Sonisphere Festival 2011 – line-up top 10 must sees.

Posted on 10 June 2011
By Tina Bass, Lara Leon-Cullen
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The countdown to the rock n metal festival of the summer continues as we start to get our metal on and prepare for Sonisphere 2011.

Sonisphere is a travelling festival that takes place in various locations across Europe, it’s UK home being the mighty Knebworth. Since its 2009 debut Sonisphere UK has been getting bigger and better with each year.

This year’s line-up is incredibly diverse – from thrash metal to pop punk to comedy – and everything in between. Here’s Purple Revolver’s run down of the acts that are not to be missed.

The Big Four

Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth and Anthrax are known as ‘the big four’ of thrash metal. Last year saw them share the same stage for the first time ever in several dates across Europe and this year, they’re bringing this massive event to the UK for Sonisphere’s opening night. Highly anticipated amongst metalheads, an incredibly memorable and almost historical performance is guaranteed.

Biffy Clyro

With the debate still raging on as to whether The Biff are going soft, there is no doubt that they are still one of the best live bands. This is their Sonisphere debut and their first major festival headlining slot. Biffy Clyro’s fantastic five album back catalogue will provide a diverse set to please fans both old and new.

The Virginmarys

After extensive touring with the likes of Skunk Anansie and Slash, The Virginmarys have built themselves a dedicated fanbase. They have a strong set of fast-paced, gritty songs and their live performances are delivered with masses of enthusiasm. Make a point of catching these guys on the Jagermeister stage on Saturday and you won’t be left disappointed.

Slipknot

Headlining the Sunday evening of Sonisphere, this will be their first UK show since the death of bassist Paul Gray. Slipknot’s live shows are a force to be reckoned with. Corey Taylor is an ebullient front-man; he knows exactly how to work the crowd and who could forget Joey’s infamous spinning drum-kit.

Richard Cheese and Lounge Against The Machine

If it’s comedy in the form of music you’re after then look no further than Richard Cheese. He takes well known popular songs and performs them in a swing/jazz style. His back catalogue includes System Of A Down’s Chop Suey, Disturbed’s Down With The Sickness and Nirvana’s Rape Me.

Blood Red Shoes

Named as one of the UK’s best live acts the sound created by this duo is incredible. Their live performances are raw and intense. From the raucousness of Light It Up and It’s Boring By The Sea to the more fragile When We Wake, Blood Red Shoes are one to watch.

Alestorm

If you’ve never heard pirate metal before then Alestorm are not to be missed. Their live shows are rowdy singalongs with drinking aplenty. Let curiosity get the better of you and join the masses with songs about wenches, mead and the high seas.

Rolo Tomassi

When this Sheffield based band’s ever polite pint-sized front-woman Eva Spence takes to the stage the last thing you expect to come out of her mouth when the music begins is visceral screamo. Describing themselves as ‘progressive hardcore’, their live shows are energetic and intense.

Gojira

Typified as ‘extreme metal’, Gojira know how to pack a punch. Defined by a progressive and technical musical structure, Duplantier’s impressively diverse vocals really make this band stand out. With four studio albums and their fifth on the way they will surely deliver a fantastic varied set.

While She Sleeps

Sheffield based While She Sleeps have started making big waves on the metal scene. After recent tours with the likes of Sylosis and Bring Me The Horizon and a massively successful appearance at this year’s Slam Dunk festival, the band are destined for big things. Their live shows are packed with energy and front-man Lawrence Taylor is fascinating to watch. They were a surprise hit at last year’s Sonisphere and they will no doubt build on that success when they return this summer.

So there’s our musical top ten. Of course, Sonisphere isn’t just about the music. Boasting its biggest comedy line-up to date, if you fancy something a little different, notable acts to keep an eye out for are Brendon Burns and Sean Hughes.

Hailing from Australia, Brendon delivers an aggressive and confrontational routine and is perhaps most famously known for giving out magic mushrooms to an audience at Glastonbury Festival.

For those who were teens back in the early 90’s you may remember Sean Hughes from his Channel 4 program Sean’s Show and his stint as a team captain on Never Mind The Buzzcocks. His comedic style is dark and vitriolic but also incredibly intelligent.

With all this and so much more over the weekend, it’s clear that Sonisphere have truly upped the stakes this year. Unbelievably there are still some ticket packages available here http://uk.sonispherefestivals.com/buy-tickets/. What are you waiting for?

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