Download Festival 2022
It’s been three years since the last full size Download and the mood is positive. Last year’s ‘Pilot’ event went down so well and had a family vibe that has carried over to this year. The new layout sees the village on a hard standing for the first time. A smart move to combat a sea of mud which inevitably meant the weather was dry. The push to remain a market leader in the green stakes is also in full swing. Accessibility is another area this festival excels at and once again they do their utmost to include everyone in every area. The arena is a familiar friend – why fix what isn’t broke? Download is about music and friendship and 2022 proves to be the most expansive and inclusive to date.
Here are Gary Trueman and Mark Bestford’s top five acts of the weekend followed by a round up of the best of the rest from around the village and arena.
Gary’s five of the best.
As Everything Unfolds – A new band with a bright future
Those that still mourn the loss of Lacey Sturm singing up front for Flyleaf really ought to check out this fine young UK act. When the music delivers on as broad a spectrum as this you need a vocalist who can match the changes of mood. Charlie Rolfe does this and then some. She ranges from near Hayley Williams cute to Tatiana Shmayluk brutal but has Sturm’s warmth and depth. The band are tight too but flow wonderfully well. They own the stage to such a degree that you can just imagine them returning as conquering heroes in a couple of years.
Lacuna Coil – The consummate professionals
It’s almost impossible to speak too highly of Lacuna Coil. They purr like a Rolls Royce with Andrea Ferro and Cristina Scabbia producing delicious harmonies that lift the soul. Ferro in particular seems to have caught a second wind producing a stunning display. Scabbia we already know about. She has to be one of the most consistent singers around, and once again doesn’t miss a note. Dark and uplifting Lacuna Coil’s music is stylish and polished. You’d expect nothing less from a band that calls Italy home. On this outing don’t bet against them pushing even higher up the festival line ups in the near future.
Cassyette – The potential superstar
You need to have a whole arsenal of attributes to make it to the very top. Cassyette would seem to tick all the boxes, and she does it with a cheeky grin too. First up she has a voice with range and power. She’s engaging too, with a way to transmit her genuineness and sense of fun to any sized audience. And while her songs are edgy they are memorable and accessible too. Cassyette is one of the new generation that is making punk popular again. She’s helping to make rock…. well… rock again. Today her set is quite stunning. The ingredients are all there, we may have a new superstar on our hands.
Wargasm – Trampling all over convention
Take the son of a Sex Pistol. Add a kick ass bass playing model. Leave to simmer for a little while. The result is Wargasm, a band that writes music that has chucked away the rear view mirror. Genre’s really are ignored here as is the ‘safe’ band format. Sam Matlock and Milkie Way are doing it their way and the result is breath taking. Electro meets punk in a cacophony of sound at a little after eleven in the morning and the crowd love it. The mood shifts easily from bright to dark and back to bright again. Wargasm are on fire right now and nothing is going to put them out.
Korn – The Nu-Metal masters
Always a festival favourite Korn are right in the groove at Donington. There’s no messing about, no long sermons, it’s just a crazy ride through one of the finest back catalogues in modern music. Jonathan Davies sounds fantastic as do the rest of the gang. This is less a performance and more a celebration. Nu- Metal itself has had a bit of an overhaul recently with new (nu) acts taking up the baton with renewed vigour. There’s no doubt who the masters are though. Korn bring a feast and the fans devour it.
Mark’s five of the best:
Megadeth – The thrash legends
If anyone was to say Megadeth would be one of the standout bands of the weekend their sanity would have been deemed questionable, they’ve never been on their top form in over a decade. And given recent health scares expectations were low, but whatever Dave Mustaine’s health regime has been in his recovery from cancer it’s worked its magic. Vocally Dave is back on top form and clearly enjoying being back on a stage. From Hanger 18 to the encore Holy Wars there’s song after song with the crowd singing along , punctuated by flames reaching seemingly to the roof of the stage.
Boston Manor -The new vanguard of punk
There are noticeably fewer people around on the Sunday and the Avalanche stage is only about two thirds full for Boston Manor. It really doesn’t matter to them though as the crowd is full of their fans and they are there to watch one band and one band only. Immediately in front of the stage there’s a sizeable circle pit going and the crowd surfers aren’t a trickle, they’re a tsunami going over the barrier one after another. The lads from Blackpool aren’t satisfied with just that though as they call for the audience to create a circle pit around the whole tent, and everyone is happy to oblige.
Descendents – The veteran legends
There’s a clear difference between new and old school fans as the mosh pit for The Descendents shows. Where younger bands get a large open space for moshing in the old guard simply start the pit right in the middle of the crowd. From the barrier to about 20 feet in it’s chaos akin to the early days of punk which the band are more than familiar with coming from the late 70s California punk scene. Their position as elder statesmen of punk doesn’t diminish the show as they play with a confidence of a much younger band, switching between fast and furious songs to more classic ballads.
Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes – The king returns
If anger could be bottled and sold Frank Carter would be the richest person in the world. But it’s anger that is honed to a purpose, rather than blindly lashing out. At one point Frank starts crowd surfing and when the crowd starts to pass him back towards the barrier there’s a cry of “did I fucking tell you I wanted to go back?” before demanding to be raised up on the shoulders of the happy to oblige fans. With so much energy on stage it’s no surprise that it ripples out into the Download sunshine. To quote Frank: “A moment of silence to all the other bands we just murdered” – indeed.
Shinedown – The crowd pleasers
The surprising thing for Shinedown is that they aren’t the penultimate band on the main stage. They have had a string of bit hit songs and are about to embark on a tour of stadiums and arenas later in the year. That honour went to Deftones, but the band of the day on the main stage was Shinedown without a doubt. They even had the sun shining down on them as they played. Glorious favourites are all played with Brent Smith’s heart firmly sewn on his sleeve. Hearing the crowd singing along so enthusiastically it’s clear that their return to Download is more than welcomed.
The one we both agree on : Creeper
Gary: The burden of expectation can weigh heavily on a band’s shoulders sometimes. Creeper have had so many plaudits. Andy Copping himself takes every opportunity to big them up, and rightly so. And here’s the thing. Creeper keep producing shows like this one to justify every word said in their favour. They are a (relatively) young band with old heads on those brooding shoulders. They’re nice guys too. Never underestimate what a bit of humility can do. At Download this year they let their music do the talking. It’s a superb performance that has at its core the mightily impressive Will Gould on vocals. Creeper are a real force to be reckoned with who steal the show at this year’s event.
Mark: Just a few years ago Creeper was somewhat of a cult band with a small but highly dedicated following. A few years later, and an Elvis Presley style makeover, and Creeper is now a religion. They still have their horror punk roots, playing songs Cyanide and Misery, but it soon becomes clear that this isn’t the same band that played Download in 2017 and these aren’t the same fans that watched them in 2021. For the entire set Will Gould has them in the palm of his hand, at one point finishing a song to have the crowd, unwilling to see the band finish simply continue singing after they’ve left the stage.
Wednesday:
They’ve shifted the Boardie Takeover from Thursday to Wednesday this year and so metal warriors Defences open up at 4.30 when many are still pitching their tents. There’s still a very good crowd though. The Doghouse is now an open air amphitheatre made up of shipping containers. It’s got a great vibe, helped enormously by the favourable weather. Next up we see Sertraline complete with a brand new singer followed by the big riffing Veridian. Midlanders Fury bring all the rock and roll feels with a fun set while Borders take on ‘metalcore’ is fast and drum skin tight. Seething Akira have managed to make metal truly danceable and if we had a roof it would be gone. Red Method’s industrial brutality close the show with real panache and are followed by DJ sets into the night. Weather Report: Dry, so far so good!
Thursday:
It’s a day of catching up with friends, making new ones and partying like we haven’t been able to for three whole damn years unless you were at the Pilot. There’s a lovely happy feeling permeating to all corners of the site. So much of the infrastructure and work force are new so yes, there are a few teething issues, a few edges need polishing. But with the new layout being explored it’s clear how much better this site is than previous incarnations. Rock Fit is a great way to free your self of that pesky hangover. Alyx Holcombe plays some banging tunes in the Doghouse while comedians bring mirth to the Side Splitter. Panic At The Bingo proves to be very popular with various little competitions running as interludes. The party runs long into the night but not too long because tomorrow is going to be a big day. Weather Report: Does an odd overnight shower count? Let’s call it another dry one.
Friday:
Opening the main stage is Toby Jepson’s Wayward Sons showing all the skill that made Little Angels one of the biggest rock bands of the early 90s. Meanwhile second stage opener Ayron Jones keeps the spirit of Jimi Hendrix alive and kicking with a 21st century makeover. On main stage Theory of a Deadman make their Download comeback after a decade away. It’s Canadian rock and roll at its finest. Kris Barras is on the second stage showing why he’s one of the hottest new rock acts around. Bury Tomorrow light up the front of the stage with a good old fashioned pyro show. It’s the Download human BBQ set as the flames reach critical mass. Dead Poet Society tear up the Dogtooth stage showing that younger bands have a hunger and an energy that some of their peers may be lacking. It’s poetic anarchy in motion. Myles Kennedy has one of the most recognisable vocals around. He shines almost as brightly as the Donington sunshine. The skinniest guy in rock, Andy Biersack and his Black Veil Brides come across as a much more mature act. The lack of their traditional make up adds to their new found gravitas even if it may not please some fans. Skindred always knows how to get a crowd going and this was no exception with their energetic performance, not forgetting the famous Newport Helicopter. Normandie do their best to show pop punk is still going strong over on the avalanche stage. It’s hard to compete with rock’s finest party band on main but they’re giving it their all. AC/DC’s spiritual successor Airbourne bring their rock and roll to the second stage. Back in the Dogtooth tent you’d be forgiven for thinking they’d put Iron Maiden on a day early as Steve Harris plays with his other band, British Lion. A Day To Remember bring their fans out in force where you could hear them singing along to every song in often emotional fashion. Sleep Token play to a huge audience. There’s no need to demand action from this crowd as they spontaneously start clapping along before joining in with the vocals. If you can find room to squeeze into the Dogtooth tent, Red Fang turn the temperature up to a thousand degrees. The Ghost Inside are much anticipated and don’t disappoint. They’re still playing as Kiss start their set in an explosion of fireworks and flames. Blues Pills manage to pull a sizable crowd even if Kiss are in town. It’s easy going blues music and a refreshing change for those who don’t want the glitz and glam of the big hitters. Electric Wizard also prove to be a sound option with their show smouldering nicely. It’s a hot and sweaty affair with hypnotic rhythms dished out aplenty. Kiss bring an otherworldly stage show to what will sadly their last performance at Download (Or will it?). Playing their much loved hits the stage burst with flames, streamers and fireworks. With Paul Stanley riding a zip wire and Gene Simmons fuelling our nightmares with his bloody close ups they definitely go out with a bang. Weather Report: Factor 25 and rising.
Saturday
It’s an earlier start on the Saturday as Aniimalia take to the Avalanche stage. Formed during lockdown there’s still a raw edge to them that comes from starting out, but they look the part and show promise of things to come with plenty of energy on stage. Next it’s time for some sleazy rock and roll courtesy of Dirty Honey. Death Blooms are fast risers and they’ve got a full tent jumping around like lunatics. There’s a surprise on leaving the tent as The Raven Age are late starting. They’re a good fun band with a bright future. Dead Label get the crowd surfers going over the barrier on the popular Dogtooth stage. They’re brutally heavy and probably not a recommended hangover cure. Back on main and Those Damn Crows get up close and personal with the front row. Malevolence dish out some metalcore madness in a sparkling set. Hardcore punks Dragged Under make it a karaoke session in the Avalanche tent as they get the crowd singing along. The energy onstage and in the tent seems unlimited. Next up and Ice Nine Kills live up to their name as they put on a killer show on the second stage. It’s loud, Its brutal, It’s Dying Fetus complete with a barely survivable pit up front. While the Dogtooth tent is going round in circles Mastodon give a lesson in how they’ve become one of the biggest metal bands around. They are outstanding. Black Label Society delight the crowd by playing blistering solos with their guitars behind their heads. They bring pure unadulterated rock to Donnington. Deftones make their highly anticipated return, bringing an epic set full of nostalgia with all the band members on top form. Funeral For A Friend overflow the Avalanche tent. They need to play outdoors next time around. Again tents are overflowing as Sepultura nail it. It could just be that there are too many people in the tent to get a pit going, or it could just be the humidity that has people flagging a little. The Brazilain are literally too hot to mosh! Iron Maiden close day two as only they can. They have a massive crowd. They begin the night with their latest album opener Senjutsu, complete with 10 foot tall Samurai Eddie, the rest of the set is all crowd pleasers lifted from their Legacy Of The Beast tour, complete with Spitfire hanging from the roof of the stage. Aces High indeed! Iron Maiden remain one of the few veteran bands that still have ‘it’ live. Bruce Dickinson’s vocals are just huge. Well played guys, well played indeed. Weather Report: Parasols required, not wellies.
Sunday
Kooky clowns The Injester are a perfect start to the day. Control The Storm play to a respectable Sunday morning crowd helped along by power metal and pyrotechnics. Static Dress put in a shift and a half in the late morning sun. Their brash youthful sound is an indicator to how music is progressing. There must have been some leftover from Megadeth’s set the previous night and they’re determined to use it all up. Next up it’s the power metal pagans Powerwolf who are a headbangers delight. We get mad Scottish antics from those pirates of metal Alestorm followed by Rise Against who appear to have filled the hillside with people. Darkness is the theme with the outstanding Dead Posey who vamp their way through an all too short set. The Hara are bright new prospects that have the sound and look to go far. Baroness bring their usual class. Kill The Lights fill the tent and horns are lifted into the air. You can almost feel the energy coming from their singer. The Avalanche stage for Spiritbox is heaving. . The past few months has seen their profile grow and it shows. They’re playing as if they’re headlining and the crowd cheers along. Bimini proves to be a progressive booking to be proud of. She puts on a fabulous show which includes a well judged Prodigy mash-up. Volbeat show why they’ve been tipped as a future headliner with no gimmicks, just pure country inspired rock and roll. Michael Poulsen’s unique vocal style coupled with the upbeat tunes compliment the beautiful sunny day bringing in waves of good vibes. Christian but not preachy Skillet are a great watch with a surprisingly energetic set. Orbit Culture are on fire and the Swedish metallers get an absolutely huge circle pit going in the tent that keeps going for the whole set. Fire From The Gods are from Texas and they bring a fresh take on rap metal to the Dogtooth stage. Steel Panther keep everyone in hysterics with their infamous tongue in cheek shenanigans. Their cover of Crazy Train and Michael Starrs’ impression of Ozzy was a sight to behold. Not many acts could get away with some of the stuff they do but Starr and co have the smarts to know how far to go with all the silliness. Closing Download 2022 are Biffy Clyro who do what they do best. They put on an amazing light show to accompany the huge hits they’ve had over the years. They even manage to throw some pyrotechnics into the mix and finish the night with the obligatory end of festival firework show. Naysayers be warned, they will be back. Weather Report: Dryload mode engaged all weekend.
Aggy’s view from the campsite
Devolution’s Aggy Gillon was in with the fans the whole weekend tenting it in ‘District 9’ officially known as Blue Camp. This is her fans eye view of the mood of Download 2022:
“Something felt different about the campsite this year and it wasn’t just the layout. The excitement to be back after three years of hell and missing our Download family made it feel like home more than ever before. Being blessed with glorious weather gave a better chance to mix rather than shield for shelter. Everyone was down to party as always but many showed incredible support to their brothers and sisters. People celebrated not only their mutual love of music but also getting through hardships and loved ones lost. An old saying says that ‘every stranger is a friend you have not met yet’ and it has never felt more true.”
For three long years we waited and the sense of release was palpable. Download 2023 will see the festival celebrate it’s 20th birthday and already we have confirmation that an extra day has been added taking it to four full days of live music. So let’s just pray the sun gods shine once more!
Review by Gary Trueman, Mark Bestford and Aggy Gillon
All photos by Gary Trueman