Heading to celebrate the start of festival season at Slam Dunk? Then dive into our list of the top 10 bands you shouldn’t be sleeping on at this years absolutely stacked lineup
Words by Felix Bartlett | May 1, 2025
Slam Dunk Festival 2025 is almost upon us and ready to kick-start the festival season. With headliners like A Day To Remember, Neck Deep, and Electric Callboy dominating the stages this is shaping up to be the biggest year to date. But beyond these giants, the festival is brimming with rising stars and underground acts that deserve your attention. So without further a due here are 10 smaller bands you shouldn’t sleep on at this year’s Slam Dunk.
Kid Bookie
A whirlwind of grime, punk, and nu-metal, Kid Bookie is one of the most unpredictable acts on the lineup. His explosive stage presence and genre-mashing sound—somewhere between Skindred and Slowthai—make him a must-see for anyone craving something fresh and frenetic.
Lake Malice
Fresh off their debut EP, this UK duo is tearing up the scene with their blistering blend of razor-sharp riffs and electronic chaos. Their live shows are a sensory overload—think Bring Me The Horizon meets Pendulum—and their ferocious energy is perfect for inciting a mid-afternoon mosh. Don’t miss their chance to steal the spotlight.
Noahfinnce
A rising star in the queer punk scene, NOAHFINNCE’s infectious hooks and unapologetic lyrics have earned him a cult following. His set will be a celebration of self-expression, packed with sing-alongs and chaotic energy.
Mouth Culture
After a killer debut at Download 2024, Mouth Culture are ready to conquer Slam Dunk. Their anthemic choruses and moody, atmospheric soundscapes make them a perfect bridge between emo nostalgia and modern alt-rock.
Sweet Pill
Philly’s Sweet Pill bring a modern twist to classic emo, with jagged guitars and heart-on-sleeve lyricism. Fans of Tiny Moving Parts or The Hotelier will find their set an emotional rollercoaster—perfect for those mid-festival existential moments.
SPlit Chain
A brutal force in the UK underground, Split Chain deliver breakdowns so heavy they’ll rattle your bones. Their mix of Knocked Loose-style aggression and sludge-metal weight makes them a must for those itching for some unrelenting heaviness.
Dream State
Welsh firebrands Dream State are back with a vengeance, delivering cathartic, emotionally charged anthems that hit like a gut punch. Their raw lyricism and soaring choruses make them a standout in the UK alternative scene, and their live set is guaranteed to leave you swinging them onto your summer playlists.
Graphic Nature
If you’re craving something dark and destructive, Graphic Nature’s industrial-tinged metalcore will scratch that itch. Think Slipknot meets Loathe. If you’ve had the chance to see their live show at the Heavy Music Awards, then you’re well aware you’re in for a visceral, chaotic experience.
Sophie Powers
A chaotic fusion of pop-punk, hyperpop, and electronic beats, Sophie Powers is rewriting the rulebook. Her high-energy set is a neon-drenched party, perfect for you if you’re a fan of 100 gecs or Meet Me At The Altar.
Scowl
California’s Scowl are one of the most talked-about bands in hardcore right now, and for good reason. Their no-frills, high-octane punk is a call to arms, and frontwoman Kat Moss commands the stage with unrelenting intensity. If you want a pit that feels like a riot, this is your set.
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