There’s just over a month to go until Hevy Festival returns once again to Port Lympne in Kent for another weekend of rock, punk, metal and hardcore music from some of the world’s finest bands. With so much to see and do at Hevy, and with many UK exclusive performances taking place it would be easy to miss out on some of the festivals special moments, so here’s our guide to the top ten artists you should check out while you’re there!
1. Coheed and Cambria
Man your battle stations! They’re a pleasure to see live on stage on any given day but Friday’s headliners intend to bring home one of the festivals more spectacular performances by treating the crowd to a full rendition of their second album In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth. They’re also exclusive to Hevy Festival this summer, so this will be your only chance to catch Claudio and co. in the UK this side of 2016.
2. The Dillinger Escape Plan
Having gained a reputation for their incredibly technical music and punishing live shows over the last fifteen years, New Jerseys own malevolent mathcore experts never operate at anything less than full throttle and are always worth watching. Without a doubt when they kick into Baby’s First Coffin it will result in one of the sweatiest mosh pits of the weekend! Whatever you may think, The Dillinger Escape Plan are not a band to be missed.
3. Thrice
Yes, Thrice are back! After a lengthy hiatus, California’s post hardcore denizens are making a welcome return to the UK for an exclusive headlining performance at this years Hevy Fest. Previous setlists on their whirlwind reunion tour feature some of their best and most beloved songs from their first three albums as well as more recent fare, which is sure to make their set absolutely unmissable.
4. Monuments
British djent newcomers Monuments have made quite a name for themselves since the release of their last album The Amanuensis and were on top form during their recent UK tour with Aussie stablemates Karnivool. They’re a band that never fails to rise to the occasion, so be prepared for them to tear the roof off the third stage before Carnifex on Saturday night.
5. Baby Godzilla
The fact that Baby Godzilla were nominated for last years Kerrang! best live band award should be your first clue that they ought to be on your radar this weekend. The Nottingham four piece are absolutely ferocious on stage, physically as well as musically and will no doubt be packing their set with all the usual filthy guitar riffs, dirty basslines and the trademark yo-ho, yo-ho sea shanty Powerboat Disaster which always goes down a storm!
6. As It Is
At first glance, the Brighton pop punkers might look like an odd fit amongst so many hardcore and metal focused bands. However, their set will no doubt provide a welcome respite from the brutality for many festival goers and the anthemic chorus lines of tracks like Dial Tones and Sorry will almost certainly be responsible for some of the weekends more memorable sing-alongs.
7. Fall of Troy
Picking up the gauntlet laid down by Coheed and Cambria, post hardcore stalwarts Fall of Troy will be playing their seminal album Doppelgänger in full in place of a more regular setlist. It’s their first time on a Hevy Fest stage but I fully expect them to bring every ounce of the frantic technical proficiency and passion they’re known for with them and use it to provide some truly must see moments.
8. Protest The Hero
Hot off the release of last years critically acclaimed album Volition and having perfected a set that blends their newer material with classics like Sequoia Throne, Canadian prog metallers Protest The Hero are guaranteed to be worth a watch. Even if you aren’t necessarily a fan, lead vocalist Rody Walker’s banter is always comical and sure to provide enough laughs win you over!
9. Stick To Your Guns
As Hevy veterans, third stage headliners Stick To Your Guns can always be relied upon to whip the festival crowd into a frenzy at a moments notice. They’re the perfect band for anyone looking for a little more hardcore in their punk on Friday night and with a brand new album to draw from, their set is certain to include more than a few surprises for their fans.
10. The Get Up Kids
Rounding out a trilogy of album setlists at this years Hevy Festival, Kansas City natives The Get Up Kids have announced they will be playing the album that helped rocket them to fame – Something To Write Home About in full. Sure to be a welcome change of pace before Thrice take to the stage on Saturday and bring back many memories of years gone by for all those in attendance, their set is bound to be one of the festivals many highlights.
So, there you have it, our top ten bands to check out at Hevy Festival 2015! Weekend tickets and more information on the event are available at www.hevyfest.com/. With nearly forty more bands on the line-up and full access to Port Lympne Wild Animal Park included with every ticket it’s sure to be a great weekend with something for everyone!
