Bonus Post – Beyond THE PRIMALS
THE PRIMALS were the reason I traveled from Japan to Download Festival 2026, but they were far from the only unforgettable part of the weekend.
Band-Maid was completely new to me before this trip. I listened to them on Spotify while preparing for Download Festival, but seeing them live was another experience entirely. The crowd was fully engaged, and they proved that a Japanese band performing in Japanese can absolutely command an international festival audience. I’ve continued listening to them after returning home and I’m already considering checking out their upcoming Budokan show.
BABYMETAL delivered one of the most spectacular performances of the weekend. During METALI!!, Tom Morello appeared on the giant screen. As an FFXIV fan who knows his contribution to the game, it was a special moment. The huge visuals, the powerful wind across the stage, and the confidence of the performers made it unforgettable.
Architects were another highlight. As an FFXIV player, I was excited to finally hear Sam Carter perform live at Download Festival after first hearing his voice in Endwalker: Footfalls. Their lighting design, visuals, and stage production were incredible and never left a moment feeling dull.
Tom Morello’s set was equally memorable. He performed alongside artists from different generations, encouraged the audience to sing along, played Rage Against the Machine material, supported younger musicians, and closed with a powerful rendition of John Lennon’s “Power to the People.”
THE PRIMALS brought me to Download Festival.
These artists gave me even more reasons to remember it.
@tmorello@Architectsuk
#DLXXIII
#THEPRIMALS
#BABYMETAL
#bandmaid