As Download became the Downpour Festival, it didn’t dampen the spirits and The Quireboys got the party started before Terrorvision and the newly re-formed Little Angels offered good time rockin’. Industrial-metallers Fear Factory and Machine Head erupted into big noise, Slash and Myles Kennedy played new tracks plus GN’R’s Paradise City to hysterical applause, and Chase And Status shook the ground before the fire-starting Prodigy laid out their sonic rhythm-quake.
Saxon were a breath of fresh trad metal air, emo-goth Black Veil Brides, despite a barrage of abuse, won the fight with a middle finger to the doubters, and Steel Panther were joined by Slipknot’s Corey Taylor, while Tenacious D brought along their saucy Fenix. Biffy Clyro bowed before the mighty Metallica, playing their classic Black Album with much improved, louder sound, plus fireworks. Sunday’s rude awakening came c/o Anthrax, Black Label Society, Lamb Of God and Megadeth while, on the acoustic stage, Saint Jude were highlights, and The Dirty Youth jammed over the competition. Ghost kept spirits high with an atmospheric set, Soundgarden were back in fine style, as were bill-toppers, Black Sabbath.
The doom masters tore into their eponymous signature tune and the ground vibrated. Ozzy begged Download to “go fucking crazy” and Tony Iommi played his deadly riffs, NIB getting everyone bouncing before Paranoid ended the weekend on an almighty high.
