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The masked headliners freshening up Download festival

2024-11-14 01:00:16
Sleep Token have kept their identities secret by wearing masks on stage

When it comes to your favourite music artists, chances are you probably know a lot about their lives.

But there is an air of mystery around one of the headline acts for next year's Download festival.

Masked mystery.

British metal group Sleep Token will be topping the bill in Leicestershire, along with Green Day and Korn.

It is the first time any of the three headliners have been the main acts at the rock gathering.

Sleep Token - who formed in 2016 - are known for performing in masks to keep their identities hidden, and have created a buzz in particular.

A search online gives no easy answers about them, with various theories floating around some of their identities - often citing "research and analysis".

"I think it's a big part of the attraction because no-one knows who they are," says fan Devon, from Plymouth.

"It gives a lot of people a chance to see them. I've always wanted to see them and Download's just an amazing opportunity."

On their website, Sleep Token encourage fans to "gather in Worship" at their shows

Gareth, from Cardiff, has been a fan of Sleep Token for five years and is excited to see them.

He feels the group "have moments of real sombreness" mixed with the heavy metal.

"I guess when they started, they were supporting the headliners [at the time]," Gareth, 22, says.

"It's so good to see the evolution of a band from playing in small venues to them now having millions of monthly listeners, and also to headline what is probably the biggest metal festival in the UK."

Headlining Download brings Sleep Token into the "big leagues" of rock, Alyx says.

"I think it's a statement that Download have put out.

"Like actually, Sleep Token are as good as all these other bands, and you should get on board with them.

"It would be a dream for anyone, and to be next to Green Day and Korn, I know they're absolutely stoked about this," she says.

Download festival is due to take place at Donington Park, Leicestershire, between 13 and 15 June.

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