It won’t kick off until June 13th next year, but metal rock fans heading to 2014’s Download already have an idea how their weekend will sound: Linkin Park will be headlining, and will play their seminal ‘2000’ album, Hybrid Theory in full.

Linkin ParkJoe Hahn, Mike Shinoda, Brad Delson, Chester Bennington, Dave Farrell, and Rob Bourdon - Linkin Park

"We have been kicking around the idea of playing 'Hybrid Theory' for some time and the perfect opportunity is Download 2014. The legendary energy of the Download crowd is the apex of the rock experience, and we are very excited to share this special night with them," Metal Hammer quotes Linkin Park frontman Chester Bennington as saying.

Linkin Park have 'incredible' tracks for new LP

Joining Linkin Park as headliners for the festival, now in its 12th year, is Avenged Sevenfold. The band tweeted that they were "proud and excited" to be playing at Download. Their album, Hail To The King, earned the band their first number one in the UK when it was released in August.

The pair will have a lot to live up to; 2013’s Download was headlined by Iron Maiden, Slipknot and Rammstein – three of the biggest rock, metal and hardcore bands in the history of the genres.

Download organiser Andy Copping is open about his feelings on headliners, and said earlier this year that he would to get a reunited Led Zeppelin, Van Halen and the original line-up of Guns N’ Roses as future headliners.

"I’d love to get them (Van Halen), but who knows when?" he told NME. "Maybe one year we can get them to come over and it’ll happen, I live in hope. You can’t rule any bands at that level out: Led Zeppelin, the original line-up of Guns N’ Roses, I’d love to get them, hopefully it’ll happen one day”

The other headliners for next year's event will be announced over the rest of this week.

Avenged SevenfoldAvenged Sevenfold performing back in 2009