Slam Dunk 2025 embodies a fusion of legacy and innovation by combining elements of the past with contemporary aspects.

      Festival Review

      25th May 2025

      The alternative staple event features impressive performances from The Used, Finch, and rising stars Winona Fighter.

      Approaching its 20th anniversary in Leeds, Slam Dunk has cemented its position on the alternative music calendar, boasting a predominantly pop-punk lineup compared to the heavier offerings seen at Donington or Outbreak's hardcore focus. As always, the festival's lineup combines both established acts and newcomers, embracing the nostalgia that has played a significant role in its history while also supporting emerging talent. Some artists who started on Slam Dunk's smaller stages have since climbed to headline status. This year, A Day To Remember takes the top slot, clearly a dream choice for the festival and a crowd favorite, as throngs of fans gather at one of the main stages as dusk falls. This standout performance highlights Slam Dunk’s commitment to balancing legacy with innovation.

      That legacy is reflected throughout the event’s lineup, which features scene stalwarts such as Alkaline Trio, New Found Glory, and Zebrahead later in the day. A particular highlight comes from the double set of Finch and The Used, both performing back-to-back on the Main Stage East, showcasing the high caliber of talent present. Finch’s Nate Barcalow delivers a flawless performance, belting out tracks from their 2002 album ‘What It Is To Burn’ and the underrated 2005 release ‘Say Hello To Sunshine’, with powerful screams and heavy riffs that surpass much of what has been heard throughout the day. However, it is The Used who steal the show with their spectacular performance, concluding their full-album series in the UK by playing their self-titled debut in its entirety, and bringing in The Blackout’s Sean Smith for vocal duties on ‘A Box of Sharp Objects’, solidifying the album's significance in emo music history.

      Meanwhile, newcomers are making their mark as well, with the Key Club Stage showcasing an engaging performance from Nashville-based Winona Fighter, featuring a notable cover of Beastie Boys’ ‘Sabotage’ which, according to Coco Kinnon, was included to get everyone dancing. Long emerging from the underground scene, Heart Attack Man contributes a robust dose of gruff pop-punk, and Californian crossover band Scowl closes the stage with a fierce performance befitting the buzz they have built over the past year.

      On the main stage, Hot Mulligan draws considerable attention with their unique mix of punk, humorously telling the audience that "the nice bands are over, and now it's time to be screamed at." Their set is a highlight under the afternoon sun. As the day transitions into night, the Kerrang! stage presents this year's breakout act, Hot Milk, who deliver an outstanding performance that successfully diverts a crowd from the main stage. Having first appeared at Slam Dunk in 2019, the band's third performance here underlines their swift rise in popularity, culminating in a major headline tour announcement. If the Key Club stage is showcasing new talent and the main stage hosts a dream act, this is where Slam Dunk truly shines, booking artists who are fresh, exciting, and ready for wider recognition.

      Tags: A Day to Remember, Finch, Heart Attack Man, Hot Milk, Hot Mulligan, Scowl, The Used, Winona Fighter, Slam Dunk, Festivals, Reviews, Live Reviews