Slam Dunk Festival 2023 North Preview

Slam Dunk Festival 2023 returns in just less than a week and a half for it’s latest iteration on the 27th (South) and 28th (North) of their single day festivals.

With a stacked lineup which includes, Enter Shikari, Millie Manders & The Shut Up, Creeper, Yellowcard, Zand and more, stacked doesn’t even cover it when describing the festival!

But if you’re stuck on just who to go watch this year, here are a few choices from Almost Anything Media.

Rockscene Stage

Zand (11:25 – 11:55)

The rising Alt-Pop star Zand is an artist which may have gone under some people’s radar but there’s more to the music than you’d expect and we’re tipping Zand as one of the next big acts with the last year being massive with an a rousing set at Rise Fest in Newcastle and opening for fellow Slam Dunk Fest band Vukovi. With the self-branded style of Ugly-Pop, there’s something for everyone in the catalogue of tracks with ‘Battery Acid’ as well as ‘Religion’.

Vukovi (12:15 – 12:50)

The Scottish Two piece Vukovi have just been going from strength to strength in recent years. They’re playing larger stages on their headlining tours and now they bring their energetic set to the Rockscene Stage at Slam Dunk. The band dropped their previous record, ‘NULA’ to widespread acclaim in 2022 where it has only helped them grow and make an even bigger name for themselves recently, where they’re nominated for Best Album, Act, Live Act, Production and Album Artwork at this years Heavy Music Awards making them the first and only band ever to receive five separate nominations in a single year! The future is Vukovi and they are set to crush the stage early in the day at 12:15.

Enter Shikari (21:00 – 22:15)

Of course we’re putting this band on the list, they’re one of the headliners after all! The Hertfordshire rockers known as Enter Shikari are one of the biggest names on everyone’s lips at the moments, putting on show after show in the last few months in support of their recently released No.01 Album, ‘A Kiss For The Whole World.’ Now with Slam Dunk Headliners on their resume, the sky’s the limit for the band.

The Dickies Stage

Millie Manders & The Shutup (12:00 – 12:30)

UK Ska Faveourites Millie Manders & The Shutup prepare to bring their niche sense of Ska and Punk to Slam Dunk Festival. After some extensive tours of the UK, the band are itching to perform this year and one I’m excited to take to a much bigger stage now and in the future.

Teenage Bottlerocket (12:55 – 13:30)

American punk-rock favourites Teenage Bottlerocket are bringing their classic punk sound to the UK, one which I’ll be happy to tick off the bucket list! 2023 will be their first ever visit to the Slam Dunk Festival stages since their formation in 2000, and they’ll have plenty to give the crowd which I’m sure will go down in fantastic fashion.

Bowling For Soup (19:40 – 20:30)

The legendary US band Bowling For Soup are no strangers to the UK audience, having played in the country numerous times throughout their career, it’s safe to say they’ll be some people’s favourites at this years Slam Dunk. With nearly 30 years of experience and 11 albums under their belt, the fans will be spoilt for choice of what to expect, but we’re sure some there’s at least one or two older faves in the setlist (fingers crossed for Punk Rock 101!).

The Kerrang Tent

Destroy Boys (12:00 – 12:35)

This is the US punks Destroy Boys first time at Slam Dunk Festival and they’re set to open things up on the Kerrang Sage (Left side). The band were nothing short of excellent in their previous UK run of headlining shows in 2022 where they also opened for Alkaline Trio and Taking Back Sunday, and their latest track, ‘Beg For the Torture’ has only ascended their growing reputation to sum up the energy they create in a live atmosphere. If you’re not keeping an eye on them, then you’re welcome for the introduction!

Yellowcard

This will be the first UK appearance for the kings that are Yellowcard since 2016, but let’s hope things go according to plan with the sound this time around. The band did call it a day back in 2017 but now they’re back to mark the 20th anniversary of their absolutely superb record, ‘Ocean Avenue’ much to everyones joy! Hopefully we’ll get some tracks sung back at them because then that might be the most beautiful set of the day. Let’s have em!

Spanish Love Songs

The Pure Noise Records treasures Spanish Love Songs are finally making their long await Slam Dunk Festival debut after all this time! They’re becoming a cult band at this point and people just can’t seem to get enough of the lovely punk group and now make their long awaited return to the UK as their powerful collection of tracks will keep the crowd warm and on edge throughout their set so we’re in for a good surprise from the band.

Boston Manor (16:15 – 16.55)

With the latest record Datura under their belt, Boston Manor look to cement themselves as mainstays at Slam Dunk Festival this year. With them not touring the new material as much recently where they’ve only had a handful of quite intimate shows under the records belt, will we see a lot more of the latest material during this set? Either way, the Blackpool based hitters are sure to bust out a great performance as they plot this what could be their country-wide domination plan.

Creeper (19:15 – 20:00)

One band that are definitely no strangers to Slam Dunk, Creeper return to Slam Dunk looking to cement themselves as one of the finest rock acts in the country (which they are, there’s no question). With the band having a dedicated fan base in just about every part of the country, the sky’s the limit for the Southampton-based emo troupe. With the band sure to pull out the favourites as well as their latest ‘Ghost Brigade’ they’re sure to be heard all over the festival grounds on the weekend in both field at the North and South dates.

The Key Club Stage

The Tyne (11:25 – 11:55)

Now how about a round of applause for Slam Dunk Records very own The Tyne! The band have an interesting year so far and still got a fair bit coming up. Firstly they dropped their lush EP, ‘Complaining. (But There Is Music), and are set to kick the proceedings off on The Key Club Stage and later this year opening for Busted! They’re going to be showing what it takes and I have no doubt from previous experience the band will be able to make waves for the other bands later in the day.

Girlfriends (12:35 – 13:05)

We’re finally getting a Girlfriends set! I’ve had this band on my On Repeat playlist on Spotify for a good while now and after their self-titled record back in 2020 as well as ‘(e)notion sickness’ last year, we’re ready for this band to storm their sets. With numerous larger touring credentials under their belt in the US, the band are prodigies waiting in the wings and ready to belt out with Slam Dunk this year.

Scene Queen (14:20 – 14:55)

Scene Queen is quite a rare oddity, people either love her for her call against the scene as well as her breakdowns which hit harder than most bands within the genre, or they hate her purely for all the pink. Nevertheless, this is an artist who isn’t afraid to speak her mind and this is exactly what the UK craves right now. With the last UK touring coming supporting Wargasm at the back end of 2022, the up and coming artist is one that’s made a mark with audiences last time out. Since then, there’s been a drastic upward in her trajectory, collaborating with Set It Off again as well as the release of her own material in ’18+’. It’s safe to say, you’re in for a hell of a time.

Noahfince (16:20 – 17:00)

This is Noahfince’s second go at Slam Dunk Festival, having previously played the festival back in 2021, the British Singer-Songwriter has won over fans time and time again with the fast-paced and energetic nature the songs provide which fits perfectly in line with the Key Club stage in 2023. Set to appear supporting Enter Shikari on their 2024 UK tour, this could prove to win over a good few fans now and later for those shows.

KNOTFEST Stage

Heriot (11:40 – 12:10)

One of the freshest bands on the Slam Dunk bill this year, Heriot have some great credentails beocming favourites in the hardcore scene with the band nominated for both ‘Best Breakthrough Album’ and ‘Best Breakthrough Live Artist’ at this years Heavy Music Awards. With their meteoric rise, they’ll be up there headlining one day soon but for now, this is the best way to be opening Slam Dunk North up!

Higher Power (12:30 – 13:00)

One of a few Yorkshrie based bands on the bill at Slam Dunk Festival this year, Higher Power are one of the hardest working, passionate and relentlessly touring bands out there in the world today. Moving from strength to strength in the last few years, the band haven’t had any new music out since 2021 so could we see some sweaty surprises in the mosh pits this year? WE HOPE SO!

Static Dress (15:05 – 15:35)

Another of the Yorkshire bands of the heavier variety, Static Dress are one of the most exciting bands we’re excited to see take to the stage this year. Based out of Leeds itself, the homegrown talent are expected to put on something incredible if their track record of social media posts is anything to go by. What you have to remember is that the band have some absolute rip roaring tracks in their catalogue and the energy they’ll give off? Probably the best description is sweat inducing from the moshpits alone and at the festival level, it shouldn’t be a problem to get the crowd going.

Malevolence (20:10 – 20:55)

Headliners to the KNOTFEST stage, Sheffield heavy htting Malevolence are the cherry on top of the icing for the festival today. The band dropped their latest record, ‘Malicious Intent’ last year as well as a split EP, ‘The Aggression Sessions’ with Fit For An Autopsy and Thy Art Is Murder earlier this year so there’s plenty of fresh material that the band can dive into. Be warned, things could get rough in this set!

Slam Dunk Festival Adds More Bands, Announces Stage Splits

The Slam Dunk Festival 2023 lineup is complete and it’s beautiful!

PVRIS, The Maine, Jxdn, Sueco, Escape The Fate, Teenage Bottlerocket, Scene Queen, Emarosa, LANDMVRKS, Higher Power, Youth Fountain, ZAND, LØLØ, Millie Manders and the Shutup AND The Tyne


They join the already announced Enter Shikari, The Offspring, Billy Talent, Creeper, Trash Boat, Kids In Glass Houses, Fireworks, The Academy Is…, Yellowcard, Four Year Strong, We Came As Romans, Movements, Static Dress and loads more. 

Anddddd the stage splits have also dropped! There’s going to be some clashes there!

Gallery: Rise Fest 2022

Mally

Motherland

Kidpunk

Cassyette

Rituals

Death Blooms

Hometruths

Static Dress

Zand

Vukovi

Lebrock

Boston Manor

Modern Error

Creeper

As December Falls

Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes

Live Review – Neck Deep @ O2 Academy, Leeds

Date: 16/02/22

Support: Happydaze, Higher Power, Wargasm

With a bang and stage filled nostalgia to where they came from (Seb’s bedroom), Neck Deep return to the UK for a headlining UK tour to re-launch where they left off in England and cause some mayhem along the way.

First to take to the stage, Scottish foursome Happydaze. Now with this roughly being their third ever show, it’s massive to see Neck Deep bringing some newbie’s along for the ride. It’s fantastic to watch some upcoming Pop-Punk take centre stage and see just where the future might lie. While they didn’t steal the show at first (some down to the technical difficulties after a song into their set) they did hit some pretty good strides and found some balance to take with them into the tour, especially since the release of their EP, ‘Underground Summer Sound‘ was released last month. Moving into their set set further, they did find some room to connect with the audience and we hope that that continues on this tour.

With this being a Leeds show, it meant that this was a homecoming of sorts for Higher Power and where they lack the intensity in their energy, the atmosphere of the whole venue turned up a lot for them. Higher Power might not be quite what most would expect where they sound something out of the 90’s grunge era but they have certainly made quite an impression on this crowd. The more heavier aspects of the crowd are one the audience responds to in some ways but their latest release ‘Fall From Grace’ does sound more updated when compared to their older material but that’s not something to be taken lightly. Did it make them more exciting to watch? Yes. Did it being everything up in the venue? Absolutely! Did people respond to them well? One Hundred Percent.

Now for Wargasm, one most exciting acts on the rise in the country at the moment. But they make you wonder, where the hell do they get their energy from? Seriously though, the chaos and extreme nature that makes the band themselves just berates you with banger after banger in a relentless wave of ecstasy. Tracks such as ‘Salma Hayek’ as well as ‘Spit’ go down really well with this crowd who do appreciate the heavier aspects what they have to offer, especially when the raunchier sounding track come out to play… ‘Drilldo’ we’re looking at you there!

It’s inevitable we’re going to see more from the band in the future and after a SOLD OUT UK headlining run of their own towards the end of 2021 as well as appearances at a number of UK festivals in the last year shows the sky is the limit for this band, who will crash through and set an example for what is genuinely possible in music which is a genre of their own making.

Okay so… Neck Deep. Oh my god these guys are so insane to watch. I’ve never seen a Leeds crowd react in such a positive way to a Pop-Punk band. No wonder why they’re favourites ey? It feels as if the band have combined everything that makes them exciting for this setlist (including playing one of their most popular tracks ‘A Part Of Me’) from their early days to the latest record, ‘All Distortions Are Intentional’ shows that they’re not another Pop-Punk band who just writes soppy lovesick hit after hit, they want everyone to enjoy it and reconnect after so long (pardon the crowd collectively crying four tracks into the set for ‘Lime St’) as well as celebrate one another, where ‘She’s A God’ being one track which celebrates the women in the audience.

Neck Deep just hits differently. It’s as if a surge of energy hits in the crowd and then their stage presence just combines with the dizzying spins every member in the band performs in a sight that has to be seen to be believed.

With these final tracks played out (Gold Steps & In Bloom) , Neck Deep always manage to show how much of a lasting impression they leave on the community that has gathered to watch everyone on this lineup.

It’s no secret that the bands are all so genuinely happy to be thrilled to be playing music on a stage again but it’s so good to see them use every ounce of energy in their person to provide one of a show that the audience will be sure to not forget anytime soon as everyone leaves smiling big.

Rating:9/10.

Download Festival Add Over 70 Names To Their 2022 Lineup

After confirming that the 2021 iteration of Download festival will not be taking place this year, the festival have revealed some more of the names who will be playing Donington Park in 2022. 

Joining the already announced headliners KISS, Iron Maiden and Biffy Clyro will be…

Deftones
Korn
The Pretty Reckless
Rise Against
Black Label Society
Theory
Monster Truck
Power Wolf
Wayward Sons
Those Damn Crows
The Raven Age
Megadeth
Steel Panther
The Distillers
The Darkness
Airbourne
Daughtry
Skillet
Lacuna Coil
Bush
Of Mice & Men
Wednesday 13
Ayron Jones
Massive Wagons
The Last Internationale
Control The Storm
The Ghost Inside
Funeral For A Friend
Descendents
Boston Manor
Sleep Token
The Faim
grandson
Trash Boat
Holding Absence
Marianas Trench
Wargasm
Loathe
Jamie Lenman
The Hara
Press Club
Salem
Cemetery Sun
Blackout Problems
Dead Posey
Static Dress
Electric Wizard
Sepultura
Blues Pills
Dying Fetus
British Lion
Bleed From Within
Twin Temple
Bokassa
Venom Prison
Spiritbox
Tempt
Fire From The Gods
A.A. Williams
Higher Power
Kill The Lights
Dead Poet Society
Joyous Wolf
Modern Error
Cellar Door Moon Crew
Lotus Eater
The Scratch
Dead Label
Phoxjaw
JJ Wilde
Anchor Lane
Temples On Mars
As Everything Unfolds
Injester

That’s a lot to get excited for.

Download Festival will take place at Donington Park on June 10-12 2022. 

Tickets are available via the following link.

Neck Deep Reschedule UK Tour With Nothing, Nowhere & Higher Power

Neck Deep have announced they have pushed back their upcoming All Distortions Are Intentional UK dates to 2022.

The Welsh Pop-Punks originally planned their shows for September 2020 before moving them to Spring 2021. Unfortunately these dates won’t be going ahead either which means the dates have been pushed back again to January 2022.

Nothing, Nowhere and Higher Power will be the support acts for the tour.

“Unfortunately, as many people might have guessed, we have no choice but to move our UK tour once again,” Neck Deep say. ​“Hopefully this will be the last time we have to do this but it will be worth the wait.

“We can’t wait to get back on the road and see you all soon.”

“So, it’s happened again, another tour gets pushed back,” adds frontman Ben Barlow. ​“While it’s obviously a bummer to have to reschedule tour dates again, we’re confident this time we’ll be going ahead and getting back to something we have all missed dearly. Sharing that connection with people, music and moments in the form of live music. Also, as an extra kicker we’ve added a Dublin date. Having only played a few shows in Ireland, it’s great to be able to go back and show some love to our Irish fans. One time we played Dublin on St. Paddy’s day and it was something I’ll never forget. I’m sure the whole tour will be just as memorable, being our first tour back, and the first tour playing material from ADAI. We can’t wait to jam with you guys, and we promise it will be well worth the wait!”

The band have also announced an additional date on the All Distortions Are Intentional tour: in Dublin on January 21. Tickets go on sale this Wednesday.

Here are the tour dates.

January 2022

11th – O2 Academy, Birmingham

12th – O2 Academy, Bristol

13th – O2 Academy Brixton, London

14th – O2 Victoria Warehouse, Manchester

16th – City Hall, Newcastle

17th – Assembly Rooms, Edinburgh

18th – Barrowlands, Glasgow

19th – O2 Academy, Leeds

21st – Olympia, Dublin

Outbreak Festival 2021 Announces First Bands

Outbreak Fest 2021 has announced their first bands.

The event will be held at Bowlers Exhibition Centre, Manchester and will take place June 25th – 27th 2021.

Knocked Loose were announced as the first headliners of it all where frontman Bryan Garris says:

“We are excited to be a part of the Outbreak Fest line up. I’ve watched tons of videos from this fest and I’m stoked to experience it first hand.”

The first bands also on the announcement include Higher Power, All Out War and Broken Teeth.

Neck Deep Announce Rescheduled UK Touring Dates For March / April 2021

After the release of their latest record, ‘All Distortion Are Intentional’, Neck Deep have announced their headlining UK touring dates for 2021.

They were originally set to take place in September but now have been postponed but to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic. They are now set to go ahead in March and April of 2021 instead.

The support bands have been announced as Nothing, Nowhere and Higher Power.

Here are the tour dates.

April 2021

31st – 02 Academy, Birmingham

May 2021

2nd – 02 Academy, Bristol

3rd – 02 Academy Brixton,, London

5th – Assembly Rooms, Edinburgh

6th – Barrowlands, Glasgow

7th – 02 Academy, Newcastle

9th – Victoria Warehouse, Manchester

10th – 02 Academy, Leeds

Tickets for the tour dates are on sale now.

Basement Announce Tour.

Basement have announced a run of UK shows, performing twice in every city. Support comes from Higher Power.

Here’s the Dates:

FEBRUARY

28 – SOUTHAMPTON Joiners

MARCH

01 – SOUTHAMPTON Joiners
02 – LONDON Bush Hall
03 – LONDON Bush Hall
05 – MANCHESTER Deaf Institute
06 – MANCHESTER Deaf Institute
07 – GLASGOW King Tuts
08 – GLASGOW King Tuts
09 – LEEDS Key Club
10 – LEEDS Key Club

basement_uktour2017_poster