DOWNLOAD FESTIVAL 2025 is but a distant memory but we wanted to bring it back to life for you lovely metal monsters who might have attended by playing the interviews that our roving reported MARTHA FITZPATRICK did whilst onsite over the weekend. You’ll see a short bio below of each of the bands that she caught up with, followed by an audio file, simply hit ‘play’ on it to hear how she got on.
WITHIN TEMPTATION
Within Temptation, the Dutch symphonic metal powerhouse, delivered a theatrical and emotionally charged set at Download Festival 2025. Fronted by the charismatic Sharon den Adel, the band has spent nearly three decades refining their grand, cinematic sound, blending soaring melodies with powerful riffs. Their performance at Donington Park showcased their evolution, featuring anthems like Bleed Out and Paradise (What About Us), alongside their signature operatic flourishes. With a history of pushing boundaries and championing social causes, Within Temptation continues to prove why they remain one of the most compelling forces in modern metal.
BEX
BEX is a UK-based grime and alternative rock artist known for blending raw energy with genre-defying soundscapes. Their music fuses grime, punk, and electronic elements, creating a distinct sonic identity that resonates with fans of boundary-pushing artistry. BEX recently took the stage at Download Festival 2025, delivering a high-intensity performance that showcased their dynamic presence and fearless approach to live music. With a growing reputation for electrifying shows and a unique fusion of styles, BEX is carving out a space as one of the most exciting acts in the UK underground scene.
UNPEOPLE
Unpeople are a rising alternative rock quartet from the UK, featuring frontman and guitarist Jake Crawford, guitarist Luke Caley, bassist Meg Mash, and drummer Richard Rayner. Known for their high-energy performances and genre-blending sound, they’ve quickly gained traction, earning a nomination for Best UK Breakthrough Artist at the 2024 Heavy Music Awards. Fresh off a UK and European tour supporting VUKOVI, Unpeople made waves at Download Festival 2025, bringing their signature intensity to Donington Park. With a debut headline show on the horizon and festival appearances lined up, they’re proving to be a band to watch.
THE MEFFS
The Meffs are a high-energy punk duo from the UK, known for their raw, politically charged lyrics and explosive live performances. Comprising Lily on vocals/guitar and Lewis on drums, they deliver a fierce, no-nonsense sound that channels the urgency of classic punk with a modern edge. Their set at Download Festival 2025 was a riotous display of intensity, packed with blistering riffs and socially conscious anthems. With a growing reputation for electrifying shows and a DIY ethos, The Meffs are carving out a space as one of the most exciting punk acts in the UK underground scene.
THE FUNERAL PORTRAIT
The Funeral Portrait is a theatrical rock band blending emo, post-hardcore, and alternative influences into a dramatic, high-energy sound. Known for their cinematic storytelling and emotionally charged performances, they bring a unique theatrical edge to the modern rock scene. Their set at Download Festival 2025 showcased their dynamic stage presence, delivering anthems packed with soaring melodies and raw intensity. With a growing fanbase and a reputation for immersive live shows, The Funeral Portrait continues to carve out a distinct space in alternative music.
That’s it for interviews, we hope that you had a blast hearing about each of the acts that we chatted to and we will be back in 2026 for much more of the same.
A massive thank you to the DOWNLOAD team, especially the onsite people from LD Communications, without them, none of this would have happened so THANK YOU!
All interviews by MARTHA FITZPATRICK