The battle between the metal and rock festivals has started, with Download tossing down the gauntlet and flapping the glove of victory in the chops of Sonisphere (which itself is scheduled to take place next July).

Download 2011 will take place at Donington Park on 10th-12th June and already promises to be a very special weekend, with the announcement that System of a Down will come out of hiatus and take to the stage at some point. It will have been 5 years since their last gig (2006 in Florida) with a few SOAD-related projects realised during that time, including a pair of solo-albums by Serj Tankian entitled "Elect the Dead" and "Imperfect Harmonies". Now Tankian and co have finally opted to cease hibernation and smash what could soon be known as System of a Download!

The second act confirmed for 'Doni' is Avenged Sevenfold, a band definitely on the up despite bad days in 2009 (their drummer "The Rev" sadly passed away). Now they are refreshed and with a recent Top 5 album ("Nightmare"), a recent sell-out UK tour (October/ November) under their belts and are ready to give Download audiences a thorough ear-bashing.

Tickets for Download 2011 go on sale this Friday at 9am - weekend tickets minus camping cost £145, with 3 days camping £170 and 5 days camping £180. Other options will be available including camper van, disabled and family camping.

Update - more acts announced!

Linkin Park have just been announced as the second Download 2011 head-liner along with System of a Down. The band saw their autumn album 'A Thousand Suns' - their fourth studio album - hit the top spot. Also announced is White Zombie man Rob Zombie who is also hitting these shores ahead of the main festival in February with a sold-out tour.

There are still a limited number of early bird tickets, but note they will go off-sale on Monday 20th December at 5pm. General on-sale will then commence next year - at 2011 prices plus 20% VAT!