Japanese rock heavyweights SiM and Survive Said the Prophet are among the first wave of 90 bands announced for the Download Festival 2025 lineup, set to take over Donington Park from June 13th-15th. The annual gathering of rock and metal talent will see Green Day, Sleep Token, and KoRn headline for the first time, with a lineup spanning rock, metal, and punk genres.
Following the appearances of J-metal powerhouses Crystal Lake, HANABIE., and BABYMETAL in 2024. This year, Kanagawa reggae punk outfit SiM return after their killer set in 2023, while Tokyo’s own rockers Survive Said the Prophet will be making their UK festival debut.
About SiM
Founded in 2004, SiM (Silence iz Mine) have become one of the most celebrated bands to emerge from Japan’s “loud rock” scene, standing out with their in-your-face, and at times playful, blend of alt-metal, ska, reggae, and punk.
Following their explosive 2022 single ‘The Rumbling’—the opening theme for Attack on Titan season 4 part 2—which hit No. 1 on the US Billboard Hard Rock chart, the band has taken their sound international, touring extensively across Europe and North America.
SUGGESTED: SiM make their explosive UK headline debut at sold-out London show
Led by vocalist MAH, with SHOW-HATE on guitar, SIN on bass, and GODRi on drums, SiM combine razor-sharp riffs, reggae rhythms, and socially charged lyrics. MAH has become something of an ambassador for Japan’s alternative scene, supporting emerging acts and establishing himself as a respected figure. Recently, he collaborated with Florida rock band Fame on Fire on their track ‘Chains (The Tower)’ and will lead the 29-member supergroup REDLINE DREAM BAND in a one-off ‘We Are the World’-style single celebrating Japan’s rock scene.
Currently, SiM are hitting stages across the UK on their PLAYDEAD HEADLiNE UK & EUROPE TOUR 2024.
About Survive Said the Prophet
Tokyo-based Survive Said the Prophet, often known by their abbreviation SSTP, have been redefining Japanese rock since 2011. With their powerful 2019 single ‘Mukanjyo’ and 2023’s ‘Paradox’, both serving as opening tracks for hit anime Vinland Saga, the band achieved widespread acclaim, marking their transition into the mainstream. Led by charismatic vocalist Yosh, the group features guitarists Tatsuya and Ivan, alongside drummer Show. Their style is marked by a balance of emotional intensity and technical skill, fusing post-hardcore influences with alternative rock elements.
Their recent projects include ‘To Redefine / To Be Defined’, a compilation marking their 10-year anniversary, and collaborations in both music and anime, including Yosh’s work on the metalcore project Knosis, and vocal contributions to Final Fantasy VII Remake. With a loyal following in Japan and an expanding presence internationally, their appearance at Download 2025 has been a long time coming.
Tickets for Download Festival 2025 will be available for general sale on Thursday, November 14th, at 9pm UK time.
SiM
PLAYDEAD
Release Date: 27/09/2023
Label: PONY CANYON INC
Stream: Spotify | Apple Music
Survive Said the Prophet
Paradox
Release Date: 04/04/2023
Label: Sony Music Records
Stream: Spotify | Apple Music
