The Big Download Review 2026
- Out Of Rage Festival Team
- 2 days ago
- 17 min read
Another year, another Download! It's almost ceremonious how important Download is to the British heavy music scene. For one weekend, Castle Donington is the proving ground of the world's best alternative music acts, ready to lay siege to an over 95,000-strong crowd. This is the make-or-break moment, a chance to see artists find their place or fall. How an artist fares at Download can catapult the trajectory of their careers in real time.
It's safe to say there were a lot this year that dominated and dazzled, down to Download's continued efforts to showcase new acts, many of whom have not played the festival before. Revamped stages, with the Apex stage becoming the largest in the UK this year, are set for coronation for headliners GUNS 'N' ROSES, LIMP BIZKIT, and LINKIN PARK - and for the first time in a few years, the weather wasn't that bad.
This is what our fantastic writers caught this year at Download Festival.
Words: Ben Blissett (BB), Julia Stark (JS), Adrian Chapman (AC), Amy Smyth (AS), Elena Meadows (EM), Jack Norris (JN), Mia Gailey (MG), Theviya Karunaharan (TK)
Photo: Julia Stark
FIVE
FIVE prove rock is a state of mind, bringing literal fire to the Doghouse stage as they powered through their nostalgic tunes and entertaining choreography to tumultuous applause. “Who came out this weekend to get down?” was promptly met with crowdsurfers and dancing to the back of the room, the band pausing briefly for Download DJ Kylie’s surprise proposal, before ending with a manic mosh pit for Keep On Moving. We definitely got down in the dance pit for FIVE! (JS)
HEADWRECK
HEADWRECK’s Dogtooth stage opener proved that Download isn’t just about the giants.
Blending electronic, hip-hop, nu-metal and pop into something chaotic and distinctly
their own, they channelled exactly the forward-facing energy this festival’s smaller
stages are built on. Opening with Filet-O-Fish set the goofy, fun tone instantly, while
Raindrops stood as one of the year’s best modern metal releases. Merch jerseys
scattered throughout the crowd told their own story: this lot have been grinding hard and
leaving a mark across the UK. Pit-hungry newcomers and devoted regulars up front, the
boys brought pure feral, chaotic fun either way. (AC)
SLEEP THEORY
Nothing says you’re at a rock/metal festival like MILEY CYRUS’ Party In the USA, but SLEEP THEORY are renowned for blending genres and having enormous fun with their fans. Vocalist Cullen Moore was fully engaged with the audience, proclaiming “I don’t care if you’ve got bad knees, get moving!”, as the quartet delivered body-moving banger after banger, guitarists Paolo Vergara and Daniel Pruitt joining in for a 3-person vocal harmony on Words Are Worthless, encouraging crowdsurfers to “put security to work” on floor-shaking ender Static, as Moore leapt into the crowd - SLEEP THEORY continue to bullseye their target with every show. (JS)
MOUTH CULTURE
MOUTH CULTURE made their mark at Download Festival, playing out the Avalanche tent and gathering an impressive crowd. Lead vocalist Jack Voss owned the stage, knowing exactly how to get everyone off their feet and moving. Their set was compiled of their best hits like Don't Pull Up, Rat Bag and Everyday, they had the entire crowd singing along, whether they knew the words or had to be coached to join in. The lively crowd also decided there was one for surfing, with a crazy amount of them being collected over the barricade throughout the set. (AS)
BABYMETAL
The Fox God (or possibly Etsy witches) finally blessed us with sunshine and declared it BABYMETAL’s time to conquer the Apex stage. Matching onto the stage with stoic expressions before launching into BABYMETAL DEATH, lead vocalist Su-Metal couldn't hold back her delight at finally being able to perform. Demanding to see “big circles” in the pit, BABYMETAL tore through their setlist of blended JPop and heavy metal whilst performing killer choreography as the audience crowdsurfed wildly, even during the intermissions. It's hard to say who was more excited to be in attendance. (JS)
LAKE MALICE
LAKE MALICE brought an explosive burst of energy to the Dogtooth Stage, wasting absolutely no time in getting the crowd moving. From the moment they launched into their opening song, the atmosphere shifted up a gear. The band had the audience clapping along almost instantly, and by the end of the first track, there were already mosh pits opening up and crowd surfers making their way across the packed field.
Alice & Blake fed off the chaos brilliantly, delivering a performance that felt equal parts controlled and unpredictable. One of the standout sights throughout the set was the lead guitarist, whose seemingly endless supply of energy saw him launching himself into the air at every opportunity. It added another layer of excitement to a performance that never stood still.
Festival crowds always create memorable moments, and LAKE MALICE’S set was no exception. A crowd-surfing seagull somehow became one of the most talked-about moments of the afternoon, perfectly capturing Download's unique sense of humour. As if that wasn't enough, eagle-eyed fans also spotted the guitarist casually playing Minecraft during the set, creating a bizarre but hilarious contrast to the chaos unfolding around him.
It was a fun, energetic and unforgettable performance that proved exactly why LAKE MALICE continued to build momentum. (JN)
AS IT IS
With their first performance at Download festival since their reunion, after nine years, AS IT IS were pumped with energy. Ben’s hair swaying across the stage. Foley is showing off his passion for drums. Ali is ready to give an outstanding performance. Patty catches his mic after flinging it high past the stage structures. Giving diehard fans a taste of their upcoming album, Do You Remember, offers the nostalgic reminiscence of the band's roots. Finishing their set with the classic Dial Tones, the band’s energy was contagious. A track that compels the crowd to erupt into chaos. Family reunions occur at every edge of the pit, and crowdsurfers cover the surface of the front crowd. AS IT IS leaves clarity hanging in the air: this is just the beginning. (TK)
LANDMVRKS
Debuting at Download festival for the French metalcore band LANDMVRKS was already a
huge achievement. To have built up a fanbase to perform on the main stage was
astounding. Opening the set with relentless energy and flaring pyro, Florent Salfati's
compelling crowd control immediately sparked waves of crowdsurfers and mosh pits. Rage
was evident as Sulfur had built momentum for deathly screams. Shifting between hip-hop
melodies in English and French and crushing metalcore breakdowns in Blood Red, it
becomes clear why LANDMVRKS have received such high praise. The band's infectious
energy lingered as the crowd dispersed, with fans already looking forward to a future
performance by LANDMVRKS. (TK)
TRIVIUM
In 2005, Download welcomed TRIVIUM with open arms and gave them the biggest set of their careers at that point. 21 years later and many visits since then, TRIVIUM have returned to their biggest set as sub-headliner to 90,000 strong. And the show they put on absolutely solidified their place in that slot, opening with Pull Harder On The Strings Of The Martyr, they wasted no time taking the audience on a showcase of all their greatest hits; punts erupted as the band cut deep into the ears of every punter at the festival. The sheer restlessness of this band pulled you in and gave you no time to rest with the level of talent and intricacy they displayed as Guitarist Corey Beaulieu did not falter on both his playing and unclean vocals, as was the same for Lead Vocalist Matthew Heafy, never missing a note and giving a brilliant and positive energy to the set that only ever uplifted the crowd. It’s safe to say that this set was one of the best of the entire weekend. (BB)
AS EVERYTHING UNFOLDS
One of the weekend’s most impressive performances came from As Everything Unfolds, who delivered a set that felt far too big for their slot. From the moment they stepped on stage, the band had the crowd completely in the palm of their hand, blending crushing heaviness with soaring melodies that had fans singing along from the front barrier to the back of the field. Charlie Rolfe was a commanding presence throughout, effortlessly switching between powerful vocals and raw emotion while encouraging the crowd to give everything they had. The band's chemistry was undeniable, with each member bringing an infectious energy that never let up. It was a set packed with passion, confidence and momentum, proving exactly why As Everything Unfolds are becoming one of the most talked-about names in modern British alternative music. (MG)
CREEPER
Playing three sets over the Download weekend, CREEPER once again demonstrated their flair for theatrical, immersive performances. Starting with the three same songs at opus stage and dogtooth stage, it was evident that the shows were going to have a focus on gothic glam sister albums: Sanguivore. The crowd was packed with devoted fans, screaming every lyric. Razorwire showcased the phenomenal vocal range of Hannah Greenwood. As the mistress of death struts out onto stage and a guillotine was present, the crowd knew they were in for a show.
With William Von Ghould’s head dropped into a basket and held up triumphantly, the Friday set comes to a close with roars. The vampire familiar Darcia opened the dogtooth set on Sunday with Will’s decapitated head, embracing the theatrical ending of the Friday set. A sign of relief crosses the crowd as Will’s head is successfully stitched back on, ready for a new set consisting of a new array of tracks. A sweet dedication of “more than death” to Will’s girlfriend was proclaimed as the song made its first debut at a festival. CREEPER are a band that could perform multiple times in one weekend! Captivating a crowd and leaving a lasting impression is what continues to set them apart. (TK)
PENDULUM
Whilst Download Festival holds home to metal adjacent genres, PENDULUM’s unique fusion
of drum and bass and rock is consistently welcomed by attendees. Featuring heavier tracks
from Inertia, the band invited chaos into the crowd as mosh pits formed, kicking up clouds of
dust. A guest appearance from Rou Reynolds had the audience ecstatic with seas of claps
to a newer rendition of Sorry You’re Not A Winner. After an encore, PENDULUM’s hits
were piled on from witchcraft, watercolour and tarantula. A palpable energy filled the
Donington grounds as the crowd danced with infectious enthusiasm. PENDULUM continue
to spotlight the diversity within alternative music. (TK)
SCENE QUEEN
One of the most chaotic and high-energy sets of Download Festival 2026 came from Scene Queen on the Apex Stage, and it felt like total controlled chaos from start to finish.
Opening with Barbie & Ken and Pink Push-Up Bra, she set the tone instantly, turning the field into a pink, shouting, mosh-ready crowd. Later tracks like Pink Panther and Pink Rover pushed things even further, with call-and-response moments and pits breaking out across the Apex Stage.
Between songs, her crowd interaction kept everything moving at full speed, making it feel like one continuous, messy celebration. By the end, the Apex Stage felt completely taken over, loud, unhinged, and unforgettable in every way. Proving she can dominate big festival stages without losing the attitude that made her breakout in the first place at all here. (MG)
THE PLOT IN YOU
Fans gathered in droves for one of the loudest names in metalcore as of late, THE PLOT IN YOU. Playing at the Opus stage on Sunday, directly following THROWN, most of the crowd stayed in their spot to see both of these huge up-and-coming artists. Having last played in the UK in October, this set marked their first-ever appearance at Download, and the crowd showed up for them. Brutal mosh pits lined their set with a constant flow of crowd surfers being hoisted over the barricade while they played hits like the brand new Divide as well as classics, Forgotten and Feel Nothing. (AS)
SPITTING GLASS
If you were hoping to take it easy for the last day, tough shit, as SPITTING GLASS ripped apart the morning peace in their Download debut on the Dogtooth stage. Whether fatigue or nerves held fans back at first, it wasn't long before the band’s frenetic energy spilt over into the crowd, and chaos reigned supreme, with circle pits, full-body headbanging and cartwheeling fans releasing their inhibitions to the opening track Full Send. A quick check-in from The Nicest Hardcore Guy Joe Bad was swiftly followed by a scream-along of “I'm fucking spitting glass” to 1HP. Debut? Completed it, mate. (JS)
SOUTH ARCADE
Download newcomers South Arcade took to the Apex Stage for the first ever time in their career, and we do not believe it will be their last. Arriving on stage to a growing crowd of thousands of people, South Arcade wasted no time launching into HOW 2 GET AWAY WITH MURDER. From the opening moments, it was clear that the band had this infectious energy that drew attention. Vocalist Harmony Cavelle owned the Apex Stage with confidence, balancing insane vocals with the playful, bubbly attitude that the band has become known for, thanks to their rapidly growing online presence. (EM)
SILLY GOOSE
At the Avalanche stage, someone nearby asked their friend if SILLY GOOSE were even
heavy enough for mosh pits. Within minutes, the entire crowd had their answer, tearing
the tent apart with barely a person left standing still. Frontman Jackson Foster whipped
everyone into a frenzy from the first note, Live It Up getting the whole place screaming
about ‘rockin’ with the goose’. Red baseball caps everywhere made it feel like the
unofficial LIMP BIZKIT warm-up. He closed Bad Behaviour by leaping off stage himself
to help catch crowdsurfers, the whole sweaty tent feeling like it had stepped straight into
a music video. (AC)
HOT MILK
HOT MILK turned the Avalanche Stage into absolute mayhem with a set that never eased off the accelerator. Before the band had even properly settled into their opening moments, Han was already screaming, " Where's my giant hole, where is the movement?" and from there the energy simply never dropped.
The band's ability to connect with the audience was one of the defining features of the performance. Han Mee in particular was relentless, demanding the same level of energy from the crowd that she brought to the stage herself. The result was pure chaos, with pits constantly forming and movement spreading throughout the packed audience.
What stood out most was how willing the crowd were to follow every instruction. Whether it was singing back lyrics, throwing themselves into the pits or simply matching the band's intensity, the audience became an extension of the performance itself. At one point, Download's trademark festival weirdness made an appearance when a fan dressed as Cookie Monster found themselves in the middle of a circle pit, drawing laughs from those watching while somehow fitting perfectly into the madness around them.
HOT MILK has always thrived on high-energy live shows, but this felt like a statement performance. Loud, chaotic and packed with personality, it was one of the most entertaining sets on the Avalanche Stage all weekend. (JN)
TOM MORELLO
It doesn’t get more legendary than this. When one of the greatest guitarists of all time graces the stage, you can’t help but fall in love with his energy, message and insane talent. Playing everything from his solo songs to a medley of all of RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE’s best riffs throughout their whole discography, this group of musicians accompanying Morello, including his son, Roman Morello, who astonished the crowd with his intense skills as a sensational guitarist despite his age. Morello did not hold back in the song choices, choosing to also throw in Like A Stone by his band with Chris Cornell, AUDIOSLAVE, which was especially moving with imagery of the late Cornell on the screens. But no moment was grander and more significant than when Morello called out Fascism and ignited into KILLING IN THE NAME to create the peak of the set. (BB)
LIMP BIZKIT
Few bands can command a Download crowd quite like Limp Bizkit, and their 2026 appearance was a reminder of exactly why they remain festival favourites. From the moment the opening notes rang out across Donington Park, the atmosphere shifted. What followed was a set packed with nostalgia, chaos and an undeniable sense of fun as thousands of fans threw themselves into every song.
Frontman Fred Durst had the crowd eating out of the palm of his hand, effortlessly bouncing between humour, crowd interaction and the swagger that has defined the band for decades. Classics such as Rollin', My Generation and Break Stuff sparked huge sing-alongs and relentless movement across the field, with circle pits opening up almost instantly.
While many came for the nostalgia, Limp Bizkit proved they are far more than a legacy act. Their set felt energetic, fresh and perfectly suited to the Download atmosphere. Equal parts ridiculous and brilliant, it was one of those performances where everyone seemed to leave with a smile on their face, reminded of why Limp Bizkit continue to be one of the most entertaining live bands on the festival circuit. (MG)
PALEFACE SWISS
Don’t let a band go without food vouchers. Download festival wasn’t ready for the sassy, hangry band who were ready to unleash rage. Whilst not being able to encourage crowd chaos and playing a set before 3 pm, the deathcore fans had united with their common purpose. Any sense of order dissolved within seconds as an influx of crowdsurfers swarmed over the barricade to “hatred”. “Best before: death” invites a call and response with pyro flaring in front of the band. PALEFACE SWISS carry a contagious and controlled energy that highlights their passion and crushing heaviness. If you need proof that the upcoming
The deathcore scene is thriving. PALEFACE SWISS is a band to look for. (TK)
A DAY TO REMEMBER
If there was one set that felt like pure Download chaos in the best possible way, it was A DAY TO REMEMBER. From the second they hit the stage, the crowd exploded into a sea of crowd surfers, circle pits and voices screaming every lyric back at the band. Their set was the perfect mix of crushing breakdowns and massive sing-along moments, bringing together old-school fans and first-timers alike. There was something special about looking around and seeing thousands of people completely lost in the moment. Loud, emotional and relentlessly fun, it was the kind of Download set people will still be talking about long after the festival ended. (MG)
BAD OMENS
For the first time, BAD OMENS finally played at Download festival, after a cancelled appearance in 2024. The band shot straight up to the second on the bill on the Apex stage, coming on just before their good friends LINKIN PARK on the Sunday this year. The band gathered a huge crowd and did not disappoint; they played their hits such as Just Pretend and Limits, as well as shiny new songs like Spector and Impose. Lead vocalist Noah Sebastian brandished his live vocals, switching from light and airy high notes to deep barking growls. The end of their set Dethrone was certainly the most impressive of their set, raining down their rage on the festival and leaving their mark on the Apex stage. (AS)
MELROSE AVENUE
Melrose Avenue at Download Festival 2026 felt like one of those breakout sets people stumble across and then don’t shut up about afterwards. Melrose Avenue took to the Avalanche Stage, and even in that early slot, they managed to pull a crowd that spilt well beyond the tent.
From the first song, their mix of modern alt-rock hooks and heavier, more emotional edges landed straight away. It had that perfect Download balance of being catchy enough to draw people in, but gritty enough to keep the heavier crowd locked in. The band looked genuinely stunned by the reaction at first, but quickly settled into it, feeding off the energy and tightening with every track.
By the end, the Avalanche Stage felt packed, loud, and fully theirs for the moment—a proper “we’ve arrived” kind of performance that hinted at much bigger stages to come. (MG)
THE PRETTY WILD
A Labubu, Ghost Face, and a cockroach enter a circle pit. That's not a joke, it's what happened at THE PRETTY WILD’s set. The Avalanche Stage was just right for their indelible energy and for the explosive crowd, mosh pits opening the moment sister/singer duo Jyl and Jules Wylde bounded on stage. Harmonising clean vocals and taking it in turns to fry-scream PARADOX over ear-bursting drums and guitar, it was as wild as could be, even down to security headbanging and dancing, the sisters dedicating button eyes to “the girly pops” and everyone losing their minds to supreme favourite Sleepwalker. (JS)
THORNHILL
One of the most standout moments at Download Festival 2026 came from Thornhill on the Dogtooth Stage, where they delivered a set that felt heavy, cinematic, and completely absorbing from the start. Opening with Arkangel, they immediately set a dark, atmospheric tone that pulled the crowd deep into their sound. The tent filled quickly, with people packed in tight, locked into every shift between aggression and melody.
Mid-set tracks like Casanova and Viper Room hit hard live, with huge riffs cutting through the space while the vocals added a haunting emotional weight. Every transition felt deliberate, building tension rather than just moving through songs. By the final moments, the Dogtooth Stage felt like a different world entirely—intense, immersive, and one of those sets that sticks with you long after the noise fades. (MG)
RORY
TikTok sensation RØRY landed herself a slot at the Apex stage on Sunday, and she absolutely brought her A game. Her lyrics are emotional and vulnerable, with a lot of her songs, like Anti-Repressant and Sorry I’m Late, relating to her struggle with mental health throughout her life. The crowd was full, especially of a younger audience singing their hearts out, and some even being brought to tears. Years of playing tug of war with the music industry and eventually finding her feet through social media have rewarded her with a deeply connected and caring fanbase. (AS)
DOGSTAR
After a triumphant return a few years ago, DOGSTAR have had a newfound wave of fans after they picked up their instruments for the first time since 2002, and this performance marked their first time at Download, and they didn’t miss a beat. They pulled a pretty huge crowd for the Opus stage as everyone certainly wanted to take a look at the legendary Keanu Reeves on bass, with many signs and call-outs being directed at Reeves as he felt the love radiating from the audience. The band took it through the motions as they showed their range with beautiful, slow and melodic songs before rotating back to songs heavier on the riffs and hitting a bit harder. After 20 years away, DOGSTAR certainly haven’t lost it. (BB)
DIE SPITZ
DIE SPITZ have exploded onto the scene, and their Avalanche stage set demonstrates exactly why they've gone nuclear. All bets were off as bassist Kate Halter literally walked out on stage on her hands before kick-off track Pop Punk Anthem (Sorry For The Delay), guitarists/drummers Ava Schrobilgen and Chloe de St. Aublin casually swapped instruments mid-set, and Eleanor Livingston harmonised forceful growls with Schrobilgen on My Hot Piss as Halter wheeled about the stage like a Beyblade. It was manic, it was wild, it was everything. (JS)
VIANOVA
Getting to the barrier early for VIANOVA paid off in full. Frontman Alex Kerski strolled
out in his trademark fluffy ushanka and orange sunglasses, grinning at the crowd: “I see
the hats, I know you guys know the words!” Squier Talk hit hard despite Alex sweating
it out in a sweater and slacks. Genuinely impossible to pin down, their sound fuses jazz,
soul, metalcore, pop and swancore into something that just works, heavy riffs colliding
with proper singalong choruses. The pits delivered, fluffy hats flying everywhere amid
constant crowdsurfers. Another Dogtooth band is making the case for checking out
smaller acts. (AC)
ICE NINE KILLS
Ice Nine Kills, a band that is no stranger to the Download scene, made their return to the Apex Stage on the last day of the festival. Just six months after they hosted their A Work of Art Tour across the UK, the theatrical, horror-inspired band were set to perform in front of the thousands of people in attendance that Sunday. Musically, Ice Nine Kills blends elements of metalcore, punk and hard rock to create a sound that complements their horror-inspired storytelling perfectly, pairing well with their theatrical elements. All of the band members were constantly energised and jumping around the stage, which felt very contagious to the audience. (EM)
THROWN
Making their Download Festival debut, THROWN arrived on the Opus Stage with a lot of hype surrounding them, and they more than lived up to expectations. From the opening moments, it was clear the crowd had been waiting for this one.
The audience response was immediate and intense. Pits erupted across the field almost constantly, with fans two-stepping from front to back as the band's crushing sound echoed around the arena. There was a raw aggression to the atmosphere that suited THROWN perfectly, creating one of the heaviest crowd reactions of the weekend.
The Swedish outfit delivered a performance that felt uncompromising from start to finish. Their blend of crushing riffs and relentless breakdowns kept the crowd moving throughout, while the occasional flashes of crowd killing added to the sense that anything could happen at any moment. Despite the chaos, there was a shared understanding among fans that they were witnessing a band fully embracing their first appearance at Download.
Vocally, the performance was exceptional. The harsh vocals sounded every bit as powerful live as they do on record, cutting through the wall of instrumentation and driving the set forward with real intensity. For a first Download appearance, Thrown looked completely at home on one of the festival's biggest stages, delivering a set that left many fans hoping it won't be their last visit to Donington anytime soon. (JN)
LINKIN PARK
After 12 long years, LINKIN PARK returned to Donington to make history as the first female-fronted headline act in Download history, and they brewed up a show that goes hand in hand with their previous headline shows as absolutely legendary. With an incredible set-up, impeccable light show and an insane amount of confetti, they pulled out all their stops for this set. Opening with their newest hit, The Emptiness Machine, Emily Armstrong put any doubters to sleep as she powered through every song on the set, keeping up with the rest of the band's talent and experience.
The new era of LINKIN PARK is certainly here and they took the audience on an unstoppable joyride of new songs and old bangers that kept the crowd moving the entire time, with an insane amount of mosh pits down the front, jumpers in the back and everyone singing at the top of their lungs, Donington embraced this new version of LINKIN PARK with open arms, tears were shed, and so many moments of energy were had to make an incredible headline set for the ages. (BB)
See you next year, Download!
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