Download Festival: 5 acts to see on Friday

Download Festival returns in full after three years away and some amazing bands take to the stage for its return

Download Main Stage 2019

At long Last, Download Festival returns between the 10th-12th June and this time its at full capacity for the first time in three years. The festival returns with a bang with legendary rock band KISS headlining the Friday night. However, there are many acts that are playing on the first day that I'm very excited about seeing. Here are my five acts that I think you should check out.

1. As Everything Unfolds

Stage: The Avalanche Stage

Time: 2:45

For Fans Of : Dream State, Architects, Holding Absence

Post- Hardcore band As Everything Unfolds come to Download after the successful release of their debut album, 'Within Each Others Lies The Other ' and tours with the likes of Enter Shikari. They come to Download ready to put on a show. Since the band got announced for the festival, their popularity has risen so much that they have earned themselves a promotion from the Dogtooth Stage to The Avalanche Stage. Their set also has a bittersweet feel to it with Guitarist Owen Hill announcing that this would be his last show with the group so if you're a fan of this band then this may the set to see on Friday.

2. Meet Me @ The Altar

Stage: The Avalanche Stage

Time: 4:35

For Fans Of: Hot Milk, Pinkshift, Waterparks

Next up we have Pop Punk sensations Meet Me @ The Altar from America. The band formed in 2015 and started out on youtube making covers as solo artists and making music remotely. The band would then sign for Fule By Ramen who have the likes of Paramore, Panic! At The Disco and Twenty One Pilots on their books. Since then the band have released singles and EPs which have really resonated with POCs, women and gen z people all around the world and show that pop punk is not just for cis white men and in fact it is for anyone. It's great to see Download getting more progressive acts on the lineup and with their modern twist on pop-punk, they will be an exciting addition to Friday's line-up.

3. Skindred

Stage: Apex Stage

TIme: 5:15

For Fans Of :Papa Roach, Static X, Dub War

Talking about bands that offer something different to Download. Ever wondered what a reggae metal band sounds like? Well, look no further than Wales Skindred. Formed in 1998, the band have become a festival favourite over the years playing the likes of Reading and Leeds, Bloodstock and of course Download. I remember the last time saw them play Download in the pouring rain in 2019 and the weather was all but forgotten about when the band stepped out and played their heavy rifts as well as lead singer Benji Webbe bringing his wit and humour to keep the crowd entertained throughout. Let's hope the weather is better this time when they play this year. but I'm sure that will not make any difference to the group as they play a crazy set.

4. Sleep Token

Stage: The Avalance Stage

Time: 6:50

For Fans Of: Loathe, Deftones, Black Peaks

If you have ever read my blog before, you are probably sick to death with me talking about this British rock collective. But I cannot stress how good they are. The band's mix of rock, metal and trap beats will go down a treat for all download fans alike and the mysterious presence just adds another layer to their live shows. Plus seeing them in a tent in the evening will add to their more gloomy and cult-like image. This band have the potential to headline festivals like Download in the future so seeing them play one of the smaller stages at Donnington Park will be something not to miss.

5. Frank Carter and the Rattlesnakes

Stage: Opus Stage

Time: 7:35

For Fans Of: IDLES, Gallows, Slaves

Finally, Frank Carter and the Rattlesnakes will return after their headline set at Downloads scaled-down pilot festival last year to play the real thing as headliners of the Opus stage as a replacement for The Distillers. It's a shame that the LA punk band can't come to the UK but Frank and the rest of the Rattlesnakes are a worthy replacement with the band expecting to bring their punk rock show to the spiritual home of rock and metal. The band have been on an upward trajectory over the years with UK top ten albums, touring with the like of the Foo Fighters and Sunday night Headliners Biffy Clyro and have worked with the likes of Rage Against The Machines Tom Morello and IDLES Lead singer Joe Talbot. If you looking for a crazy punk show at Download and something to do before KISS step onto the Apex stage, then this is where you need to be on Friday night.