10 Hard Rock & Heavy Metal Bands That WILL Headline Download Festival

4. Carpenter Brut

Tipping the spear of the synthwave onslaught that only continues to gather momentum, Carpenter Brut - after being introduced to millions of gamers on the Hotline Miami 2 soundtrack - went straight to a headline slot on the third stage of France's Download Festival in 2017.

Technically yes, that takes them off this list - but let's be honest, we're talking about the biggest stage of them all. Plus, you haven't experienced a full-on sonic assault of beats, rhythm, brain-frazzling bass tones and neck-straining drops until you've seen Carpenter Brut on the loudest sound equipment possible.

Synthwave as a genre just has so much to offer a festival like Download. Many will remember the controversial choice of Chase & Status supporting Prodigy in 2012, yet what booker Andy Copping was going for, resides entirely in Carpenter Brut. Over time I imagine you'll see Download embrace synthwave, likely dedicating a specific tent or string of acts to the likes of Brut, Perturbator, Dance with the Dead and more - all prepping the crowds for eventual main stage domination.