Well into their second decade as the premiere UK festival celebrating all things punk, Emo, alternative and even a influence of metal, Slam Dunk has emerged from it’s humble beginnings in 2006 going from a single stage in Leeds to a multi-day, multi-stage, international pilgrimage.
With their North and South editions taking on Leeds and Hetfield for a full weekend on May 27th and 28th, Slam Dunk is set to welcome a dynamic pool of artists, encompassing some of the very best in their respective genres.
Featuring the likes of The Offspring, Enter Shikari, Billy Talent, Underoath, Flogging Molly, Yellowcard, Creeper, Maggie Lindemann, Malevolence, We Came As Romans and so many more – the diversity of Slam Dunk speaks to not only their vision as organizers, but a suggests a healthy understanding of what the fans want/need to see.
In a continued effort to further broaden their reach as an international destination for alternative art and community, Slam Dunk has teamed with Knotfest for a special, designated stage on the festival footprint. Appropriately showcasing the heavier end of the spectrum billed on the fest, the stage touts a stacked bill of artists comprised of some of the UK's next superstars in the making, along with some veterans of the scene.
Ahead of the historic weekend in Hatfield and Leeds, Knotfest forecasts the artists primed to have standout showings for UK double-header. With the festival having long been sold out, the anticipation has been drawing out and has now hit an all-time high.
Here is a concise look at what to expect.
MALEVOLENCE
The metallic hardcore unit of Malevolence have been on a relentless tear since the 2022 arrival of arguably their best album to date, Malicious Intent. The band's rigorous touring itinerary has included a collection of international mainstage festival appearances and several standout supporting runs. However, at Slam Dunk, the Sheffield crew have rightfully earned top-billing and will no doubt drop the hammer in what promises to be an epic hometown affair. Expect a circle pit that swallows the festival floor.
HERIOT
The Birmingham unit's blistering amalgam of sludge heavy, riff savvy aggression has vaulted the band into the discussion as one the scene's best emerging bands. Their 2022 release Profound Mortality was hailed as a revival of golden era metalcore - further bolstered by the vocal attack of Debbie Gough whose range runs the gamut of metallic extremity. Somewhat of a wild card when it comes to the traditional programming of Slam Dunk, Heriot's fiery live set transcends genre and is expected to tally a highlight for fest's 2023 edition.
STATIC DRESS
Releasing one of the most celebrated records of 2022, Rogue Carpet Disaster was universally praised as an artistic triumph and promising glimpse of the future of heavy music. The skilled meld of emo, screamo, metal, doused with stylized elements of pop and electronic marked the arrival of Static Dress and reaffirmed the prowess of Olli Appleyard at the creative helm. Having recently inked a worldwide deal with Roadrunner Records, the band is riding a groundswell of momentum that makes their set at Slam Dunk especially momentous - expect fireworks.
FIT FOR A KING
Well into their second decade as one of the leading names of contemporary metalcore, Fit For A King dropped their most potent work yet with the reveal of 2022's The Hell We Create. In the months since the release, the band has toured feverishly supporting the likes of I, Prevail and The Amity Affliction, better refining the arsenal showcased on the album. The band's fluid transition from assaultive to anthemic is a marvel on record and even more impressive to witness live. Fit For A King don't perform, they erupt.
Slam Dunk is next.
