The top 10 bands to see at Takedown Festival 2026
- Laura Davies
- Mar 6
- 5 min read
Takedown Festival is the high-octane kick start to the festival season. Taking place at the Guildhall in Portsmouth across the 3rd and 4th April, the festival takes over the whole venue to give you three stages of non-stop music. Takedown is a festival that loves to showcase new talent alongside big-hitting names.
With such a varied roster of artists, there is something for everyone, young and old, to enjoy alongside new names to discover and add to their playlists. It’s a festival that has always thrived on its community feel and aims to showcase heavy music from the old school to the contemporary. Here are some of the top 10 bands that we think should be on your watch list:
ARTIO
ARTIO are a Leeds-based queer alt band that is on everyone’s must-watch list. Since releasing their EP back in 2024, they have been firmly planted in support bills across the country. With enigmatic vocalist Rae Brazill commanding the attention of audiences, the lyrics touch on themes such as self acceptance and identity. With a musical style incorporating heavy breakdowns juxtaposed with melodic songwriting, if they aren’t on your playlist now, they will most certainly be soon.
INME
INME are a band that has been around for 30 years and counting. After 7 albums and countless singles, INME are a veteran British rock band that have stayed steady on the playlists on many for longer than some other bands on the bill have been alive. Fronted by guitarist Dave McPherson, this five-piece band knows how to make an impact on stage with classic hits such as 7 Weeks and Firefly. Headlining the Metal for Good stage on Friday, they will be celebrating 20 years of their hit album White Butterfly, so expect to hear classic anthems with as much energy as when they first played.
SOUTH OF SALEM
SOUTH OF SALEM hail from the south coast and are everything you would expect from a heavy rock band. With a nostalgic blend of 80’s sleaze and 90’s goth rock that combined with modern metal makes for a sound that hits just right. Frontman Joey Draper provides deep, powerful vocals whilst the band gives us glam rock riffs and relentless energy. A steady staple on the rock festival circuits and one not to be missed!
GRAPHIC NATURE
Headlining the Metal for Good stage on Saturday are British nu metalcore band GRAPHIC NATURE. They are on an undeniable rise to success since releasing two albums that have solidified their name in the metal world. They are never ones to shy away from emotional lyrics that tend to delve into the topic of mental health. Whilst these lyrics may seem touching, they are fuelled with guttural screams and a fusion of electronic notes and heavy guitar lines. You can tell that their influences lie in bands such as KORN, DEFTONES, and LIMP BIZKIT with their early noughties style. Every gig seems to be full of energy from start to finish, so if you want to know where the moshpit is? I think you’ll find it with this Kent-based band.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Bringing the pop punk flair to the festival are THE BOTTOM LINE. Bringing classic pop punk that fits in playlists alongside the greats, they are ready to get the festival jumping. Having been on last year's lineup, they are a festival staple and the perfect band that doesn’t take themselves seriously and makes songs to bring a smile to your face. They are a band that makes you remember that while you might be growing up, your music choice was never a phase.
MOUTH CULTURE
Bouncing onto the scene and finding notoriety through their viral TikTok videos and supporting pals, YOU ME AT SIX, MOUTH CULTURE seem to be everywhere and don’t seem to be stopping anytime soon. Aiming to make big noise songs with confessional lyrics and with a classic rock and pop punk feel, MOUTH CULTURE are a band like no other, and each song feels like banger after banger laced with big vocals, catchy choruses, and guitars to match. A live MOUTH CULTURE show is said to be nothing like you would expect, with frontman Jack Voss acting like he was born for the stage. Whether it’s a small stage or the mainstage at Takedown, MOUTH CULTURE is there to bring the vibes.
WATERLINES
WATERLINES describe themselves as ‘Northern Dirtbags' and wear this badge with pride. Blending nu-metal with EDM and metalcore, this genre-bending band are unapologetically ready to fill your ears with loud, fun music. Opening the festival on the Metal for Good stage on Saturday, be prepared for nostalgia-infused music that wouldn’t be amiss amongst the greats of KORN and SLIPKNOT, whilst also feeling like they are creating a sound of their very own.
LASTELLE
Having taken to the Takedown stage in 2025 and absolutely rocked the Metal for Good stage, they have now been promoted to the main stage. This atmospheric post-harcore band have 3 EP’s to their name and bring a blend of sublime vocals from three vocalists with crashing melodic guitars and drums to bring it together. Honing their craft into a performance that is slick and precise, LASTELLE are a band that feels like they are on the cusp of blowing up into something huge.
CARSICK
CARSICK are a band that stands out on this lineup for being uniquely different to the others. Whilst other bands seem to pay homage to metalcore or nu-metal, CARSICK wouldn’t be seen out of place on the lineup for THE STREETS. Blending indie with pop punk and a touch of britpop, they are high energy, gang vocals, and non-stop dancing. Whilst they don’t seem to take themselves seriously in their style, their lyrics touch on subjects such as drinking culture in young people and growing up in a modern age. Want a touch of fun alongside nu metal? CARSICK are the band for you.
PRESIDENT
After SLEEP TOKEN headlined the festival back in 2023, just before their meteoric rise to fame, it’s time for another masked collective to take to the headline spot. PRESIDENT are a masked alternative metal band who are taking the headline spot less than a year after their formation. Having only formed in 2025, this band is not only shrouded in mystery but is also making waves with a growing fanbase and songs that have already become iconic hits. Since releasing their EP King of Terrors in late 2025, their streams have already surpassed 50 million on Spotify and are growing by the day. After their packed-out performance at Download Festival and a collection of ‘Headline Rallies’ (aka gigs) under their belt, there is more than a murmur of excitement about them taking this slot; it seems to be all people are talking about and it’s a definite reason to get a ticket and be in the audience before they explode on the scene.
Want to join the fun? The next presidential rally at Takedown 2026 will take place on the 3rd-4th of April. Tickets can be found here.
Words: Laura Davies
Cover Photo: Lastelle by James Smith
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