We know all about the headline acts but what about when itβs time to delve into the undercard? Well Devolution Magazineβs Download Festival team of Gary, George and Aggy have each put together a list of five acts they think are worthy of your viewing time at the event along with the day theyβre playing and which stage. Hopefully youβll check out this fantastic fifteen, and we recommend you take a listen to as many acts as you can before itβs time to pitch that tent and party.
Garyβs choices
Band-Maid
Friday β Dogtooth Stage
Up tempo metal played with the technical skill weβve come to associate with Japanese acts. Oh and then thereβs the outfits modelled on their countryβs maid cafes. Spoiler alert, donβt be fooled into thinking this is a gimmick band, theyβre the real deal, they can seriously play and they are coming to party.
https://www.facebook.com/bandmaid
Paleface Swiss
Friday β Opus Stage
For fans of a more cerebral heavy sound Paleface Swiss mix deathcore, hardcore, nu metal and thrash in equal parts. The result is sublime. Imagine a mini European version of Slipknot playing songs with the precision their homeland is renowned for when it comes to watches and you get the picture.
https://www.facebook.com/palefaceswiss
As Everything Unfolds
Saturday β Dogtooth Stage
Stalwarts of the UK rock scene As Everything Unfolds have been around for well over a decade now, building a reputation for consistency and quality. Here we have a group that blend hard rock with metalcore and hardcore almost effortlessly. This makes them ideal for people exploring their own tastes within the alt scene
https://www.facebook.com/AsEverythingUnfolds
South Arcade
Saturday β Apex Stage
When you go viral with your band practice sessions you know you must be doing something right. This Oxford based four piece sound like a dream mix of pop punk and alt rock, like being given the middle finger with a wink and a smile. Formed in 2021 they sound both fresh and mature at the same time.
https://www.facebook.com/southarcade
The Pretty Wild
Sunday βAvalanche Stage
This duo do what it says on the tin. Straight from the Tik Tok generation what you get are pop sensibilities married to metal venom which means Jules and Jyl are β pretty wild. Thereβs a great deal of depth and powerful themes within the songs. Expect a full on show that offers not only a wild ride but also perception and warmth.
https://www.facebook.com/wearetheprettywild
Aggyβs selection
Native James
Friday – Avalanche Stage
Hailing from Ipswich this fireball combines Grime, Hip-Hop, Metal, Punk and Garage. They are a part of a new wave of alternative acts to hit Donington Park. A band before their time? Maybe, but they are already making waves in the circuit. They transcend genre description which fits in well with modern day Download Festival. We see them being a regular on the bill.
https://www.facebook.com/NativeJamesOfficial
Silly Goose
Friday β Avalanche Stage
We love the resurgence of 90s, Rap and Nu Metal and Silly Goose are here to quench our thirst. Known for their high energy performances, they also encapsulate the era and vibe. Originating from Atlanta, Georgia, they have been called the βfastest rising nu metal band on the planetβ. Silly by name and silly by nature but also a bucket load of talent.
https://www.facebook.com/SillyGooseATL
Die Spitz
Saturday – Avalanche Stage
Die Spitz are unstoppable. After their debut album βSomething To Consumeβ hit our ears and following a successful tour they are set to light Download. The Texas quartet fuse grunge, punk, metal and alternative rock. Sometimes ethereal, sometimes blistering but always unwaveringly raw, this band is a must for your hit list! Don’t just take it from us, check out tracks such as βThrow Yourself To The Swordβ, βAmerican Pornβ and βRiding With My Girlsβ.
https://www.facebook.com/diespitz
Tailgunner
Saturday – Dogtooth Stage
After headlining the RIP stage last year the classic Heavy Metal English quintet are returning for their debut in the arena. Their passion runs deep and their live show pack a punch. Picture it now, hair swinging wild while the guitarists line the stage, never missing a beat and vocals reaching the heavens. There is a reason they keep get invited back and we invite you to come along to witness the showmanship first hand.
https://www.facebook.com/tailgunnerhq
Ivri
Sunday – Avalanche
From Brooklyn, New York, Ivri began her career at fifteen years old posting music on Instagram anonymously until 2020 when she made her first official release. Before this, her work gained traction online and was sampled by producers from all over the world. By the age of 23 she has amassed hundreds of millions of streams. Her music is unique and otherworldly, with soft vocals and dreamy instrumentals.
https://www.instagram.com/ivri0.o
Georges Picks
Gatecreeper
Sunday β Dogtooth Stage
Gatecreeper unveiled a move away from the restraints of being simply an old school death metal revival band on 2024βs Dark Superstition opus. They changed pace slightly and elements of classic 93 era doom death were added to great effect. Gatecreeper have brought the sound out of the shadows and back on to the bigger stages.
https://www.facebook.com/gatecreeper
Corrosion Of Conformity
Friday β Dogtooth Stage
The Pepper Keenan fronted NOLA crew sound like they’re having the time of their lives on their blistering new album βGod God Baad Manβ and you will be too when they take to the Dogtooth stage. Expect huge riffs and monolithic grooves from the OGs of the New Orleans stomp.
https://www.facebook.com/corrosionofconformity
Blood Incantation
Saturday β Dogtooth Stage
Ever wonder what it would sound like if Morbid Angel in their prime jammed with Pink Floyd at their most spaced out? Well wonder no longer because Blood Incantation want to both cave your skull in and free your mind at the same time. Deeply psychedelic and as heavy as lifting a vintage bass cabinet up a steep flight of stairs on your own. Blood Incantation will be lifting off as stage headliners this year. The countdown starts now.
https://www.facebook.com/BloodIncantationOfficial
Letlive
Sunday – Avalanche Stage
Letlive were responsible for two of the best freak out alternative rock albums of the 2010s. They also were the band that introduced the unhinged genius of vocalist Jason Aalon Butler to the world. The band called it quits in 2017 and the frontman formed the infamous Fever 333. Now theyβre back and causing a lot more mayhem with the singerβs climbing antics and disregard for equipment now the stuff of legend. This set will go off! Youβll dance, youβll mosh, youβll worry about Jasonβs personal safety.
https://www.facebook.com/theletlive
Periphery
Friday β Opus Stage
What can we say about the Djent originators? Theyβre a three guitar assault on the senses that take the most technical fretwork this side of Polyphia and strap it to skyscraping vocals and an insane amount of contrast. When theyβre heavy they will disturb neighbourhoods 20 miles away and when they’re light, theyβll break a thousand hearts. Extremely impressive and not to be missed Periphery will be putting jaws on the floor at Donington Park.
https://www.facebook.com/PeripheryBand
Photos by Gary Trueman from Download Festival 2025