FESTIVAL REVIEW: Download Festival 2026

Hold the front page – Download Festival has a dry weather streak of two. Yes, the campsite and village are a washout on Thursday, but as the arena opens on Friday, the ground is dry and the rain doesn’t return. It means Distorted Sound bask in the sun for the rest of the weekend as they review the bands for you lovely readers, so let’s get into it, shall we?

Friday – June 12th

SCENE QUEEN – Apex Stage

Blending infectious pop hooks with bone-rattling chugs, vicious growls and an unapologetic attitude, SCENE QUEEN proved the perfect way to kick off Download Festival. Her brand of ‘bimbocore’ brought equal parts chaos, humour and empowerment to the main stage, with tongue-in-cheek anthems aimed squarely at the girls, gays and theys in the crowd. The audience lapped up every second, with sing-along, pit action, which included a Twerkal pit and plenty of willing participants finding themselves dragged into antics they may well come to regret the following morning. It was loud, colourful, ridiculous and impossible not to smile along with.

Rating: 9/10

SILLY GOOSE – Avalanche Stage

If ever there was a perfect band to help open proceedings on this specific day of Download Festival, it’s SILLY GOOSE from Atlanta, Georgia. As the undisputed kings of nu-metal prepare for their headline bow, this young quartet blow away the new and improved Avalanche Stage (now replete with second barrier and outside screen) with their own blend of bounce and swagger: the best of BIZKIT, LINKIN PARK and DEFTONES delivered with an abundance of energy, not least during a thunderous Tsunami. If you weren’t quite awake when the music started an hour before, you certainly are now.

Rating: 7/10

HOLLYWOOD UNDEAD – Apex Stage

Rock-rap group  HOLLYWOOD UNDEAD, a band that many of us listened to way too young, yet we remain unapologetic about it. It might have been a little early in the day with their mid-afternoon set to singing about partying, drinking, and other things a little too explicit to detail here, it was still a solid time with the sunshine being the perfect backdrop. From opening track Undead, to the catchy, but concerning, singalong number Bullet, and, of course, the ever iconic Everywhere I Go, introduced with a shrug and claim that “you asked for this”. It was undeniable how much of a crowd favourite it was as thousands of people waved the arms, sang along, and allowed the feminism to truly leave their body for three minutes.

Rating: 8/10

CREEPER – Opus Stage

For the last couple of years, CREEPER have felt on the brink of superstardom, and this set is only further proof of that. The sun is at full strength, but the spoopy goth rockers are still present and correct in their retro, vampire get up as they begin a set heavy on tunes from Sanguivore and its Mistress of Death counterpart. They have arena-ready anthems for days, the choruses of Blood Magick (It’s a Ritual) and Headstones sung back at them with interest, but it’s a sultry Razor Wire that steals the show before Will Gould finds himself wrestled into a guillotine and beheaded after a triumphant Cry to Heaven. Their tour at the end of the year should signal the end of the Sanguivore cycle and the start of something new…it can’t be much longer before they go up a level, surely?

Rating: 8/10

PENDULUM – Apex Stage 

After a jaw-dropping set back in Download Festival 2023, there were already high expectations for Aussie drum and bass/electronic rock quintet PENDULUM’s return to the Apex Stage this summer. Expectations were more than fulfilled during their lively 50-minute set. Diving straight in with certified banger Propane Nightmares, PENDULUM rocked the ever-growing crowd from start to finish. Absolute classics such as Blood Sugar, Tarantula and Witchcraft, as well as newer hits like Halo ripped through the sun filled grounds of Donington Park, sending fans old and new into a chaotic frenzy. The pinnacle was the unexpected collaboration with ENTER SHIKARI’s frontman Rou Reynolds for a live performance of Sorry You’re Not A Winner which made the crowd unsurprisingly feral. PENDULUM are always worth a watch.

Rating: 9/10

LAKE MALICE – Dogtooth Stage 

A long-overdue Download Festival debut saw LAKE MALICE arrive with a point to prove, and they wasted little time making their mark. Bringing an explosive blend of crushing modern metal, electronic flourishes and arena-sized hooks, the duo delivered one of the weekend’s most energetic early sets. With dancers adding an extra visual dimension to the performance, there was always something demanding your attention on stage. Yet for all the choreography and spectacle, it was the songs themselves that stole the show. Tracks packed with infectious choruses, pounding riffs and razor-sharp production hit hard from the outset, drawing curious festival goers closer and turning casual observers into fully invested fans by the set’s end.

Rating: 8/10

PERIPHERY – Opus Stage 

Poor PERIPHERY – the scheduling gods have not been kind to them. Having to follow CREEPER, and with people either just leaving PENDULUM or sticking around for ELECTRIC CALLBOY, the prog-metal masters walk out to a painfully small crowd which doesn’t seem to expand at all over their forty-five minutes on stage. Well more fool those who miss out, because they’re on great form, debuting no fewer than three brand new songs from latest album A Pale White Dot (the highlight of which is Heaven on High) and boosted by a clear sound that allows guitarist Misha ‘Bulb’ Mansoor to enrapture with his technical wizardry. If we’re being honest, PERIPHERY aren’t as suited to Download as, say, RADAR, but they’re no less effective tonight.

Rating: 7/10

ELECTRIC CALLBOY – Apex Stage

Following their last appearance where the performed in the Avalanche Stage that was overflowing three years ago, ELECTRIC CALLBOY are now in their rightful place on the Apex Stage and they more than delivered. From the moment they opened with TANZNEID, everyone was on their feet, dancing, moshing and everything inbetween. With nods to their home country of Germany and it’s renowned for club music, we got to hear their take on rock tracks like Hurrikan, All The Small Things, and Bodies with an appearance from ELECTRIC BASSBOY, fan favourites like Hypa Hypa, Tekkno Train and RATATATA, sadly no appearance from BABYMETAL as some may have hoped for. We’re even treated to a performance of their newest song Let The Good Times Roll. And it all ended perfectly with We Got The Moves.

Rating: 10/10

SLEEP THEORY – Avalanche Stage

Fresh from a completely sold-out UK tour, SLEEP THEORY returned to British soil with a short but undeniably effective festival set. With just 30 minutes at their disposal, there was little room for filler, and instead the band delivered a tightly packed greatest-hits-style performance that served as both the perfect introduction for newcomers and a welcome trip down memory lane for those who had already caught them on their recent headline run. The crowd response was immediate, with fans singing along from the opening notes and curious onlookers steadily filtering in throughout the set. Festival slots can often be a challenge, but SLEEP THEORY made every minute count, rattling through fan favourites and showcasing exactly why their popularity has exploded over the last year.

Rating: 8/10

CYPRESS HILL – Apex Stage 

The worlds of rock and hip-hop have long respected each other, but rare is the group that is so pure in the latter playing a festival entrenched in the former, even if that group happen to be legends of the genre. Still, while some will grumble and mutter on about ‘the good old days of Donington’, the fact of the matter is CYPRESS HILL are excellent tonight. It’s the perfect, musical, planetary alignment – the gloriously warm weather and setting sun, the desire for a breather before the insanity of the headliners to come, the more chilled out vibes of Hits From the Bong and I Wanna Get High…which, as it transpires, is exactly what Download does, turning the air green with the smoke and scents from thousands of joints lit up at once; even the band puff away from the stage! A cover of RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE’s incendiary Bombtrack is an inspired choice, before an ending double of Insane in the Brain and Jump Around (yep, that one by HOUSE OF PAIN) bring a thoroughly enjoyable set to a close. Anyone for nachos?

Rating: 8/10

BAND-MAID – Dogtooth Stage

There are few bands at Download Festival capable of turning heads before they’ve even played a note, and BAND-MAID are undoubtedly one of them. The Japanese five-piece’s maid-inspired aesthetic may be what first catches the eye, but any preconceived notions are quickly blown away the moment the riffs start flying. Beneath the frills and uniforms lies a band packed with serious musical firepower, delivering a set overflowing with technical precision, infectious energy and enough rock swagger to win over even the most skeptical festival goer. By the end of the set, it was difficult not to feel that Download Festival had only offered a tantalising glimpse of what BAND-MAID are truly capable of. Their performance left many wanting more, and rightly so. If there isn’t already a full UK headline tour in the works, there certainly should be

Rating: 9/10

HALESTORM – Opus Stage 

Headlining the Opus Stage, from start to finish HALESTORM performed an incredible set with Lzzy Hale delivering her powerhouse vocals left us stood in awe. Of course, we got to hear tracks like I Miss The Misery, Mz. Hyde, Freak Like Me, and I Get Off, as well as tracks from their newest album, Everest. We were also treated to, not one, but two first time performances of songs played in the UK with can u see me in the dark? and their cover of LADY GAGA’s Bad Romance. They finished their performance with the anthem that brings everyone together with Here’s To Us, complete with confetti and the crowd eagerly singing along. A beautiful finish to a stellar set.

Rating: 10/10

LIMP BIZKIT – Apex Stage 

When LIMP BIZKIT cancelled their headline slot at the very first Download Festival, nobody knew it would be 23 years before they’d get the chance again. However, here they are, and judging by a) the size of the crowd they have and b) the number of red, baseball caps on people’s heads, it’s evident this is a performance with high anticipation. The hits are all here: Break Stuff, Hot Dog (with special guest Lauren Sanderson), a thunderous rendition of Nookie, backing dancers for Rollin’ and a closing stretch which sees Faith, Take A Look Around, Behind Blue Eyes and My Way all in a row. It’s a perfect reminder of why BIZKIT were so endeared at the turn of the millennium, and why their nostalgia runs deep today. With the screen at the back showcasing all the lyrics, they turn Donington Park into a karaoke for the ages, especially helpful when they dust off a couple of deep cuts in Bring It Back and Dad Vibes.

And yet, it doesn’t quite live up to the hype. When not showing the lyrics, the screen often plugs the band’s merch, which feels corporate and cold; there are also no less than four song breaks where the crowd is treated to 80’s pop songs played either through the PA or by DJ Lethal, killing any momentum. Thirdly, the band seem off – Fred Durst certainly isn’t his usual, charismatic self, however, given the tragic passing of one of their road crew earlier in the day, you can forgive them for being distant. That being said, as Break Stuff concludes for a now customary, second time, you’re left struggling to find any differences between this and a standard, LIMP BIZKIT show anywhere else in the world; it’s still great, just not spectacular.

Rating: 7/10

Saturday – June 13th 

THE WILDHEARTS – Opus Stage 

If this ends up being Ginger Wildheart’s last bow at Donington Park, he’s gone out with a bang. The indomitable Geordie, battling cancer with a two-year prognosis, is in fine spirits as he and his band open the Opus Stage with half an hour of raucous Britrock to blow away the hangovers, which is exactly what Suckerpunch does right before Ginger’s beloved border collie Maggie invades the stage; “She’s more famous than the fucking band!” he quips before returning her to the side. Diagnosis is a wicked slab of punk-infused fun and Maggie appears again during the finale of I Wanna Go Where the People Go. They run over their timeslot, but are thankfully given the leeway to finish, which is absolutely what they deserve. If Ginger makes it back to Download then we’ll celebrate all over again; if not, what a wonderful swansong. We’ll miss you, pet.

Rating: 8/10

SOUTH ARCADE – Apex Stage 

Oxford pop-punk/rock quartet SOUTH ARCADE were second to first on the bill on the Apex Stage on Saturday morning; they certainly didn’t disappoint. Despite being Download Festival newbies, they absolutely rocked the stage for the entirety of the 40-minute slot. Attracting several dwindling metal fans, SOUTH ARCADE were a solid musical unit for the duration. Combined with a fantastically vibrant stage set up, vocalist Harmony Cavelle was an incredibly impressive performer interacting with the crowd at every turn. Tracks such as HOW 2 GET AWAY WITH MURDER and Supermodels amped up the ante and encouraged positive vibes for the duration – they have unquestionably gained a new fan here.

Rating: 8/10

LANDMVRKS – Apex Stage 

Another perfect new addition for Download Festival this year; French metalcorers LANDMVRKS. The quintet are making a lot of waves in the alternative scene right now making them the ideal booking for Saturday afternoon in the glorious sunshine. You got the vibe that the band were really humbled to be there and boy, did they deliver an exceptional show. Excellent musicianship was apparent throughout the duration of their energetic performance, completely blowing us away. Providing a variety of bangers old and new, LANDMVRKS should be on everyone’s radar; a solid booking who will be back again in the near future.

Rating: 7/10

LOWEN – Dogtooth Stage 

LOWEN are the country’s best kept musical secret. There isn’t a band on the planet, let alone the UK, who is currently playing Middle Eastern-inspired prog metal at their level, and nobody is reaching them any time soon. With a set leaning on 2024’s phenomenal debut album Do Not Go To War With The Demons of Mazandaran, they are nothing short of spellbinding, their set replete with a kaleidoscope of rotating images from their roots, a guest belly dancer and a still image for the ages as Nina Saeidi draws a sword and holds it high above her head while the rest of the band adopt a similar position, only holding daggers. As they depart, the screen reads ‘Zan Zendegi Azadi’, the Kurdish for ‘Women, Life, Freedom’, a defiant message to a culture that still remains in the past. Essential viewing if they’re ever touring near you.

Rating: 9/10

WE CAME AS ROMANS – Opus Stage

Metalcore group WE CAME AS ROMANS returned to Download after 10 years for an earlyish afternoon set, yet the crowd were still eager to greet them with songs like Darkbloom, where did you go?, and Black Hole getting the strongest reactions with pits, crowd members eagerly screaming lyrics back. If you were in the mood for heavy riffs, gnarly vocals, lyrics that go from empowering to emotional and overall good vibes, then this was the place to be. WE CAME AS ROMANS got everyone still tired awake and ready for the day ahead, especially with closing number Daggers.

Rating: 8/10

CONJURER – Dogtooth Stage 

For most bands, following LOWEN’s heroics on the Dogtooth Stage would be a bridge too far, but CONJURER aren’t most bands. The Rugby post-metallers are riding high off the back of last year’s excellent record, Unself, and that momentum is reflected here. With their whole set comprised of material from that very album, CONJURER are nothing short of crushing, benefitting from an excellent sound mix to deliver half an hour of audible bludgeoning. The highlight is a stunning Let Us Live, dedicated to the transgender community and arguably the best song CONJURER have written to date. By the time the final strains of Hang Them In Your Head have died away, everyone heading out of the tent is in total agreement of the direction CONJURER are headed; to the heavy metal stratosphere and beyond.

Rating: 9/10

BLACK VEIL BRIDES – Apex Stage 

It won’t be a surprise to regular Download Festival goers that BLACK VEIL BRIDES were back to grace the hallowed grounds of Donington Park once again. Even though opinions of the Cincinnati hard rockers are still greatly divided, they are clearly doing something right with an endless crowd on the main Apex Stage. Filled with an almost devilish swagger and lashings of eyeliner, vocalist Andy Biersack swooned the majority. Inevitably pleasing the crowd with old-school hits Knives And Pens and Fallen Angels from their debut to the newer Vindicate, it is evident that BLACK VEIL BRIDES are a Download favourite. Standard but nothing spectacular.

Rating: 6/10

THOSE DAMN CROWS – Opus Stage

The last time THOSE DAMN CROWS played Download, it was 2024 and the heavens opened as soon as they started. Thankfully, the Welsh hard rockers haven’t brought their home country’s weather with them this time, the sun blazing across Donington Park. Still riding high after last year’s God Shaped Hole bagged them a UK #1 album, the five-piece bring an arsenal of arena-ready choruses, infectious grooves and plenty of good vibes, the likes of opener Who Did It and a blistering No Surrender sounding huge in front of a very receptive audience who give everything they can. “The CROWS are writing new music” teases Shane Greenhall; if it hits as well as the last record, they’ll be headlining Wembley Arena before too long.

Rating: 7/10

BABYMETAL – Apex Stage

News flash! The curse is broken! BABYMETAL didn’t have a thunderstorm interrupt their set this time. Sure it was still windy, but a win is a win. Everyone’s favourite j-pop meets metal group, who in the last decade have cemented their place as a beloved name in the rock community, a fact confirmed with their high energy performance with the crowd going wild from the very front all the way to the top of the hill, with tracks like from me to u, PA PA YA!!, and Headbangeeeeerrrrr!!!!! getting loud reactions as well as newer tracks like RATATATA (what a weekend if you got to hear this song twice over the weekend) and, of course, strong fan favourite Gimme Chocolate!! that helped blow them up to international fame over a decade ago. A memorable set from the main stage that day.

Rating: 9/10

AS IT IS – Avalanche Stage 

AS IT IS were tremendous on the Avalanche Stage on the Saturday afternoon at this year’s Download. Even though there was an obvious mid-afternoon slump at this point in the festival, the Brighton fourpiece successfully turned things back up a few notches with some nostalgic and high-spirited pop-punk energy. Flowing seamlessly from Ruin My Life into Hey Rachel, bleeding into The Stigma (Boys Don’t Cry) and then closing with fan favourite Dial Tones, AS IT IS have proven once again why they are iconic in the pop-punk scene and for good reason.

Rating: 7/10

BUSH – Opus Stage

Chances are you’ve heard BUSH before, you just might not realise it. One of the defining bands of the ’90s grunge explosion, Gavin Rossdale and co. delivered exactly what the Download crowd needed: a laid-back, nostalgia-filled set, perfect for GUNS N’ ROSES crowd, easing them in their set later. Packed with familiar riffs and huge choruses, BUSH proved that even three decades on, their songs still hit. Their relaxed, melodic grunge was the perfect soundtrack to an audience easing into the evening, reminding everyone just how many hidden classics they have in their catalogue.

Rating: 9/10

TRIVIUM – Apex Stage 

Redemption, thy name is TRIVIUM. Over the last decade the Floridian heavyweights have gone from the brink of disaster to the edge of glory, and this set is arguably a litmus test to see whether or not they’re finally ready to step up and headline. The answer? Absolutely. Even though the wind puts paid to their pyro and inflatables, the truth is they don’t need them when they draw one of the biggest crowds of the weekend and can fill 70 minutes with some of the greatest, modern metal bangers of all time. Beginning with Pull Harder On The Strings Of Your Martyr is outrageous enough, but to then play the likes of Down From The Sky, Dying In Your Arms and close with a mammoth In Waves? When they come back to Donington – a place they hold dear – they NEED to be topping the bill.

Rating: 8/10

MARMOZETS – Avalanche Stage 

It may have been seven years that MARMOZETS took a break form touring, and a little longer since their last record, but absence really does make the heart grow fonder as shown by the wild crowd that greeted them on the Avalanche Stage. Truly, it feels like they never really left as shown by their ever loud and memorable performance that shows they still got it. From the loud, bouncy numbers like Move, Shake, Hide, Is It Horrible? and Play, to the more moving Captivate You, to even their newest songs, everyone was there ready to receive them with that same high energy from start to finish.

Rating: 8/10

ELDER – Dogtooth Stage 

As the sun begins to dip behind the horizon, ELDER arrive on the Dogtooth Stage at the perfect time. Bathed in red and green floods, their blend of prog, stoner and doom metal is absolutely perfect for this moment in the day and while the mix starts a little bumpy, soon every note drifts through the tent effortlessly as the air grows heavier with fragrance. Considering the average length of their songs, they play just three across their half hour slot, but all come with lush harmonies, both vocally and on guitar, with elements of PINK FLOYD, RUSH and even a touch of TOOL creeping through at points. It’s a shame the tent isn’t more full for the Massachusetts four piece, but those who bear witness leave with universally big smiles and that wonderful satisfaction of having not just seen live music, but an all-round experience.

Rating: 8/10

HOT MILK – Avalanche Stage 

“Shall we give security something to worry about?” asks Han Mee before HOT MILK kick off into HORROR SHOW, a sign for things to come in their explosive set. Having grown up attending Download, and performing there on a few occasions, HOT MILK knew what to do to get the crowd moving and moshing. And to say they succeeded in the task would be an understatement. 30 minutes went by a little too quickly with a solid selection of their take on electronic rock with must have songs including BREATHING UNDERWATER, Candy Coated Lie$, and OVER YOUR DEAD BODY, but that doesn’t mean we couldn’t include a tender moment with the vulnerable Glass Spiders within the mix too. All concluded with closer PARTY ON MY DEATHBED with confirmation from Mee that she will be attendance at SCOOTER’s headline set on that same stage tomorrow evening.

Rating: 8/10

ARCHITECTS – Apex Stage 

Closing the Opus Stage on the Saturday night was always going to be a huge ask. This year ARCHITECTS took prime position, anticipatingly ending things on a high on the second day of the festival… and it didn’t particularly go to plan. From the offset, vocalist Sam Carter looked miserable as sin, despite saying “we have been looking forward to playing this show for ages.” Carter’s whole demeanor didn’t sit quite right throughout the set and those premotions were confirmed during the performance of Blackhole, which had to be stopped due to security issues. After the same happened with Impermanence, most of the initially hyped-up, now increasingly frustrated crowd began to leave. Carter’s attitude ultimately ruined what could have been a wonderful moment of history for the band; such a wasted opportunity.

Rating: 5/10

GUNS N’ ROSES – Apex Stage 

For over thirty-five years, a GUNS N’ ROSES show has lived and died on the attitude, action and overall performance of one man, and we will get to him shortly. First, however, the positives; they surprise everyone by starting ten minutes earlier than expected, ripping into Welcome to the Jungle and continuing for nearly three hours. You Could Be Mine makes an early showing and there are airings for deeper cuts like Think About You and Dead Horse; there’s also nothing from the much-maligned Chinese Democracy. Slash, Duff and the rest of the band are tight and professional, and a closing run of Sweet Child Of Mine, Don’t Cry, November Rain, Nightrain and Paradise City is an insane way to finish a show.

For Axl Rose, though, it’s another mixed night at the office, and this time circumstances are out of his control. Unfortunately, Father Time has finally caught up to him – now 64 years old, his higher register, which one tore through songs with a unique, shrill grit, is reduced to a helium whine. His lower vocals still have power, with It’s So Easy and Mr Brownstone sounding solid, but anything that requires the top end is left wanting…which is most of the set. Fair play to him for still having the stamina to get through sets as long as this one, but it doesn’t help when the thing you’re known for is no longer firing on all cylinders.

Rating: 6/10

BLOOD INCANTATION – Dogtooth Stage 

Forgoing the screen that every other band have used on the Dogtooth Stage thus far, BLOOD INCANTAION put up an old school banner, erect obelisks on either side which light up with symbols and, without question, steal the entire weekend. Going from full on death metal to 70s-esque prog on a sixpence really shouldn’t work yet, when in the hands of the four men who make up this extraordinary outfit, it’s a sensation in every aspect. To the delight of everyone, they play the entirety of Absolute Elsewhere, which topped many a critic’s Album of the Year list in 2024, and then finish the set with Vitrification of Blood (Pt.1) from debut record Starspawn; along the way, drummer Isaac Faulk gets inventive by playing cymbals on a gong and they have a plethora of crowdsurfers towards the end, which is the icing on the most triumphant of cakes. If there’s a better act at Download this year, they don’t actually exist.

Rating: 9/10

Sunday – June 14th

UNPEOPLE – Apex Stage 

“Wakey wakey!” yells UNPEOPLE frontman Jake Crawford as he and the rest of the band finish a storming Waste. Another day of sun and dry weather is predicted and this is, without a doubt, the right to start such an occasion. Bringing together grunge, alt rock and punk and mixing it with a hefty dose of infectious choruses, it’s almost unfair at the quality that UNPEOPLE have already; mind you, when half the band were once in PRESS TO MECO, it’s probably not that surprising that songs like Overthinking and Clouds hit as hard as they do. As guitarist Luke Caley takes to the pit for closing track The Garden, one of the most authentic bands around leave to rapturous applause; if there’s a shred of justice left in the world, they’re going to be huge.

Rating: 9/10

SPITTING GLASS – Dogtooth Stage 

With just two songs released and only a handful of live shows under their belt, SPITTING GLASS opening the Dogtooth Stage certainly raised a few eyebrows. The band may be new, but its members have more than earned their stripes in previous projects, and that experience showed throughout their tight 20-minute set. Interestingly, this was first handful of shows as a full band had played together, with vocalist Joe Badolato [FIT FOR AN AUTOPSY] flying in from the US while the rest of the band are UK-based. You’d never have guessed. Everything clicked into place, leaving early risers rewarded with one of the festival’s strongest opening performances. Short, sharp and heavy, exactly how an opening slot should be.

Rating: 8/10

CATCH YOUR BREATH – Opus Stage 

One of the strongest metalcore sets on the second stage, CATCH YOUR BREATH delivered exactly what fans wanted. The band ripped through their biggest tracks, creating plenty of sing-along moments with 21 Gun Salute and Dial Tone, while still packing enough heaviness to keep the pit moving. Whether you’d followed them from the start or were discovering them for the first time, this set made it easy to understand why their popularity continues to grow. Familiar enough for longtime fans, but accessible enough to win over plenty of new ones.

Rating: 8/10 

KUBLAI KHAN TX – Apex Stage 

Metallic hardcore is an ever growing beast of a sub-genre, and KUBLAI KHAN TX are right at the front of its expanse. Perfectly comfortable with who they are and what they stand for – their banner has logos for Monster Energy in the top corners – they use their forty minutes of stage time to take the pits to another level and destroy Donington Park in every direction. Supreme Ruler sees the line “Khan Is King!” shouted so loud you could hear it back in Nottingham, Antpile 2 gives the incredible sight and sound of an entire field singing along to pinch harmonics (well, the only lyric in the song is a single shout of the word ‘TWO!’) and The Hammer, appropriately, hits bloody hard; even more impressively, vocalist Matt Honeycutt tells everyone he injured his back in the gym a few days back and is playing through the pain barrier. They’re not for everyone, but for those who see them, it’s a midday riot.

Rating: 8/10

RØRY – Apex Stage 

The sensation that’s swept the nation finally arrived on the Apex Stage – and it felt like RØRY has always belonged there. Making the leap from the Avalanche Stage to the Apex Stage in just a few short years is an incredible achievement, and judging by the emotion pouring out across the field, nobody questioned why. New tracks sat perfectly alongside fan favourites, creating a set full of massive sing-along and plenty of tears. If you forgot tissues, chances are the person next to you had a spare. One of the most heartfelt moments came when RØRY spoke about Myles, who helped write material for her upcoming album before sadly passing away. Fighting back tears herself, it was another reminder of why so many people connect with her music. The raw honesty, vulnerability and emotion are what set her apart, and even on Download‘s biggest stage, that intimacy never disappeared. Sadcore has never felt so massive.

Rating: 10/10

THE PRETTY WILD – Avalanche Stage

Las Vegas sister duo THE PRETTY WILD took to the Avalanche Stage on Sunday afternoon. Playing to an ever-growing crowd in the tent, the set was vocally gobsmacking throughout; particularly the unclean vocals. From opener Paradox to the finale Sleepwalker, you couldn’t take your eyes off them for the duration. This duo perfectly blends metalcore, rock and country, most certainly proving that you don’t need eclectic staging to deliver a fantastic live performance; just raw talent which THE PRETTY WILD had in spades.

Rating: 8/10

BLOODYWOOD – Apex Stage 

Even stood at the top of the hill, you can see the pits going wild as Indian folk metal group BLOODYWOOD took to the stage. In recent years, the band gained international attention after some of their performances went, deservedly, viral and it was incredible to see that that enthusiasm has carried on at many live shows since. From the moment they opened with Dana Dan, to performing favourites like Nu Delhi and Bekhauf, all the way to closing with the song that, arguably, changed everything for them with Machi Bhasad (Expect A Riot). Adding all of that with beautiful animations and instrumentals relating to their home country, it was just an insane performance and one we hope can lead to a headliner set on that very same stage one day.

Rating: 9/10

ANNISOKAY – Dogtooth Stage

German post-hardcore group ANNISOKAY were definitely worth a watch on the Dogtooth Stage on the sleepy Sunday afternoon. Their six-track setlist was electric from start to finish with the infectious dynamic between vocalists Rudi Schwarzer and Christoph Wieczorek further adding to the appeal. The ending was particularly astonishing with the infectious Calamity and STFU closing out their short set flawlessly. If you have never heard of ANNISOKAY before, we highly recommend you check them out – you won’t regret it.

Rating: 8/10

THE PRETTY RECKLESS – Apex Stage 

Taylor Momsen has long cemented her way as the frontwoman of a hard rock band, THE PRETTY RECKLESS, through her stage presence and vocal range that allows versatility of style across their setlist. From opener rock n roll track, aptly titled, Death By Rock And Roll, to rock ballad Witches Burn, to sing along moments with Heaven Knows and Make Me Wanna Die. We were also treated to a taster of their newest record, that had yet to be released, Dear God. The only thing letting them down was a sound system that seemed to dip in and out of volume, a slight issue that appeared periodically across the weekend. Yet the group made it work still, and it was enough to get people to sing along to closing song Going To Hell.

Rating: 7/10

THE PLOT IN YOU – Opus Stage 

Ohio metalcore quartet THE PLOT IN YOU are another rising band in the alternative scene that most certainly deserve the hype. During their unexpectedly short and sweet set on the Opus Stage on Sunday, they undeniably brought the raucous energy that we could only expect. The crowd participation was immense, adding even more fuel to the fire. Tracks like Divide made onlookers go utterly wild, whilst new single Silence kept the audience intrigued and engaged, screaming lyrics at every note. THE PLOT IN YOU fans old and new would have thoroughly enjoyed this performance.

Rating: 7/10

MAGNOLIA PARK – Avalanche Stage 

MAGNOLIA PARK‘s evolution from pop-punk favourites into a band embracing nu-metal influences could have felt forced, but instead it’s one of the smartest reinventions around. Their newer material blends massive hooks with down tuned riffs, electronic textures and infectious grooves that make it impossible not to move. Whether you’re bouncing, headbanging or singing along, MAGNOLIA PARK have found the perfect middle ground between catchy and crushing.

Rating: 8/10

ANKOR – Dogtooth Stage 

Bursting onto the stage with Darkbeat, ANKOR wasted absolutely no time making an impression. The breakthrough single exploded into life with its blend of crushing metalcore, pounding electronic beats and rave-inspired energy, instantly turning the Dogtooth Stage into one huge party. Vocalist Jessie Williams continues to prove why she’s one of the most exciting performers in modern metal, effortlessly switching between soaring clean vocals and ferocious screams. It’s brilliant to see more women leading heavy bands with uncompromising vocal performances, and ANKOR are right at the forefront of that movement.

Rating: 9/10

ICE NINE KILLS – Apex Stage

If you had no clue about what the metalcore outfit were about, it must have been a shock late Sunday afternoon to see a performance complete with props, reenactments of iconic horror scenes and even an appearance from a homicidal clown. Yes, ICE NINE KILLS were here at their absolute best and delivered a set that will stay locked in your memories for a long time afterwards. From including classics like Welcome To Horrorwood and The American Nightmare, to guests appearance from Hannah Hermione Greenwood during Twisting The Knife, and Matt and John of REEL BIG FISH during Ex-Mørtis, to closing number A Work Of Art where the titular clown we mentioned made an appearance and…let’s just say we were a witness to many crimes that day.

Rating: 9/10

GATECREEPER – Dogtooth Stage 

As the sun gets lower, GATECREEPER get gnarlier. The death metallers from Arizona don’t pull the biggest crowd to the Dogtooth Stage, however those who do attend are here for a good time as opposed to a long one, which the band duly deliver. Whether it’s the crush of Dead Star or a destructive Caught In The Treads, GATECREEPER are on top form and their fans respond in kind, inciting pits that, while failing to hide the sparseness of the tent as a whole, are full-blooded and conclusive proof that the band need to return to these shores for a full, headline tour sooner rather than later, something they haven’t done since 2022. Until that happens, though, the punters who stepped into the tent on this Sunday evening will have this to tie themselves over.

Rating: 8/10

MASTODON – Opus Stage 

Alongside CYPRESS HILL and ELDER, Download hits three-for-three when it comes to putting on a band each day who are perfect against a backdrop of a setting sun. For those watching, though, this MASTODON show might be the most bittersweet of all, being the first over here since the tragic passing of founding member Brent Hinds last August. Yet, despite the heaviness of the occasion, nothing is going to dampen the prog metallers from Atlanta this evening; drawing on songs from across their career, they set Donington Park alight through the likes of Crystal Skull, Megalodon and brand-new track Your Ghost Again, dedicated to their fallen comrade. A final one-two of Crack the Skye and Blood And Thunder threatens to bring the stage down with its impact and, while MASTODON are naturally never going to be the same, they’re definitely going to be alright.

Rating: 8/10

BAD OMENS – Apex Stage 

Hailing from Richmond, Virginia, metalcore four-piece BAD OMENS are one of the most prominent bands in the industry right now, having risen to fame overnight following the success of their debut LP The Death Of Peace Of Mind back in 2022. Opener Specter started the set off quietly, giving the energetically enthusiastic crowd a chance to warm up before some of the band’s greatest hits unfolded. By the time we got to Artificial Suicide, everyone was sufficiently sweaty and giving every song their all. The crowd was alive with singing and dancing with sign of the horns displayed by all. By the time they reached the encore, headbang worthy metalcore banger Dethrone roared across the Apex Stage, which was truly epic. Overall, the 70-minute set was just incredibly memorable with vocalist Noah Sebastian’s clean vocals and growls on point throughout, as well as the rest of the band’s skilled musicianship. One of the highlights of the whole weekend, that’s for sure.

Rating: 10/10

SPINESHANK – Dogtooth Stage 

The nu-metal revival of the 2020’s has not just put acts like KORN and LIMP BIZKIT in a position where they can finally headline something like Download Festival, but it’s also revitalised a desire for a bunch of other bands who made their name at the turn of the millennium. SPINESHANK are one such band – the last time they played the festival was the inaugural edition in 2003 and it’s fair to say they’re stoked to be back after so long, particularly as, according to vocalist Jonny Santos, it was the UK that put them on the map. Tonight they play it safe, their set split evenly between 2000’s The Height of Callousness and 2003’s Self-Destructive Pattern, but it’s exactly what a packed Dogtooth Stage wants and the reception is electric, peaking (unsurprisingly) during a boisterous rendition of New Disease. It’s not the most groundbreaking set to grace Download, but it’s a hell of a lot of fun.

Rating: 7/10

SCOOTER – Avalanche Stage 

THE PRODIGY. ENTER SHIKARI. PENDULUM. ELECTRIC CALLBOY. CHASE AND STATUS. PERTURBATOR. CARPENTER BRUT. Whatever way you look at it, Download Festival has a rich history of booking bands who specialise in the heavier end of electronic music and, on that basis, SCOOTER absolutely deserve to be here. The festival have been sensible – the German trio are no strangers to filling venues like the O2 Arena, but their lack of anything truly within the rock and metal genres means a spot headlining the Avalanche Stage is the right place to avoid any more controversy than there has already been. That said, the thousands who pack the tent are rewarded with one hour of pulsing, high-octane techno that is joy in physical form. There’s pyro, dancers and frontman H.P. Baxxter playing a Gibson Explorer guitar that shoots sparks, all while We Love Hardcore, God Save the Rave and a tremendous How Much Is The Fish? turn Donington into a rave for the ages. “Remember – life may be hard, but SCOOTER is harder!” quips Baxxter midway through, to widespread cheers. They can come back any time the want.

Rating: 9/10

LINKIN PARK – Apex Stage 

Download Festival truly could not have picked a better headliner to close out the weekend with. This was a performance that left people in awe, in tears, nostalgic, and more. From the very second that they opened with Emptiness Machine, we knew we were in for an incredible 90 minutes, and anyone who still had doubts about Emily Armstrong’s place in the band, her vocal performance was enough to shutdown those thoughts.

Their set was a healthy mix of songs from their newest record, 2024’s From Zero, with tracks like Heavy Is The Crown, Up From The Bottom, and Two Faced making an appearance during the night. With the latter track, Mike Shinoda decided to use the opportunity to celebrate an achievement: LINKIN PARK were now officially the first female fronted act to headline Download Festival and wanted to create all woman mosh pits that, from the videos we saw afterwards, looked to be a joy to be a part of.

A beautiful thing about this set when it came to performing their classic hits like One Step Closer, Bleed It Out, Numb, and What I’ve Done, (the latter two we didn’t expect to feel as moved during) that while there were small tweaks with Emily’s take on the songs, it felt that these songs were dedicated to two things: the fanbase and Chester. No matter what, we will never forget him, and he will always be a part of LINKIN PARK. Their performance ended perfectly with In The End and Faint, a chance for everyone to scream along at the top of their lungs. We were having fun, LINKIN PARK were having the best time on stage, it was truly a beautiful way to end their set and the entire weekend.

Rating: 10/10

And with that, Download Festival 2026 is consigned to the archives. As of this going to press, early bird tickets for 2027 are already sold out, the quickest in the festival’s history. Whether the rock gods smile upon Donington in terms of weather remains to be seen, but one thing’s for sure; Donington will once again bounce and shake like nowhere else on Earth.

Words: Elliot Leaver, Serena Hill, Issy Herring, Charlotte Griffiths

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