With a reputation for turning raw truth into rhythm and verse, Kae Tempest returns this summer with a new album and tour that promises to strike deeper than ever before. Their fifth studio release, Self Titled, arrives July 4 via Island Records—and it’s more than a new chapter. It’s a reckoning.

When Grammy-nominated hammered dulcimer virtuoso Max ZT and Black Country singer-songwriter Dan Whitehouse take the stage, the boundaries between folk, spoken word, and improvisational magic dissolve—and what remains is something unshakeably profound.

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.

I think this was the first time that I had ever interviewed a Swedish rock band, I may have done a few email interviews in the past but never face to face so I was excited when Philip Strand, vocalist for a Swedish rock band called NORMANDIE agreed to meet after their set at the Summer Sessions in Plymouth where they were opening for the mighty PENDULUM.

It’s not every day that you get the chance to support SNOW PATROL in your home city as part of a 4 day event called Summer Sessions. This is exactly what happened to local musician GRACE LIGHTMAN. We caught up with race after her set to chat about her early days, her musical influences, working on a new project and of course, the one that you ALL want to know, her favourite cheese, click the play button below to hear the full interview feature.

Summer Sessions rolls on under the summer moon at Plymouth’s iconic Sound Shell, turning The Hoe into a tapestry of rock riffs, pop anthems and Celtic-infused harmonies. On Saturday 14th June, three generations of female-fronted powerhouses will carve their sonic signatures into the night sky—from Belfast buskers to ’90s soap-star-turned-pop icon to Ireland’s chart-topping sibling quartet.

As the final rays of sun glint off Plymouth Sound, Summer Sessions returns to the Sound Shell for its grand finale. On Sunday 15 June, four acts—rising singer-songwriter Grace Lightman, Dublin-born rockers Somebody’s Child, Wigan’s indie breakout The Lathums and headliners Snow Patrol guided The Hoe through a daylong journey from intimate storytelling to arena-sized anthems.

Having seen WARGASM a couple of times over the past few years (Bearded Theory / Burn it Down Festival), I was keen to get some time with them at Summer Sessions in Plymouth where they were supporting PENDULUM to chat about their music and what motivates them to put on such an incredible show.

I caught up with MOLLIE MCGINN from DEA MATRONA as they left the stage at Summer Sessions on Saturday 14th June where they opened the day for THE CORRS.

As the sun sets over Plymouth Hoe, the first of four Summer Sessions delivered an electrifying night of live music, bringing together a dynamic lineup of artists who each bring their own distinct energy to the stage. From rising talent to legendary acts, this event is set to be a celebration of music’s power to connect and inspire.

Summer Sessions returns to the iconic Sound Shell on The Hoe for the second of four back-to-back summer nights, transforming Plymouth’s waterfront into a high-voltage festival stage. Expect a seamless ascent from underground agitators to drum-and-bass legends as four acts deliver a relentless sequence of riffs, hooks and bass drops under the setting sun.

We chatted to Tom A. Smith earlier this year via a ZOOM call and given the opportunity to meet him in the flesh, I was never going to say no!

Talked about and talked-up Manchester newcomers, Moss Side Sauna Club, is a band born in a bad year, thus Will Brooks, Maddy Storm and Sam Craighan decided to take up arms against the pains of the world through the use of sauna therapy. Out of the steam room, briefly, the band returns to release their latest single, My Weird Appetite.

LEAD SINGLE ‘MANCHILD’ OUT NOW, BST HYDE PARK HEADLINE SHOWS JULY 5th & 6th 

There are tough decisions in life—some more agonising than others. Tonight’s choice? Enduring another episode of Britain’s Got Talent or heading to Paignton to witness R.E.M. Pretend, a tribute band promising to resurrect the magic of one of the most influential alternative rock bands of all time. Spoiler alert: I made the right call.

Glastonbury Festival is a MASSIVE place, some liken it to London in a field, with hundreds of stages and only a few days to get round them all, let’s take a deep dive into some of the lesser-known stages at Glastonbury 2025 and uncover the hidden gems of this year’s lineup. Here are 10 stages that deserve your attention.

Few bands embody the raw energy and emotional depth of Scottish alternative rock quite like Twin Atlantic. Hailing from Glasgow, this four-piece outfit has spent nearly two decades carving out a distinct sound that blends soaring melodies, anthemic choruses, and a signature Glaswegian vocal delivery. Currently on their headline UK tour, fans can expect electrifying performances at 2000 Trees in Cheltenham and a triumphant homecoming show at TRNSMT in Glasgow. Tonight was their chance to wow the crowd that had congregated at Exeter Phoenix on June 5th to see them in action, read on to see how they got on….

Rock fans, brace yourselves—London-based trio The Motherz are bringing their thunderous sound to stages across the UK this autumn as special guests for The Vintage Caravan’s ‘Portals’ UK Tour. With a blend of Stoner Rock, Doom, and Metal, this powerhouse band is primed to electrify audiences with their relentless energy and bone-crushing riffs.

Under a flawless sky at Cheltenham Racecourse, Wychwood Festival 2025 delivered 22 glorious degrees of summer magic. From face painting and belly dancing to a buzzing global food village (though I wisely sidestepped the pricey cod and chips served from that iconic big red London bus), the festival proved once again that it’s a genuine family affair with a little something for everyone.