The Download Lowdown

Riff Association: Part 2

Riff Association is back for Part 2, and things are getting even more ridiculous. This time Sam gives his answers on quick-fire riff riddles, impossible choices, and the challenge of finding the perfect riff for life's most random situations. From awkward social encounters and festival disasters to everyday frustrations and moments of pure triumph, join us as Sam digs deep into his memory for the perfect riffs that best capture everyday chaos. Expect bigger debates, more questionable answers, and plenty of laughs as we continue to prove that every situation in life can be summed up by a great riff. Think you can do better? Play along and see if your riff choices match ours as Riff Association rolls on. You can catch Luke's top Riff Association answers in Riff Association Part 1.

The Download Lowdown

It was a weekend packed with riffs, pits, unforgettable performances, and plenty of controversy. Join us as we look back on Download Festival 2026 and break down everything that made this year's event one to remember. From headline sets by Limp Bizkit, Guns N' Roses, and Linkin Park to the breakout performances that stole the show, we share our favourite moments, biggest surprises, and the bands we wish we could go back and watch all over again. We also dive into the stories that had everyone talking — from near record-breaking attendance figures, the infamous ferris wheel incident, to the stricter-than-ever security measures that divided opinion across the festival. And with another Download now in the history books, attention turns to 2027. Who could headline? Which bands are ready to make the leap to the top of the bill? Join us as we relive an incredible weekend and start looking ahead to the next chapter of the UK's biggest rock and metal festival

Riff Association: Part 1

Welcome to Riff Association: Part 1. In this new quick-fire episode, we put our knowledge of top riffs to the test by matching our favourites to riffs to everyday situations, random scenarios, and ridiculous questions. What riff best describes getting stuck at work, or realising somebody else has eaten your lunch? Which riff captures that Friday beer feeling? And what plays in your head when you check your bank account after buying those tour tickets? No scenario is off limits. Expect plenty of laughs, some heated debates, and a lot of great riffs as we try to prove that there's a perfect riff for literally every moment. Let us know if you agree with our quick-fire choices.

Our dream festival headliners

What makes the perfect festival line-up? In this episode, we build our ultimate festival bill made up of our dream headliners - alive or dead - and the opening acts we'd choose to kick off the each day of the biggest weekend in rock and metal. From stadium-filling legends to rising stars ready for their breakthrough, we debate who deserves the top spot and which bands would set the tone from the very first note. Expect big picks, controversial choices, and plenty of discussion about what makes a truly unforgettable festival show. Whether you're a fan of classic metal, modern heavyweights, or the next generation of bands, this episode is packed with hopes and dreams, nostalgia, and enough metal talk to get you pumped for your next live show.

Guilty Pleasures

Every metalhead has them. Those bands, songs, or albums they secretly love but would never admit to it. In this episode, we reveal some of our heavy metal guilty pleasures and dive into the tracks that somehow found their way onto our playlists. From unexpected pop influences to cheesy anthems and controversial favourites, nothing is off limits. Expect laughs, questionable music tastes, and a reminder that sometimes a great song is just a great song no matter how un-metal it might seem. Sam also gives his hot take on Australian metalers Speed's recent UK run.