I feel like I should immediately start with an apology. You see, despite my best intentions, I just couldnt follow my own advice; made in the recent Download special of my regular Things You Should Be Listening To feature. However, I did catch a hell of a lot of bands at this years, and my first, Download. This means that any of you who missed out can feel like you were there after all, or even more depressed that you didnt go its entirely up to you. It also means that anyone can argue that my opinions are wrong, or scream bloody murder that I missed certain bands; in which case do feel free to share theres a comments section for a reason, you know? Im also going to apologise in advance for my writing in this feature. As I write, I havent written it yet, but given the brain-dead feeling of vacuous, emptiness inside my skull, I can tell it wont be up to scratch. Im sorry, but Ive been living in a field. Anyway, without further ado, here follows my review of Download 2013. Enjoy, or disagree.
FRIDAY
So, after two days of the no-bands-so-drinking blues and getting to know your neighbours, you wake up Friday; hungover, sunburnt somehow (in spite of rain and mainly occupying a gazebo) and you might vomit bile as youre applauded and/or mocked for it, by surrounding strangers and passersby. Its Friday now though, and theres band to catch in a couple of hours, so its a few drinks, a sort of breakfast and a trudge to the arena through the village and over Doningtons race track. First band caught of the day are Rise To Remain, who open the main stage to an entering crowd but do their best to get some activity in the pit and some bodies further down the front. Its an enjoyable and melodic blend of metalcore but nothing really strikes a chord other than, vocalist, Austin Dickinsons similarity to his dad Bruce, you know, of little known Saturday headliners Iron Maiden. Dir En Grey cast a menacing presence with their unique strain of experimental metal, and though the music is impressive because the songs are already strong, the performance feels a little lacklustre and could do with a charge of energy mind you, that could be my own dazed tiredness at this point, though a follower viewer comments hes not seen them play this still before. However, when they play Obscure (perhaps their best known song) theres a definite charge through the clearly hungover and being a little rained on crowd. Meeting some friends back at main stage, who caught Architects and informed me they were awesome, we catch Asking Alexandria. Admittedly, Im just filling time until Hang The B**tard are on the Pepsi Max Stage but the crowd gathered down the front and in the pit seem to have been whipped up for the first time today. Speaking of Hang The B**tard, its soon time for their performance at the Pepsi Max Stage and its not a disappointment as their blues, metal, stoner, hardcore crossover shakes the beards of all involved in watching it. With a new vocalist at the helm since I last saw them at Damnation, its a change, but one that works with his harsher and higher screamed vocals sitting nicely atop the bands riffs. I cut out of Hang The B**tard early though, as its time to watch Papa Roach and reminisce about my youth for the first time this festival. Though theres a few omissions from the set that I really wouldve liked to hear (and more newer stuff than some might want), there cant be many complaints made about the first real sing-a-longs of the weekend, a solid performance from the band and Jacoby Shaddixs crowd interaction, diving in the mud, and banter that ranges from funny to barmy. Its also the first time that boob-cam makes its appearance of the weekend. http://youtu.be/H2jCbXiEQI4 Theres a bit of sunshine out in time for Down, who bring the low down and heavy of the American south. Its been a long time coming since I first started listening to Down, and even though it hasnt been so much lately they dont disappoint with their down-tuned grooves it helps that Phil Anselmo is on vocal, and stage presence, form as his smoke-broken and rumbling voice works the amassed crowd. Sticking with the main stage still, its time for Korn. Not just any Korn though, its a Korn re-united with estranged guitarist Head, and thus the classic line-up together again. Opting for a give the fans their moneys worth technique, the band focus on delivering track after track with minimal interaction, but with Korn the tunes speak for themselves especially with a tight and together again performance and atmosphere. Even tracks from their previous album The Path Of Totality, with its mixed-reviews dub-step experiments, get this crowd jumping. Its the classic that really hit it home for the fans though; who even join together for a rendition of Happy Birthday for drummer Ray Luzier. At this point, Ill mention that I missed Blood Command on the Red Bull Studio Stage due to their clashing with Korn. However, a mate of mine went on his own to watch them and reported back how amazing they were, whilst announcing his intention to marry their vocalist. Due to their excruciatingly short set, in his opinion, I couldve caught them and most of Korn, but I was committed to Korn and losing my sunglasses. Venturing away from the main stage for the Pepsi Max Stage, its off to Converge we go. Theres a large crowd here; a number of diehards, a number of fans, a number of passersby and a number of people here on the orders of Thursday nights stand up comedian Andrew ONeill labelling them the most brutal band youll ever see live. As ever, the band dont disappoint, even though theyre more a crammed and intense club venue kind of band. Some of the crowd arent prepared though, or dont appreciate their frantic and abrasive hardcore stylings having expected something else. Regardless the band are on fine form, and the often miserable Jacob Bannon seems to be continuing his evolution into a performer who enjoys everyone minute of this aggression venting. Slipknot bring Friday night to a close with a headlining set on the main stage; the second time theyve done so, and its a set that confirms why theyre doing it again. Ive wanted to see Slipknot since I first bought their debut with my own pennies, myself my first true CD purchase having missed their Iowa tour hitting Cardiff, and their having to cancel their 2008 Reading appearance this has been a long time coming. Im not disappointed as a best of set demolished the crowd, and on numerous occasions the crowd demolish the barricade resulting in set stops. However, these dont feel like a hindrance as Corey Taylor commands the crowd to stop their mania, and move back while its fixed, because he assures the fans hes not having anyone hurt on his watch. As stated, the band are on fire, almost literally, right from the broken looped Get Thee Behind Me Satan intro to their punishing encore of (sic), People = S**t and (still waiting, since I scrawled its chorus all over my school folders, for it to be made national anthem) Surfacing. All album bases are covered well, and everyone sings, throws down accordingly and pays their respects to the deceased, but ever present, Paul Gray as his number adorns the backdrop and Corey asks the crowd to sing-a-long Duality in his honour as if they wouldnt have anyway. Theres not a person here not in the many palms of this bands many hands, even the weather as the rain returns for Psychosocials chorus. A set made greater still by Coreys promise of a return sooner than wed think, with special surprises another chance to get on the ground and jump the f**k up to Spit It Out.