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Every week we roundup the best music news from the past week!

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News Report

Avenged Sevenfold debut ‘Nobody’

Avenged Sevenfold – ‘Nobody’

Welcome everyone to another edition of our weekly music News Report!

This week we begin with the best new releases from the past week and up first are the returning metal icons Avenged Sevenfold.

In a big news week, the group revealed that their new studio album, ‘Life Is But A Dream’, will be released on June 2nd. That release is preceded by their lead single, ‘Nobody’, which you can check out above.

The band stated, “We’re thrilled to announce our new album, Life Is But A Dream… available June 2, 2023. Written and recorded over the span of four years, the album was inspired by the writing and philosophy of Albert Camus. Our good friend and brilliant artist, Wes Lang, encapsulated our theme of existentialism through visual art for the album packaging.”

Pre-order your copy here.

Listen on our ‘Hard & Heavy’ Playlist

Bury Tomorrow share ‘Begin Again’

Bury Tomorrow – ‘Begin Again’

British metallers Bury Tomorrow have shared the latest taste of their upcoming album, ‘The Seventh Sun’. You can listen to new single, ‘Begin Again’, above now ahead of the album release date of March 31st.

Speaking on ‘Begin Again’, guitarist Kristan Dawson says the track is “representative of the change we have all faced in the past few years. It represents an element of renewal and appreciation of where we have been as a band and where we are yet to go. Musically, it serves as a contrast to the heaviness we have presented in the first three singles, but packs a punch in a more positive way.”

Pre-order your copy here.

Read our review of Bury Tomorrow live in Norwich

Trophy Eyes return with ‘Blue Eyed Boy’

Trophy Eyes – ‘Blue Eyed Boy’

Australian punk rockers Trophy Eyes are back with new single, Blue Eyed Boy’, a track particularly close to home.

Trophy Eyes’ John Floreani says the song “was written about a trip I took back to my hometown. One friend in particular, maybe my best friend, had recently moved back and regressed into their old ways. I’d mourned the death of this friend long ago, as did the rest of us in our small social circle. To see him again brought me great childhood joy yet simultaneously an overwhelming sense of dread.

I was reminded of something my mother told me as a young boy when my grandmother died; “if you see her now, like this, it’s the only way you’ll remember her. Best hold on to the good times, you’ll always have those.”

More here.

Listen on our Spotify Hot List!

Far From Saints share ‘Take It Through The Night’

Far From Saints – ‘Take It Through The Night’

Far From Saints, the new project featuring Stereophonics frontman Kelly Jones, have shared their latest single, ‘Take It Through The Night’, which you can listen to above.

The group also this week revealed the news that their self-titled debut album will be released on June 16th.

The members had the following to say:

“It took nine days to record and four years to get it to you! Your record collection will love it!” – Kelly

“It’s a labor of love to make a record these days, because you never know what’s going to happen with it frankly, and the outpouring of good vibes and comments, so far, has been really cool to watch.” – Dwight

“This is kind of the first time I’m anticipating not feeling somewhat sad around an album release. I’m comfortable with who I am now as a person, as an artist, and I hang my hat not on the praise I receive, but on the work itself. I’m proud of this record, and its part in the greater cycle of creativity and inspiration. I’m grateful to be part of that.” – Patty 

Pre-order your copy here.

Read our review of Stereophonics live in Cambridge

From Ashes To New share ‘Hate Me Too’

From Ashes To New – ‘Hate Me Too’

‘Blackout’, the new album from From Ashes To New, is out on July 28th. This week though saw the band share the latest single from the album, ‘Hate Me Too’, which you can check out above.

“So many of us fall victim to the classic toxic relationship,” says vocalist Matt Brandyberry. “Feeling like you can’t live without someone but knowing you’d be better off if you could. Oftentimes these feelings are mutual, but neither of you can see it. Sometimes we just need an anthem to remind us that being stuck isn’t always the only option and violence never.”

Pre-order your copy here.

Listen on our ‘Hard & Heavy’ Playlist

Ayron Jones debuts ‘Blood In The Water’

Ayron Jones – ‘Blood In The Water’

Next in our News Report is ‘Blood In The Water’, the latest single from Ayron Jones, which you can check out above.

Jones announced this week that his second album, ‘Chronicles of the Kid’, will be released on June 23rd.

“As a child, I vividly remember sitting in church and hearing the preacher speak about generational curses,” Jones explains. “For me, the concept of the weight of trauma traveling through time and space, affecting many generations until treated is an idea I take seriously. ‘Blood in the Water’ is my way of actively choosing to heal and transform this trauma by creating new stories and identities for not only myself, but also my family’s future generations. I understand that energy can never be destroyed nor created anew; it can only be shifted. Therefore, while I cannot choose the life I have been given, I can strive forward and choose to take control of the future– to break these curses now and forevermore.”

“It was the height of the pandemic and like everyone else, I was stuck inside watching the world pass by while having no idea what the future held,” Jones remembers. “Then it happened, the phone rang and I got the call telling me my song went No. 1. Just like that, I’d become one of the biggest names in rock and roll, but I couldn’t leave my couch. I had no idea how much my life had changed until August of ’21, when I went on tour for the first time since signing my first major record deal. That’s when it all hit me. ‘Chronicles of The Kid’ is the story of the truth – my truth. With my voice as my pen and my guitar as the page, the album is an audio journal of self-discovery told through tales of, temptations, triumphs, failures, sacrifice and the price of fame.”

Pre-order your copy here.

Listen on our Spotify Hot List!

News Report

Bingley Weekender reveals line-up

We move our News Report on now to the biggest and best festival announcements from the past week and we get started with Bingley Weekender!

The event revealed their first wave of acts this week including headliners Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, Ian Brown and Travis.

They’ll be joined over the weekend by the likes of Jake Bugg, Razorlight, James Bay, The Zutons, Kate Nash, Little Man Tate, Jealous Nostril, King No-One, New Model Army, Lottery Winners and BERRIES.

Tickets are here.

Watch Episode 29 of our ‘Discover’ New Music Podcast with guests BERRIES

‘Discover’ New Music Podcast – Episode 29 – BERRIES

Find Full Pelt Music on Youtube

Maid of Stone reveal full line-up

The inaugural Maid of Stone Festival takes place this July and this week the event confirmed Glenn Hughes as headlining the event alongside Airbourne.

Orange Goblin have also joined the likes of Skindred, The Hunna, Kris Barras Band, Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons, Elles Bailey and Florence Black on the linup.

Plus The Treatment and The Hot Damn! will be playing a special opening party on the Friday of the event.

Tickets are here.

Watch Episode 5 of The Full Pelt Music Podcast with guests The Treatment

The Full Pelt Music Podcast – Episode 5 – The Treatment

Read our review of Airbourne live in Norwich

No Play Festival line-up revealed

Liverpool get ready for No Play Festival this August!

The stunning line-up revealed this week includes Yonaka, VUKOVI, Higher Power, Conjurer, Graphic Nature, Lizzy Farrall, Gen & The Degenerates and more!

Tickets are here.

Read our review of ‘NULA’ from VUKOVI

News Report

Ocean Colour Scene set for UK Tour

Our News Report now turns its attention to the best tour announcements from the past week and up first is the above run of dates from Ocean Colour Scene.

Alongside their August dates, the group will now also be out on the road this December including a date at the Eventim Apollo in London.

Tickets are here.

Check out our two Podcasts

Interpol announce new UK dates

Also revealing a new set of UK tour dates this past week were Interpol. You can catch the band the summer in select venues.

Tickets are here.

Read our review of ‘A Fistful of Peaches’ from Black Honey

MAN WITH A MISSION announce UK return

MAN WITH A MISSION are next up in our News Report as the group reveal a brand new tour including three stops in the UK this June.

Regarding the tour MAN WITH A MISSION’s Jean-Ken Johnny (guitar / vocals / rap) says, “We are so excited to announce our WOLVES ON PARADE TOUR is coming to the UK, Europe and North America in May & June! It’s been years since we last toured internationally and we’ve missed playing for you all so much! Can’t wait to catch up with you all!”

Tickets are here.

Read our review of Fall Out Boy live in London

New Black Spiders Tour

The final tour announcement in our News Report comes from Black Spiders who will be hitting the road later this year.

Support will also come from The Hot Damn!

Tickets are here.

Read our review of Bullet For My Valentine live in Cambridge

News Report

As always we conclude our News Report with the latest additions to our ‘Discover’ New Music Playlist!

News Report
fakeyourdeath – ‘consume’

Brighton based Electronic Post-Hardcore duo fakeyourdeath have dropped their sophomore single ‘consume’.

“consume explores the idea of materialistic greed and how, as a society, we are fed this idea that without things we cannot be happy. but ultimately that’s a lie. it’s a narrative spun by the powers that be and consume was written to see the truth and challenge that way of thinking. consume depicts our disgust at a materialistic culture we all hate and yet want to be a part of.” – Vocalist, Candi Underwood

Northern Captives – ‘Anxiety Dreams’

UK Alternative Rock outfit Northern Captives release their brand-new single titled ‘Anxiety Dreams’.

“It’s written as an internal monologue battling anxiety by accepting its existence and not allowing it to direct your decisions or impact what you do day to day. We often speak to ourselves in ways we’d never dream of talking to anyone else. It’s important to check in with yourself and make sure your internal dialogue is positive.” – Vocalist, Sam Cook.

News Report
News Report
JACKALS – ‘DIG IN’

Northern noise hounds JACKALS have unveiled their new single ‘DIG IN’.

“Dig in is based on the idea of drug addiction but narrated by the drug itself, the song personifies the drug and its direct effects on a person. When you let drugs into your life they can sort of take on a whole persona unto themselves and we wanted to shine a light on that and show how destructive these can be. Like that one toxic friend you’ve had that keeps trying to worm their way back into your life.” JACKALS

Listen, Follow and Discover your new favourite act now with our ‘Discover’ New Music Playlist

Then find out the stories behind the songs on our ‘Discover’ New Music Podcast!

Share our News Report on Social Media

Read our review of ‘Tell Me I’m Alive’ from All Time Low

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Magazine

News Report

We roundup the best music news from the past week!

Full Pelt Music's Weekly News Report

Every week we roundup the best music news from the past week in our News Report. To stay up to date with the biggest news be sure to follow us on our social channels:

Download Festival 2022 gets bigger

Download Festival News Report

Welcome to another edition of the Full Pelt Music weekly News Report. We start this week with a clutch of festival news including the latest line-up announcement from the monster Download Festival for 2022.

New additions to the line-up include A Day To Remember, Volbeat, Shinedown, Black Veil Brides, Myles Kennedy, Creeper and Normandie.

They join the already announced line-up including headliners Kiss, Iron Maiden and Biffy Clyro! Plus Korn, The Pretty Reckless, Rise Against, Theory, Wayward Sons, Monster Truck, Those Damn Crows and Wargasm all playing the main stage.

The second stage will feature The Distillers, Airbourne, Lacuna Coil, Bush, The Darkness, Skillet, Tremonti, Massive Wagons and The Last Internationale amongst others.

The third stage is set to host the likes of Sleep Token, Funeral For A Friend, Holding Absence, Salem, Boston Manor, Trash Boat, Jamie Lenman and Static Dress. Whilst the fourth stage includes Blues Pills, British Lion, Higher Power and many more.

Tickets and information can be found here.

Read our review of Download Pilot Festival

Bearded Theory’s Spring Gathering 2022 line-up revealed

Bearded Theory News Report

Another festival revealing their 2022 line-up this week was Bearded Theory’s Spring Gathering which takes place 26-29 May at Catton Hall, Derbyshire.

The event will be headlined by Placebo, The Flaming Lips and Patti Smith. Also playing will be The Mission, Shame, Wilko Johnson, Ferocious Dog, Lauran Hibberd, Nova Twins, The Ninth Wave, October Drift and many more.

Tickets and information can be found here.

Listen to ‘How Am I Still Alive’ from Lauran Hibberd on our Spotify Hot List!

Just Push Play reveal 2022 headline act

Just Push Play News Report

Our final piece of festival news comes from Bury St. Edmunds charity festival Just Push Play. The event has just announced that 2022 headliners will be Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons!

Joining them on July 30th next year will be Empyre, These Wicked Rivers and Samarkind will more to come.

Tickets are available here.

Read our review of ‘We’re the Bastards’ from Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons

Alkaline Trio & Taking Back Sunday set for UK Tour in 2022

Alkaline Trio Taking Back Sunday News Report

Tour news now as our News Report progresses. First up we have news from across the pond as Alkaline Trio and Taking Back Sunday reveal a short run of UK shows for next March.

The two bands will play Newcastle, Glasgow, Manchester and Birmingham before finishing the run at Brixton Academy.

Tickets are here.

Read our review of ‘Senjutsu’ from Iron Maiden

The Feeling reveal 2022 UK Tour

Also touring in 2022 is The Feeling who are hitting the road later in the year in October. The tour will support their upcoming new album ‘Loss Hope Love’ that will arrive May 6th.

For tickets and pre-order information head over here.

Check out our ‘Discover’ New Music Podcast!

Supergrass set for Brixton

Supergrass this week announced a huge London show at Brixton Academy. The single date will include special guests Ash.

Tickets here.

Twin Atlantic reveal next phase

Twin Atlantic this week revealed the next phase for the band with a line-up change, new album, new single and special tour announcement. The band will hit the road in May 2022 to celebrate the Anniversary of ‘Free’.

The band also debuted new single, ‘One Man Party’, which you can check out below. The track will feature on new album ‘Transparency’ which arrives January 4th.

Tickets and pre-orders are here.

Twin Atlantic – ‘One Man Party’

Read our review of Twin Atlantic live at Norwich Waterfront

Sleep Token unveil November tour

Our final tour announcement comes from Sleep Token, who will be hitting the road in November for the ‘This Place Will Become Your Tomb’ tour. Support comes from A.A. Williams.

Tickets here.

Check out our ‘Hard & Heavy’ Spotify Playlist

Biffy Clyro announce new album

Biffy Clyro – ‘Unknown Male 01’

The latest new releases now for our News Report. Up first, the news that Biffy Clyro will be releasing a brand new album on October 22nd. In announcing ‘The Myth of the Happily Ever After’, the band also debuted new track ‘Unknown Male 01’, which you can check out above.

You can pre-order the new album here.

Read our review of Royal Blood live at Norwich UEA

Don Broco debut ‘Uber’

Don Broco – ‘Uber’

There isn’t long now until Don Broco release their latest album, ‘Amazing Things’ on September 17th. This week saw the band debut the latest track, ‘Uber’, which you can hear above.

Pre-order the album here.

Read our review of ‘Transmute’ from Press To MECO

Hot Milk debut ‘Split Personality’

Hot Milk – ‘Split Personality’

Fresh from the main stage at Reading & Leeds Festivals, Hot Milk this week debuted their latest track, ‘Split Personality’, which you can listen to above. This comes ahead of their September 10th EP ‘I JUST WANNA KNOW WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I’M DEAD’.

Pre-orders here.

Listen to ‘I JUST WANT TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I’M DEAD’ on our Spotify Hot List!

Wayward Sons debut ‘Bloody Typical’

Wayward Sons – ‘Bloody Typical’

Rockers Wayward Sons this week debuted their latest single, ‘Bloody Typical’, which you can hear above. This track is the latest to be taken from their upcoming album, ‘Even Up The Score’ which is out October 22nd.

Pre-orders are here.

Listen to ‘Faith In Fools’ from Wayward Sons on our ‘Hard & Heavy’ Playlist

Jim Lockey and the Solemn Sun debut ‘Medicine’

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zeuQ1R-lTOk
Jim Lockey and the Solemn Sun – ‘Medicine’

Finally from our News Report this week, news from the reformed Jim Lockey and the Solemn Sun. The group debuted their brand new track, ‘Medicine’ this week which you can check out above.

For more from the band, head here.

Share our News Report on Social Media

Read our review of ’21st Century Love Songs’ from The Wildhearts

Categories
Magazine

News Report

We roundup the best music news from the past week!

Full Pelt Music News Report

Every week we roundup the best music news from the past week in our News Report. To stay up to date with the biggest news be sure to follow us on our social channels:

Feeder unveil their ‘Torpedo’ era

Feeder – ‘Torpedo’

Kicking off another weekly News Report from Full Pelt Music are Feeder. The band has had a big news week with reveals of a new single, new album and new tour. So let’s get unpacking…

Feeder start their new era with their new single, ‘Torpedo’, which you can hear above. This happens to be the title track from their upcoming album which will arrive March 18th 2022. You can pre-order the album now here.

Those who pre-order prior to September 3rd will receive advance access to tickets to their newly announced UK Tour.

Feeder News Report

The band are set to play 10 dates in spring next year culminating at Brixton Academy. Tickets can be found here.

Read our review of ‘Into the Blue’ from The Joy Formidable

Higher Power reveal UK Tour dates

Higher Power News Report

Another tour announced this week will see Higher Power team up with Static Dress for a trek around the UK in November this year. Both bands impressed at Download Pilot Festival this year so this tour promises to showcase two of the hottest young bands around.

Tickets are here.

Read our review of Download Pilot Festival

Black Spiders reveal UK Tour

Black Spiders News Report

The tour announcements keep coming with this lengthy trek around the UK for Black Spiders. The reformed band will be joined on the run by Cellar Door Moon Crow and Pink Cigs.

To be part of the fun, pick up your tickets here.

Check out our ‘Discover’ New Music Podcast with recent guests Smoke and Icarus

Will Varley unveils new shows

Will Varley has also announced a short run of shows for later this year. The shows will come shortly after the release of his latest album, ‘The Hole Around My Head’, which arrives on October 15th.

Pre-order the album and find tickets here.

Read our review of Frank Turner live at Coda, Colchester

Twisterella Festival unveils line-up

We have one festival announcement this week in our News Report, and it comes from Middlesbrough! Twisterella Festival will return on Saturday 9th October with a line-up filled with great new and emerging talent.

This talent includes the likes of Fatherson, Lauran Hibberd, Dream Nails, MarthaGunn and more.

Tickets can be found here.

Listen to our ‘Discover’ New Music Playlist on Spotify

Bob Vylan debuts new track ‘Pretty Songs’

Bob Vylan – ‘Pretty Songs’

We finish our News Report with the best new releases of the past week. First up is Bob Vylan and their new track ‘Pretty Songs’ which you can check out above.

More here.

Read our review of IDLES live at PRYZM, Kingston

Miss Vincent debut ‘Rosaline’ and reveal album release shows

Miss Vincent – ‘Rosaline’

Finally this week, news from a band we have recently featured on our ‘Discover’ New Music Playlist – Miss Vincent. As the band gear up to release their upcoming album, they have debuted the new single ‘Rosaline’, which you can listen to above.

The band this week also announced a couple of album release shows.

Tickets and more from the band here.

Read our review of ‘American Noir’ from Creeper

Share our News Report on Social Media

Read our review of Royal Blood live at Norwich UEA

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Magazine

News Report

We roundup the best music news from the past week!

Full Pelt Music News Report

Every week we roundup the best music news from the past week in our News Report. To stay up to date with the biggest news be sure to follow us on our social channels:

Tramlines to go ahead as Government ‘Pilot’ Festival

Tramlines Festival News Report

We start our News Report again with the subject of our beloved summer music festivals. Sadly this week has seen more events fall foul of the Governments refusal to properly support the sector.

One festival that has been lucky enough to receive ‘pilot’ status is Sheffield’s Tramlines Festival. That guarantees that the event will go ahead as planned at the end of this month. Festival fans are out of luck though as the event is already sold out!

Organisers have however confirmed the line-up that ticket holders will get to witness. Highlights on the bill include headliners The Streets, Royal Blood and Richard Ashcroft.

They are joined by The Kooks, Circa Waves, The Pigeon Detectives, Lauran Hibberd, Lottery Winners, The Fratellis, Jake Bugg, The Snuts, The Hara, Vistas, Chubby And The Gang and many more.

Check here for more information.

Read our review of ‘Typhoons’ from Royal Blood

Standon Calling stands firm

Standon Calling News Report

Whilst many festivals have had to concede to the inevitable, Standon Calling is standing firm. The organisers stated that they are confident the event will take place at the end of this month.

The final line-up was revealed this week to include headline acts Bastille, Hot Chip, Primal Scream and Craig David. They are joined by the likes of Jake Bugg, Mystery Jets, Squid, Dry Cleaning, Porridge Radio, Working Men’s Club, Pigs x7, Lauran Hibberd and Bob Vylan.

Tickets available here.

Check out ‘How Am I Still Alive?’ from Lauran Hibberd on our Spotify Hot List!

Outbreak Fest unveil 2022 line-up

Outbreak Fest News Report

With the festival scene this year looking unstable, hope now turns to 2022, and this week Outbreak Fest announced an incredible line-up for next years edition.

The Manchester event will host Turnstile, Knocked Loose, Basement, Higher Power, Loathe, Venom Prison, Chubby And The Gang, Static Dress and many more across three days from 24-26 June.

Tickets here.

Read our review of Download Pilot Festival 2021

Sabaton set for UK Tour

Sabaton News Report

We turn our News Report now to the latest tour announcements. Sabaton have this week revealed the ‘Tour to End All Tours’ with special guests The Hu and Lordi. The trio will play four huge arena shows in the UK in March 2022.

Tickets will be here.

Gorjira announce huge UK Tour

Another huge metal tour heading to large venues across the UK is set to feature Gojira and special guests Alien Weaponry and Employed To Serve. Playing there largest UK shows to date, Gojira will be heading to the likes of Alexandra Palace in March 2022.

Tickets here.

Press To MECO debut ‘A Test of Our Resolve’

Press To MECO – ‘A Test of Our Resolve’

New music time now as we plough on through our weekly News Report. First up this week, a new single from Press To MECO. ‘A Test of Our Resolve’ comes ahead of the release of the bands upcoming album ‘Transmute’ on August 20th.

Pre-order here.

Listen to ‘Gold’ from Press To MECO on our Spotify Hot List!

Haggard Cat unveil ‘Amateur Dramatics’

Haggard Cat – ‘Amateur Dramatics’

Another hard rocking outfit releasing new music this week has been Haggard Cat. Their latest single is called ‘Amateur Dramatics’ and you can listen above. Their new EP, ‘Cheer Up’ arrives on September 3rd.

Pre-order here.

Listen to ‘Quit Your Jobs’ from Haggard Cat on our Spotify Hot List!

The Hot Damn! debut first single ‘Dance Around’

The Hot Damn! – ‘Dance Around’

This week saw the release of the debut single from The Hot Damn!. A band packed with talent made up of members of The Amorettes, Tequila Mockingbyrd and Aaron Buchanan & The Cult Classics, ‘Dance Around’ gives a stunning glimpse of what is to come.

Check the single out here.

Introducing the Full Pelt Music ‘Discover New Music’ Playlist

We at Full Pelt Music are proud to support new music and to that end we have just launched our brand new ‘Discover New Music’ Playlist on Spotify. Listen here.

To kickstart this new Playlist in style we have added 13 tracks from some of the hottest new bands on the planet. The first track added is the new single from The Islas‘The Absence of You’. You can check out the track on Youtube below:

The Islas – ‘The Absence of You’

Other artists featured in the inaugural wave of additions are Smoke, Sister., One Step Closer, Planet Fatale, Hamish Hawk, Hardwicke Circus, Dead Nature, Modern Women, Nerves, Witch Fever and SCALPING.

The final addition of this first wave is the track ‘Gravity’ from punk rock outsiders Miss Vincent. The single precedes their debut album ‘A Funeral For Youth’ which arrives September 17th, and can be pre-ordered here. You can check out the video below:

Miss Vincent – ‘Gravity’

Read our review of ‘Below’ from Beartooth

Share our News Report on Social Media

Check out The Full Pelt Music Podcast with guest Frank Turner

Categories
Live Reviews

Download Pilot Festival 2021

Donington Park

Friday 18th – Sunday 20th June 2021

Download Pilot Festival Poster

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DOWNLOAD PILOT FESTIVAL 2021 – LIVE REVIEW

The live music industry is built on togetherness, built on shared experience and built on the power of emotion. The last 18 months have been highly emotional for all the wrong reasons. Together the world has shared an experience that has terrified and devastated us.

The events of the last 18 months have taken an incomprehensible toll on humanity. The pandemic has destroyed lives and livelihoods. The live music industry was obliterated overnight. The people that make the spectacles that we enjoy happen were forgotten about.

While the world attempts to peek through the curtains at a “new normal”, the live music industry is left waiting. Waiting for support, waiting for proper guidance, waiting for a chance. Well, just four weeks ago that chance arrived.

A Government trial event to test the viability of the return of packed festivals and events you say? Spring into action the incredible people behind the scenes who make the live music industry work! In a short period of time, heaven and earth have been moved and here we are at Download Festival.

A much smaller, makeshift, Pilot version of Download Festival at the hallowed grounds of Donington Park. 10,000 people in a field, no social distancing, no masks, no inhibitions.

Credit goes to all involved for creating an event of that scale on such short notice, and to all the acts playing with no preparation. As the gates open, one thing is for sure, the fans want this, no, the fans needs this.

The reality of the situation is that the organisers could have put an old man playing the spoons on stage and the fans would have lapped it up. The opportunity after all that everybody has been through to witness live music is cathartic.

DOWNLOAD PILOT FESTIVAL – FRIDAY

The fact that this may be the most exciting Download Festival line-up of all time only helps to amplify the anticipation as fans gather in the tented second stage for Death Blooms. Almost every person on site crams in to witness that first taste of live music in far too long.

The band make the most of the atmosphere with a storming set that sees the audience let go of all remaining inhibitions. I doubt the majority of those in the tent knew of the band in advance, but they certainly left with a memory that will last forever.

For this special event there are just two stages. Next to the tent is the outdoor main stage which opens with a raucous set from Hot Milk. Kicking off with their latest single ‘I Just Wanna Know What Happens When I’m Dead’ the band show the crowd just what they’ve been missing.

Listen to ‘I Just Wanna Know What Happens When I’m Dead’ from Hot Milk on our Spotify Hot List!

There is no need to worry about those dreaded clashes at Download Pilot Festival. That’s because the acts on the two stages alternate, allowing the music starved fans the opportunity to watch every single band if they so wish to.

Every band this weekend gets a good sized crowd and a warm reception with it, especially the early bands on Friday. Malevolence are next to grace the second stage and assist the audience in releasing their pent up energy with a heavy hitting set.

A repercussion of the pandemic has been the amazing new albums that have been released without the showcase of the live setting. One such album is ‘Glue’ from Boston Manor. That wrong is righted next however as the band storm the main stage and air the likes of ‘Everything Is Ordinary’.

An early standout performance from the band sees them mix new and old with ‘England’s Dreaming’, ‘Laika’ and ‘Halo’ eliciting some of the first full blown sing-a-long moments of the weekend.

Those sing-a-long moments continue with Holding Absence on the second stage as they get to unleash tracks from their sensational album ‘The Greatest Mistake of My Life’. ‘Afterlife’ in particular is a contender for song of the weekend as the band present their credentials for superstardom!

Read our review of ‘The Greatest Mistake of My Life’ from Holding Absence

The Friday action continues with two bands with extremely dedicated fanbases. Neck Deep get the main stage bouncing before Sleep Token captivate the second stage.

It is then down to Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes to bring the first day to a close on the main stage. Always an unstoppable force of nature on stage, the band make the most of the platform to make a statement. That statement says that this band is ready to headline the regular event.

With a setlist spanning their three albums, the band even treat fans to a selection of new tracks including the catchy ‘My Town’. There are guest appearances from Joe Talbot, Cassyette and Lynks, there is a giant circle pit around the sound tower and there is even a cover of ‘Ace of Spades’.

Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes saw an opportunity to headline a festival, to headline the first festival back, and they grabbed it with both hands. This was one of those sets that will be talked about forevermore!

Listen to ‘My Town’ from Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes on our Spotify Hot List!

After hours entertainment comes from a silent disco as the hastily arranged festival shows the skills and creativity of the music industry. You have to stand back and admire the achievement of those involved to create an event on this scale in the time given.

DOWNLOAD PILOT FESTIVAL – SATURDAY

On to Saturday now and the musical delights continue as Lotus Eater, Conjurer, As Everything Unfolds and Bleed From Within blow the cobwebs of the early morning audience.

Next two young bands with big futures introduce themselves to festival audiences. Both The Hara on the second stage and Wargasm on the main stage elicit strong reactions from those watching.

Listen to ‘Your Patron Saints’ from Wargasm on our Spotify Hot List!

After a solid showing from Tigercub, one of the veteran acts of the weekend, A, school the up and coming bands on how to engage an audience. An age appropriate walking circle pit being a nice change of pace in the midst of a hectic weekend. Finishing with ‘Nothing’, A show why they are the perfect festival band.

Two things become apparent as the weekend progresses. When dissecting the hastily put together line-up, the quality of British rock music is put in the spotlight and it more than holds its own. Secondly a good deal of that talent is female. Vukovi and Yonaka both deliver set of the weekend contenders next.

Listen to ‘Seize the Power’ from Yonaka on our Spotify Hot List!

Those Damn Crows, Twin Atlantic and Stone Broken all put in crowd pleasing performances before While She Sleeps attract and entertain a huge crowd on the main stage.

Soon though it’s time for the scorecard for band of the weekend to be thrown out the window. Creeper are able to deliver an out of body experience as they headline the second stage. There are goosebump raising moments galore as the band turn the festival into their own theatre of oral and visual magnificence.

Listen to ‘Midnight’ from Creeper on our Spotify Hot List!

It is then left to Enter Shikari to bring the Saturday night party and they don’t disappoint. If there was ever a band born to get you moving it’s Enter Shikari. They do just that as they also get to showcase newer songs live for the first time.

‘satellites**’, ‘{ The Dreamer’s Hotel }’ and ‘THE GREAT UNKNOWN’ fit in perfectly with classics like ‘Sorry, You’re Not A Winner’, ‘Juggernauts’ and ‘Mothership’. Much like Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes and Creeper, you can see the special treatment Enter Shikari have given this opportunity and that makes for a stunning spectacle.

DOWNLOAD PILOT FESTIVAL – SUNDAY

Come Sunday you’d imagine fatigue would be setting in. All this action after so many barren months, you could forgive the crowd for tiring and the festival atmosphere sapping. Instead energy is pumped in by bands such as Static Dress, Saint Agnes, Cassyette and Employed To Serve.

The fans reciprocate said energy as they continue to let loose to Chubby and the Gang, Loathe and Higher Power. The passion and pure joy of both fans and musicians to be at a festival is at times overwhelming. This event was destined to be an emotive affair but even through that emotion the quality of the music on offer shines.

Next on the main stage is Lonely The Brave complete with change in singer. A set mixed with fan favourites and new tracks from ‘The Hope List’ shows the band are still an exciting prospect. Can the band now finally take that next step? On their showing here, yes they can!

Read our review of ‘The Hope List’ from Lonely The Brave

For those fans catching every band the pace is relentless and it’s to the second stage next for Jamie Lenman. Lenman powers through a sublime set that gets the crowd moving and features another appearance from Wargasm.

The quirky goodness of Elvana attracts a huge crowd to the main stage as the festival heads towards its climax. The band show just why they are perhaps the perfect Sunday afternoon festival act as they get the crowd singing along to every word.

Massive Wagons are able to take the second stage by storm before a sadly technically challenged The Wildhearts limp off stage. The Wildhearts are a top quality band and the issues with their sound perhaps show the effects of an enforced hiatus for musicians and crew members alike.

It’s on that note that once again praise must be heaped on the organisers, the crew members, the festival staff and yes the bands for making this event such a success. That is only amplified by the incredibly short timescale.

Realistically this has been a once in a lifetime event (we hope). Download Pilot Festival as an event is excellent and would be a great addition to the main Download Festival. It’s the atmosphere and camaraderie however that makes this festival so special.

We are down then to the final four bands, the final acts before reality is set to strike again. Up first on the second stage are Trash Boat who get the tent bouncing, especially with a stunning cover of Linkin Park classic ‘Given Up’.

If there is a perfect festival band it’s Skindred. Put them on any stage in any slot and they will attract a huge crowd. With a sub-headline slot on the main stage, the field is full as Benji Webbe and co put in a seamless lesson in crowd engagement.

The final act on the second stage is also no stranger to the festival scene. Although Frank Turner has played Download Festival in the past, even he acknowledges he may not be the typical Download act. Nobody cares though, as he puts in a typically euphoric performance.

The crowd are not just treated to the set staples but also to new song ‘The Gathering’ and heavier version of ‘Little Changes’. There are sing-a-longs aplenty as Turner does what he does best and that is entertain!

Check out The Full Pelt Music Podcast with guest Frank Turner!

That just leaves Bullet For My Valentine to close out Download Pilot Festival. A festival which we wish was never needed but are so glad that it happened. Bullet For My Valentine are long time Download favourites and they deliver an apt conclusion to the event.

We are treated to a unique take on ‘Run To The Hills’ from Iron Maiden complete with a perplexing vocal contribution fron Benji Webbe. We get new material in the form of ‘Knives’ and of course we get favourites such as ‘Scream Aim Fire’ and ‘Tears Don’t Fall’.

‘Waking The Demon’ is the final song to ring around Donington Park, and we can only hope and pray that this event can wake the demon that is the festival scene. The fans may have been lab rats, but what a stunning lab it was! Thank you Download Pilot Festival for such a cathartic weekend.

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Read our review of ‘Bodies’ from AFI