The likes of Ne Obliviscaris, Thornhill and Dregg lead a killer Aussie contingent.
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you would have seen the Download Festival Australia lineup passed recently between the lips of organisers and our eagerly-awaiting ears. Yes, those punk-emo gods that are My Chemical Romance are headlining, with nu-metal masters Deftones and all-round awesome maestros In Flames sitting closely beneath, but let’s just take a moment to truly appreciate our own metal musos whose names, too, appear on that titillating poster.
Firstly, these bands are playing at Download Festival. Download! No small feat given the legacy of the mothershow over in the UK. So congratulations to all Aussie bands, punk, metal, rock or otherwise, on the lineup.
But particular kudos to those who are representing the Aussie metal scene. Ye gods, is there a rollcall of greatness!
Ne Obliviscaris
Ne Oblviscaris’ last album, 2017’s Urn, was a career-defining album for the extreme prog-metallers. It’s a statement-making release that will no doubt sit very well alongside the band’s 16-year discography when they ravage the stage at Download.
Thornhill
Yes, boys! Downright awesome that Melbourne’s own have been allocated a spot on the lineup! The local scene could not contain such greatness and now their full-length debut, The Dark Pool, is making the rounds; their efforts and breathtaking songwriting skills are finally getting the justice they deserve.
Dregg
Merging hardcore and nu-metal into face-melting madness, Melbourne’s Dregg are well-known for their theatrical antics, pushing the boundaries of the norm, self-expression, and non-conformist acceptance. Bound to be an experience to see, so do consider adding their set to your schedule.
In Hearts Wake
Do they need an introduction? Changing minds and music, In Hearts Wake remain a dynamic staple in hardcore since they burst onto the scene. Latest album Ark bears light on today’s environmental issues, highlighting the importance of many impending issues with a sound that remains integral to the scene.
That’s about it for the metal contingency at Download Festival, but honourable Aussie mentions, too, to RedHook, and Clowns. There’s plenty more bands to be announced, not all metal, but you might need to look to your left and right for more about those bands 😉 Aussie, Aussie, Aussie!
Download Festival takes over Melbourne Showgrounds on Friday March 20. Check out the lineup and grab your tix via the festival website.
