TEN BANDS TO CHECK OUT AT SLAM DUNK FESTIVAL THIS YEAR!
If you’re on the hunt for 10 mosh worthy bands to see while at Slam Dunk Festival this year, then you’ve come to the right place. Starting At 10:
10. Dream State
This post -hardcore band from South Wales have created their unique sound in the scene with their emotional vocals, heavy guitars and incredible live performances. Their music dives into themes such as addiction, feeling vulnerable and personal struggles with honesty. Tracks such as ‘White Lies’, ‘ Hand in Hand’ and ‘New Waves’ are some classics. Their latest EP ‘Still Dreaming’ is also a must listen, with their new singer Jessie Powell shaping the new era of the band and showcasing that the band have still got so much more to give.
9. Point North
Point North are making serious waves in the alt-rock and post-hardcore scene with their unique ability to balance heavy riffs and melodic vocals. Their sound blends pure energy with polished production, making each track feel both aggressive and uplifting. Songs like ‘Gasoline’ and ‘Safe and Sound’ showcase their talent for writing songs that hit hard emotionally but somewhat also uplift your mood. They’re a must-listen for anyone craving passion with power.
8. The Used
These emo icons have been a staple in the scene for years, and they are still going strong. Famous for their emotional unforgettable tracks, they still connect deeply with both longtime fans and newer listeners. Songs such as ‘The Taste of Ink’ and ‘ A Box Full of Sharp Objects’ will forever remain iconic, while their newer music also suggests that they are constantly evolving and still have lots more to give fans.
These guys are one of the best bands out of Leicester. They are quickly becoming a standout force in the alternative scene, proving that they are more than ready to play some of the Uks biggest festivals, especially after their incredible debut at Download in 2024 and recently opening for You Me at Six on their final tour. They are so ready to deliver their emotionally driven alt-rock sound to slam dunk this year with songs such as ‘Don’t Pull Up’ and ‘These Days.
6. Rain City Drive
Formally known as ‘Slaves’, Rain City Drive have reinvented themselves with a great track list of post- hardcore, alt-rock bangers. The band from Florida have really created a name for themselves with emotionally raw lyrics, soulful vocals, and electronic elements that blend so well with the alt rock sound, creating a calm but powerful listening experience. Songs to check out: ‘Prayers’, ‘Talk to A Friend’ and ‘Blood Runs Cold’
These lads from Germany, are nothing short of a genre-defying powerhouse. The band have carved out a unique space in the music scene by blending metalcore with electronic dance music, trance, and even pop influences — resulting in a sound that is energetic, chaotic and lots of fun! They really are the perfect party band with tracks such as ‘Hypa Hypa’ and ‘ We Got the Moves’ – both of which go beyond their typical songs and are sure to create an explosive atmosphere.
4. Split Chain
Formed in 2023, these guys are rising fast, receiving a lot of attention online, these guys reached over 10 million streams before signing with Epitaph Records in 2024. Fusing elements of nu- metal, grunge and shoegaze, they have created their own sound that they call ‘nu-gaze.’ Their music is influenced by the band’s personal issues with addiction and mental health. Some of their best songs include ‘(Re)-Extract’ (featuring Softcult) and ‘I’m Not Dying to Be Here.’
In at third place, we have Graphic Nature. They are a British Nu-Metalcore band formed in 2018. In 2023 they released their debut album “A Mind Waiting to Die” and then their follow up album in 2024 “Who Are You When No One Is Watching?” They combine aggressive riffs, electronic elements and powerful vocals, exploring themes lyrically about mental health, based on the singer’s personal experiences with his life. Their live shows are wild, the crowd goes mental, and the band have so much energy and enthusiasm. I would definitely recommend checking them out. Some of their best tracks include ‘Grit’, ‘Drain’ and ‘White Noise’.
Deserving of their spot in second place has to be Stray From the Path. They bring politically charged lyrics with hardcore aggression. These guys from Long Island, have been around since the early 2000s and have bended genres of hardcore punk and metalcore. They have been said to have a similarity to Rage against the machine, due to their heavy riffs, pounding drums and socio- political themes. Some of their standout songs are ‘First World Problem Child’ , ‘ Fortune Teller’ and ‘Goodnight Alt-Right’.
First place goes to a staple band in the heavy music scene and this year’s headliners! They have been going since 2003 and are known for blending the best elements of pop punk with the best parts of metalcore breakdowns. They will be bringing nostalgia, sing-alongs and energy to Slam Dunk this year. Tracks such as ‘Downfall of Us All’ and ‘Mr Highways Thinking About the End’ and ‘I’m Made of Wax Larry, what are You Made of’ are essential tracks to listen to as they are classic songs by the band and often make a setlist appearance. You don’t want to miss these guys headlining – their set is guaranteed to be one of the most explosive sets of the weekend.
