15. Heart of a Coward
Where: Pepsi Max Stage – Sunday
Milton Keynes metallers Heart of a Coward make their first appearance at Download, who will deliver an earth-shattering performance full of brutality and energy from former Sylosis frontman Jamie Graham. Djent and Hardcore fans will be more than satisfied.
FFO: Textures, Confession, Monuments
14. HellYeah
Where: Zippo Encore Stage – Saturday
Think Mudvayne and Pantera rolled into one. Dirty sludgy hard rock mega-band (a super group only more super) Hellyeah have just released their new album “Band of Brothers” which has some tunes only too suitable to mosh to on a hot Saturday afternoon. Be sure to bring a spare neck.
FFO: Pantera, Damageplan, Down
13. After the Burial
Where: Red Bull Studios Stage – Saturday
Tech newcomers After the Burial have never played Donington Park before – and where better than 2013? Passers-by will turn their necks and take notice of the fast chuggy riffs and blistering vocals and this underground band will soon be talked about. I promise it.
FFO: Born of Osiris, Veil of Maya, Parkway Drive
12. Iron Maiden
Where: Main Stage – Saturday
Need we say more? Metal icons Iron Maiden make their third headline appearance at Download in a slot which will get every single person in the arena screaming. You can expect some impressive stage equipment and a hell of a lot of guitar solos. Oh, and of course Eddie – watch out for him.
FFO: …it’s Iron Maiden, who else sounds like them?
11. Verses
Where: Red Bull Studios Stage – Friday
You may have never heard of Verses but you should, as the Brighton lads are a band of the future for definite. Although the only indie-esque band on this list, their punk and post-hardcore stage presence is more impressive than most of their pioneers. I mean it, they one of the best live bands I’ve seen.
FFO: Rise Against, Young Guns, Deaf Havana