Saturday In Photos At Download Festival XXII

As Download XXII roared into its second full day, Saturday continued the weekend’s adrenaline-fuelled ride with genre-defying performances and unexpected highlights spanning metal, prog, and punk. From blistering headline sets to electrifying surprise slots on the Opus and Dogtooth stages, Donington Park was soaked in diversity, volume and simply glorious sunshine! Whether fans were moshing to tech death, singing along to ’90s rock anthems, or discovering tomorrow’s stars, Saturday proved Download remains a festival that dares to push boundaries—and still delivers headbanging mayhem at every turn.

11:45: Lastelle Deliver Post-Hardcore Brilliance on Dogtooth Stage

Early on Saturday at the Dogtooth Stage, Lastelle transformed mid-morning calm into a landscape of raw emotion and sonic intensity. An atmospheric beginning was soon shattered by bassist Freddie Whatmore’s plaintive trumpet lines, setting the stage for an unforgettable performance.

As the Oxford quartet of post-hardcore maestros launched into widescreen anthems like Bitter Seeds and Life In Silhouettes, the energy surged. Vocal interplay between Freddie and frontman Adam Rigozzi added compelling drama—at times frantic, at times mournful—captivating the early crowd. Highlighting the connection, Rigozzi paused before closer “Breathe Me In” to acknowledge those already singing along: “Some of you might not know who Lastelle are, but I see some of you singing along, and it means the world to us.”

In just twenty minutes, Lastelle left a powerful impression—melding profound emotional depth, fearless soundscapes, and a commanding stage presence. Download XXII may not have known it yet, but the Dogtooth’s early highlight had just exploded into life.

12:05: Shred The Alarm: Sophie Lloyd Ignites The Opus Stage

Sophie Lloyd brought pure guitar hero energy to the Opus Stage, tearing through a set that balanced technical prowess with anthemic rock flair. Opening with the searing instrumental Battleground, she set the tone with blazing solos and cinematic drama.

“Hello Download!” Lloyd screamed. “Thank you so much for pulling yourselves out of your hangovers to be with us here early on this stage” the shred-queen gushed. “We are going to kick your Saturday off loud” And loudness is exactly what Lloyd and her troupe brought, seasoned well with simply mesmerising guitar licks.

Special guests helped turn her set into a collaborative highlight of the day. Marisa Rodriguez, frontwoman of rising alt-rock outfit Marisa And The Moths, lent her powerhouse vocals to Won’t You Come, delivering grit and melody in equal measure. Nathan James of Inglorious joined for a trio of explosive performances: Let It Hurt, Fall Of Man, and the thunderous closer Do Or Die (alongside Rodriguez once again), his vocals a perfect match for Lloyd’s guitar fireworks.

A surprise cover of Metallica’s menacing hit Enter Sandman brought the crowd into full metal unity, showcasing Lloyd’s reverence for the greats while putting her own electrifying spin on it. This was Lloyd’s signature “shred version” of the Metallica cut, the type of guitar cover shared via socials that had made Sophie Lloyd’s name in the guitar world, allowing her to go on and produce her debut LP of original material—2023’s Imposter Syndrome. Simply delicious.

Slick, cinematic, and filled with guitar hero theatrics and a side of on-stage flame-throwing. With commanding stage presence and shredding that never overshadows the song, Sophie Lloyd’s Download Festival debut was a triumph — a showcase of talent, vision, and the power of rock collaboration.

13:20: Zetra Cast a Synth-Goth Spell on the Dogtooth Stage

At 13:20 on Saturday, Zetra took to the Dogtooth Stage and immediately swallowed Donington Park in waves of dark, cinematic atmosphere. The London-based synth-rock duo—Adam Saunderson and Jordan Page—delivered a performance steeped in gothic majesty and 80s synth sheen, manifesting their cinematic vision live.

Draped in corpse-paint and chains, the pair opened with brooding, staccato synth lines that built tension before exploding into metallic guitar swells. The haunting vocals—gender-ambiguous and drenched in reverb—echoed across the field, blending haunting melody with industrial grit. Each song felt like a vignette from a dystopian noir score, with choreography as precise as the music’s punch.

Despite their minimal lineup, Zetra’s sound was vast. Their live presence carried the weight of their eponymous debut album, yet they added improvisational flourishes—extended synth breaks and molten guitar solos—that felt fresh and unpredictable. The crowd responded in kind, entranced by the duo’s immersive world-building.

In just a 40-minute slot, Zetra proved they aren’t just a studio curiosity—they’re a live force. Their Download XXII set felt like a gateway into gothic synth-rock’s next chapter: dark, bold, and unmistakably atmospheric.

13:50: Currents Drown the Opus Stage in Emotion and Intensity

Currents brought their brand of melodic metalcore to the Opus Stage at Download XXII with a set that was both punishing and poignant. Frontman Brian Wille’s anguished vocals tore through the opening salvo—Living In Tragedy and Beyond This Road—instantly gripping the audience and setting the tone for a cathartic ride.

The band navigated deeper emotional waters with The Death We Seek and Into Despair, layering atmospheric guitar swells and crushing breakdowns beneath introspective lyricism. These moments of vulnerability amplified the energy when they hit harder with A Flag To Wave, Monsters, and Kill The Ache, pushing the crowd into tight, synchronised pits.

Slowing the pace with Apnea allowed the audience to catch their breath—and then Currents launched straight into Better Days, delivering a powerful crescendo that left no doubt they had made their mark.

Tight, impassioned, and emotionally heavy, Currents transformed their Opus slot into a memorable highlight of the weekend—proof that Download can deliver genuine grit alongside its grandeur.

14:35: LØLØ Lights Up the Avalanche Stage with Emo Pop Pizzazz

LØLØ delivered a sharp, emotional knockout on the Avalanche Stage at Download XXII, bringing her brand of emo-tinged pop-punk to a crowd ready for catharsis. From the moment she stepped onstage, her presence was electric—confident, conversational, and dripping with attitude.

Opening with fan favourite alone, LØLØ instantly connected, her lyricisms hitting hard between melodic choruses. Tracks like THE FLOOR IS LAVA!! and debbie downer showcased her genre-bending versatility—tears one moment, energetic guitar-leaning defiance the next. Her voice—rich, expressive, slightly raspy—soared through every breakdown and emotional pivot.

Yet it wasn’t all heartache. Wry quips and self-deprecating humour sprinkled the set, delivering perfect balance to emotionally heavy lyrics. The closing don’t left jaws dropped: stripped-back guitar and vocals revealed a raw fragility that contrasted beautifully with the previous energy.

In a festival packed with heaviness and grandeur, LØLØ’s intimate, heartfelt set was a breath of fresh, confessional air—and a prime example of how emo-pop can cut deep without drowning in its own tears.

14:55: AWOLNATION Commandeer the Opus Stage with Electrifying Alt-Industrial Anarchy

AWOLNATION stormed the Opus Stage with a set that felt like a sedan turned missile—explosive, unpredictable, and damn fun. Frontman Aaron Bruno donning a Paula Abdul t-shirt led the charge with a wild-eyed presence, tearing through a genre-smashing set that touched on alt-rock, electro-industrial, and synth-pop.

From the glitchy euphoria of Run to the punchy drive of Hollow Moon (Bad Wolf), each track struck with clinical precision and chaotic spirit. The crowd roared along to Kill Your Heroes, while Woman Woman and Jump On My Shoulders gave off big, anthemic energy that filled the Opus arena.

But it was the closer, Sail, that delivered the ultimate release. The slow-burn electro anthem that launched the band into the stratosphere hit even harder live—moody, cathartic, and massive. A wall of sound met a sea of voices, and the whole tent seemed to swell with that iconic chorus. A perfect, stormy exclamation mark on one of Saturday’s standout sets.

15:30: Palaye Royale Bring Glam Chaos and Rock Theatre to the Apex Stage

Palaye Royale turned the Apex Stage into their own twisted circus at Download XXII, bringing unrelenting glam-punk energy and a theatrical swagger that stood out even among the heavyweights of the day.

Opening with the brooding Nightmares, the Las Vegas-born trio quickly ramped up the chaos with Death Or Glory and the Bowie-meets-MCR flair of Hang On To Yourself. Frontman Remington Leith, ever the ringmaster, howled and writhed with pure conviction, drawing the crowd deeper into their distorted world.

A surprise highlight came with a spiky, swaggering cover of The Doors’ People Are Strange, dripping in sleaze and spectacle. Showbiz and No Love In LA kept the tempo erratic and intoxicating, blurring the lines between fashion show and punk gig.

They tore through Addicted To The Wicked & Twisted and Little Bastards with riotous abandon before unleashing Fucking With My Head — a title that perfectly captured the glorious sensory overload of their performance.

Fan-favourite You’ll Be Fine turned the field into a mass singalong, while Mr. Doctor Man and the climactic For You closed the set with dramatic flair and a burst of confetti-drenched emotion.

Equal parts eyeliner, grit and raw rock energy, Palaye Royale didn’t just play Download — they turned it into their catwalk of chaos.

16:25: Smash Into Pieces Electrify the Avalanche Stage with Arena-Sized Anthems

Swedish alt-rock powerhouse Smash Into Pieces brought their cinematic, high-octane sound to the Avalanche Stage, delivering a set brimming with electronic flair, fist-pumping choruses, and superhero energy. Opening with the pulsating “Flow”, frontman Chris Adam Hedman Sörbye immediately had the crowd in the palm of his hand. Decked in their signature post-apocalyptic aesthetic and accompanied by their masked drummer The Apocalypse DJ, the band radiated confidence and showmanship.

Their viral smash Let Me Be Your Superhero had the tent bouncing with unfiltered joy, its superhero mantra tailor-made for a festival singalong. From the anthemic Boomerang to the soaring Heroes Are Calling, the group’s sleek blend of modern rock and synth-driven theatrics proved both polished and deeply infectious.

All Eyes On You and Forever Alone brought a darker emotional edge, while Hurricane built a tidal wave of sound that culminated in the thunderous set-closer Six Feet Under, leaving the crowd begging for more.

17:05: Eagles Of Death Metal Bring Swagger, Soul & Classic Covers to the Opus Stage

Eagles Of Death Metal turned the Opus Stage into their own rock’n’roll dive bar at Download XXII, delivering a set full of swagger, singalongs, and a couple of perfectly placed surprises. Jesse Hughes and co. kicked things off with their signature smirk and sizzle, blasting through fan favourites like I Only Want You, Don’t Speak (I Came to Make a Bang!), and Cherry Cola, all delivered with the band’s trademark desert-rock snarl and shameless charm.

Midway through the set, the band pulled out a heartfelt and unexpected moment with a dreamy cover of Duran Duran’s Save A Prayer, which had the crowd swaying in unison, lighters (and phones) in the air. Later, they doubled down on the nostalgia with a blistering version of David Bowie’s Moonage Daydream, proving they can honour the greats while keeping it totally EoDM.

Closing with high-energy anthems like I Want You So Hard (Boy’s Bad News) and Speaking In Tongues, the band turned the tent into a chaotic celebration. Their blend of sleaze, soul, and sincerity was a perfect fit for Download’s eclectic spirit—and a reminder that rock’n’roll, when done this playfully and passionately, never goes out of style.

17:20: Twin Atlantic Ignite the Avalanche Stage with High-Octane Heart

Scottish rock powerhouse Twin Atlantic took command of the Avalanche Stage with a set that balanced fiery energy, emotional depth, and undeniable hooks. Their performance was a masterclass in anthemic rock, fuelled by razor-sharp guitars and stadium-ready choruses.

Kicking off with the punchy Salvation, the band immediately set the tone — bold, brash, and ready to fight. Crowd favourites like No Sleep and Hold On followed, each song showcasing their knack for building tension into cathartic release. Singalong chants filled the air as the band stormed through Get Out and Free, each moment stronger than the last.

World Class Entertainment ramped up with slick post-punk swagger, while The Chaser had the crowd leaning in, fists raised, and eyes locked on frontman Sam McTrusty’s charismatic presence. The set closed on a soaring note with Heart And Soul, its passionate chorus and driving rhythm offering a triumphant finale that left the crowd on a high.

Tight, passionate, and absolutely unrelenting, Twin Atlantic’s Download set proved their place as rock’s emotional juggernauts — fiery, anthemic, and impossible to ignore.

18:20: Shinedown Dominate the Apex Stage with Electrifying Anthems

Shinedown tore into the Apex Stage with a formidable mix of hard rock power and emotional resonance, delivering a Setlist perfectly tailored for the Download audience. They ignited the crowd with Cut The Cord, its thunderous riff instantly shaking the tent’s foundations. From there, hit after hard-hitting hit flowed — the sonic grit of Dance, Kid, Dance and the aggressive chorus of Devour kept the energy relentless. When the band softened into If You Only Knew, frontman Brent Smith displayed his vocal range, turning introspection into stadium-sized connection.

Returning to intensity with Devil, Three Six Five, and Enemies, Shinedown balanced dark mood with melody before shifting gears once again on the emotionally raw A Symptom Of Being Human. Newer track Planet Zero struck hard, leavened by catchy hooks that drew crowd participation throughout.

They tipped their hats to their explosive past with Diamond Eyes (Boom-Lay Boom-Lay Boom), then surged forward with Monsters, touching on personal strength and solidarity. Before the crowd could catch its breath, the pulsating groove of Sound Of Madness and driving anthem Second Chance closed a landmark set with fists pumped skyward.

19:35: Sex Pistols Featuring Frank Carter Storm Opus Stage Amid Punk Chaos

In a seismic collision of punk icons, Sex Pistols, featuring Rattlesnakes man Frank Carter guesting on vocals, took the Opus Stage by storm, delivering a fiery set that was as chaotic as it was cathartic. They opened hard with Holidays In The Sun, sending the crowd into a frenzy, then barrelled through Seventeen and New York with raw, anarchic energy. When Pretty Vacant began, Carter himself leapt into the crowd—but the track was abruptly halted by a serious crowd emergency. True to punk spirit, the band dropped it for a second run—even after Carter stopped it once more to check in on fan welfare—showing that even punk legends respect safety in chaos.

They pressed on with Bodies, Silly Thing, Liar and a riotous God Save The Queen, the latter delivered with agit-prop gravitas that still resonates decades on. Submission and Satellite blasted through with tight aggression, feeding the energy from the pit directly back into the band.

A nod to their punk forebears came with a frenzied cover of The Stooges’  cut No Fun, keeping things viciously punk. The band hit hardest with Problems, E.M.I. and their iconic cover of My Way, their cynical twist offering a grim wink to conformity.

They closed on a frenetic high with Anarchy In The U.K., leaving the crowd in a state of sonic euphoria—and safe, to boot. Despite the interruption, this collaboration of original Pistols Steve Jones, Paul Cook, Glen Matlock—and Frank Carter—showed that punk’s spirit endures: defiant, confrontational, and fiercely communal. Download witnessed punk’s living history—and what a riot it was.

20:30: Cradle Of Filth Unleash Gothic Fury on the Dogtooth Stage

Cradle Of Filth stormed the Dogtooth Stage with a set steeped in gothic grandeur, blackened intensity, and theatrical flair. They began with a chilling Intro, instantly cloaking the crowd in atmospheric darkness before launching into the sinister To Live Deliciously and the brooding The Forest Whispers My Name. From there, Dani Filth’s unmistakable shrieks soared above the band’s razor-sharp riffs and pounding drums, drawing the audience into a macabre ritual of sound.

She Is A Fire and Malignant Perfection combined melodic suspense with blistering metal ferocity, showcasing the band’s skill at melding beauty and brutality. The theatrical edge sharpened during Cruelty Brought Thee Orchids and White Hellebore, especially when keyboard accents and haunting chords reminded listeners why Cradle is the masters of dark ambiance.

Star moment Nymphetamine (Fix) delivered melodic hooks undergirded by gothic melancholy, sending the crowd into a mesmerised chant. The intensity ramped up with Death Magick For Adepts, brutal and relentless, before the band closed with a chilling rendition of Her Ghost In The Fog, its looming melodies drifting over the crowd like a haunted breeze.

With stagecraft as darkly cinematic as their music, Cradle Of Filth’s Download set was a full immersion into their blackened world—a performance that proved, once again, they remain one of extreme metal’s most atmospheric and wildly compelling forces.

Photography by Simon Reed / Musical Pictures.

Friday In Photos At Download Festival XXII