It’s finally the time of year where Slam Dunk Festival returns, taking over Leeds, Hatfield and Birmingham for three days of rock, metal and punk. Bigger and better than ever, with Hatfield expanding to a new site, we’re spoilt for choice and can’t wait to be back at one of our favourite festivals of the year. Wondering who to check out this weekend? Here are some of our top picks!
The Faim
All the way from down under, Australia’s The Faim have rocketed in 2018 and earned their place on the Rock Sound Breakout Stage with the release of their highly acclaimed singles Saints Of The Sinner, Midland Line and Summer Is A Curse. If you’re a fan of Fall Out Boy the quartet could be your new favourite band, having already wowed crowds in support of Lower Than Atlantis earlier this year with their hard-hitting live show. They may be a new name to you now but trust us, these guys are going to be a household name before we know it.
The Audition
Having just reformed for the first time since they went on hiatus back in 2012, Chicago pop punk quintet The Audition are making somewhat of a comeback at this years Slam Dunk Festival. Gracing the Monster Energy stage with their electric and high energy show its going to be interesting to see if these guys have still got it. One of those bands that originally rose out of the initial Myspace music boom well over a decade ago, we are anticipating not only a memorable performance but a nostalgic one. Expect to relive angsty teenage moments with smashers like You’ve Made Us Conscious and emo fan pleasers such as You’ve Ruined This.
Can’t Swim
New Jersey rockers Can’t Swim make their Slam Dunk Festival debut this year, set to bring their raw and powerful set to the Signature Brew stage. The band turned heads with the release of their debut EP Death Deserves A Name, debut album Fail You Again and follow-up singles God Awful, In Between and Even In Death, and we can’t wait to see which of the tracks make the cut for their set. No matter what, we’ll be shouting from the top of our lungs from start to finish – you should join us too!
Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes
Former Gallows and Pure Love frontman Frank Carter and his band The Rattlesnakes make their debut appearance at Slam Dunk Festival this year. Be sure to turn up early for a good spot as Frank tends to jump the pit barrier and join the crowd for his performances. Now in their fourth year there’s no stopping this punk rock power house. If you haven’t had the chance to listen to these guys you should still make time to head down to the Jägermeister Stage, just to see the pure showman ship of their set. It’s been a while since their last major album release, so fingers crossed we might even get some new tracks with that signature Frank Carter grittiness.
Holding Absence
Another band making their Slam Dunk Festival debut is post-hardcore outfit Holding Absence, who have gone from strength to strength since they formed two years ago. From signing to SharpTone Records to tours with We Are The Ocean, Young Guns, Blood Youth and Loathe, it’s no surprise that the band are building a loyal fanbase. The quintet’s live show is not to be missed, the dark and light transitions taking you on an emotion-fuelled and mesmerising journey – head over to the Rock Sound Breakout Stage this weekend and see for yourself!
Comeback Kid
Slam Dunk veterans Comeback Kid return once again this year to the notorious Impericon Stage, bringing their famous high-energy set back to the UK for what is going to be a spectacular run of shows. The seminal hardcore band are always welcomed by their loyal fans with open arms. Their performances can only be described as unforgettable and their fans always bring a great sense of unity and brotherhood to their shows. Look out for huge tracks like Wake The Dead; we suggest if you don’t want to end up with a bloodied nose you keep well away from the pit, or wear a hockey mask. We’ll leave you to decide.
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Slam Dunk Festival takes place across Leeds, Hatfield and Birmingham at the following dates:
May
Sat 26th – LEEDS – Slam Dunk North
Sun 27th – HATFIELD – Slam Dunk South
Mon 28th – BIRMINGHAM – Slam Dunk Midlands
For the full line-up, further information and tickets head to the Slam Dunk Festival website.
