The main misconception about Slam Dunk Festival is that it’s just solely about showcasing pop punk bands, when in fact they’ve featured a stage dedicated to metalcore and hardcore since 2009. Their annual collaboration with Impericon means you get to see some of the biggest names in the heavier genres, as well as the up-and-comers. Here’s everything you need to know about this year’s Impericon Stage lineup… Every Time I Die Hardcore five-piece Every Time I Die are back and headlining the stage for a second time since their debut appearance in 2012. 2018 marks the band’s 20th anniversary, and what better way to celebrate than with another headlining slot? To mark the occasion, even bigger things can be expected from this band who are known for their already intense live shows. Their Slam Dunk appearance follows on from supporting Motionless In White on their North American tour where some dates had to be cancelled due to weather issues. Therefore the band’s anticipation must be high for these outdoor summer shows, and that can only lead to more chaotic performances. Northlane Slam Dunk also welcomes back Australian metalcore giants Northlane, who made their previous appearance in 2016. The release of their live album Analogue Future on 16th March (which was recorded over the course of their world tour last year) stands as solid proof that this is not to be missed; as the crowds’ reactions ring loud and clear. If that isn’t enough, those who attended the Leeds and Birmingham dates in November will be able to testify Hatfield is in for a fucking huge ride. Comeback Kid Hardcore quintet Comeback Kid have been busy since their last Slam Dunk show three years ago, releasing their seventh album Outsider towards the end of 2017. Outsider received critical acclaim, with Noizze rating it a 9/10. Having just recently toured the UK with headliners Every Time I Die, Comeback Kid are bound to blow you away. With 18 years’ worth of material under their belts, the main things to expect from the Canadians’ set is energy, mayhem and a potential Donald Trump rant. Crown The Empire Crown The Empire made a huge name for themselves in 2012 with the release of their debut album The Fallout. They easily became one of the most well-known metalcore bands on the scene and haven’t stopped. Having recently changed their lineup due to the departure of guitarist and vocalist David Escamilla, it’ll be interesting to see how Crown The Empire will work around their older material with just one vocalist. But with Andy Leo and his powerful voice showing no signs of going anywhere while accompanied by CTE’s big riffs, it’ll still be one hell of a show. Counterparts Absolutely knocking any other hardcore release of 2017 straight out of the water with their fifth full-length You’re Not You Anymore, Counterparts are particularly well anticipated on the lineup. With this album still fresh to the UK’s ears get prepared for one of the roughest sets of the weekend. Counterparts have perfected the mix of melodic guitar riffs, heavy driving drums, and roaring vocals that are definitely going to be mental to scream along to. Expect big pits and even bigger hooks. The Devil Wears Parada 2018 for The Devil Wears Prada so far has been full of touring, including supporting A Day To Remember across America, as well as playing California’s Self-Help Festival. This means you can expect a well-polished and refined set as they’ll have their live appearance mastered. The band recently released fundraiser t-shirts, with 100% of the profits given directly to March For Our Lives, a charity set up following the Parkland shooting on 14th February. There are a hundred reasons why you should support The Devil Wears Prada and check out their set over the weekend, and this is just one. Astroid Boys Now we all love a bit of Astroid Boys, and what a way to mix up the lineup by throwing a bit of punk-meets-grime in there. The Welsh lads are bringing a new element of alternative music to Slam Dunk as their use of rap combined with hardcore breakdowns invite a varied crowd and will keep you on your toes. Boasting a portfolio of supporting slots beside Enter Shikari, Hollywood Undead, and even Ice-T’s band Body Count, they’ve been kicking up a fuss you can’t ignore, and are guaranteed to put on one of the most engaging and fun shows of the whole weekend. Bruality Will Prevail Also reigning from Wales are Slam Dunk newcomers Brutality Will Prevail. Set to be the heaviest band on the stage, the hardcore five-piece are ready to show the three cities why you should get down early. With the release of their fifth album In Dark Places in 2017 and a change in lineup that’s brought on their new and far heavier sound, there’s no doubt they’ll bring the roof down. LOATHE Liverpudlian metal band Loathe are also making their debut appearance at the festival after forming in 2014. Loathe intertwine elements of heavy metal and metalcore while describing their genre as “conceptual”. They’re causing an uproar in their local scene and have just released a split EP This Is As One with label brothers Holding Absence. The two bands are currently touring together across Europe. Loathe are definitely on the rise, and this is your chance to see it happen. For the full lineup, visit: www.slamdunkmusic.com To buy tickets for any of the venues, visit: www.slamdunkmusic.com/tickets
