Despite waving goodbye to us all a few years ago at the conclusion of an extensive farewell tour, Slayer have risen. Rumblings that they were going to play a handful of shows in the US last year naturally cascaded in to both joy and speculation as their return inevitably led to a small run of UK shows after being confirmed to play the big Sabbath shindig on 5th July. They aren't just playing a simple show though, this is an outdoors all-day Metal bonanza. Here's a brief run-through of what to look forward to.

There are still a limited number of tickets available. Don't be silly, get involved - https://festivalrepublic.com/events/slayer/

SLAYER - 19:35pm

It will be a feast of greatest hits for Slayer come their performance on Sunday. In the short run of reunion gigs they've done in the past 12 months or so, they've varied things up slightly - dabbling with the likes of Spirit In Black alongside all the main heavy-hitters everyone will be coming to expect. The stage-production currently being used is also an impressive sight to behold - expect the whole shebang; from upside cross on fire, flame jets, pyro and more. The break has done the band good - they look refreshed, keen to deliver for their fans and up for the chaos a great Slayer show should bring. See you in the pit.

Highlight Tracks: Angel Of Death, Black Magic, Disciple, South Of Heaven


AMON AMARTH - 17:50pm

Speaking of big production, you know we're going to one hell of a show by the time Amon Amarth roll through on to the stage. It's been a few years now since we've had new Amon Amarth material so safe to expect that in this slot they'll keep things fairly straightforward with the big hitters, likely causing all manner of pits as large as or potentially bigger than any band will achieve all day. Drinking horns in the air!

Highlight Tracks: Twilight Of The Thunder God, Guardians Of Asgaard, Deceiver Of The Gods


ANTHRAX - 16:25pm

Big Four brothers in arms with Slayer, Anthrax are set to provide a perfect injection of pure unadulterated thrash midway through the afternoon. The band are hot off the run of a series of tours where they've proven to be massively on form so we're looking forward to their injection of mad energy here. When you've got a back catalogue full of as many belters as they do we're sure their setlist will end up as a nice cherry-picking exercise to select tracks side by side with the standards like Caught In A Mosh and Indians.

Highlight Tracks: Indians, I Am The Law, Antisocial


You've made it this far and you're worried you don't have your ticket yet right? We concur, relieve yourself of that stress - https://festivalrepublic.com/events/slayer/


MASTODON - 15:05pm

It's a curious time for Mastodon at the moment. We're still fresh in the fall-out of Brent Hinds exiting the band in what was called a mutual decision but seems far more explosive and four years removed since any new music. They've been touring a fair amount on the other side of the Atlantic but haven't actually been on these shores since a performance at Download back in 2022. We're excited to see them back and intrigued to see them with Nick Johnston taking over lead guitar duties. Much the same as the rest of the line-up, they have such an enormous catalogue of bangers it's tough to predict what they'll crack out come 3pm at Finsbury Park.

Highlight Tracks: Blood & Thunder, Iron Tusk, Black Tongue


HATEBREED - 14:00pm

Whilst not as early as their recent excellent show at Download Festival (check out review here), it's up to Hatebreed to once again deliver a pummelling sledgehammer of energy in to the early arrivals. To be honest, there are few better candidates for the task. Jamey Jasta never seems to lower in energy, we can imagine he must stomp around his home shouting Hatebreed lyrics in every room he enters. Why? Because he just absolutely loves it, and we're thankful that he does. If this set comes even close to what they brought at Download there's absolutely no concern that the crowd will ride that wave of chaos and enthusiasm long in to the night.

Highlight Tracks: Live For This, I Will Be Heard, Doomsayer


NECKBREAKKER - 13:10pm

"We are NECKBREAKKER. We do Death Metal". A glorious summation taken from their very own website. Being the opening band on a day like this is tough for anyone but NECKBREAKKER have got an infectious groove veining it's way through their music which'll prove to be the perfect accompaniment as everyone gets those neck muscles and beer drinking arms warmed up.

Highlight Tracks: Horizon Of Spikes, Shackled To A Corpse, Face-Splitting Madness


We weren't pulling your leg when we said there are still a handful of tickets left for this. You may even find a good discount or two if you search deep enough. Don't be a numpty, get involved - https://festivalrepublic.com/events/slayer/