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.
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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:
SiM (Silence iz Mine) are a Japanese reggae-punk and metal band formed in Shonan, Kanagawa, in 2004 by vocalist MAH. The current line-up, established in 2009, comprises MAH, guitarist SHOW-HATE, bassist SIN, and drummer GODRi. Drawing on the nu-metal and hardcore punk of the late 1990s and early 2000s, SiM developed an unusual combination of heavy guitar riffs, reggae and ska rhythms, breakdowns, and predominantly English-language vocals. MAH moves between melodic singing, screams, and reggae-influenced delivery, while the band's lyrics frequently address anger, hypocrisy, and social issues. They describe themselves as 'Reggae PUNX from Japan', a label that has followed them throughout their career. After releasing their debut album, 'Silence iz Mine', in 2008, SiM gained wider attention with 'SEEDS OF HOPE' (2011), which included the enduring live favourite 'KiLLiNG ME'. Their first major-label album, 'PANDORA', arrived through Universal Music Japan in 2013, followed by 'THE BEAUTiFUL PEOPLE' in 2016 and 'THANK GOD, THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF WAYS TO KiLL ENEMiES' in 2020. The band progressed from live houses to headline concerts at Nippon Budokan and Yokohama Arena, while developing close relationships with fellow Japanese heavy acts coldrain and HEY-SMITH. The three bands also established TRIPLE AXE, a joint live event that began in 2012. SiM have also played an important role in Japan's heavy music scene through DEAD POP FESTiVAL, their self-organised event launched at Shibuya club asia in January 2010. Originally held at live houses, it expanded into a two-day outdoor festival in Kawasaki in 2015, bringing together punk, metal, hardcore, reggae, and alternative rock artists from Japan and overseas. The festival has hosted acts including BABYMETAL, MAXIMUM THE HORMONE, MAN WITH A MISSION, and Crystal Lake, alongside emerging bands. Beyond their own music, SiM have used the event to bring different parts of Japan's rock scene together and give newer acts opportunities to perform before larger audiences. Their connection with anime began well before their international breakthrough, with 'EXiSTENCE' serving as the opening theme for Rage of Bahamut: Genesis in 2014. However, it was 'The Rumbling', the opening theme for Attack on Titan: The Final Season Part 2, that introduced SiM to a substantially larger international audience in 2022. The song reached No. 1 on Billboard's US Hot Hard Rock Songs chart, while its mixture of metalcore, reggae, and orchestral elements became closely associated with the anime's final chapters. SiM returned to the series in 2023 with 'UNDER THE TREE', followed by their sixth studio album, 'PLAYDEAD', that September. Although the anime brought them worldwide attention, MAH has repeatedly stressed that it represents only one part of the band's musical identity. Following the success of 'The Rumbling', SiM expanded their international touring considerably, making their sold-out London headline debut in 2023 before undertaking their first full UK and European headline tour in 2024. Their overseas activities also included extensive North American touring and an appearance on the main stage at Download Festival in 2025. That year, they released 'CHAMPiONS' as the official anthem for the Apex Legends Global Series Year 4 Championship in Sapporo. Their continued presence at major international festivals, including Slam Dunk in 2026, has introduced the band to rock and metal audiences beyond their established anime following. SiM released their seventh studio album, 'HOOMAN AFTER ALL', digitally on 2nd September 2026, revisiting the nu-metal and alternative rock influences of their early years. Produced with Jon Lundin, the record marked the band's first time working with an outside producer on a full album and featured collaborations with Yukina of HANABIE. on 'BLiNDEYES', Masato of coldrain on 'ZiON', and HEY-SMITH on 'The Sniffing Cats Ska'. Its release followed their 2026 singles 'FiVE TiMES DEAD (by my wallet)' and 'BLiNDEYES', alongside another edition of DEAD POP FESTiVAL. The accompanying world tour began in Japan in September and reached North America in October, with further UK and European dates scheduled for early 2027. More than two decades after forming, SiM continue to balance their international commitments with their longstanding involvement in Japan's punk and metal communities.
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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
