Motörhead, Mastodon and more added to Sonisphere 2011 lineup

KNEBWORTH HOUSE has long played host to many rock heavyweights, so it is fitting that one of the most legendary and influential bands of all time make their entry in its guestbook. MOTÖRHEAD make their debut appearance at SÖNISPHERE UK this summer, giving fans their first chance to see songs from the recently released “The Wörld Is Yours” album in a festival setting. The embodiment of all that is Rock’n’Roll, despite playing what Lemmy describes as “raucous, arrogant, paranoid, speedfreak rock n roll”, MOTÖRHEAD are a household name the world over, with successes too numerous to count across their 35 year career.

MOTÖRHEAD are more than just a band – MOTÖRHEAD are a mindset, a belief, a way to live your life, and fitting governors for the society of tens of thousands that will dwell KNEBWORTH’S grounds in search of a loud, party weekend July 8th – 10th. With classics such as “Overkill”, “Bomber”, Born To Raise Hell” and “Ace Of Spades” providing the soundtrack, SONISPHERE is set for its loudest weekend yet.

MASTODON return to KNEBWORTH this summer, having played at the inaugural SONISPHERE back in 2009. Their progressive take on metal has seen them become one of the scene’s biggest names in recent years, with both critics and fans alike heaping high praise on their outstandingly skilled musicianship and songwriting skills. Such is their appeal their hard work has resulted in fans in the mainstream turning their heads, making MASTODON one of those rare metal bands that everyone seems to agree on, resulting in platinum records, Grammy awards nominations and high profile fans.

But on stage, plugged in and ready to rock out is where MASTODON truly shine. With majestic offerings like “March Of The Fire Ants”, “Blood And Thunder” and “Sleeping Giant”, MASTODON’s set at KNEBWORTH this summer will be one that all who witness will remember, and one you do not want to miss.

Festivals are always a great opportunity to catch up with old friends, and there’s no reason why the stage should be any different to the campsite in that respect. SONISPHERE is delighted to reveal the return of IN FLAMES to the UK, who will make their first appearance on these shores since 2009’s Taste Of Chaos tour. Breaking out of the 90s Swedish Death Metal scene, IN FLAMES have gone on to become one of the country’s biggest musical exports, selling millions of albums around the world, receiving numerous awards and achieving an impressive list of chart positions. Currently working on their next release, the band checked in to tell us:

We have been in the studio since October recording our new album and we can’t wait to come out and play the new song live. The UK has always been very good to us and we love coming back so this is something we really look forward to” – In Flames

Making the long journey over from Down Under, Australia’s PARKWAY DRIVE pay their first visit to SONISPHERE, bringing with them an arsenal of mosh-inducing metalcore. Consistently delivering fierce and energetic live shows, PARKWAY DRIVE have earned a reputation for unforgettable performances, through hard work and heavy touring with the likes of Killswitch Engage, As I Lay Dying, Bleeding Through and many more. Hot off the back of a UK tour, the promise of PARKWAY DRIVE’s exclusive festival appearance at SONISPHERE is one that is bound to excite the fans as much as the band:

Holy crap they’re actually letting us play this thing!!!” shouts vocalist Winston McCall. “Sonisphere 2011!!! I don’t think we can really describe how excited we are to play, and I think Jeff will probably die when Metallica play!

With all three headliners already confirmed – METALLICA, SLAYER, MEGADETH & ANTHRAX, aka THE BIG 4 on Friday, BIFFY CLYRO Saturday and SLIPKNOT on Sunday – SONISPHERE KNEBWORTH is already offering the most impressive names so far for summer 2011. What will undoubtedly be an incredible weekend, SONISPHERE hits the UK on Friday July 8th 2010 – and, as anyone who has been to previous SONISPHERE festivals will know, Friday night is party night. 2011 will be no different, with this year’s theme being Superheroes. Last year saw some great Rocky Horror costumes, and with prizes on offer for the best dressed, don’t think donning your old speedos over your jeans will cut it – only truly heroic efforts will be rewarded!

SONISPHERE KNEBWORTH takes place 8th – 10th July 2011 at KNEBWORTH HOUSE. For tickets and more info go to www.sonispherefestivals.com 

Line Up So Far

THE BIG 4 – METALLICA, SLAYER, MEGADETH, ANTHRAX
BIFFY CLYRO
SLIPKNOT
IN FLAMES
MASTODON
MOTÖRHEAD
PARKWAY DRIVE

 

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