Slam Dunk Festival 2023 Top Picks

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The start of festival season is here! And what better way to kick it off than with a completely sold out Slam Dunk Festival. Whether you’re going to be moshing it up at North, or crowd surfing the seas of the South, here’s our rundown of the acts you need to catch!

Heriot – 11:40-12:10 – The Knotfest Stage
What better way to kick your day off than with the extreme metal stylings of Heriot. Emerging as one of the best up-and-coming talents in the British metal scene over the past year – this band have proven themselves across a multitude of festivals and shows. The band recently embarked on a sold out tour of the UK off the back of their recent new single ‘Demure’. The genre bending band may be one of the heaviest on the line-up however they are no strangers to more alternative crowds, touring with the likes of Boston Manor and Lamb Of God! They will be desomating the Knotfest Stage at 11:40!

Vukovi – 12:15-12:50 – The Rock Scene Stage (Presented by Amazon Music)
Hailing from Glasgow, Scotland, Vukovi are an exciting and unique upcoming band, who are still riding the wave generated from their critically acclaimed record ‘NULA’. They made a huge statement with a stellar performance at last year’s 2000 Trees and fans can expect a high energy and powerful set from the dynamic duo on the Amazon Music Rock Scene Stage at 12:15!

Movements – 12:35-13:10 – The Kerrang Right Stage
But make sure you keep your skates on as Californian post hardcore outfit Movements take to the stage at 12:35. Following their 2016-issued EP ‘Outgrown Things’, the four-piece outfit further cemented their sound on their 2017 full-length debut ‘Feel Something’, and 2020’s ‘Nothing Good Left To Give’. Known for their introspective and emotionally charged lyrics, Movements creates music that resonates deeply with listeners, exploring themes of self-discovery, mental health, and the complexities of human relationships. The band will be over on The Kerrang Right Stage at 12:35.

Hawthorne Heights – 13:10-13:45 – The Kerrang Left Stage
Make sure to stay at The Kerrang Stages to catch one of the most iconic emo bands of the last two decades, Ohios Hawthorne Heights have amassed a dedicated following with their distinctive brand of emo. Known for their powerful and emotionally charged performances, Hawthorne Heights combines catchy melodies with introspective lyrics that delve into themes of heartache, loss, and resilience.

Scene Queen – 14:20-14:55 – The Key Club Left Stage
Forging her own path through the metal world, Scene Queen’s unique blend of unapologetic pop and metal has made waves in the metal sphere – with her most recent single ‘18+’ calling out sexual abuse within the music industry. Don’t be fooled by her colourful aesthetic, as Scene Queen will not hesitate to melt your face off while she comes for the throats of misogynists and genre purists.

Static Dress – 15:05-15:35 – The Knotfest Stage
These guys don’t seem to quit as they have been touring non stop for what feels like years at this point! With experience comes expertise and Static Dress are quickly mastering their craft and delivering live performances better than ever. Their brash and emotionally driven music can be heard ringing out over the Knotfest Stage at 15:05!

NOAHFINNCE – 16:20-17:00 – The Key Club Left Stage
Noahfinnce has had one hell of a year already! From touring with headliners Enter Shikari to his single ‘Life’s A Bit’ breaking the 10 million total streams’ barrier on Spotify, it’s safe to say the up-and-coming artist has a tonne of eyes on him! Why not catch his outlandish style taking over The Key Club Stage Right at 16:20!

Kids In Glass Houses – 17:20-18:00 – The Rock Scene Stage (Presented by Amazon Music)
Easily stealing the award for the biggest comeback reunion at Slam Dunk will be Kids In Glass Houses. Following their nearly decade long break-up, the welsh rockers are back to celebrate 15 years of ‘Smart Casual’. So make sure to get yourself down to The Rock Scene Stage at 17:20 as you won’t want to miss this historical moment.

Less Than Jake – 18:25-19:20 – The Dickies Stage
Is it really a Slam Dunk Festival without some old school Ska Punk on display! Less Than Jake have been at the top of the scene forever and their performances age as well as fine wine! Expect beer chugging, skanking and a tonne of rambunctious energy overwhelming the Dickies stage at 18:25.

Creeper – 19:15-19:55 – The Kerrang Right Stage
Laying down the first single of their new era at a sold out roundhouse towards the end of 2022 (which saw frontman Will beheaded), creepers ability to keep you captivated with their live theatrics joined with their excellent musicianship is something to behold. With their new era being teased as their darkest yet, one can only imagine what the band have in store for their Slam Dunk set.

Malevolence – 20:10-20:55 – The Knotfest Stage
The overarching kings of heavy at Slam Dunk 2023 are Malevolence. Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve probably seen footage of Malevolence’s insane circle pits! After tours with the likes of Trivium and a headline slot of Bloodstock’s Sophie Lancaster stage, the band are quickly becoming one of metal’s must see acts for their sheer level of intensity that is unlike anything else in the scene right now! Grab your running shoes and head over to the Knotfest stage for 20:10.