Bands NOT to miss at Download 2026
Download Festival is just two weeks away! While everyone’s arguing about whether it’s going to be a ‘Dust-load’ or ‘Drown-load’, how many times Limp Bizkit will play Break Stuff, or what food stalls are going be the best, we’ve been having a bit of a dive into the lineup.
While those names right at the top are names to behold, there’s also 100+ acts to discover, dance around to and add to your playlist. Below are just a few that we’ve picked out for you.
thrown
Sweden has blasted their way through in the form of thrown! Specialising in short explosive metalcore/nu-metal tracks, they’ve only been releasing since 2021, yet nearly every track is ready to launch you into that pit head first. I’m honestly surprised these guys aren’t bigger!
For fans of: Make Them Suffer, Knocked Loose, Wage War
Sunday 14th - Opus Stage
Caskets
Caskets are a UK melodic metalcore band known for their soaring choruses, emotional lyricism, and a polished blend of heaviness and atmosphere. Blending shimmering electronics, emotive guitar work, and Matt Flood’s soaring, vulnerable vocals, this is a group to get down early for.
For fans of: Holding Absence, Dayseeker, We Came As Romans
Friday 12th - Opus Stage
The Pretty Reckless
To (not exactly) reference Poltergeist II, They’re back! The Pretty Reckless have been sorely missed at the fields of Donington, their last time playing download sing over 10 years ago in 2014! Mixing pure American hard rock riffs with Taylor Momsens sultry and roaring vocals, you will without a doubt see us right near the front! The work-in-progress album number 5 Dear God, releases at the end of June!
For fans of: Halestorm, Dorothy, Soundgarden
Sunday 14th - Apex Stage
Paleface Swiss
Paleface Swiss are a Zürich‑originating deathcore band known for their ferocious riffs, guttural vocals, and chaotic live energy. Making their first UK festival appearance at Bloodstock in 2025, they very quickly grabbed the attention of many metalheads. There relentless touring, and experimental sounds have cemented them as one of modern metal’s most talked‑about rising acts.
For fans of: Kublai Khan TX, Malevolence, Guilt Trip
Friday 12th - Opus Stage
unpeople
Unpeople are a uk based alt-rock four piece, making noise that’s genre-fluid and bouncy as hell. The fact that they can play both Bloodstock and Kendall Calling and get very good crowds at both I think says something! It’s nice to see more bands that can float through different types of music lovers and still be appreciated, I only hope that Downloaders appreciate them too!
For fans of: Mouth Culture, Marmozets, As Everything Unfolds
Sunday 14th - Apex Stage
those damn crows
Those Damn Crows are a Welsh hard‑rock powerhouse known for their anthemic choruses, gritty melodic edge, and the big, heartfelt energy they bring to every stage. Blending classic rock swagger with modern heaviness, they craft songs that feel both uplifting and thunderous. Last year’s release God Shaped Hole did indeed leave a mark in the canvas, as it earned the #1 spot for Official UK Albums Charts and the #1 Independent Albums chart.
For fans of: Massive Wagons, Black Stone Cherry, The Black Keys
Saturday 13th - Opus Stage
south arcade
South Arcade burst out of the UK alt‑rock scene with a bright, high‑energy mix of pop‑rock hooks, modern emo flair, and youthful urgency.It’s vibrant, melodic, and built for sing‑along crowds who miss the 2000’s just a pinch - the kind of band that brings colour and adrenaline to any lineup. If you think you might’ve heard these before, South Arcade served as the main support act for 5 Seconds of Summer (5SOS) during the UK and European leg of their "Everyone’s A Star!" World Tour.
For fans of: The Home Team, Don Broco, Boston Manor
Saturday 13th - Apex Stage
landmvrks
The French gave us Gojira, now they have given us LANDMVRKS. They have erupted from the European metalcore scene with a massive, high‑energy sound wrapped in dark, cinematic atmosphere, blending razor‑sharp riffs, soaring melodic passages, and raw emotional intensity. Their 2021 album Lost In The Waves, followed by their 2025 album The Darkest Place I’ve Ever Been, have brought an influx of fans from all over the place. They’ve already mic-dropped at places such as Slam Dunk and Resurrection Fest, now it’s time for Download.
For fans of: Architects, While She Sleeps, Polaris
Saturday 13th - Apex Stage
And there you have it! If you like the sound of any of these, get them added to both your playlists and your itinerary for Download, and we’ll see you on the field!
Article by Neve Saltmarsh