palma Violets, Modestep and more

by
With only four months to go until August Bank Holiday Weekend, Reading & Leeds Festivals are excited to add over 60 new acts to an already incredible bill headlined by Mumford & Sons, Metallica and The Libertines.
Leading the charge are indie rock heroes and all round band of the moment alt-J. Last seen headlining the NME/BBC Radio 1 Stage at the Festivals, the band’s sophomore album ‘This Is All Yours’ has established them as one of Britain’s brightest and biggest bands, who will deservedly step up to an evening set on the Main Stage in 2015.
 
Gus Unger-Hamilton says:
"We're really over the moon to be returning to Reading & Leeds. It'll be our third time playing, and we always have the best time."
 
Joining alt-J on the Main Stage on Friday at Reading / Saturday at Leeds, Palma Violets will be treating revelers to cuts from their upcoming ‘Danger In The Club’. Their garage rock clatter is sure to get the crowd going, whilst Drenge graduate to Main Stage status with their extremely loud brand of grunge.
 
Fusing dubstep and rock to create a sound that is entirely their own, London’s Modestep step up to the plate on Saturday at Reading / Sunday at Leeds, joined on the bill by raucous LA skate punks FIDLAR and Japanese metal idol stars Babymetal, who will be opening the stage.
 
Sunday at Reading / Friday at Leeds will see the return of Festival favourites The Gaslight Anthem, whose signature heartfelt punk rock is sure to provide one of the afternoon’s biggest singalongs. Lead by the iconic Laura Jane Grace the passionate, dynamic punk of Against Me! will cause a similar stir whilst British hardcore titans Feed The Rhino will be providing a suitably noisy start to the day.
NME / BBC RADIO 1 STAGE
Joining the NME/BBC Radio 1 Stage line-up on Friday at Reading / Saturday at Leeds are energetic Brooklyn indie-punks Parquet Courts and LA indie-poppers Echosmith.
After storming the stage last year Scottish chart-smashing rockers Twin Atlantic will return to the bill on Saturday at Reading / Sunday at Leeds, celebrating a huge year with a characteristically anthemic evening set. London indie favourites Spector and up and coming rock newcomers Nothing But Thieves return to the Festival. British soul and R&B singer Kwabs, AWOLNATION, Ghostpoet and The Skints are added to the bill on Sunday at Reading / Friday at Leeds.
BBC RADIO 1 DANCE STAGE
Getting the BBC Radio 1 Dance tent moving on Friday at Reading / Saturday at Leeds will be Jacob Plant, Maribou State, LANY and All We Are, while dance-icon MK will be bringing his stunning show to close the stage on Saturday at Reading / Sunday at Leeds. Oliver Dollar is added to the bill at Reading only, while Kevin Saunderson will fill this slot with an exclusive set at Leeds.
 
After a stunning 2014, pop provocateur Charli XCX also joins the Radio 1 Dance Tent line-up, a highly anticipated performance in the wake of her critically acclaimed new album Sucker and a sold-out UK tour. Secondcity,Dimension x Kove and Elliphant will join an amazing line-up on Saturday at Reading / Sunday at Leeds, whileBlonde Live, Rustie, Evian Christ, Snakehips, TCTS and 99 Souls are set to entertain the BBC Radio 1 Dance Stage audience on Sunday at Reading / Friday at Leeds.
THE LOCK UP / THE PIT
Joining an already huge line-up on the Lock Up, on Friday at Reading / Saturday at Leeds will be Modern Baseball, The Bots, The Smith Street Band and Youth Man.
 
The Pit will feature a of line-up of gargantuan established acts and fresh emerging talent including iconic metalcore group Atreyu, PVRIS, And So I Watch You From Afar, Black Peaks, Ho99o9 and The One Hundredon Saturday at Reading / Sunday at Leeds.
 
On Sunday at Reading / Friday at Leeds, American metalcore five piece Beartooth are added to the bill, and former Gallows frontman Frank Carter will be bringing his new band Frank Carter and The Rattlesnakes, whileriff-tastic Bristol rockers Turbowolf, Moose Blood, Queen Kwong, Hawk Eyes, Single Mothers, Black Foxxesand Fort Hope are also now revealed for the stage.
FESTIVAL REPUBLIC STAGE
Fresh indie talent has been added to the line-up for the much-loved Festival Republic Stage, with Saint Raymond set to bring his joyous indie pop to the masses on Friday at Reading / Saturday at Leeds. Bombastic Scottish trio Prides, Bear’s Den, Vaults, Joywave, Eliza And The Bear and Hunter & The Bear are also revealed for the bill.
 
With new single ‘Our Eyes’ currently receiving huge radio support and fast-amassing buzz for her forthcoming second album, Lucy Rose will play second on the bill on Saturday at Reading / Sunday at Leeds, with Blossoms and Bad Breeding also added to the line-up.
 
Geordie heroes Little Comets will take to the stage on Sunday at Reading / Friday at Leeds, along with Mini Mansions, Gengahr, Hippo Campus, Sundara Karma, Black Honey and The Sherlocks.
BBC 1XTRA STAGE
 
One of the most exciting stages at the Festival, the BBC 1XTRA Stage sees British legend Ms Dynamite announced for Saturday at Reading / Sunday at Leeds, joined by visceral Tempa T, Loyle Carner, and Kiko Bun.
 
Dope D.O.D., Fekky, Siobhan Bell and Isaiah Dreads are revealed for the line-up on Sunday at Reading / Friday at Leeds, joining a bill which features some of the best urban talent the world has to offer. 

Full Radio One Big Weekend Norwich lineup announced

by

On this morning's BBC Radio 1 Breakfast Show, Scott Mills announced the line-up for Radio 1's Big Weekend 2015, taking place at Earlham Park, Norwich on 23 and 24 May – including Foo Fighters and Muse who will headline the event.

Some of the hottest UK and international acts will join them to perform at Europe’s biggest free ticketed festival which brings the whole nation together for one weekend of amazing live music.

Joining headliners Muse to perform on the Main Stage on Saturday 23 May alongside the already announced Florence + The Machine are 5 Seconds of Summer, David Guetta, Ben Howard, The Vaccines, Fall Out Boy and Charli XCX.

Alongside Foo Fighters, who will headline the Main Stage on Sunday 24 May and Taylor Swift who has already been announced, Sam Smith,Rita Ora, George Ezra, Clean Bandit, Olly Murs and Imagine Dragons will also perform.

Snoop Dogg, Rudimental, Jess Glynne, Hozier, Years & Years, Ella Eyre, Slaves, Mallory Knox and Circa Waves will all perform onSaturday 23 May on the event’s In New Music We Trust Stage.

On Sunday 24 May, the In New Music We Trust Stage will host performances from Jamie T, Alt-J, Sigma, Catfish & The Bottlemen,Jungle, James Bay, SOAK, Raury and Lower Than Atlantis.

Matt Bellamy from Muse said: “I’m very excited to play. The last time we played Big Weekend, for us it was a disaster, so I can’t wait to make up for it on this performance. I’m really looking forward to coming back and doing a great show. I’m pretty sure that we may unveil another new song that we will play for the first time which is pretty exciting.”

Dave Grohl from Foo Fighters said: “I’m really excited – I can’t wait to come out. I don’t really think we’ve ever played there before so I’m looking forward to it.”

Jess Glynne said: “My first Big Weekend in my own right and what a line up to be a part of. I can’t wait to play Norwich with my band and let you hear some of the songs from my new album. It’s going to be big.”

Ben Cooper, Controller, Radio 1 and 1Xtra said: “Radio 1’s Big Weekend will be fantastic – great music, great fun and a great location.”

The line-up for the BBC Introducing Stage will be announced in Huw Stephens’ show.

 

Rudimental and more added to Ibiza Rocks 2015 lineup

by

This summer Ibiza Rocks will celebrate ten incredible and hugely influential years on the White Isle with a line up that brings together festival giants, music icons and the very best of the new breed of rising stars. New additions include Rudimental, Catfish & The Bottlemen and Spandau Ballet who will proudly return to play Ibiza for the first time since 1981 when they pioneered an electronic music revolution.  Supports come from hotly tipped new talents Shura, Slaves, Krept & Konan, Blonde, Karen Harding and Sam Sure.

Since playing Rocks in support of Jake Bugg last summer, Llandudno lads Catfish & the Bottlemen have gone on to win the BBC Introducing Award at the very first BBC Music Awards, released their debut album ‘The Balcony’ to mass critical acclaim and chalked up a sold out tour in the US. Currently carving their way through their second sold out headline tour of the UK, the band also announced two Brixton Academy shows for November, which sold out in 6 minutes. Widely hailed as Britains next great guitar band Catfish & the Bottlemen will make a heroic return to the famous poolside Rocks stage as headliners on 15th July, for one of the most highly anticipated live shows in the Balearics.

Another sensational live act returning to the world-famous Rocks stage this summer is Best Album BRIT Award winners Rudimental. Rocks championed Rudimental long before they hit the big time and booked their debut Ibiza show in 2012 at the Ibiza Rocks Hotel where they stayed, partied and played, big time! It will be a proud moment to have these boys back to headline on 29th July, for what will undoubtedly be one of the highlights of the 14 week long season from one of the best live acts on the planet right now.

Rudimental said: “We can’t wait to come back.  Ibiza Rocks is a lovely story for us, we saw Dizzee Rascal at Ibiza Rocks when on holiday there and then a year later Feel The Love happened and we DJ'd with Disclosure and Zane Lowe and then played live last year which was one of the best nights of our summer. There’s such history there for us. It’s always such a good vibe and the idea to do a party in a hotel is just brilliant. As soon as we finish a gig at Ibiza Rocks, we just want to get in the crowd and party with everyone. We’re part of that culture so we want to rave as well. Ibiza Rocks, we love you. Rudimental are coming for you!!"

Hot on the heels of announcing The Libertines to headline Ibiza Rocks 10th Birthday Party in July, another truly iconic British band that provided the soundtrack to a generation are reunited and ready to return to Ibiza. Spandau Ballet have sold over 25 million records and amassed 23 hit singles across the globe since the late 70s. From fully-fledged members of the iconic Blitz Club scene to one of the super-groups of the 80s, the band spearheaded the New Romantic pop culture movement born out of the nightclub scene.  One of the most significant gigs of Spandau Ballet’s career was in 1981 at Ibiza’s very own Ku Club (now Privilege), chosen by the band simply because it was billed as the most outrageous club in the world. 

Unlike any band before them, Spandau completely understood the currency of the dancefloor and the significance of playing in Ibiza at a time when the clubs were purely packed with Spanish hipsters completely unaware of the London fashionistas about to blow their minds and make their mark, both culturally and musically.  This groundbreaking trip bridged the gap between the Ibiza and London club scenes and Spandau Ballet opened Ibiza’s doors to a UK audience with one incredible, inspirational and influential gig that was to change Ibiza’s music landscape forever. After more than 30 years since that monumental moment, Ibiza Rocks is proud to bring Spandau Ballet back to the Balearics for a very special headline show under the stars on 19th August. 

Gary Kemp, Spandau Ballet said: "Back in 1981 Spandau were playing one off events at the hottest clubs across the world from New York to St Tropez to the Beat Route in London and The Ku Club had a reputation for being pretty outrageous, in fact the night before we played we went to the club and someone released a bull onto the dancefloor which ended up in the swimming pool. We took over some of our London friends, before us no British people went to these clubs and that was when the conversation between the two nightlife’s began and Ibiza club culture was born. We're really looking forward to going back and playing Ibiza Rocks"

As well as welcoming festival headliners and music icons, Rocks has a rich history of spotting and supporting the best new talent on the circuit.  One of the most genuinely exciting bands that fit that bill are acclaimed punk duo Slaves who will support The Libertines at the hugely anticipated 10th Birthday Party. Bristol duo Blonde, who already boast a No.7 hit single with ‘I Loved You’ will be the very first act of the summer to take to the stage, supporting Years & Years at the Opening Party. MTV Brand New 2015  ‘Best Newcomer‘ winners Krept & Konan will support Sigma whilst Black Butter Records’ bonafide ‘one to watch’ Sam Sure will support Rudimental.  Karen Harding may be a fresh face on the scene but has already scored a Top 10 single with her MNEK-produced ‘Say Something.’ Karen will support Clean Bandit this summer whist fellow fast-rising female singer/producer and BBC Sound of 2015 nominee Shura will support Jungle.  Future stars, live under the stars.

Ibiza Rocks 2015 line up so far:

17/06 OPENING PARTY WITH YEARS & YEARS | BLONDE
24/06 SIGMA | KREPT & KONAN
01/07 JUNGLE | SHURA
15/07 CATFISH & THE BOTTLEMEN
22/07 10TH BIRTHDAY PARTY WITH THE LIBERTINES | SLAVES
29/07 RUDIMENTAL  | SAM SURE
05/08 CLEAN BANDIT | KAREN HARDING
19/08 SPANDAU BALLET
02/09 FATBOY SLIM PRESENTS SMILE HIGH CLUB
16/09 CLOSING PARTY WITH THE COURTEENERS

36 Crazyfists, Corrosion of Conformity and more added to Download Festival

by

With, unbelievably, less than two months to go until Download 2015, the finishing touches are being added to this year’s masterpiece of a line-up, and today sees twenty five more flashes of colour streaking the tableau of Europe’s biggest rock and metal festival.

Seminal post hardcore megaliths Funeral For A Friend make a first appearance in four years following the release of January’s enormous record Chapter and Verse.

Singer Matthew Davies-Kreye said: Download is a festival very close to our hearts and we're thrilled to have been invited back this year alongside some amazing bands.

Alaskan metalcore steamroller 36 Crazyfists are also basking in the glory of a huge new album, February’sTime and Trauma and will join FFAF in taking their place on the mainstage.

A long lost friend will also return as, amid reports that a new album is in the works, heavy metal titansCorrosion of Conformity, freshly reunited with vocalist/guitarist Pepper Keenan, come to Donington for the first time in twenty years having played Monsters of Rock in 1995, while a new friend arrives in the form of legendary Liverpudlian metallers Carcass give Download a first ever fistful of their mastery of every extreme genre from goregrind to melodic death metal.

For Carcass the appearance is the fulfilment of a long-held dream: Well, after years of badgering Andy Copping he has finally broken and agreed to let us despoil Download! We’re genuinely excited to finally get to play Castle Donington after all these years – maybe this time without rolling Landrovers and cracking shoulder bones on the journey there (a LONG story!). We hope to see some of you at a loose end, with no one better to watch at CARCASS’ ONLY UK festival appearance this Summer!

Corrosion of Conformity’s prodigal son Pepper Keenan was similarly excited about making along-awaited return: Super stoked about getting back to download with COC, always an honour. It's been waaaaay to long. Up the f***in hammers!

Another band to have a huge influence over their genre are pop-punk giants Yellowcard who make their first Download appearance when they headline the third stage on Sunday night.

One of the most distinctive and angry voices of their (or any) generation, crossover thrash frontiersmenSuicidal Tendencies play Download for the first time in five years following a(nother) hiatus and reunion, headlining the fourth stage on Sunday night.

Also making a long awaited return, having not played since 2009 are Gothic-ambient-alt metal sirensLacuna Coil, playing the main stage on Friday afternoon.

Elsewhere, homegrown supergroup Krokodil take their composite members’ most brutal musical sensibilities and crush them into some of the most soulsplittingly raucous groove metal on the scene, while another supergroup, this time from across the pond, Antemasque, features former members of The Mars Volta and At The Drive-In, blending the prog, funk and punk rock for which their progenitors were renowned to tumultuous effect.

Krokodil looked forward to returning to the site of one of their early triumphs: It's going to be so good to be back where it all began for us, so much has happened since our first show at Download 2013. Now the record’s out, it only seems right to be back there tearing sh*t up again with full f****ng force! Download, we're coming for you.

Canadian stadium rockers Three Days Grace will also (surprise!) join the line-up, while Reading thrash merchants Malefice will return following the planned release of a brand new E.P in May, and fellow homegrown axe-wielders The Wild Lies will provide a straight-up shot of pure undiluted classic hard rock.

Sharp dressed Texas deathcore desperados Upon A Burning Body will return to Donington having been denied their Download appearance last year when singer Danny Leal was taken ill at the last minute. But will they join recent collaborator Ice-T on the bill for their recent Pop Goes Pnk smash, Turn Down For What? we hear you ask…

Leal looked forward to regaining his birthright: DOWNLOAD! We are excited to be on this year’s line-up. Having to cancel last year was so upsetting for us and we do apologize. We are pumped and ready to come see all of you guys and completely make up for last year. Come say hello and let's crush this year!

Another act who had to had to pull out of their 2014 performance but return in 2015 is September Mourning, the alternative rock sect of the eponymous transmedia Gothic culture project, who take to Donington for the first time ahead of the release of their debut album.

If all that doesn’t dust your fretboard, Finnish folk-prog goliaths Von Hertzen Brothers will also set off on their maiden Donington expedition following the release of epic album, New Day Rising in March.

Also gracing Donington for the first time will be Brighton hard rock-breakbeats crossover maniacs TheQemists fresh from the release of their new album Warrior Sound, whose fellow Brightonians, classic rockers Colour of Noise make their debut ahead of the release of their eponymous debut album in September, while Londoners LTNT are another act embarking on a first tour of duty.

Swedish-American banditos Blues Pills combine smoky blues with thunderous hard rock powered by singer Elin Larsson’s incredible vocals, while surf/skate punks Fidlar are another act due to make their Download debut this year, as are homegrown dub-rave-punk experimentalists Get Hot.

Chunk, No, Captain Chunk! the French ‘easycore’ exports, will also make their first appearance, while fellow pop punk debutantes and Kerrang! Best Newcomer Award nominees E of E will be making the comparatively short trip from Dudley.

Coming from an even shorter distance are anthemic Derby rockers The Struts bringing with them a whole sackful of soaring choruses.

Blowing in from New Zealand to join compatriots Rival State on the bill come Like A Storm, who, as well as gaining a string of admirers for their mix of Spaghetti-Western swagger and hard rock steel, are one of the few rock bands to fully realise the awesome seismic power of the didgeridoo.

Country rockers The Cadillac Three are yet another newcomer, adding a touch of Nashville honky-tonk vibrancy to the cascade of rock anthems.

Arguably the easiest listening of the weekend (or hardest depending on your tastes) will come in the form of vocal harmonists The Lounge Kittens whose twist on rock and metal classic has earned them opening spots for Limp Bizkit and Steel Panther among others.

These incredible acts will join a pantheon of rock and metal gods at Download, including headlinersSlipknot, Muse and Kiss, main support Judas Priest, Faith No More and Mötley Crüe, and such other musical giants as Marilyn Manson, Slash, Enter Shikari, Black Stone Cherry and A Day To Remember.