5 Bands You Should Not Miss at Download Festival — Yes, Including Scooter
Download Festival has always been the place where metalheads, punks and alt-kids converge for three days of riff-driven chaos. But every year, amidst the giants and the cult heroes, there are a handful of acts that you absolutely cannot afford to skip. From scene legends to chaotic newcomers — and yes, the technopunk wildcards Scooter — here are 10 unmissable sets at Download Festival.
Scooter
The chaos option - embrace it! You have clearly not lived until you have watched tens of thousands of metal fans screaming ‘HYPER! HYPER!” in unison. Scooter’s stint into Download is due to become the stuff of festival legend - unexpected, neon-lit and chaotic. Expect pounding beats, unhinged atmosphere and a sea of black-dressed ravers for this one, making it the mandatory viewing of the weekend.
2. Architects
Known for their live precision and emotional gut punches, modern metalcore’s most ambitious band can make any gig feel like a stadium -sized spectacle. Architects are one of the most vital heavy bands of the past decade and a Download set never disappoints. In 2026, the band is poised to deliver something massive.
3. Bad Omens
Are we even surprised here? Bad Omens are the kings of atmospheric heaviness and one of the greatest productions to witness. Riding a wave of massive global momentum, Bad Omens are not just bringing their dark-edged metalcore to download but a full on cinematic spectacle which has turned them into one of the most in-demand live bands on the planet. So we all know their Donington set is guaranteed to be overflowing with huge singalongs and devastating breakdowns.
4. Electric Callboy
Ever heard Rammstein but with rave and metalcore and carnage? Well, Electric Callboy have you covered. Expect neon tracksuits, unstoppable energy, possibly pyro and a crowd going feral. It will easily be one of the most fun sets of the entire weekend and a great gig to let go and release your energy. Also, did we mention the pyro?
5. Trivium
Fresh off a tour and a Bloodstock set that broke the internet, metal’s icons are finally returning to their spiritual home. Even though the band was rumoured to be doing a secret set in 2025, they are now finally confirmed to bring a career-spanning performance into Download, packed with riffs that are due to be registered as seismic activity.
Download 2026 might be the closest the festival has come to capturing every corner of modern heavy culture in a single weekend. Plan your schedule wisely — and if you hear a field chanting “HYPER! HYPER!” — run straight toward it.
Book tickets now: www.downloadfestival.co.uk.
BY: CHARIS LYDIA BAGIOKI
