M. Shadows sits onstage in a chair, face covered by a black balaclava, as the progressive tones of ring out across Donington – a place most associated with the straight-up metal of and . The opening track of Last year’s it set the tone for a record that was experimental, uncompromising, and did not give a fuck what you thought about it.
There’s a chance tonight’s performance could fall into that bracket – but it doesn’t. Shadows pulls off the balaclava for , while screens behind him show a white picket fence and a dream home fallen into disrepair, which soon go up in a raging blaze. It sounds heavier and more menacing live, the double kick pushing through.
Then he addresses the crowd – “Donington, are you ready to have some fun?” he asks. “I wanna hear you scream!” – before they rewind 17 years for a chunky . By this point, it’s clear they got they’ve got the brief.
It's the band’s third time headlining Download, and they know the drill. Tonight is a mix of new songs and some of their biggest hits, delivered with the freedom and enjoyment that comes from knowing who they are, with nothing to prove. Heavy-hitter – complete with the fist-pumping “Hail! Hail! Hail! Hail!” crowd chant – sits alongside the “little dance rave” of newbie , Shadows’ growl-chants delivered at an impressive pace that appears to make him smile.
is dedicated to beloved late drummer , the crowd lighting up the sky with phone lights, while lead single is a proper.
