My own navigation fumble led to a late arrival. A rough start to the day, missing out on several exciting bands as I got caught in a wave of Friday attendees. Despite that, still had an amazing time as always. The weather was just right, sun and clouds, a cool breeze to keep one from cooking. I still got around, of the bands not mentioned here, I watched James And The Cold Gun, Paleface Swiss, Creeper and Lake Malice.
Lakeview
Having prior enjoyed their mashup of current low end metallic energy and modern Country Rap, Lakeview were the first to bring the live music chills. Amped up and full of enthusiasm, the duo front act rocked their authentic sing along numbers well, getting the crowd excited, putting on a memorable show with a sound I'm growing increasingly fond of.
Drain
Part Punk, half Hardcore, mostly Metal and a fond Echo of Crossover Thrash, California's Drain brought manic energy and stole the show. Their front man talked up the crowd with an endless surge of energy and excitement. Their songs blazed through fast mosh friendly chops, rocking riffs and headbangers grooves. The crowd ate it up, as did I.
Electric Callboy
Watched from a far, I got to enjoy the impeccable sound engineering of Download's main stage. It sounded so crisp and clear! I'm not overtly keen on Electric Callboy and their comedic party vibe antics but the live show always brings one closer to what a bands about. Mixing up their set with some vibrant European Gabber and Rave influences, the show became quite the surprise hit. I was thoroughly entertained and would be happy to catch them again sometime.
Cypress Hill
What a nostalgia trip! Sing along to every lyrics, I was reminded of my youthful love for this act with a flood of memories rushing back. Their age is starting to show a little and Download felt like the perfect opportunity to dust of the amps and bring back their Metal crossover era but that will likely be an unfulfilled dream for the Rap Metal obsessed teen in me. Anyways, great show but the energy was tame compared to other acts.
Limp Bizkit
They are my reason for attending this Friday. Immediately after seeing them at Reading last year, I knew I wanted to see them again. This time without Sam Rivers, RIP. Its my tenth time seeing the Bizkit. I went wild, as I always do. These songs just hit that teenage nostalgia different. I jumped, moshed, sung my heart out and ruined my voice. What a great time! I must say, the set felt light, lots of drawn out moments and even some extended downtime. It mostly felt like the same set I saw them do last time in thirty minutes less. It would have been nice to have gotten a few deep cuts but it is what it is. I'm sure I'll see them again in the coming years.