Entering the first full day of entertainment, we were greeted by glorious weather and warm temperatures, with other festival-goers reveling in the performance of the Vengaboys — a phrase that I never thought I would speak in relation to Download Festival. This almost set the tone for the weekend’s entertainment. This lineup felt like it was going to be different. Many a time had I seen the traditional powerhouses of metal such as Iron Maiden or Metallica grace the hallowed Donington turf, but this year it felt like a changing of the guard, with three new headliners all from different genres that would appeal to different members of the Download crowd.
We arrived to the now-common layout of four stages, each with a different feel and delivering new and returning artists.
First up on my varied journey of the weekend was The Haunt on the covered Dogtooth stage. The band set the tone for the weekend with their stage theatrics and crowd interaction. At one stage, Anastasia Grace Haunt had the crowd get on the ground before instructing them to jump. Her attire very much played into the ghostly gothic stylings of the band, and it was clear from how the crowd responded that this was going to be a good weekend.
Moving back into the intense heat to the Apek stage, we were met by the highly entertaining Japanese metalcore band Silence Iz Mine, or SiM for short. The group, clad in traditional metal black, were animated on stage and made full use of the extended walkway at the front of the stage. Vocalist MAH was clearly enjoying himself and complained to the crowd that their set was only half an hour — a wall of boos met him. Asking if the crowd was with him, the audience cheered, to which he responded, “Let’s go, motherfuckers!” At the end of the set, those in attendance were left wanting more, and I am sure next time the Japanese are back on these shores, they will get longer to entertain.
After a brief break, we returned to the Apek stage for CKY for their third appearance at Download. The Pennsylvania rockers announced that they would be back with a headline tour in the fall. The band, known for its association with skating, had the crowd moving and singing along with their more well-known tracks. The CKY Alliance, as their followers are known, would not have been disappointed.
Moving back to the shade of the Dogtooth stage, next up were Texan band Gore. The atmosphere in the tent was palpable, and the crowd didn’t disappoint with multiple crowd surfers before becoming more atmospheric with the band asking the crowd to get their phone lights out — the now-common modern equivalent to the swaying lighters of old.
Next was our trip to the Opus stage, which has always been my favorite stage. The sloping space between the stage and the sound desk being an absolute godsend for those of us who are vertically challenged. Next up were Dirty Honey. The LA-based rockers took to the stage to warm applause. The bluesy rock that the band plays was another reminder of how eclectic this festival is and that no matter your rock and metal taste, you can find a band on the lineup that you can connect to.
Moving back to the Dogtooth were Ride the Low, the band fronted by English actor Paddy Considine. The group delivered their indie rock style to the audience with an eight-track set that culminated with the track “Beasts of the Night Flight.” The act were clearly fan favorites, and what was a nice touch — Paddy came to the barrier post-performance to take pictures with the fans.
Remaining at the main stage was one of my most anticipated groups of the day, Graphic Nature. I have a passion for grassroots music, having supported young musicians for about 15 years, and there is nothing more satisfying than seeing someone you have watched with a crowd that can be counted on one hand go on and be successful. This is very much the case with Graphic Nature’s Jack Bowdrey, who used to be in bands with young musicians I have supported. The anticipation was not misplaced, with the group delivering their brutal style of metal and being met with equally enthusiastic participation from those watching. The crowd joined in singing and also got to their knees before launching themselves in the air at the request of singer Harvey Freeman.
Next to the Opus stage was a man who is no stranger to Download, having played with both Slash and Alter Bridge, but this time Myles Kennedy was here under his own name. The superstar expressed his gratitude to the Download fans, having some of his best musical memories at the festival, but also to his wife for letting him come out to play. This man knows how to score brownie points. As you would expect from the seasoned professional, he delivered a performance that had the crowd singing along and responding to his every word.
Following Kennedy on the Opus stage were Swedish progressive death metal icons Opeth, who were unfortunately delayed by technical issues. However, once rectified, the band delivered their eclectic form of death metal to an adoring audience.
The final band on the Opus were the stage headliners Within Temptation. Reminiscing on their first Download performance, they stressed that they had been allowed six songs and now they had sixteen. With the timing of the set, it was clear that those watching were die-hard faithful of the Dutch symphonic metal royalty. The stage had additional sections added after the Opeth set, and this, combined with the visual displays on the back screen and steam jets, added an extra dimension to the performance. As with most of the acts seen throughout the first day, the crowd participation was a joy to behold. So strong was the performance that I remained for the entire set rather than moving on. The important question remained: could Friday’s headliners top this performance?
The final performance of the day came from Download first-timers Green Day. This in itself shows the evolution of the festival, with a punk band headlining in place of a more traditional metal band. The group delivered a politically fueled message, and their anti-Trump stance was clear. At one stage, Billie Joe had 100,000 people shouting “Trump, you fat bastard!” calling the POTUS a fascist. Punk has clearly not deviated from its roots in politics. The group delivered hit after hit, and the crowd could be heard singing way back past the sound desk. In what would be the strangest feeling special effect, when the line “Here comes the rain again” played, the heavens opened on cue, soaking all those watching. The weather also gave a nod to the traditional “Drownload” description of the festival.
Overall, day one was a huge success in blending old favorites with new friends and demonstrating that the wide-spanning genres on display will only strengthen the festival’s appeal. The festival’s emphasis on inclusion was also apparent from the “Humans of Download” campaign being displayed on all the screens between acts. This inclusivity just highlights what is so great about the metal community, and Download is like a beacon. Roll on day two.
https://downloadfestival.co.uk/
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