Rock and roll call

FOR the thousands of metallers converging on Castle Donington on June 13 for Download 2008, here is Isaac Ashe's Sound Advice's top five must-sees this year –

• Biffy Clyro
Main stage, Saturday
Scottish rockers Biffy Clyro's last album, Puzzle, was a career-best that launched them from unknowns to one of the brightest lights on the metal scene, and are one of the best live acts I've ever seen. Mon the Biff!
• Dillinger Escape Plan
Third stage headliners, Friday
For pure primordial metal mayhem, escape the crowds and catch this brutal band's headine set, before nipping across to catch the end of Kiss's show, just so you can say you saw them.
• Coheed And Cambria
Main stage, Sunday
Forget music with a message, Coheed And Cambria's entire back catalogue is based on a novel penned by the group. This concept band's expert musicianship is without a doubt Sunday's highlight.
• The Subways
Second stage, Friday
The Hertfordshire band's sophomore album, All Or Nothing, is released later this year, so expect a taster of the album in their Download set. I have had a cheeky sneak listen to tracks from the new LP, and if they're half as good live as they are on record this will be a blinder.
• Pendulum
Second stage, Saturday
Drum and bass act Pendulum – whose latest album In Silico is a scorcher – will surely be worth going along to, whether you're into drum and bass or not, just to see people's reactions.