Tuesday, 17 July 2012

Download Festival 2012 - Friday - Fear Factory, NoFX, Machine Head, Chase & Status, Prodigy.


FEAR FACTORY

After a gruelling wait in the longest queue in history (thanks to the horrid weather), the crowds finally piled into the arena, many of whom took to the main stage with Fear Factory waiting to greet them.
Playing a mix of many years worth of quality music, including a couple from their new album (which sound amazing!!) the band are still as hard as ever and the crowd immediately went ballistic.
Maybe, in all honesty Burton’s vocals were a little weaker than I had hoped; the band still got me hyped up for what promised to be an amazing weekend of music.


NoFX

A banterlicious set from an aged pop punk band, NoFX create exactly what was expected of them, humorous from the outset and completely tasteless.
“The Megadeth of Punk Rock” (as Fat Mike describes) played an array of classic sing along punk, ‘Bob’ was an absolute treat, as was ‘Eat the meek’.
Funny, Energetic and a huge amount of audience participation made for a truly enjoyable set.


MACHINE HEAD

To a chorus of “Machine F***ing Head” from the tens of thousands of fans, Machine Head are greeted to the stage and once Rob Flynn screams “I AM HELL” the crowd erupt and the circle pits begin. A band that will always go down amazingly at Download MH provide us with 55 minutes of record quality groove metal.
Backed by Dave McClain, one of metals most underrated drummers, the band keep the circle pits spinning with some amazing songs.
Personally, a little disappointed that there set was filled with songs only from the latest two albums except ‘Imperium’ from ‘Through the ashes of Empires’. Where were the classics like ‘Dividian’?
Needless to say, an amazing set, by an amazing band, with the added accomplishment of breaking the world record for most circle pits (previously 23) to ‘Aesthetics of Hate’.


CHASE AND STATUS

With a high chance of failing to meet the weekends set genre, many people have been heard complaining about Downloads choice to put this band on, however, with this in mind Chase and Status came out with guns blazing.
An eruption of sound wetted everyone’s dub step whistle and before the first song had reached the chorus the thousands watching delved into an enigmatic groove, all of a sudden it doesn’t matter about silly things like genre. To be honest, Chase and Status provided just as heavy a sound, if not heavier, than others hitting the main stage.
A really strong set of well chosen songs ended up a highlight to my day, who says you can’t mosh to a bit of wobble bass?!


PRODIGY

With the hints of sun we experienced on Friday having finally left us for the day, the main stage lit up with its impressive lighting rig.
Although painfully delayed coming onto stage, (especially after C&S getting everyone buzzing) Prodigy exploded onto stage! A reminder of the sheer talent and writing ability that they have, hit follows hit follows hit, this band could do no wrong!
The very impressive crowd all attempting to get their feet moving in the sticky mud. Prodigy’s songs were huge, with a bass that cracks ribs and an amazing ability to create a live sound so close to the originals.
Yes, ok, Maxim said “where my people at?” far too many times, and Keith’s mic was sometimes lost in the mix, but who cares! Prodigy owned main stage! Amazing!


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