7 Reasons you should probably (definitely) go to Download Melbourne 2018
While I’m sure that most eager fans have already snagged their Download tickets, I’m here to win over the nonbelievers, the ones sitting on the fence. I’m not going to lie, when the Melbourne Download was first announced, I felt a bit disappointed. In comparison to its UK counterpart, the headlining acts seemed a little, well, boring? But as the dust settled, I came to realise that the lineup is absolutely crammed full of fantastic bands I initially overlooked due to the pre-announcement hype (something I blame for overhyping everyone’s expectations of the first year of the event), so let’s take a proper look at some of the reasons you should go to Download Melbourne 2018.
1. The Classics
Yes, it’s no surprise that with headliners like Korn and Limp Bizkit, the nostalgia has trickled down through the rest of the lineup, with pop punk icons Good Charlotte performing their first Aussie shows (disregarding The Madden Brother’s 2014 tour) since 2012. Don’t lie. You still know the words to ‘The Anthem’.
2. Pop Punk overload
Sure Download (at least the international events) has always been a metal festival at heart, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t some bloody good Pop Punk bands on the 2018 lineup. Trophy Eyes will no doubt be a crowd favourite on what may be one of their last Aussie shows on the ‘Chemical Miracle’ cycle. The Story So Far are also bringing the goods, armed with a brand new single, the band have also recently been in the studio recording their 4th studio album, so who knows, we might get to hear some new TSSF before their Download slot? And of course, one of the most hyped bands in Pop Punk right now, Neck Deep will be making their way to Melbourne off the back of their new album ‘The Peace and The Panic’, it’ll no doubt be standing room only for their set, so you’d better get down early to sing along tearfully to ‘In Bloom’.
3. The Gritty Goodness.
European festivals breed a whole different kind of performer, with many bands going above and beyond to capitalise on the outdoor festival experience. Amon Amarth will no doubt see everyone in the crowd grow a thick beard before they roll in on their viking boats, and with Sabaton along for the ride, there will probably be some tank action too. Mastodon are also seasoned performers, and armed with 2017’s critically acclaimed ‘Emperor of Sand’, it’s set to be a massive performance.
4. Thoughtcore.
Both Northlane and Gojira are playing Download this year, so get your whale calls ready, it’s time to take back our home.
5. Hardcore Dancing Anonymous
Dust off your vans and get ready to kill each other, Cursed Earth, Suicidal Tendencies and Nails will likely have you wondering if you’ve told your loved ones if you prefer cremation or burial.
6. Cream of the Crop
Ocean Grove are set to lay waste to Download, with the overwhelmingly positive response to 2017’s ‘The Rhapsody Tapes’, you’d better see the OG lads before they explode. Issues will also be flying down, in one of their first performances without screamer Michael Bohn, similarly, label mates Of Mice & Men are set to perform their first Aussie shows with Aaron Pauley on lead vocals. (Pic by Thomas Elliot)
7. If You Build It, They Will Mosh
On top of the already fucking great reasons to go to Download listed above, there’s also the idea that if enough support is shown, the festival will only continue to get bigger and better as the years go by. We’ve been deprived of a massive metal gathering (still love you Unify, but we’re not all campers) since 2015, and with great food, art installations and new mates guaranteed, what’s not to love about a new summer metal gathering? You can get tickets at the Download website here : https://www.downloadfestival.com.au/