FESTIVAL REVIEW: Download Festival 2018 – Friday
Download Festival. One of the biggest events in the rock music calendar, year in-year out, the hallowed grounds of Donington Park are graced with the best names in our world. 2018 was no different. Across the three day festival, Download Festival‘s four stages were packed to the absolute brim with quality bands across countless styles and sounds. Distorted Sound was on the ground at this year’s festival to witness all the mayhem, and so, we bring you our round-up from the first full day of music; the Friday. Let’s begin.
BOSTON MANOR – Main Stage
The task of opening the Main Stage at Download Festival on the first full day of music is a harrowing affair and the responsibility for this year’s festival fell to Blackpool’s BOSTON MANOR, and the quintet delivered a solid opening set. Tight and concise, delightful guitar melodies soared across the field whilst Henry Cox felt natural on the biggest of stages, delivering bout after bout of crisp and clean vocals. It was a short but compact performance and with their sophomore effort on the horizon, things will surely only get better for this promising British outfit.
Rating: 7/10
Words: James Weaver
CELLAR DARLING – The Dogtooth Stage
Kicking off The Dogtooth Stage at this year’s Download Festival are CELLAR DARLING, a collective formed of previous members of Swiss folk-metal behemoths ELUVEITIE. As on record the vocals of figurehead frontwoman Anna Murphy are undeniably impressive, and it’s evident that the grasp of melody still remains from the members’ days in their previous outfit. Sadly though it does all feel a little bit pedestrian at times; ponderous lulls only infrequently punctured with moments of real quality. Avalanche in particular seems to lack the impact that its recorded counterpart exudes, and while a good number of onlookers are tapping their feet and nodding their heads by the end, all in all it’s a bit of a slow start to the weekend.
Rating: 6/10
Words: Shaun Brown
AVATAR – Main Stage
AVATAR graced the Friday Main Stage early in the day, and in their usual theatrical style put on a show with high energy and fantastic crowd participation. Opening with a creepy child-like rendition of A Statue Of The King, AVATAR rose on platforms underneath the stage, and proceeded to perform a solid short set of some of their most well known songs, including Hail The Apocalypse and Let It Burn. Lead vocalist Johannes Eckerström delivered a strong range of vocals during the set, with the Swedish five-piece band shaping up to be a band not to miss seeing live, especially for fans of lighter groove and melodic vibes.
Rating: 7/10
Words: Chloe Leonard
EMPLOYED TO SERVE – The Avalanche Stage
Arguably one of the most exciting bands in UK heavy music today, there was a huge amount of anticipation surrounding EMPLOYED TO SERVE‘s set on The Avalanche Stage, and boy, did they deliver. From start to finish the band dispatched neck-snapping riffs in the highest order. Opening salvo Void Ambition quickly blew off the cobwebs from the night before and had heads banging aplenty and Beg For Rain ensured the band finished their set in the same manner as they started; ferociously heavy. At the heart of their sonic mayhem, vocalist Justine Jones stood firm. Her vocal barks sounded excellent in their chaotic mix and she commanded the swelling tent with absolute ease with her performance in I Spend My Days (Wishing Them Away) being a particular highlight. At this point their momentum is bursting at the seams, and if they aren’t careful, EMPLOYED TO SERVE will utterly dominate UK heavy music for years to come.
Rating: 9/10
Words: James Weaver
HELPLESS – The Dogtooth Stage
The hardcore five-day campers are all dragging their hungover carcasses into the area when HELPLESS take to the stage. The Plymouth three piece’s desolating mixture of grindcore and powerviolence will either exacerbate your pounding headache or will be the perfect medicine and help you get back on the dark fruits. Their frantic and ever-changing riffs befuzzled some of the crowd at first but when the groovier tracks come in the tent becomes fixated on how insanely heavy HELPLESS are. The highlight comes in last with Denied Sale, a track built around one simple yet hypnotising drumbeat, the way the band add layers upon layers of savagery onto it with only three of them is incredible to behold. The tent is left blown away as the repetitive pattern is drawn out until it’s just the drums once more, and the band leave without a word.
Rating: 8/10
Words: Jack King
DED – The Avalanche Stage
Over on The Avalanche Stage, the slowly swelling crowd is treated to the sound of nu-metal brought kicking and screaming into the 21st century courtesy of DED. Featuring shuddering screamed vocals that go toe to toe with some rather formulaic cleans, the disparity between the genuinely heavy and the disappointingly lifeless passages results in a very mixed bag of a set. That said, when DED hit full stride they’re something to behold, a real throwback to the late nineties who still sound modern and, at least partially, cutting edge even in 2018. There’s undeniably work to be done to turn them into a top tier proposition, but with tracks like the infectious Hate Me and the destructively huge Anti-Everything going down so well this early in the day, there’s more than a little light at the end of the tunnel.
Rating: 7/10
Words: Shaun Brown
DRAGONFORCE – Main Stage
For all their critics, DRAGONFORCE are still truly loved by many, but today really isn’t their day. Sure, frontman Marc Hudson can work a crowd with ease and the obligatory Through the Fire and Flames receives the mass sing-a-long it deserves, but the set is plagued with sound issues; Hudson’s mic cuts out completely during Three Hammers and guitarist Herman Li suffers a similar fate with his own setup, whilst Gee Anzalone’s drums are one of the few things across the weekend that feel dragged through mud. It’s naturally frustrating for DRAGONFORCE despite their professionalism to fight through it, especially as they were planning on recording the whole set for a future release. Oops.
Rating: 6/10
Words: Elliot Leaver
STRAY FROM THE PATH – The Avalanche Stage
Given the current political climate, not only in the United States but across the pond on our shores as well, STRAY FROM THE PATH are arguably now one of the most important rock bands on the planet. Bringing all of their fire and energy to a small tent at Download Festival, they absolutely destroy the ears of all those in attendance with the raw passion, fury and vitriolic rage that hasn’t truly been seen since the days of RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE. A one-two of Goodnight Alt-Right and The House Always Wins hits like a sledgehammer to the skull, before a farewell First World Problem Child causes complete and utter carnage. As the dust settles there’s no doubt that this is a landmark moment, as it feels like the wider rock community is finally starting to realise that this genuinely outstanding band have flown under the radar for way too long…
Rating: 9/10
Words: Shaun Brown
MARMOZETS – Main Stage
As far as sets go, this could be viewed as MARMOZETS’ audition for greater things; their biggest headline show in October at the Kentish Town Forum looms and whilst they’ve played stages like this before, it really seems like this is the next checkpoint in their flourishing career. Thankfully, Play, Major System Error and a thunderous Captivate You all sound massive across the Download Festival field and Becca Macintyre continues to show her class and composure upfront, but they seem overwhelmed, never straying too far from their own positions and stopping well short of the bedlam that ensues at their own gigs. The music is enough to see them through today, but letting go a little more in these situations is required for the future.
Rating: 7/10
Words: Elliot Leaver
SAVAGE MESSIAH – The Dogtooth Stage
This may sound redundant but SAVAGE MESSIAH are really good at heavy metal. The much too often overlooked London metal mob can please almost any crowd they’re put in front of. It’s a shame they’re only around for three songs but whilst it’s not a long time it’s most definitely a good time. Soaring thrash bangers like Scavengers Of Mercy, Hands Of Fate, Eat Your Heart Out and Wing And A Prayer swiftly show off SAVAGE MESSIAH’s huge songwriting ability, their old school thrash hooks, and their insanely fun stage presence. It all feels over very quickly but this quick burst of heavy metal fun is one of the hidden gems of the weekend.
Rating: 8/10
Words: Jack King
ANDREW W.K. – Zippo Encore Stage
It’s common knowledge that wherever ANDREW W.K. is, there is the best party in rock going on. Of course, this meant that the biggest one was going on at the Zippo Encore Stage. Opening with She Is Beautiful, it almost felt like a moment of madness with the amount of the crowd going nuts. Air guitaring, head banging, moshing, there was not a still person in sight. Hard not to let loose when you’ve got a man up on stage telling you to party every five seconds. ANDREW W.K. might not be the most serious man in rock, but he is the epitome of what the world needs. On Friday, he gave everyone who witnessed his performance a piece of that, and as he walked off after the iconic Party Hard, spirits were lifted to the best heights.
Rating: 8/10
Words: Jessica Howkins
VOLBEAT – Main Stage
It would be terrifically hard for sharp-dressed Danes VOLBEAT to put a foot wrong in this set. The sun is beating down on a field of drunk metalheads gagging for some heavy rock bangers, but VOLBEAT still goes the extra mile to deliver a standout set. Opener The Devil’s Bleeding Crown absolutely shakes Donnington whilst Michael Poulsen’s yodel-esque vocals boom across the field. The destination immediately changes from a piss up in the devil’s back garden to an absolute party in sing-a-long city with Lola Montez. VOLBEAT could’ve shown up and half-assed it with their tunes and still would have entertained the crowd, but instead they play with more energy and vigour than bands half their age and they even throw out surprises, be it Poulsen’s goofing around on an acoustic throwing out Elvis and Johnny Cash tributes or bringing out Barney Greenway for his vocal spot on Evelyn. VOLBEAT didn’t just put on a great performance with this set but they created moments which will be etched in Download Festival history.
Rating: 9/10
Words: Jack King
CANCER BATS – The Avalanche Stage
Canadian hardcore punk rockers CANCER BATS have an incredible ability to consistently tear the roof down on any venue they play. Playing The Avalanche Stage at Download Festival was no exception. Kicking in with Gatekeeper, CANCER BATS had the tent kicking up a storm, what followed was the chaos getting more widespread. R.A.T.S, Hail Destroyer and Sabotage all saw the crowd kick into a mad frenzy, the encouragement on stage from vocalist Liam Cormier never went unnoticed. With energetic and chaotic performances like they delivered at this years Download, there is no second guessing why the crowd always goes nuts. They make for a perfect release of pent up negativity, letting go in the best way to one of the coolest bands we’ve seen in a long time.
Rating: 9/10
Words: Jessica Howkins
BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE – Main Stage
“Who knows, we may be headlining this place in 2-3 years’ time!” shouts Matt Tuck as BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE finish their set with a bombastic Waking the Demon. For all his enthusiasm however, it really feels that particular ship sailed a long time ago, especially as BULLET’s trajectory has been on a slide for much for this decade and the songs played from upcoming record Gravity are very much only lukewarmly received even though they sound better than on record. When the big guns come out though – Your Betrayal, Tears Don’t Fall, Four Words (to Choke Upon) and Scream Aim Fire – Download Festival explodes without a second thought and everyone is served a timely reminder of the sheer power and magnificence that BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE are still capable of producing. They might be treading water on a commercial front, but they’ve not lost their touch on the live circuit one bit.
Rating: 8/10
Words: Elliot Leaver
IGORRR – The Dogtooth Stage
There’s a lot of interesting, underground stuff at The Dogtooth Stage at this year’s Download Festival and IGORRR are very much one of those, with a significant emphasis on the word ‘interesting’. Comprising one drummer, a sampler, a wavering opera singer and a ferocious, makeup clad bloke with a piercing scream, they don’t just push the boundaries of what is metal but the whole concept of performance in general. It’s abrasive, uncomfortable and truly baffling to experience, but at the same time holds a lot of intrigue and curiosity. Clearly it’s doing something right because the band are about to open for MINISTRY in the States and they have a decent crowd in front of them at Download Festival; whether it’s able to continue in the same vein is a different matter entirely.
Rating: 6/10
Words: Elliot Leaver
BAD RELIGION – The Avalanche Stage
Spoiler for anyone who hasn’t spent much time listening to BAD RELIGION before – they’re one of the best bands to ever grace planet Earth. With enough anthems in their huge back catalogue to fill a dozen headline slots, the LA legends kick straight into gear in their headlining set on The Avalanche Stage with a double whammy of Generator and Recipe For Hate, setting the bar sky high for the rest of their set and letting all those in attendance know the kind of show that they’re in for. A glorious rendition of Fuck You threatens to tear the tent down, with the booze-fuelled voices of the packed crowd drowning out the band on more than one occasion. Considering that BAD RELIGION are now very much a veteran band, the pace doesn’t slow down for a single second of the entire performance, making for a pure celebration of the power of old school punk. With the likes of 21st Century (Digital Boy) and American Jesus saved for later in the set, the night ends with a ridiculously raucous home run and proves, as if it needed to be proven, that BAD RELIGION are still masters of the punk scene. It’s a good job that no one has to follow them because quite frankly, on this form… we’re not sure anyone could.
Rating: 9/10
Words: Shaun Brown
YOU ME AT SIX – Zippo Encore Stage
Closing the Zippo Encore stage on Friday with a sea of fans belting out every last word is YOU ME AT SIX. Opening up with Room To Breathe, the Surrey quintet have the ability to hold everyone in the palm of their hands. The performance can thank its successes to the high-energy, charismatic nature of each member. From hits off Night People, Cavalier Youth, right through to their new single Fast Forward, there was no point where the light dimmed, and the night fell flat. YOU ME AT SIX have proven themselves once again at Download Festival, and after Friday’s performance it won’t be a surprise to see them on the main stage nearing the top of the bill.
Rating: 9/10
Words: Jessica Howkins
TESSERACT – The Dogtooth Stage
UK progressive music has enjoyed a period of creative enlightenment in recent years but let us not forget that TESSERACT have been a spearhead in the scene’s blossoming. Since their inception in 2003 the band have gone from strength to strength and gracing the headlining slot on The Dogtooth Stage just proves how respected they are in in our world. Going up against main stage headliners AVENGED SEVENFOLD is no easy task but the sheer fact that the band take to the stage to a packed-out tent only further bolsters just how pivotal TESSERACT are in progressive metal. And the band ensured that their reputation remained intact as they delivered a headlining set of utter quality.
Complicated rhythms from guitarists James Monteith and Alec Kahney were the order of the day throughout the performance as they combined effortlessly to keep the pacing ebbing and flowing from crushing breakdowns to delicate intricate segments that ensnared your attention. Vocalist Daniel Tompkins was absolutely magnificent as his vocal deliveries more than matched his studio efforts, with Smile being the crème de la crème. From start to finish, TESSERACT created and maintained an intoxicating and spell-binding atmosphere, one which ensured that everyone who witnessed their performance left The Dogtooth Stage grinning from ear to ear.
Rating: 9/10
Words: James Weaver
AVENGED SEVENFOLD – Main Stage
Headlining the Main Stage for Friday was Californian hard-rock outfit AVENGED SEVENFOLD, performing a phenomenal set approaching two hours. Entering the stage to the classic track Back in Black by AC/DC, the quintet kicked off the set with The Stage, before playing some of their most loved tracks, including the likes of Hail to the King, Afterlife and Bat Country. The set meandered between classic tracks that got the crowd moving and singing along, to songs dedicated to peers and loved ones that have recently passed.
Halfway through the setlist, the band took a step back from their more energetic songs to honour their former drummer James “The Rev” Sullivan, tweaking the drum levels to highlight his contributions to the band. So Far Away opened with a short recording of The Rev explaining how important the band and his friends were to him and was a significantly sombre moment for everyone present. The band also took this track to remember recently lost friends Chester Bennington and Chris Cornell. A touching moment indeed. A happier dedication was made to the long-term fans of the band with the track Welcome to the Family, which had the crowd jumping and chanting along to the chorus. AVENGED SEVENFOLD returned to the stage after their set to perform a triple encore, finishing off with Unholy Confessions. The unmistakable voice of M. Shadows complimented by the near flawless execution of the rest of the band, made this long-standing group deserving of the Friday headliner spot of Download Festival 2018.
Rating: 9/10
Words: Chloe Leonard
And there we go! Who were some of your favourite bands of the day? Keep posted to Distorted Sound as we bring your our coverage from the Saturday and Sunday from Download Festival 2018!
