Bands To Watch Out For In 2023

Sleep Token

Since forming in 2016, this band has gone from strength to strength. Sleep Token is a four-piece progressive metal band that conceals their identity using masks and pseudonyms. This air of mystery has only added to their popularity and their fanbase has steadily grown. 

In May 2023, Sleep Token released their studio album Take Me Back To Eden; a full LP with an eclectic mix of metal breakdowns and enchanting piano segments. 

If you get the opportunity to witness this unique band during your festival adventures, you won’t be disappointed. 

Appearing at: 

• Download Festival
• Graspop Metal Meeting
• Full Force Festival
• Resurrection Fest
• Wacken OpenAir
• Reading & Leeds Festival

Ice Nine Kills

A band that truly knows how to put on a show. Not only do their songs tell tales of gruesome horrors, but their stage antics do too. Often brandishing masks and props, Ice Nine Kills don’t do things in halves! 

Their fifth studio album The Silver Scream released in 2018 was a big hit and reached top 5 in the US album charts. Featuring songs based on Nightmare On Elm Street, Friday the 13th and Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Ice Nine Kills truly sets themselves apart from other metalcore bands. 

Appearing at:

• Download Festival 
• Graspop Metal Meeting

Lorna Shore

Whilst this band seems to have blown up in 2023, they have actually been together since 2009. In 2020, Lorna Shore welcomed new singer Will Ramos to front the band and their fanbase has since skyrocketed. 

It’s easy to see why this band is so popular with the amazing vocal range of Will Ramos. Accompanied by their heavy deathcore breakdowns and prog-rock influences, the newfound success makes total sense for this quintet. 

Festivals are the perfect place to discover new music and bands that you have not heard of before. It will be hard to miss Lorna Shore if you’re passing their set at a festival this year. Whether you’re into Deathcore or not, we recommended checking them out just to witness the impressive force that is Lorna Shore on stage.

Appearing at: 

• Download Festival 
• HellFest 
• Graspop Metal Meeting
• Jera On Air Festival
• Knotfest Italy
• Roskilde Festival
• Provinssi Festival
• Tuska Open Air

Electric Callboy

Electric Callboy really knows how to bring the party atmosphere to the stage. This band has shot to fame over the last two years with their funky basslines, witty lyrics and wacky antics. These German rockers formed in 2010 and have since perfected their craft, with their highly anticipated latest album Tekkno reaching over 134 million streams. 

If you’re looking for a good time then Electric Callboy is one to watch. Be sure to check these guys out at the festivals listed below. We’re sure you won’t regret it! 

Appearing at: 

• Nova Rock Festival
• Download Festival 
• HellFest
• PinkPop Festival
• Full Force festival 
• Tuska Festival

Hot Milk

This dual-fronted pop-rock band has been making moves in the alternative music scene in 2022 and 2023. Their heavy guitar riffs and pop vocals paired with a punk attitude make this band one to watch! 

Originating from Manchester in 2018, Hot Milk have released several successful EPs and singles and with a debut album A Call To The Void releasing in August, now is a great time to check them out on the smaller festival stages. 

Appearing at: 

• Download Festival
• Pinkpop Festival
• Rock Werchter Festival
• TRNSMT Festival
• Reading & Leeds Festival

Knocked Loose 

If you’re looking for a band that you can headbang or mosh to then you’ll love Knocked Loose. This Kentucky 5-piece band mixes punk with metal to create a truly unique sound. Not only do the fans go hard, but so does vocalist Bryan Garris when he takes to the stage. Expect crowds of circle pits and stage diving when checking out this hardcore band. 

Appearing at: 

• Brutal Assault Festival
• Bloodstock OpenAir Festival
• Pukkelpop Festival
• Reading & Leeds Festival

We want to hear from you! What new bands will you be checking out during the 2023 festival season?