Nobody does a dramatic exit quite like Creeper, and nobody does escapism within a world of music and commitment to a theme quite like them either. The latest slice of musical delight from Southampton’s finest is 'Sanguivore', which takes listeners by the hand and, with two fangs on the neck, into the dark, alluring and bloody world of vampire lore.

We caught up with Epica guitarist Isaac Delahaye ahead of their set at Download Festival, to discuss their recent shows with Metallica, their appearance at the mighty Donington and what's next for the symphonic metal sextet.

Reflecting on her Download debut, you couldn’t take the smile of Mimi Barks’ face with an angle grinder. She’s full of smiles, happy energy and a much calmer, more toned down version of the performer who didn’t just star on the Dogtooth, she owned it. We caught up at Download to discuss her festival performance, 'DEADGIRL' mixtape and more.

Bambie Thug says that performing live is like therapy for them. It provides a much needed release from the pent-up emotions, frustrations and anger of life, feelings they keep to themselves until they explode on stage in a musical display of cross-genre mashups. We caught up at Download Festival to discuss their songwriting and lyrics, their live collaboration with Mimi Barks and more.

Punk Rock Factory were never meant to be play at Download Festival. In fact, they were never even meant to play anywhere live, reveals drummer Andrew 'Kob' Robinson. The band, who take all your favourite show tunes, Disney movie themes and well known bangers, and dip them in the well of sugar sweet pop-punk, were only a lockdown escape from the chaos of the pandemic. But now, they are making a living touring the world and playing to a sea of fists in the air as far as the eye can see.

“Yesterday I started losing my voice a little but I got through it,” Taylor Acorn beams through a massive smile and pearly white teeth. Her joy at making not only her Download Festival debut, but her first ever appearance in the UK, is undeniable. She’s buzzing, electric and still full of adrenaline as she sits down with Bring The Noise UK behind the Kerrang! Avalanche Stage at Download.

Spearheading the next generation of arena rock with ass-booting, meaty riffs, thundering drums and more charisma than Elton John on steroids, The Warning are a band who are definitely keeping it in the family. We caught up with two thirds of Mexican rock band backstage at Download, as drummer Paulina ‘Pau’ and bassist Alejandra ‘Ale’ Villareal sat down with us to chew the fat, spill the tea and reflect on a bone-rattling mega set which opened the Opus Stage on Friday at the festival.

As Download drew to a close, we were ready for one last packed day of musical delights.

We were back again for another packed day at Donington and our second Metallica set of the weekend!

Day two of Download provided more sunshine, music and great times for attendees.