PRESIDENT, Download Festival 2025 REVIEW: Nobody could have predicted just how quickly the neon glow of PRESIDENT would enrapture the rock world, but every move so far has been pitch-perfect. From the curious teasers to the two brilliant songs unleashed in the build-up to this, their first-ever live rally, it has equated to a crowd overflowing by at least 20 deep vying for a peek inside the Dogtooth Stage. The atmosphere is unique; curiosity and deep expectation hang heavy in the air, all waiting to see if putting their faith in the unknown will pay off. But the moment PRESIDENT takes up position on the lectern centre-stage and raises their arms to the air as a razor-sharp ‘Fearless’ kicks in, it's clear that we are watching a phenomenon unfold right before our eyes. On the band's recorded material, an underlying sense of dread and mystery pulsates, thanks in part to the dense production. However, in the live setting, that is replaced by a raw blend of beauty and brutality. Their voice is utterly stunning, hitting heady heights of euphoria before crashing down into the depths via guttural screams, all made to feel truly discomforting thanks to the way that mask sits on their face. Uncanny yet inhuman. As for the output being heard for the first time, the future looks even brighter. The choruses are immaculate, as are the debauched breakdowns that hit like a freight train, whilst the electronics that bubble and throb feel akin to the intricate genius of Bicep, crossing even more streams than have already been conquered. However, the real mark of just how much this fascinating project has connected is the sing-along that accompanies ‘In The Name Of The Father’, hitting the sort of volume that makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. Between the intrigue and discourse, the endless wondering of what this could all mean and where it might be heading, what truly matters here is the music. That is what will endure and what will live on no matter what. And based on the adoration that’s reverberating around this tent at the first time of asking, it feels like something truly special is stirring. So, are you in? ✏️ Jack Rogers 📷 Adam Rossi