Bust out the ol’ school uniforms and flat caps - after 19 years, Donnington will again be graced heavyweight headliners AC/DC. With a stage all their own, Friday June 11th is set to make history. ‘Back in Black’ is timeless – never failing to set  theatmospheres of many a drunken, messy night.

2. Holy Grail – 'Fight to Kill'

Loaded with mammoth riffs and vocals wild enough to pop your brain. These guys ooze a crisp NWOBHM sound; apt for this year’s hair-fest.

3. Them Crooked Vultures – 'Elephants'

There’s no denying the essence of style and attitude this super-group exude, and ‘Elephants’ is a sure example of how effortlessly Homme et al have exceeded expectations.

4. Year Long Disaster – 'Show Me Your Teeth'

Offering a sound which is pretty much the epitome of cool, this LA trio will make their debut at Download. There’s nothing like a dose of groove-laced rock ‘n’ roll on a Friday.  This track is nigh-on impossible to resist.

5. Anathema – 'Fragile Dreams'

Bringing a welcome break of ambience to Download, Anathema is set to play the Dio stage on Friday. With an immense new release, this performance is sure to be a highlight of the weekend. Tracks like this reiterate why this band maintains such a loyal fan-base.

6.  Michael Monroe – 'Dead, Jail Or Rock ‘N' Roll'

Promising an assortment of tunes from the days of Hanoi Rocks and Demolition 23 – Michael Monroe, backed by a stunning line-up is sure to bring a hint of glamour and turn Donnington into an all-singing-all-dancing funfest. Dead, Jail or Rock ‘N’ Roll is a fine representation of what he and his glam pals are capable of – pure cheddar and glamour.

7. Job For A Cowboy – 'Entombment of a Machine'

This will be JFAC’s third visit to Donnington and bringing their brutal, tight fusion of death metal and grindcore – they’re a much needed addition to the eclectic mix of this year’s festival.

8. Five Finger Death Punch - 'The Way of the Fist'

Loud, tonk and lary – this band know how to rile a crowd. With catchy, crowd-pleasing tunes aplenty – FFDP will undoubtedly be visiting Donnington for a while to come.    

9. Cancer Bats – 'Lucifer’s Rocking Chair'

Somehow Cancer Bats have managed to blend all manner of genres into their brand of raucous; ‘Lucifer’s Rocking Chair’ show’s Cancer Bats at their most Southern and sludgy.     

10. Lamb of God – 'Redneck'

Nobody does it quite like LOG, let’s face it - flawless and groove-fuelled. After their stunning performance at Download 07’, let’s hope this year exceeds    .

11. Deftones – 'Rocket Skates'

One of the heavier tracks from their latest release - ‘Diamond Eyes’; ‘Rocket Skates’ boasts impeccable vocals and superb riff’s. After ploughing through a ruthless, troubling year – Deftones have truly managed to accomplish something great with this album – it will be a treat to see how this comes across live.

12. Rage Against the Machine – 'Sleep Now in the Fire'

After a marvellous comeback, Rage are all set for headlining Saturday’s main stage. Let’s hope they have enough energy left after their Finsbury Park freebie. Expect limbs flaying and bodies leaping to RATM’s anthemic, adrenaline-pumped 90 minute slot.

13. The Urban Voodoo Machine – 'Love Song #666'

Self-professed “Bourbon soaked Gypsy Bop N Strollers” Urban Voodoo Machine are a band full of quirk and substance. Armed with jaunty tunes, transpiring as stories of lament and cheekiness; Urban Voodoo Machine are well worth checking out at this year’s festival.

14. Napalm Death – 'Scum'

Just long enough for a much needed grind. ‘Scum’ will always be a track that shows the revolutionary sound of Napalm. Their slot on Sunday is bound to prove why they’re still excelling after all these years.

15. The Dillinger Escape Plan – 'Farewell, Mona Lisa'

It would be pure heresy for anyone to slip Dillinger from their Download programme this year. With a simply astounding release early this year, to miss the opportunity of experiencing new material as well as tracks like ‘Farewell...’ would be quite frankly, shameful.

16. Porcupine Tree – 'Blackest Eyes'

Purveyors of atmospheric, staggering musical ambience; Porcupine Tree stunned fans yet again with the release of ‘The Incident’, let’s hope their Download set captures the sheer beauty of a UK gem.
 
17. Slash feat Ian Astbury & Izzy Stradlin – 'Ghost'

Giant riffs and opening vocals from The Cult’s, Ian Astbury – what more could you want as the UK’s biggest Rock festival draws near to an end.

18. Aerosmith – 'Dude (looks like a lady)'

Closing this year’s Download is Steve Tyler & co and they’ll undoubtedly seal the festival and encourage one last drunken head-bash before the weekend comes to a greasy end, and sweat-drenched metal heads turn their heals homebound.