Get your wellies ready because one of the most exciting festivals of the year is back and the line-up is really something. Taking place in Leeds (23 May) Temple New Sampark and in Hatfield (24 May) at Hatfield Park, headliners at Slam Dunk this year include Sum 41 and Billy Talent. Other big names also include Don Broco, State Champs and Bury Tomorrow.
This is definitely one not to miss and you can snap up tickets at slamdunkfestival.com. Here’s our pick of the line-up to get you in the mood…
Preview by Selena Ferro
Header photo by Arta Gailuma
Billy Talent are one of Canada’s most successful bands and they’ve sold millions of copies. Their latest album Forgiveness I + II came out late November and they will be rolling out further episodes from this narrative series throughout the year. Slam Dunk will be their first show of 2020.
Billy Talent – Reckless Paradise
Bury Tomorrow are releasing a new album Cannibal on 3 April, so if you won’t have a chance to catch them in London around that time, then definitely you can’t miss them at the festival. And if you are a fan of metal, well than you know what I’m talking about!
Bury Tomorrow – Cannibal
If you like colourful and energized performances, then you really can’t miss Don Broco. It’s been already two years since their last album and they’ve been in the studio recently, so hopefully we will hear something new soon.
Don Broco – Action
Since forming in 2011, Philadelphia-based quintet Grayscale have emerged quickly from the Philadelphia punk scene, establishing a solid fan base. Expect strong hooks, relatable lyrics ad catchy riffs. Their Nella Vita Part II North American Tour started in January and will end at Slam Dunk.
Grayscale – Beautiful Things
Over the past decade, State Champs have become a major player in the world pop-punk, helping define the shape of the genre for a new generation of fans; and their last album Living Proof, pushed pop-punk forward.
State Champs – Real World
Whoever says they were not a fan of Sum 41 in their teenage years is a liar! After years of silence, last year they announced their come back. The Order in Decline world tour starts soon, so make sure to check the dates on their social media.
Sum 41 – Turning Away
Young Guns will celebrate their 10-year anniversary of first album All Our Kings Are Dead by stepping back on stage, with their original line-up for the first time in four years. You really don’t want to miss this!
Young Guns – Bulletproof
Post-hardcore/experimental California-based band Dance Gavin Dance are one of the great additions to this year line up. They have been around the music scene since 2005 with a big number of followers. The year looks quite busy for them, as they will touring and take part to numerous festivals around the world.
Dance Gavin Dance – Blood Wolf
Stockholm-based Normandie have blown away crowds throughout UK and Europe, with several headliners runs, and numerous festival appearances. The soaring melodies are captivating, the choruses are explosive and in general their sound is spine-tingling.
Normandie – White Flag
Australian band The Faim came into existence as naturally as their music. Their dynamic, diverse songs reflect a band in constant evolution, revealing musicians willing to press boundaries. Their debut album State of Mind came out last September and is well worth a listen.
The Faim – Buying Time
Sync. 