It feels like a lifetime since Sonisphere Festival opened the floodgates of Knebworth Park to thousands of inebriated black-clad metal and rock fans. Their last UK blowout took place in 2011, instantly gaining worship for its blistering line-up and set of unique selling points. It easily rivalled, if not surpassed all of the competition that year, with headlining sets from thrash metal's Big Four, Biffy Clyro and Slipknot. It was - to say the least - legendary. But in 2012, it was axed due to the weak economy and a spout of bad luck that plagued the fest, forcing it to take a further year out of the picture in 2013. This handed the rock 'n' roll baton back over to Download and Leeds and Reading, who have owned the market for two years, producing stellar (yet risk free) line-ups that raked in tonnes of cash. In 2014, Sonisphere is back, but it's hasn't returned quietly. Instead, it's pounced back into action with Metallica, Iron Maiden and The Prodigy at the top of the bill. After only a few announcements and a large chunk of the main spaces covered, it's already looking like it'll be the mac-daddy festival of choice for all inclined towards the heavier side of life. Here are 10 reasons why:
