Top 10 Bands You Need To See At Download Festival 2018

It’s that time of year again! When thousands of rock and metal fans descend on the hallowed grounds of Donnington. Yes, it’s time for the 2018 edition of Download and this year the festival has gone out all out with one of its most diverse line-ups ever.

With so many bands spread out across the festival over the weekend it can be a little over-whelming knowing where to start. Not sure what bands to see? Well, let us help you there! Here are the 10 bands we think you should make sure you see at Download Festival 2018!

10 – Cradle of Filth

Cradle of Filth have been having a bit of a career resurgence over the last few years resulting in excellent album release after album release. The latest, Cryptoriana: The Seductiveness of Decay came out September 2017 and was a truly excellent piece of work. You can read our review here. The reason why they only make the number 10 spot is because of their position at the festival. Second on the main stage on Sunday isn’t a great slot for them but if you can dust off your hangover you’ll get 40-odd minutes of excellent black metal to help set you up for the rest of the day.

9 – Andrew W.K.

Be positive…the mantra of Andrew W.K, a motivational speaker & classically trained pianist. The all white-wearing, rock-loving 24-hour party person returned with his first album in nine years. Called You’re Not Alone (read our review here) it was a surprisingly decent feel-good record that showed there was more to the man then ‘party’ tunes. Playing 4th from top on the 2nd stage on Friday, it’s a great spot for the masses to enjoy some fun and upbeat rock tunes.

8 – TesseracT

Headlining the 4th stage (Dogtooth), TesseracT always bring a hell of a show and with an excellent new album in the bag it should be a super showing from the tech metallers. You can read our review for Sonder here.

7 – Baroness

While they’ve not had a new album for a few years with Purple being released in 2016 (read our review here) Baroness are always an absolute treat live. A mix of sludge & progressive rock music, their sound is one that is not easy to explain, just make sure you head over the 4th stage on Sunday to catch them headlining!

6 – Volbeat

The Volbeat train is beginning to pick up again and you can only think that a new album is on the cards soon. The last, Seal the Deal & Let’s Boogie was another slab of rockabilly & metal that has seen the band rise to be one of the most beloved bands in the world. You can read our review here. Fantastic music, feel-good vibes and third from top on the main stage on Friday makes this a show not to be missed.

5 – Avatar

Having released their 7th album, Avatar Country at the beginning of the year, Avatar are riding high of its success. It was an excellent release and you can read our review here. Bringing a show alongside their brand of melodic metal, their position as second on the main stage on Friday isn’t the best but it will be one not worth missing.

4 – Cancer Bats

Surprising everyone with a sudden album release called The Spark That Moves (read our review here), Cancer Bats have probably reached the strongest position of their career and you can guarantee the hardcore mob will tear the crowd a new one when they erupt on the 3rd stage on Friday.

3 – Parkway Drive

Controversy be damned. We love the new album; Reverence and you can read our review here. Headlining the 2nd stage on Saturday, this could be the set of the entire weekend. Don’t miss it.

2 – Guns N’ Roses

Really? Do you need me to explain why you need to see the Saturday night main stage headliners? Even if you’re not a fan, you’re going to go see them. It’s Guns N’ Roses for goodness sake.

1 – Zeal and Ardor

Threatening to become one of the biggest bands in the world and about to drop their new album, Stranger Fruit a few days before they play the festival. Their position, second from top on the 4th stage, isn’t the best but you can be sure that they will make the most of it. One of the most exciting bands in the world, anyone who goes to see them will be talking about them long afterwards.

You can read our review of their latest live show here.