Originally booked to perform for the 2012 event, HUNDRED REASONSreformed in November that year to celebrate the decade anniversary of their 2002 “Ideas Above Our Station” album. Such was the demand that a second show had to be added in London, Manchester was upgraded, and every ticket was snapped up.
Roll on two years, to a chance meeting between Team Sonisphere’s Alan Day and HR guitarist Larry Hibbitt in a bar, who politely enquired why they weren’t on the 2014 Sonisphere line up after the cancellation two years previously. With no valid answer to provide, Alan offered them the final slot on the Saturn stage, where they will finally perform “Ideas Above Our Station” in full on the Saturday. Larry explains:
"We said we'd never do it again, but the cancelled Sonisphere of 2012 left a big hole in that summer for us. So when our shorts-wearing, crowd-surfing, festival-promoting comrade Alan Day came up with a slot for us this year we just couldn't say no. And we didn't. Don't get used to this. We say no A LOT so this is not going to happen often, if ever. But when it makes sense it makes sense and we're there. Like we will be on 5th July. See you at the front".
Featuring chart topping singles including “If I Could”, Silver” and “Falter”,HUNDRED REASONS date with destiny at SONISPHERE will be truly unmissable.
Ex-The Wildhearts bassist Danny McCormack brings his rock’n’roll band THE YOYOS to SONISPHERE for a very special one-off appearance. “Cant wait to catch up with some old friends and see some new faces.” Says the four-stringer. “It’s a great line up this year and I’m counting the days. It’s an honour to be a part of it all. See you down the front”
Taking over BOHEMIA late on the Friday night will be Rocktronica trioMIXHELL. Boasting live percussion from ex Sepultura sticksman Iggor Cavalera, MIXHELL will do whatever it takes to make you dance, combining elements of dance, electronica, electroclash, hip hop and rock’n’roll, and mixing a live drum and bass section with samples and loops to unique effect.
Recently seen out on the road with Katatonia, London’s own MESSENGER join the SONISPHERE 2014 line up to mesmerize and captivate the uninitiated. Dwelling equally in the earthy realm of folk music and the celestial void of progressive psychedelia, the five piece never fail to drop jaws – expect many wide open mouths at the Satellite stage on Friday.
"We're extremely excited to have the opportunity to perform at this amazing festival.” States drummer Jaime Gomez. “We look forward to playing to some new people and hopefully seeing some familiar faces there as well."
London loud-louts DRIPBACK make their SONISPHERE debut, with their only UK festival appearance this summer. Recently seen touring with Crowbar,DRIPBACK specialise in loud, aggressive noise and highly energetic live shows.
“This is gonna be immense, we can’t wait.” says bassist Adam Da Rat.“Metallica and Maiden together for the first time, dozens of the most awesome bands ever, Chas & Dave, a World War 1 Dog Fight… I was wondering how this could get any better, and now we get to play too. Safe!”
Melbourne rock trio CALLING ALL CARS join the festivities hot off the back of some recent UK shows including Camden Rocks. Enjoying regular rotation on huge Aussie radio station Triple J, the band have recently relocated to the UK, and are gearing up for the release of their new album “Raise The People” via Cooking Vinyl on July 28th.
"Holy fuck we are playing Sonisphere” they exclaim. “Before we were booked to play we were so stoked on the line up. It's a real honour to be included in that company."
Industrial punks PROTAFIELD come to work up the crowd on the Jagermeister stage. With an album out next week via Caroline/Universal that boasts guest appearances from Queen’s Roger Taylor and fellow Sonisphere artist Gary Numan, this new band are clearly already moving in high circles. Singer Jayce Lewis states:
“Sonisphere being back with a line up like this is testament to its quality, We are so excited to be a part of it this year. Gonna be LOUD!”
Heavy Metal marching band BLAAS OF GLORY will also be doing the rounds at Knebworth this July. A regular fixture on the international festival scene, this hilarious mobile act surprise unsuspecting metalheads with classic hits such as Running With The Devil, The Final Countdown and Highway To Hell, armed with sousaphone, saxophone, flute, glockenspiel, banjo, accordion, acoustic guitars, snare and bass drums.
Flying in from Helsinki, Finland for an exclusive one-off performance, love-metallers HIM make their debut at Knebworth this summer. Last year’s “Tears On Tape” saw the triumphant return of HIS INFERNAL MAJESTY after a three year gap, with many citing it as their greatest work since 2003’s breakthrough “Love Metal” album. Anyone fortunate enough to catch them on their subsequent tour would have witnessed a band genuinely savouring their every moment on stage, as they showcased their unique fusion of forlorn balladry and heavy, synth laden sounds.
Possibly the last opportunity to see them in the UK before they start work on their next album, don’t miss the chance to see hits such as “Buried Alive By Love”, “Funeral Of Hearts”, “Wicked Game” and “Wings Of A Butterfly”.
Not content with already performing on the APOLLO stage on the Saturday, thrash legends ANTHRAXare taking advantage of a day off on the Friday to give those in BOHEMIA a special treat they will never forget. Scott Ian and co will be stomping their way through their classic “Among The Living” album in full, in a sweaty, heaving tent. “Among The Living”, “Caught In A Mosh”, “I Am The Law”, “NFL”, “Indians” – the list goes on, the hits don’t stop – this will be simply unmissable. Says Ian:
“We love to play these songs and people love to hear them so we're really fucking excited to be doing this special show the day before our main-stage performance at Sonisphere Knebworth playing (for the first time ever) just the Among The Living record for you, our UK faithful! It's gonna be sick. See you soon my friends. Cheers, Scott”
With four albums under their belts and a fifth on the way, COMEBACK KID are undeniably a staple of the modern hardcore scene. Having performed on all four corners of the globe, including some of Europe’s premier festivals, this is a well oiled machine to say the least, with a reputation for incredible live shows.
“Can't wait to get back to the UK and be able to play Sonisphere! Last time I had the opportunity to see the Prodigy was at a festival in Serbia but I missed them because I had to spend the night in jail” confesses Andrew Neufeld. “Let’s hope I can make it to see them this time!”
Expect chaos in BOHEMIA as COMEBACK KID belt out anthems such as “Wake The Dead “, “Defeated” and “Should Know Better” at their only UK festival this summer.
One of the pioneers of the NWOBHM, Belfast’s SWEET SAVAGE join the line up at the request of one Mr Lars Ulrich. Formed in 1979, the band had called it a day by 1985, but reformed 90s after a new surge of interest in the band off the back of Metallica’s cover of their song “Killing Time”.
Having played at last year’s SONISPHERE festival in Spain, OCTOBER FILE make their way to Knebworth this year. Blending punk, hardcore and industrial metal and lacing it with a political edge, expect a ferocious set from the Wallingford four-piece. “October File are stoked to playing an awesome festival with some great bands already announced, put on by great people and a great organization” says Bassplayer Steve Beatty. “See you in the pit.“
Brilliantly catchy, EUREKA MACHINES come armed with huge, lavish power-pop perfection. Formed by Chris Catalyst (occasional guitar/bass wrangler for The Sisters Of Mercy, Mariachi El Bronx and Ginger), the four piece feel their most apt description is the promising: ‘Imagine if the Beatles and the Beach Boys met Motorhead, jammed with the Cardiacs and created the best band you’ve never heard. Until now.’
Many teenagers dream of being rockstars when they grow up, but for brothers Mikaiah and Anaiah Lei the dream became a reality before they could even apply for a driving license. Recording their first album aged just 15 and 12 respectively, the duo who make up THE BOTS have taken their garage punk across the world, supporting the likes of Refused, Bad Brains and Tenacious D, as well as at numerous high profile festivals.
After rocking the Strongbow stage at the 2010 SONISPHERE, Pontypridd’s STRAIGHT LINES return this year to rock Knebworth once more. Armed with a new EP, this Welsh Quartet come armed with big riffs, bigger melodies and an exhilarating live show. Says the band: “Straight Lines are very happy to be returning to their favourite UK festival. We've all attended the last 3 Sonispheres and are very much looking forward to playing this year, instead of being the super drunk people on the other side of the barrier.. well, for at least the duration of our set. See you in the pit!”
London rockers ZICO CHAIN join the line up this year. Having held their own supporting giants such as Velvet Revolver, Halestorm and supporting SONISPHERE headliners IRON MAIDEN at the O2 last year, the trio should have no problem dazzling the crowds at Knebworth.
BLACK DOGS are about to take the UK metal scene by force and SONISPHERE is not going to know what hit it. This unstoppable pack of northern bastards deliver a raw and intense live show that’s got the industry taking notice in a big way. With backing from Radio One’s Rock Show and support slots with the likes of Hatebreed, Stray From The Path and Bring Me The Horizon to boast, it’s only a matter of time before the rest of the world sits up and takes notice.
Recently seen supporting Alkaline Trio, and performing at last year’s VANS WARPED TOUR, Transatlantic quartet LOVE ZOMBIES bring their infectious power pop to the SATELLITE stage on the Friday to spread some California sunshine.
Flying the flag for traditional metal, STORMZONE (who you may have seen recently supporting Saxon) come armed with wailing guitars, galloping bass and huge choruses. “We have toured with many great bands over the years and performed at a lot of European festivals, but being given the opportunity to rock the stages at Sonisphere is definitely the highlight of the Stormzone career so far.” They proclaim. “This is what being in a band is all about!!”
Math rockers SHRINE look set to devastate the crowds with their technical, dynamic assault on both mind and ear. Blending the aggression of hardcore, the grandeur of post rock and the synchopated characteristics of math rock, the Brighton four piece are impossible to pigeonhole and are definitely ones to watch. Says SHRINE:“We are so stoked that we will be playing this years Sonisphere Festival along with some of our favourite bands!”
Coming all the way from New Plymouth, New Zealand, RIVAL STATE make their first UK festival appearance at SONISPHERE. Variously labeled rock, punk, grunge and everything in between, these Kiwis specialize in loud, catchy music with a hard edge.
Formed in the home counties, THE WILD LIES peddle in hard rock, fused with intricate, grinding riffage, colliding with stadium rock chorus melodies. If you like stomping riffs, ear melting solos and choruses to make the walls sweat, don’t miss their Saturday set at SONISPHERE.
Also joining the line up are London melodic metalheads THE RAVEN AGE and EMPIRE KILL.
The current lineup for Sonisphere 2014 is:
Friday
APOLLO STAGE:
THE PRODIGY LIMP BIZKIT HIM BAND OF SKULLS GARY NUMAN ANTI-FLAG THE DEFILED
BOHEMIA ELECTRIC WIZARD ANTHRAX (PERFORMING AMONG THE LIVING) 65DAYSOFSTATIC ATARI TEENAGE RIOT BAM MARGERA'S FUCKFACE UNSTOPPABLE DEVIL YOU KNOW COMEBACK KID YASHIN CANTERBURY LOSTALONE HOUNDS
JAGERMEISTER & SATELLITE STAGE CARNIFEX BRUTALITY WILL PREVAIL TRC LITTLE MATADOR MAX RAPTOR MALEFICE STRAIGHT LINES EMP!RE BLACK DOGS LOVE ZOMBIES SHRINE GLASS CITY VICE
Saturday
APOLLO STAGE: IRON MAIDEN DEFTONES FRANK TURNER & THE SLEEPING SOULS ANTHRAX GHOST BABYMETAL TESSERACT
SATURN STAGE: SLAYER CARCASS THE WINERY DOGS CHAS & DAVE ALESTORM
BOHEMIA & OTHER STAGES: THE SISTERS OF MERCY NEW MODEL ARMY DOG EAT DOG PLAYING ALL BORO KINGS SEBASTIAN BACH THE VIRGINMARYS RECKLESS LOVE BLITZ KIDS VOODOO SIX JAGERMEISTER & SATELLITE STAGE BLEED FROM WITHIN THE SAFETY FIRE STAMPIN GROUND EUREKA MACHINES GLAMOUR OF THE KILL THE HELL BROKEN HANDS THE LOUNGE KITTENS ZICO CHAIN FORT HOPE RIVAL STATE COLLIBUS STORMZONE THE RAVEN AGE THE WILD LIES EMPIRE KILL
Sunday
APOLLO STAGE: METALLICA ALICE IN CHAINS MASTODON AIRBOURNE DEVIN TOWNSEND PROJECT GOJIRA
SATURN STAGE: DREAM THEATER DROPKICK MURPHYS REEL BIG FISH KARNIVOOL PROTEST THE HERO BLACK SPIDERS
BOHEMIA & OTHER STAGES: THERAPY? (Performing Infernal Love) GALLOWS THE BRONX CHIODOS TRUCKFIGHTERS KERBDOG BO NINGEN THE CADILLAC THREE
JAGERMEISTER & SATELLITE STAGE RAGING SPEEDHORN TRASH TALK SILVERSTEIN ANTI-NOWHERE LEAGUE BEASTMILK DREGEN SWEET SAVAGE ONLY CRIME THE BOTS ITCH PALM READER THE HYPE THEORY KROKODIL THE ONE HUNDRED OCTOBER FILE
Comedy Line Up: MAT REED – FIN TAYLOR – ALFIE BROWN – NOISE NEXT DOOR JOHN HASTINGS – JOHN ROBERTSON – ANDREW O’NEILL – MATT REES PAT CAHILL – ALFIE BROWN – MAT EWINS – ROB DEERING JIM SMALLMAN
Its not just music that is coming to Sonisphere UK, we have the latest details about comedians, wrestlers and more that will be on hand for your entertainment.
Hosting the Saturday is MAT REED. Born and Bred in Sunderland, the cheekily salacious Mackem charmer hosts a comedic cast that will ensure that most contagious of human functions fills the big blue tent during the comedy hours.
Tickling ribs on the Saturday are enemy of the righteous and champion of profanity FIN TAYLOR, ALFIE BROWN, purveyor of socio-political alternative comedy (or SPAC as he likes to call it), the lighting-quick wit of UK improve troupe NOISE NEXT DOOR, JOHN HASTINGS, whose jokes revolve around his world travels, love of metal and what it’s like to look racist but not actually be racist, ANDREW O NEIL – the world’s favourite vegan-transvestite-occultist-metalhead (but-not-goth) comedian and JOHN ROBERTSON – showman, writer, singer, dancer, YouTube manipulator and grinning anarchist extraordinaire.
Splitting sides on the Sunday and hosted by SONISPHERE veteran ANDREW O NEIL are Chortle Best Newcomer nominee MATT REES, the surreal and absurd comedy of PAT CAHILL, “Well produced bullshit” specialist (his words, not ours) MAT EWINS, the one man rock/pop extravaganza that is ROB DEERING and “heavily tattooed idiot” (again, his words, not ours) JIM SMALLMAN
Check out the full cast and a taste of what to expect here: Saturday
In honour of our Wrestling Fancy Dress Theme, we've invited some of the cream of British wrestling to perform at Sonisphere with the guys from professional wrestling outfit, Progress Wrestling, set to take to the ring at Knebworth. Prepare for a choke-slam as champions like Jimmy Havoc, Rhia O’Reilly,Rampage Brown and Tommy End, who is the current WXW champion, descend on Knebworth.
Think Powerslams, think Facebusters, think Piledrivers, think Flying Clotheslines, think about trying to catch Boston Crabs. So dust off your lycra, don a mask (or at least pay extra attention to your hair), create some witty signs, learn some wrestling chants and get ready to watch some men in tighter pants than some of those appearing on the Main Stage.
See you in the ring!!
SILENT DISCO
Sshh…Silent Disco Returns To Sonisphere
We are extremely pleased to announce the return of Silent Arena’s hugely popular Silent Disco to Sonisphere this summer as part of the late-night entertainment. The Silent Disco will run on every night of the festival, including the Thursday, and will feature the Silent Arena resident DJs. It'll also be a Jäger-fuelled affair, with Jägermeister hosting the Silent Disco in the Jägermeister tent, which includes its own bar. So grab a pair of cans, knock back a pint or (or some ice-cold Jäger) and sing to your heart's content with the added luxury of not being able to hear anyone else singing – or yourself for that matter.
As one of the UK's premier festival guide websites, we can report on the latest lineup additions for this years Sonisphere UK at Knebworth which include Bohemia, Atari Teenage Riot, Bo Ningen, Trash Talk, Canterbury, Lostalone, Bleed From Within, Dregen, TRC, Beastmilk and more!
After their late night trip down memory lane in 2010, million selling power trio Therapy?return to BOHEMIA, this time to perform their 1995 classic “Infernal Love”. Featuring chart topping hits such as “Stories”, “Loose” and “Diane”, “Infernal Love” went crashing into the top ten on its release. Now it comes alive again at SONISPHERE as Andy Cairns and co headline BOHEMIA’s Sunday. Says the man himself:
"Delighted to have been asked back to Sonisphere UK to perform "Infernal Love" in its entirety. Our "Troublegum" show there back in 2010 was a special night indeed and we are very much looking forward to playing our 1995 fan favourite at the UK’s premier rock festival. See you all July 6th on the Bohemia stage!"
It is with immense pride that SONISPHERE welcomes ATARI TEENAGE RIOT to the 2014 line up, for their first UK festival appearance since 2010. True pioneers, Alec Empire and crew have been spreading their message of political radicalism with mindblowing musical hybrids since 1992, blending everything from speed metal, acid and jungle with their techno base. So eclectic is their output, they have toured comfortably alongside Wu-Tang Clan, RATM, NIN, Ministry, Moby and Beck to name but a few, and will no doubt go down a storm amongst the veritable musical banquet on offer at Knebworth this July.
Despite being born in four separate cities in Japan, the members of BO NINGEN met and formed their band in the capital of England. Abandoning any conventional ideas of structure, the London-based four piece are lending a new definition to the word psychedelic, ignoring all the rules and doing things the BO NINGEN way. Given their proud unpredictability, setting expectations for their set in BOHEMIA would be redundant, save to say it is not to be missed.
Thrash-punk juggernaut TRASH TALK have a reputation for putting on highly energetic and wildly chaotic shows, making them a more than welcome addition to this year’s line up. Blending furious hardcore with the speediest of metal, their ceaseless touring across the world, from the US to Europe, Australia and Japan, has made them a formidable live act who never fail to deliver their loud, ugly goods.
Farnham four piece CANTERBURY make their SONISPHERE debut this year. Armed with huge songs and even bigger choruses, this promising young band have graced stages with The Automatic, Enter Shikari, Against Me, Twin Atlantic, You Me At Six and many more. Having released third album “Dark Days” earlier this year via the iconic Hassle Records label,CANTERBURY are on a sure and steady rise to the top.
Despite currently undergoing a headline tour of clubs in the UK, Rock-Pop trioLOSTALONE make songs destined for stadiums, and their increasingly rapid trajectory suggests that it won’t be too long before the prophecy made by the likes of Kerrang!, Classic Rock, NME and Rock Sound to name but a few comes to pass. Make sure you catch their set at BOHEMIA on the Friday and see why LOSTALONE’s live show earnt the fullKKKKK mark in this week’s Kerrang! Magazine.
"To be able to say that we're playing Sonisphere festival is one of the most perfectly beautiful sentences I'll ever speak.” Enthuses frontman Steven Battelle. “Knebworth being the scene of Freddie Mercury's last ever performance with Queen is a spiritual home for true rock fans. To join a bill with Metallica, The Prodigy and IRON MAIDEN is a privilege. We intend to construct our own little piece of history."
Glasgow’s BLEED FROM WITHIN are ready to show the world what a world class metal band sounds like in 2014 and SONISPHERE is delighted to give them the opportunity to do just that. Last year’s “Uprising” is an utterly monstrous piece of work, stuffed to the gills with infectious hooks, killer riffs and moments of atmospheric and dynamic euphoria. Add to that an aggression only the streets of Glasgow can breed and you have the recipe for a gloriously punishing performance at Knebworth.
Hellacopters and Backyard Babies co-founder DREGEN brings his solo project toSONISPHERE this year. Released last September, “Dregen” is the Swedish star’s modern take on an era when decadence and glamour weren’t dirty words, when heels and musicians were generally high and the commercial and the credible could sit side by side. He tells us:
"I'm really excited to play Sonisphere as this will be my first UK festival as a solo-artist! The UK tour I did in December was a lot of fun so I can't wait to get back to wake the Brits up, Swedish style, on the very last day of the Festival, Sunday July 6th."
Blending hardcore, metal and UK grime, TRC are one of a kind and a more than welcome addition to the SONISPHERE line up. Notorious for their dangerous live shows and outspoken nature, famous for their imaginative music that perfectly encapsulates the concrete jungle of inner city London that houses them, and with amazing videos that rely on imagination and creativity rather than big budgets, TRC are the real deal. Says frontman Chris Robson:
"Absolutely honoured to be playing Sonisphere. It's the first time we're getting a chance to play tracks off of Nation to such a large audience, and they were written for this kind of environment. I am well up for causing some havoc on the day and hopefully winning over some new fans. I'm also up for a bit of Slayer."
Apocalyptic post punks BEASTMILK have been described in many different ways, from “a gloomier Joy Division, an angrier Echo & The Bunnymen, a medicated Killing Joke” to “a secret recording from a psychedelic mass located stylistically between Roky Erickson, early Misfits and The Devils Blood”, with many other names dropped in between. The one thing everyone DOES seem to agree on is that BEASTMILK are awesome, and with Team Sonisphere concurring, a slot at KNEBWORTH seemed the right thing to do.
“We're honoured and privileged to be playing Sonisphere with such greats as Metallica. We're really looking forward to giving the crowd a glimpse back to Metallica's punk influences, throwing up a dose of our apocalyptic death rock and make some of those head bangers dance”
MALEFICE have being punching, kicking, choking and headbutting their way through the UK metal scene since the release of critically acclaimed debut “Entities” in 2007. Brutal, belligerent, bold and undeniably British, MALEFICE have never been about compromise, doing exactly what they felt was right for them, ignoring trends, fashions, and anything else that takes away from their backbone – the music. A very welcome addition to this year’s line up, brace yourselves as the furious five piece tear you a new one.
“We're really fucking proud to be playing this year!” says frontman Dale Butler. “With a new record out this year you can guarantee we'll be showcasing new material so be sure you come and party with us.”
Last up is Brighton four piece GLASS CITY VICE. These unsigned alt-rockers take their influences from bands such as Manchester Orchestra, Brand New and Biffy Clyro. Having made a name for themselves gigging the local scene and releasing a series of EPs, GLASS CITY VICE step up for their first major festival performance at SONISPHERE.
The latest musical phenomenon to go viral is Japan's BABYMETAL, and Team Sonisphere snapped them up to join this year's line up. Since uploading latest single "Gimme Chocolate!!" less than two months ago, anyone with even a passing interest in music will be aware of the teenage trio's blend of Icon Pop and Heavy Metal. Generating over 5 million views, seemingly out of nowhere, the music press was forced to stand up and take notice, with premier rock publications like Kerrang! and Metal Hammer featuring the band, alongside mainstream outlets such as The Guardian and USA Today.
Innovators will always divide opinion, and announcing that BABYMETAL's debut performance in the UK will be on a bill that also boasts IRON MAIDEN, METALLICA, ALICE IN CHAINS and MASTODON will no doubt cause some anguished cries from the purists, but one thing is certain – anyone lucky enough to squeeze into the BOHEMIA tent on SONISPHERE'S SUNDAY will be rewarded with an all singing, all dancing show the likes of which the UK has never seen before.
“I am so honored that we are confirmed to play Sonisphere Festival UK.” Declares SU-METAL. “There are so many different types of artists playing this festival but I hope to deliver a one and only, unique style metal – BABYMETAL – even to those who will see us for the very first time. This will be our very first time in the UK, which makes us nervous yet excited just imagining what type of people will come and see us, what sort of show it will end up being, and whether the audience will enjoy our show.”
She continues, “We'll hopefully get to see Metallica-san's performance again after witnessing them at Summer Sonic festival in Japan which we are very excited about. Put your KITSUNE sing up!! See you!!”
You can now start planning your Sonisphere itinerary as we present to you the day splits for this years summer festival which takes place at the legendary venue Knebworth Park.
We have also got a list of fourteen new bands which will join the massive lineup headlined by The Prodigy, Iron Maiden and Metallica.
Announced today we have, Gary Numan, Band of Skulls, Carcass, New Model Army, The Winery Dogs, The Bronx, Gallows, 65DaysOfStatic, Sebastian Bach, Chiodos, Bam Margera's Fuckface Unstoppable, Anti Nowhere League, Little Matador & The Lounge Kittens.
See the day splits below:
Friday
APOLLO STAGE:
THE PRODIGY LIMP BIZKIT BAND OF SKULLS GARY NUMAN ANTI-FLAG THE DEFILED
BOHEMIA & OTHER STAGES:
ELECTRIC WIZARD 65DAYSOFSTATIC DEVIL YOU KNOW BAM MARGERA'S FUCKFACE UNSTOPPABLE YASHIN CARNIFEX BRUTALITY WILL PREVAIL HOUNDS LITTLE MATADOR
Saturday
APOLLO STAGE: IRON MAIDEN DEFTONES FRANK TURNER & THE SLEEPING SOULS ANTHRAX GHOST
SATURN STAGE: SLAYER CARCASS THE WINERY DOGS CHAS & DAVE ALESTORM
BOHEMIA & OTHER STAGES: THE SISTERS OF MERCY NEW MODEL ARMY DOG EAT DOG PLAYING ALL BORO KINGS SEBASTIAN BACH WILKO JOHNSON THE VIRGINMARYS RECKLESS LOVE BLITZ KIDS STAMPIN GROUND TURBOWOLF VOODOO SIX THE HELL
Sunday
APOLLO STAGE: METALLICA ALICE IN CHAINS MASTODON AIRBOURNE DEVIN TOWNSEND PROJECT GOJIRA
SATURN STAGE: DREAM THEATER DROPKICK MURPHYS REEL BIG FISH KARNIVOOL PROTEST THE HERO
BOHEMIA & OTHER STAGES: THE BRONX GALLOWS CHIODOS KERBDOG BLACK SPIDERS TRUCKFIGHTERS SILVERSTEIN THE CADILLAC THREE ONLY CRIME ANTI-NOWHERE LEAGUE ITCH KROKODIL
Sonisphere's return to Knebworth in 2014 continues to materialize as they add more acts to the already announced lineup. Headliners The Prodigy, Iron Maiden, Metallica will be joined by a number of top rock and metal artists for one of the summers biggest metal festivals.
SONISPHERE is thrilled to announce DREAM THEATER as Sunday’s headline act on the Saturn stage. A mesmerizing band to watch, each member with a number of impressive accolades under their belt,DREAM THEATER have been churning out their unique brand of progressive metal for over 25 years, selling over six million albums worldwide. Building their sound from a solid base of incredible musical proficiency, becoming heavier over the years, whilst retaining their trademark, the band have become one of the biggest-selling progressive bands around, resulting in an induction into the Long Island Hall of Fame. With an extensive back catalogue and impressive new material from their latest critically acclaimed self–titled album, SONISPHERE can’t wait to see them spread their prog magic at the festival.
Also appearing at the festival are DEVIL YOU KNOW, the creative union of the former Killswitch Engage frontman Howard Jones, Francesco Artusato (All Shall Perish), John Sankey (Devolved/ ex Divine Heresy, Fear Factory) and Ryan Wombacher (Bleeding Through). Having voiced the Grammy-nominated Massachusetts metallers through nearly a decade of touring and two gold records, Jones is at the top of his game and the star line up, who have just played Soundwave in Australia, are ready to take on the world. DEVIL YOU KNOW will unleash its inaugural effort this spring, the highly-anticipated debut, ‘The Beauty of Destruction’ and audiences would be wise not to miss the incredible set the band are bound to deliver.
Says the band:
"We are beyond stoked to make Sonisphere our first UK festival! It's an honour to be playing such a massive festival alongside some of the biggest names in hard rock and metal. What a way to play the UK for the first time. We can't wait to get over and show everyone what Devil You Know is all about!"
Glasgow heavyweights YASHIN will also be stopping by SONISPHERE. The band have been working hard, having just released their new video ‘D.E.A.D’, with recent live appearances at Warped Tour UK and supports slots with Black Veil Brides, Limp Bizkit and Papa Roach in the UK and Europe. YASHIN’s performance at the festival will be the first chance for fans to see them play tracks from their forthcoming album, ‘The Renegades’, scheduled to hit the shelves in September 2014.
Says vocalist Harry Radford:
"It’s a huge, HUGE thrill and a massive honour to be added to this year’s Sonisphere line up. Maiden, Metallica, Limp Bizkit, Deftones… It’s like we've been put in the middle of our record collections, so many of our heroes in one place, it’s actually ridiculous. We're getting back to live action in the next couple of weeks so we will be warmed up nicely to hit the Sonisphere crowd hard. See you there!"
Making their way from Nashville, THE CADILLAC THREE will give SONISPHERE a dose of their very own country fuzz. The band boasts the kind of loud and boisterous rock that the loudest PA’s in the world were invented for. Tunes such as ‘Down to the River’, ‘Get Your Buzz On’ and ‘Back It Up’ evoke the legends of southern rock – Molly Hatchets, Outlaws or Ozark Mountain Daredevils, only with a fresher sound that’s going to blow your mind.
Returning to KNEBWORTH are Yorkshire’s GLAMOUR OF THE KILL, who have just unleashed their infectious new single ‘Freak like Me’, taken from their fantastic album ‘Savages’. Following a full US tour with Escape The Fate, a European tour with Papa Roach as main support, a largely sold out tour with Motionless In White and The Defiled in the UK, GLAMOUR OF THE KILL seem unstoppable as they are about to embark on the Heaven’s Basement’s tour before they promise to treat the festival goers to a full set of their triumphant anthems this summer.
Says vocalist Davey Richmond:
“We're really excited to get back to Knebworth for this year’s Sonisphere! There's something special about Sonisphere that you don't seem to get from any other festival and we're happy to see it making a bold comeback. It must be the history associated with Knebworth and all the greats that have stood on stage there throughout the years. The line up for this was already incredible, but it just got a whole lot better!”
Also appearing will be UK based hardcore quintet PALM READER. Drawing influences from The Dillinger Escape and Gallows, the band would have undoubtedly been winning over new fans on the recent Rock Sound Impericon Exposure tour and show no sign on slowing down before they hitKNEBWORTH.
Says Drummer Dan Olds:
"We Can't wait to play Sonisphere… Bands such as Deftones and Mastodon have always been close to Palm Reader's hearts. It's the first festival I ever went to so it’s gonna be a special moment!"
Canterbury’s BROKEN HANDS will bring their particular brand of retro-rock fused with psychedelic blues and garage influences to SONISPHERE. Having supported the Rolling Stones in Hyde Park last summer and toured in the UK and Europe with Band of Skulls, Deaf Club and Kill It Kid respectively, BROKEN HANDS are on the brink of big things.
Rising from the ashes of My Passion, Johnathan Gaskin, Ande D'Mello, Simon Rolands and Jamie Nicholls announced the formation FORT HOPE. SONISPHERE is looking forward to sharing the beginnings of their exciting journey as a new band.
"We're so excited to be playing Sonisphere this year, and honoured to join such an incredible bill. There's nothing better than sun, rock music and festival crowds. Roll on summer!”
Mixing an eclectic combination of crushing guitars and infectious electronica, which incorporates elements of metal, hip hop, rock and dance, THE ONE HUNDRED are going after the hearts and minds of everyone crossing their path and will no doubt expand their ever growing army of supporters after their performance at SONISPHERE.
Says the band:
“We are stoked to have been invited to play such an amazing festival with so many of our heroes, we’ve dreamt of playing at Sonisphere so let's have it Knebworth!”
Also added to the festival’s line up are Manchester’s COLLIBUS. Having won the 2013 Discretionary Rock Award of Parliament’s largest competition, Rock the House, COLLIBUS made history by becoming the first metal band ever to play the House of Commons. The band’s sound has been described as a combination of the intelligence of prog with the fire of metal, and their winning track ‘Dead Inside’ has already been featured on SCUZZ TV.
Says vocalist Gemma Fox: “The reception we've had following the release of our debut album has been mind-blowingly phenomenal. We are extremely honoured to have been invited onto the awesome Sonisphere line up and cannot wait to play alongside musicians and bands we have long been fans of ourselves!”
SONISPHERE FESTIVAL is hugely excited to be welcoming back guitar legend WILKO JOHNSON. Credited as a major influence for the English punk movement, this musical heavyweight last played KNEBWORTH in 1978 with Frank Zappa, The Tubes, Peter Gabriel and more, with his band Wilko Johnson’s Solid Senders. His outstanding contribution to music was recognized when Jimmy Page presented Johnson with The Innovator Award at the Classic Rock Magazine Roll of Honour in November last year, in front of an audience including Black Sabbath, Ray Davies and Manic Street Preachers. Since being diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer, the former Dr Feelgood guitarist refused chemotherapy treatment so that he could keep on playing live and record a final album with Roger Daltrey. Johnson’s ongoing commitment to his fans and his music will resonate with the passion surrounding KNEBWORTH for a bold, beautiful and unforgettable performance.
Commonly referred to as ‘the heaviest band in the world’ with at least three of their seven albums widely recognized as genre benchmarks and heavy metal classics, Dorset’s ELECTRIC WIZARD will be stopping off at SONISPHERE for the first time to headline the BOHEMIA stage on Friday Night. The band’s unique blend of stoner, sludge and doom together with their stylistic obsessions, ranging from the occult to psychedelic art, have made ELECTRIC WIZARD one of the UK’s most influential and consistently interesting bands. With a new album in the works in 2014, SONISPHERE FESTIVAL might be a rare chance to catch these grand masters of doom.
When an unknown band from New Jersey released their debut album called ‘All Boro Kings’ in May 1994, no one could have predicted they would make history. With the combination of hardcore riffs, rap and rock vocals coupled with the emergence of the ever-popular skate & snowboard style, DOG EAT DOGbecame a defining band of the nineties. Landmark album ‘All Boro Kings’ went on to sell 600 000 records worldwide, with single ‘No Fronts’ being featured on an episode of MTV’s Beavis and Butthead. As the summer 2014 marks the 20th anniversary of ‘All Boro Kings’, DOG EAT DOG will be performing a special anniversary set of the legendary album in its entirety for SONISPHERE FESTIVAL.
Says the band:
“Dog Eat Dog are very excited to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the ‘All Boro Kings’ album at Sonisphere. We look forward to partying with everyone like it was 1994!”
Joining them are Pittsburg punk rockers ANTI-FLAG, who will also be celebrating their 20th anniversary with SONISPHERE this summer. The band have been spreading their political punk message to the masses for two decades focusing on human rights, equality and peace, environmentalism and more. Through the years, they’ve gone from non-stop tours criss-crossing North America in a dilapidated van to world tours travelling as far as Australia. ANTI- FLAG’s performance at KNEBWORTH will be a unique opportunity to hear the band playing their signature anthems, as well as reaching deep into the catalogue and playing rare material. Their set promises to be a highlight of the weekend.
Says the band:
"Anti-Flag is always searching out new places to play. Especially now, at 20 years of being a band. Knebworth is historic and an honour and a privilege for our band to perform at. Sonisphere is a new forum for us to discuss that we are a band that stands against racism, sexism, homophobia and cynicism. It is an opportunity we do not tread lightly upon."
Sometimes, you can’t get enough of a good thing, which is why SONISPHERE is proud to welcomeBLACK SPIDERS back. A name synonymous with highly charged rock’n’roll tunes made in England, as showcased on their latest album ‘This Savage Land’, BLACK SPIDERS say you will like them if you “like the first three Black Sabbath albums…or masturbating in church”, which sounds extremely promising.
Says the band:
“We're majestically elated that we have been invited to the Sonisphere knights table yet again. After our last performance there, headlining the Jägerstage in 2011, it seems only fitting that we come back and wail our merry song once more to a happy throng of waifs, larks and gadabouts. With such a great line up already, we feel adding the Spiders lament will make this the festival of the year. We've had an amazing reaction to our last opus and will rain down some heavy metal rock 'n' roll into every brain and beating heart.The gauntlet is down and the challenge is accepted, so it's 'Balls to the Wall!!”
Also joining the festival’s superb line-up are BRUTALITY WILL PREVAIL. Drawing influence from metal, doom, sludge and metallic hardcore, the hotly-tipped UK metallers’ assault is like no other. Armed with heavy hitting numbers that blend snarling riffs, devastating grooves and unique but distinctly memorable vocal hooks from forthcoming album ‘Suspension of Consciousness’ out later this year, their set is bound to please their dedicated fan base and casual observers alike.
Says the band:
"Well, with that lineup we were going anyway…. Now we just need to bring our gear – stoked to be playing this year's Sonisphere!"
Also appearing will be EMP!RE. Hailing from the South West of England, the band are carving out a name for themselves with their frontman’s impressive vocal range on mini album ‘Where The World Begins’.
Says the band:
“We are so happy to be given the opportunity to play such an awesome festival like Sonisphere with some incredible bands and in front of some amazing people. We will be bringing the show like never before for this one, excited doesn't even begin to cover it; we look forward to seeing you all there for the party!”
SONISPHERE is the event of the summer to see the best in new music, which is why the festival is excited to announce the addition of the supergroup KROKODIL. Featuring members of Gallows, Cry For Silence, sikTh and current Radio1 Rock Show main man Dan P Carter (ex A/ Hexes), KROKODIL promises to be as deadly as the drug it is named after.
Says guitarist Lags:
“Finally the summer of beers, friends and riffs is nearly upon us. Can't wait to bring the thunder but let's keep the rain out of the tents. This will be our first time at Sonisphere. Get down early to insure the perfect spot to bang your head!"
Another special appearance will be the recently reformed RAGING SPEEDHORN. Corby’s finest are reuniting with the two original vocalists, Frank Regan and John Loughlin, and will give festival-goers a treat performing tracks from their first two albums: 2000′s ‘Raging Speedhorn’ and 2002′s ‘We Will Be Dead Tomorrow’. Formed in 1998, the band quickly established itself as a major presence within the UK metal scene, supporting acts such as Slipknot, Rammstein and more, but sadly parted ways in 2008. Now they are back to blow your mind! RAGING SPEEDHORN’s performance at SONISPHERE is sure to be an incredible one.
KNEBWORTH welcomes RECKLESS LOVE with open arms and feet ready for a set full of infectious anthems. Following the band’s recent headline tour in October 2013 and the release of new album ‘Spirit’, the UK cannot seem to get enough of the Finnish glam metallers whose performance promises to be the perfect way to party.
Says the band:
"Where do you see yourself in ten years’ time? A classic question somebody asked me years ago in an interview for a local paper in my small little hometown in eastern Finland. I remember I answered, ‘performing at Knebworth Park with Reckless Love’. The journalist gave me little smile and must have thought I was crazy because Reckless Love wasn't even signed at this point. I admit, I was crazy and still am; just like our live set at Sonisphere 2014 Knebworth Park will be. We toured the UK last autumn and we're so excited to come over again. UK audiences are the best and craziest we've seen. By the way, that interview was not ten years ago!! more like five or six."
In addition, there will be an unmissable set from STAMPIN’ GROUND as their SONISPHEREperformance will be their first show since 2006. Kings of the UK hardcore scene in the early 2000s, the band toured with the likes of Anthrax, Chimaira, The Haunted, Agnostic Front, Sick of it All, Soulfly, Arch Enemy and more. The promise of Adam Frakes-Sime, Scot Atkins, Ben Frost, Paul Fletcher and Neil Hutton taking the stage for a STAMPIN’ GROUND show will undoubtedly satisfy not only the festival ticket holders, but a good many of their peers on the bill too.
Says the band:
“We're more excited than Kriss Akabusi on a waterslide to resurrect our fortified blend of hardcore/thrash and play our first show in eight years alongside the likes of Slayer, Gojira, Metallica and Iron Maiden at Sonisphere. Many thanks to Sonisphere for giving us the opportunity to reinforce our legacy at such an awesome event. Bring it on!"
Masters of modern progressive heaviness, TESSERACT will bring back their familiar blend polyrhythmic riffs and odd time signatures this year. Since the release of the critically acclaimed album ‘Altered State’ and recent support slots with Karnivool and Protest The Hero, the band have gone from strength to strength, winning the support of the likes of Radio1 Rock Show and their performance is not to be missed.
Says guitarist James Monteith:
"Words cannot express how excited we are to be playing Sonisphere and be a part of its triumphant return this year. Sonisphere 2011 was probably one of the most memorable gigs we have ever played, so to be asked back is not just a huge honour, it's one of the shows we're most excited about playing this year. And then there are the other bands on the bill: We're of course very proud to be on a bill with the likes of Maiden and The Prodigy, and hanging out with our touring buddies Karnivool and Devin Townsend Project will be a lot of fun, but knowing that we'll be in the presence of Chas and Dave is just mind blowing. CAN'T WAIT!!! "
Also joining the festival’s superb line-up are UK metal powerhouse THE DEFILED who are no stranger toSONISPHERE, having played every single edition of the festival. Hot off their recent headline UK tour,THE DEFILED have established a reputation as one of the most exhilarating live bands as they toured relentlessly throughout 2013 to promote their incredible album ‘Daggers’, including the Jägermeister Music tour with Ghost & Gojira, a support slot for Motionless In White and Warped Tour UK, not to mention picking up a Metal Hammer 'Golden God' Award for 'Best New Band' and being featured on ITV2's 'The Exclusives'. This is a band primed and ready to dominate the metal world and the main stage of theSONISPHERE FESTIVAL.
Says The AvD:
“Now that's what I'm taaaaaaalllllllking abouuuuuuuuttttt!!!! We've played at Knebworth every year that there's been a Sonisphere in the various tents but this – THIS IS THE SHIT! To be invited to be the first band of the festival to play on the main stage is a huge honour and we can't wait. We've always had big plans and big ideas about what we want to do on stage, but have often been restricted by the size of the venues we're in. Well it don't get bigger than this, and we are going to give Sonisphere one hell of a show to remember. This is the stage that Rammstein did their first outdoor show in the UK, so hopefully I will finally be allowed to set my keyboard on fire!”
Since releasing their first song at the start of July 2013 followed by an album that they released for free only a week later ‘You’re listening to the Hell’, THE HELL have been causing quite a stir. Putting the fun back in metalcore, offensive and hilarious at every turn, THE HELL remains shrouded in mystery whilst winning over influential ears such as those of Radio1’s Zane Lowe. Their SONISPHERE performance is sure to be incredible one.
Over the last 2 years, Essex’s THE HYPE THEORY, have swept across the nation with their infectious brand of melodic pop rock and have recently been handpicked by Kerrang as one of the top five bands for 2014. The band are absolutely thrilled to be invited to perform:
"We are so excited to be playing Sonisphere 2014. The line up is incredible and we are so honoured to be a part of it!"
Fans of technical progressive metal will be delighted to see THE SAFETY FIRE returning to SONISPHERE this year. The band first made a name for themselves in the UK scene with the release of their critically acclaimed EP "Sections" in 2009 and their reputation as a powerfully energetic live band. They have toured extensively across the UK with bands such as Malefice, Periphery, Monuments and most recently, with Protest The Hero in support of their new album ‘Mouth Of Oceans’.
