Ten Bands You Should Definitely Check Out At Download Festival 2023

20 years of the festival, a 4-night special edition and completely sold out, this year’s Download Festival is looking like it is going to be pretty damn epic. With tons of bands spread across 6 stages from all areas of rock, metal, alternative music and more, attendees aren’t short of sights to see and sounds to hear.

There’s so much on in fact, that it can be a little over-whelming. So, we’re going to help you out. We’re going to give you ten bands we think you should go out of your way to see over the entirety of the Download Festival 2023 weekend.

Thursday – 1640 – Jinjer – Apex Stage

One of the most aurally punishing bands you’ll hear over the weekend, even with their melodic evolution, Jinjer are still one of the most hard-hitting bands out there. Their rise has been hard-earned, and they really do deliver on stage.

Friday – 1600 – Pupil Slicer – The Dogtooth Stage

Having built up one hell of a reputation over the past few years, Pupil Slicer deliver when it comes to the live experience. Now, they’re armed with a brand-new album (Blossom – out now), which features some of the best music they’ve written, they’re sure to be even better. Expect noise, expect chaos, expect to come away feeling wowed.

Friday – 1740 – Ingested – The Dogtooth Stage

Kings of deathcore, Ingested are one of those bands that sound great on record, but sound even better live. It’s circle pit mayhem when they’re involved and they seem to be getting better and better each time we see them.

Saturday – 1200 – Static Dress – Opus Stage

They don’t always hit on record, but when it comes to the stage, Static Dress are something else. Abrasive, chaotic, and intense, they always seem to leave it all on stage. No matter how short their set is, they throw everything in to it and leave everyone extremely satisfied.

Saturday – Antisaint – 1230 – The Dogtooth Stage

There’s no better way for Antisaint to introduce the UK to their modern rock sound than by playing Download. An incredible achievement for such a young band. This might be their coming out party in the UK, but it’s not their first rodeo on stage. Expect big sounds, plenty of energy, and the over-riding sense that the future is extremely bright for these guys.

Saturday – Casey – 1435 – The Avalanche Stage

Their back and they’re not coming empty handed. Not only reappearing on stage but with new music in tow. The alt-rock sound of Casey will make you move, groove, feel, and so much more. If you know nothing about them, this is the perfect time to check them out and see what all the fuss is about.

Sunday – Bloodywood – 1200 – The Doghouse

Drag your ass out of bed for Bloodywood, you’ll be glad you did. The energy they exude will infect you, the music is fast, heavy, and catchy. There’s no better band to start your day off with than Bloodywood.

Sunday – Graphic Nature – 14:20 – The Dogtooth Stage

These young British upstarts have something extremely special about them. Breaking from the crowd of similar hardcore-infused bands by being unflinchingly honest. Their nu-metal/hardcore-crossover sound is intense, but that’s all part of the charm.

Sunday – 1535 – Avatar – Opus Stage

One of the best live bands in the world right now. It’s criminal that they are so low down on this line-up but that won’t matter to Avatar at all. They will give it their all, and they have so many anthems, it’s going to be impossible to not have fun.

Sunday – 1740 – Green Lung – The Dogtooth Stage

Feeling a bit weary? It is Sunday evening after all. We can’t promise you that Green Lung will reenergise you, but they will hypnotise you. All through the power of their psychedelic rock and proto-metal sound. A sound that is injected with occult venom and punk energy.