Simon Rushworth
Another swathe of bands has been added to this year’s Sonisphere bill with nu-metal pioneers Limp Bizkit and revitalised Danish rockers Volbeat among nine new acts announced today.
While the UK debut of the Big Four continues to dominate all things Knebworth an increasingly impressive undercard continues to take shape.
Punk rock heroes Gallows will quit the comfort of the tent for an outdoor stage and guitarist Lags said: “Now we’re playing outdoors which means there’s even more space for you, yes YOU, to get wild with us on the Saturday.”
One Minute Silence return from an eight-year hiatus to bring their alt-rock to Sonisphere and frontman Yap said: “It’s been too long. Missing the pit, missing the vibe, missing the fans. Time for round two. Unfinished business. Expect mayhem.”
Volbeat are determined to make amends for the cancellation of 2010’s UK headline tour and fit again frontman Michael Poulsen said: “We’re delighted to be at Sonisphere in the UK this Summer. We did appear at some of the Sonisphere events in Europe last year, playing on the same bill as The Big Four, which was an amazing experience.
“And now we feel like spoilt kids cos we’re getting the chance to do it all over again in the UK! This show means a lot, because we had to cancel the UK tour we had lined up late last year. We were really upset not to be able to come over, but I saw the doctor after a show in Hamburg and he advised me not to continue with the tour – I was having terrible pains in my chest and down the left side of my body, I could hardly breathe… anyway, we’re back on track now – see you at Sonisphere!”
French metallers Gojira make their only UK festival appearance at Knebworth while homegrown heroes INME are back after releasing last year’s career-spanning Best Of. The band said: “We’re honoured and absolutely over the moon to be returning to Sonisphere!
“The show last year was easily one of the best times we’ve ever had as a band and we hope to step things up even more in the Bohemia Tent this year. People overuse the word ‘epic’ but last year’s Sonisphere weekend was exactly that, in capitals. EPIC! Colossal love to all of the Sonisphere team from InMe!”
Fresh off a UK tour with Darkest Hour, Canadian prog-metal mentalists Protest The Hero have bagged a Sonisphere berth and guitarist Tim Millar said: “We haven’t played many festivals in Europe and hear so many amazing things! I’m stoked to be a part of Sonisphere and getting a full European festival experience this summer. Not to mention all the great bands we will be performing alongside”