System of a Down

Another reunion set for Download Festival is System of a Down, back together for the first time since they went on hiatus in 2006. No album has been announced, instead the band have said that the reason for their festival dates in summer is just to play for the fans.

This most likely means a classic set and a brilliant opportunity to see SOAD back together again. If these shows go well, this could be the start of a “proper” reunion, so Download punters should be sure to see the band before they take another break.

Serj Tankian has been keeping busy with his solo project, and hasn’t skipped a beat in those live shows, so fans can expect an amazing show when SOAD reunite to headline at Donnington in a couple of weeks.

Linkin Park

Currently supporting last year’s A Thousand Suns, Linkin Park return to Download Festival this year, headlining the final day of the iconic rock weekend.

Following Bullet For My Valentine might be tough, but Linkin Park should have no problem, and could potentially steal the show for the entire weekend by the time their set draws to a close.

With no talk of new material yet, it doesn’t look like anything noteworthy will happen with the set, but promotion of their latest album can probably be expected.

The King Blues

Camden-based The King Blues will be performing at this year’s Download Festival, performing just under Funeral For A Friend. Both bands were part of this year’s Hub Festival, and their Download sets should be just as exciting.

At Hub, The King Blues did lean towards new material off Punk & Poetry, so older fans may be disappointed. That said, older tracks like “Mr. Music Man” are live staples sure to please the crowd.

Itch and the band have unrivalled energy on stage, and build their reputation on an exciting live show. It’s not a grand stage show, but the unbridled emotion from the band is refreshing to see, and their set is not one to be missed.

Lower Than Atlantis

They may be just under a lot of music fan’s radars at the moment, which is all the more reason to check out Lower Than Atlantis at Download Festival.

Their energetic brand of melodic hardcore is gaining them a good reputation for exciting live shows. Fans of Funeral For A Friend should definitely make time to see Lower Than Atlantis on the Friday before the bandwagon gets rolling too fast.

Pendulum

Aussie dance legends Pendulum are always an exciting live act, with a stunning lights show in the vein of The Prodigy’s live shows.

They may seem out of place taking to the stage after hardcore legends Korn, but no-one would bet against Pendulum stealing the show.

 Female First - Alistair McGeorge

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