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Live Reviews

Download Festival

Donington Park

10th to 12th June 2022

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With the pandemic taking a hold back in early 2020, Download Festival became one of the first major festival victims. It was perhaps fitting therefore that the small Pilot version of the event was the first step on the road back to normality last year.

Read our review of Download Pilot Festival

That does mean though that as we head into Donington Park in 2022, it is the first fully fledged festival since the 2019 edition. After three long years, it is finally time for rock and metal fans to convene again on these hallowed grounds.

There are a number of changes this year to the layout of the festival but the best change is the installation of a strange golden orb in the sky. The usual brown flooring has also been painted green. Yes, goodbye Drownload and hello sunburn!

The main changes to the festival relate to the layout of the campsites, parking and transport hubs. Given these new changes, a little extra signage may have assisted seasoned attendees finding their way around, but in general the changes work well. There is a lot of walking required, however there always is at Donington Park however the event is laid out.

Once inside the area the setup is pretty standard if a little cut back with smaller stages, fewer food stalls and no wrestling or other extra areas. But, it’s Download and everyone is just glad to be here.

FRIDAY REVIEW

So then, on to the music! Opening the main stage on Friday are NWOCR favourites Wayward Sons who make the most of their short time on stage. They are quickly followed by Canadians Theory (of a Deadman) who also only have a short time to show their stuff. Thankfully for them they are able to call upon some festival-perfect material as the crowd sing along to ‘Bitch Came Back’, ‘Hate My Life’ and ‘Bad Girlfriend’.

Recently rejigged Bury Tomorrow follow on the main stage and bring the first real taste of heavy to the festival. The band are clearly honoured by the opportunity and try their best to win over the audience, with our first pyro of the weekend helping to add to the occasion. By the time the band leave the stage and a pile of bodies in the audience, the set has to be considered a success.

We go walkabout next and visit first the second stage for a man who has already played Download Festival with both Alter Bridge and Slash, Myles Kennedy. With two solo albums now to his name, Kennedy only grows his legacy with another top class performance.

Read our review of ‘The Ides of March’ from Myles Kennedy

Secondly we head to the Avalanche Stage for something new. American pop-punk band Meet Me @ the Altar have intensifying hype around them, and keeping with the tone of the day they are able to grasp this opportunity with both hands. Expect bigger things from the band in the near future.

As day one begins to draw to a close with catch two of Download’s house bands with Skindred on the main stage and Airbourne over on the second stage. Both bands attract big crowds, because fans know what to expect from them. High energy, entertaining rock shows are delivered by both as fans get to revel in what they have missed over the last three years.

Read our review of Airbourne live in Norwich

Having delivered an incredible headlining performance at the Pilot event last summer, Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes return to Donington Park next to headline the second stage. Carter and co show the crowd what they missed last year with another stunning performance. This band must be considered one of the best live bands on the planet and who would put it past them headlining the main stage in the future.

Read our review of ‘Sticky’ from Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes

Download Festival after all needs to begin focusing on that next generation of headline acts, because many of the old guard are saying farewell. It is the ‘End of the Road’ for KISS, but not before one final triumphant showcase this year.

The band are able to deliver all the pageantry of a KISS show with every party trick played with precision. As the fans walk away with ‘Rock and Roll All Nite’ stuck in their heads, the band have brought the party and night one is closed out in style.

SATURDAY REVIEW

Saturday morning brings a fresh day with the sun still shining bright, but early risers at the main stage are left waiting with opening act The Raven Age almost forty minutes late. When the band do arrive they are able to show their continued growth with a matured performance.

This delay subsequently leads to a 30+ minute lag on main stage times throughout the rest of the day which plays havoc with fans carefully curated schedules. It does mean however that we can head to the second stage and catch the energetic Cassyette who is capitalising on the momentum earned over the last year.

It’s then back to the main stage for the classic rock sounds of Those Damn Crows and Monster Truck. Both bands continue the impressive start to the festival. Clearly every act is out to cast off the shackles of recent years and make an impression.

Both of these bands leave the fans wanting more, which is all a band can do with these early festival slots. It’s probably a good thing then, that these two bands will be touring the UK together later this year!

Up next for us is one of the performances of the weekend from Holding Absence over on the Avalanche stage. With songs like ‘Afterlife’ and ‘Wilt’ seemingly made for festival crowds to sing along to, the band completely own the packed tent during their time on stage.

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

Shinedown are also a band that knows how to control a crowd, and they have a large crowd to play with next on the main stage. With a new album on the way, the band incorporate new tracks ‘The Saints of Violence and Innuendo’ and ‘Planet Zero’ into their tried and tested, crowd pleasing set.

It’s then back to the Avalanche stage for another standout performance. This time it’s Creeper on the stage, the band again showing an innate ability to hold the audience in the palm of their hands. Creeper continue to grow and evolve and it will be interesting to see where the band head next.

Read our review of Creeper live in London

We stick next to the Avalanche stage for headliners Funeral For A Friend. Perhaps it’s the fact that we’ve just witnessed two fantastic performances on this stage from Holding Absence and Creeper but something feels a little off for this set. It’s not a lacklustre performance as the band give it their all, but on a weekend full of great performances what is probably a really good one feels a little underwhelming.

There is never anything underwhelming however about Iron Maiden. The band are icons for a reason and their current stage show is possibly their best ever. With Maiden on form and a packed Donington Park in fine voice, this headline set was always going to be one for the ages, and it doesn’t disappoint.

Read our review of ‘Senjutsu’ from Iron Maiden
SUNDAY REVIEW

Now onto Sunday morning, with hangovers taking hold, feet aching and stamina’s waning. It’s up to Wargasm to blow away any cobwebs as they open the main stage, and that’s just what they do. The band are developing into something of a marmite band, but there is no doubting the passion and energy that they put into every performance; and judging by the reaction they go down very well this morning.

Sidetracking from the music for a moment, we commented in our Neck of the Woods Festival review about the cost of food and drink this year. There are no surprises therefore that prices are high at Download Festival, but the quality on offer at that price is disappointing. Inflation is one thing, but shrinkflation begins to rub, and more than one meal this weekend leaves a sour taste in our mouth (figuratively and literally in one case!).

Well, if the amenities on offer are disappointing, thankfully the music isn’t. As we have said, the quality of performances this weekend is consistently high. Both The Velveteers in the Dogtooth tent and The Last Internationale on the second stage are fine examples of this quality from top to bottom.

Massive Wagons follow on the second stage and again appear on top form. As many bands have this weekend, they tailor their set list perfectly for their time on stage and it’s wall to wall bangers as the kids would say.

Tremonti next are more methodical as they display their technical prowess. Mark Tremonti and co are mightily impressive and the audience are equally receptive.

Read our review of ‘Marching In Time’ from Tremonti

We shoot then across to the main stage where Rise Against are another band that fail to meet expectations. The band are an incredible force, but sadly today they struggle to translate from the stage for whatever reason.

Read our review of ‘Nowhere Generation’ from Rise Against

Volbeat have no problems though as they are instantly able to grab the audience. They deliver a career spanning setlist to the delight of the field, which shows just why they have established themselves as potential future headliners.

Read our review of Volbeat live in London

We then find time to dart across to the Avalanche stage one last time as Trash Boat showcase one of the albums of last year, ‘Don’t You Feel Amazing?’. Trash Boat have really come into their own and have the entire tent bouncing along.

Read our review of ‘Don’t You Feel Amazing?’ from Trash Boat

Korn are the penultimate band to play the main stage this weekend and they make the most of their position with one of the best performances of the festival. The band are longtime Download Festival favourites and they evidence today just why that is.

Read our review of ‘Requiem’ from Korn

There is another look at the future next as Yonaka pack out the Dogtooth tent. Those that have made the effort to catch the band are rewarded by an incredible performance from one of the most exciting young rock bands around.

Read our review of ‘Seize the Power’ from Yonaka

Last but certainly not least with have Biffy Clyro who are one of the biggest rock bands in the UK, but seemingly another marmite band amongst regular Download Festival goers.

One thing for certain is that those that chose to the stay until the end are rewarded by way of a sublime headlining performance. Biffy Clyro are another level live act and tonight they deliver a superb closing show fitting of closing this event.

Read our review of Biffy Clyro live in London

Consistent high calibre performances have encapsulated the return of Download Festival this weekend. The event has a special place in the hearts of its fan base and will celebrate next year with a special four day 20th anniversary celebration. We can’t wait!

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Read our review of My Chemical Romance live in Milton Keynes

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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’

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 Weekly News Report Roundup

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 makes huge additions to 2022 line-up

Download Festival line-up News Report

This week has been full of ups and downs for the UK Festival industry. We have seen numerous cancellations, but also many line-up announcements. We are going to concentrate on the positives as we begin a festival heavy edition of our News Report.

First up, a festival that has already moved to 2022. This week Download Festival announced the bulk of the artists joining headliners Kiss, Iron Maiden & Biffy Clyro!

The main stage will host the likes of Korn, The Pretty Reckless, Rise Against, Theory, Monster Truck, Wayward Sons and Those Damn Crows.

Read our review of ‘Death by Rock and Roll’ from The Pretty Reckless

Hitting the second stage will be The Distillers, The Darkness, Airbourne, Skillet, Lacuna Coil, Massive Wagons and The Last Internationale.

The Avalanche stage features Funeral For A Friend, Boston Manor, Holding Absence, Wargasm, Jamie Lenman and Salem.

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

Whilst sinking their teeth into the Dogtooth stage will be Blues Pills, British Lion, Bokassa, Venom Prison and Lotus Eater!

Pick up your tickets here.

Y Not reveals massive line-up

Y Not line-up News Report

Staying in Derbyshire, and Y Not Festival has announced a massive line-up for this year. Taking place over the weekend of July 30th to August 1st, the event will be headlined by Stereophonics, Bombay Bicycle Club and Blossoms.

Also featured at the top of the line-up are Manic Street Preachers, Fontaines D.C., Levellers, James, Frank Turner, Jake Bugg, Circa Waves and Pale Waves.

Read our review of ‘Who Am I?’ from Pale Waves

Plus an incredible supporting bill featuring The Futureheads, Dinosaur Pile-Up, The Snuts, Black Honey, Dream Wife, Vistas, Beans On Toast, InMe, Ferocious Dog, REWS and Zuzu!

Read our review of ‘Written & Directed’ from Black Honey

Grab remaining tickets from here.

Tramlines announces sell out line-up

Tramlines line-up News Report

Tramlines festival has this week announced a huge line-up for 23-25 July. Such a huge line-up that the Sheffield event has now completely sold out. You can however register for ticket alerts here.

Headline acts The Streets, Royal Blood and Richard Ashcroft are joined by a host of established and new acts. Friday brings sets from The Kooks, Jake Bugg, Pale Waves and The Pigeon Detectives.

Saturday will feature Blossoms, Vistas and Lauran Hibberd. Whilst Sunday will close out the event with The Fratellis and The Snuts amongst others.

Read our review of ‘Half Drunk Under A Full Moon’ from The Fratellis

Boardmasters follows sell out trend with line-up reveal

Boardmasters line-up News Report

The trend of festivals selling out also continued with Boardmasters. The Cornwall event revealed a line-up headlined by Foals, Gorillaz and Jorja Smith before immediately selling out.

Also joining the line-up are Sam Fender, The Kooks, The Snuts, Blossoms, Slowthai and Gengahr. The festival is sold out, so check here for any ticket information.

Read our review of ‘W.L.’ from The Snuts

Victorious Festival makes additions to line-up

We said that our News Report would be festival heavy this week, and we meant it. As we continue to report on the best announcements of the past week we head to Portsmouth.

Victorious Festival has this week added additional names to its line-up. Fans can now expect to see the likes of Nile Rodgers & Chic, Frank Turner and Lottery Winners.

They join an already packed event headlined by Madness, The Streets and Royal Blood! Pick up tickets here.

Read our review of ‘Typhoons’ from Royal Blood

More bands and an extra stage for 110 Above

Leicestershire now, and 110 Above Festival. The event has added even more names whilst also announcing a new stage. The Elizabeth Stage will be headlined by Fickle Friends, Black Honey and The Snuts!

Headlining the main stage will be Sports Team, The Amazons and Sundara Karma. For tickets you’ll want to head here.

Black Deer keeps getting bigger

Black Deer Festival in Kent continues to grow bigger and bigger. The event which takes place 25th – 27th June 2021 has this week made further additions to an already stellar line-up.

Added are Jake Bugg, Ginger Wildheart & The Sinners and many more. They join the likes of Frank Turner, Imelda May, Band Of Skulls, Emily Barker and Broken Witt Rebels.

Grab your tickets here.

Steelhouse Festival draft in The Darkness!

With previously announced headliners Anthrax unable to make it, Steelhouse Festival has moved quickly to draft in The Darkness as a more than worthy substitute.

They join the likes of Europe, Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons, Therapy?, The Wildhearts and Those Damn Crows in Wales this July.

Tickets? You’ll find them here.

Clapham Common set to host ALT+LDN

The final festival of our News Report is an interesting new event for Clapham Common. Taking place on Monday 30th August the rock and hip-hop crossover event features an eclectic bill.

On the heavy side of things at ALT+LDN are Architects, Machine Gun Kelly, Sleep Token and Bob Vylan. More info over here.

Read our review of ‘For Those That Wish To Exist’ from Architects

Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes begin new era

Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes ft. Joe Talbot – ‘My Town’

On to the new music portion of our News Report. Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes have kicked off their latest era with a brand new track featuring IDLES man Joe Talbot. You can listen to ‘My Town’ here.

Listen to ‘My Town’ on our Spotify Hot List!

The Subways release the powerful ‘Fight’

The Subways – ‘Fight’

The Subways returned this week with a new single with a powerful message. Check out ‘Fight’ here.

Listen to ‘Fight’ on our Spotify Hot List!

Garbage unveil title track to new album

Garbage – ‘No Gods No Masters’

The iconic Garbage continue to gear up for the release of their upcoming album ‘No Gods No Masters’ on June 11th. This week saw the group release the title track of said album.

Pre-orders are here.

Listen to ‘The Men Who Rule The World’ from Garbage on our Spotify Hot List!

Bruce Dickinson hits the road for a very special tour

Finally as we finish our News Report for another week. Legendary Iron Maiden singer Bruce Dickinson is scheduled to hit the road this August for a very special tour. The spoken word tour will feature an audience Q&A session and you can grab tickets here.

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Read our review of ‘Coral Island’ from The Coral