The last day of Download granted us Korn headliners – report of the performances on Sunday

So unfortunately, Download Festival has ended too. And even though I wished it would last until eternity, it was alas time to say goodbye to Donington Park, but not before giving us a last thrill on Sunday. Let’s recap the events of that day!

Nothing More

Our day started with the American band Nothing More. This was my first time seeing them, but it certainly will not be my last. I have already made plans to catch them in the fall when they come back to Europe, because I was very entranced by their performance, and I’m sure it will be even better in a closed venue. Strong stage presence, solid mixing, these guys know exactly how to entertain and they are not afraid to go all in when it comes to delivering a very charged set. Most of their setlist was taken from their latest release “Carnal”, and the audience was going crazy about them. This Sunday is starting off in an amazing way!

Photo: Niko Sihvonen.

Seven Hours After Violet

The band that introduced me to metal was System Of A Down, so obviously when Seven Hours After Violet was announced as part of the Download lineup, I already had my bags packed. But this supergroup is much more than Shavo Odadjian (even though he is a big part of it!). Taylor on vocals doesn’t need introduction, Michael and Alejandro on guitars shred like it’s their life, and Josh on drums is basically an unstoppable hammer. So if you ever get a chance, do not miss this fantastic ensemble that brings metalcore to a new level, and even though they only have a full-length out, their potential will grow really fast!

Photo: Niko Sihvonen.

Airbourne

Boy oh boy are the temperatures rising in Donington Park. So much so that I feel like burning. Well, luckily Airbourne are coming to my rescue, bringing a raw and powerful heavy metal all the way from Australia. This group doesn’t mess around; or well, at least when it comes to the music. Because lead singer Joel O’Keeffe did make an appearance in the crowd on the shoulders of a security guard, with still his guitar on him. The Aussies are crazy but that is exactly how we like them! The band also played their last single “Gutsy”, and have more shows scheduled for next year in Europe. So if you’re looking for some fun, you cannot miss one of their concerts! “Can’t get enough of a good time / Gonna live it up, while I’m a still alive“

Photo: Niko Sihvonen.

Steel Panther

I’m sticking to the Opus Stage because it seems that they are always offering something unique and original to the lineup. And that is exactly the case when Steel Panther arrived on stage. These gentlement have a massive career, and yet they have been the funniest and most engaging band of the whole festival! Their banter was my favorite part of the show. I especially liked when Satchel said “I really liked Jerry Garcia of Alice In Chains” to which Michael Starr replied “He’s Jerry Cantrell!“, and Satchel came back with “Shut up, Michael!“. I was almost rolling on the ground laughing! There was a slight interruption of their set when apparently someone got hurt and security asked to the people on the right side of the stage to move so the person could receive some assistance, but other than that, it was a marvelous performance!

Photo: Niko Sihvonen.

Korn

Korn‘s eagerly anticipated debut as the main act at the Download Festival was a strong, if expected, demonstration of their nu metal skills. It was evident that they understood exactly what their crowd desired, even though their performance might not have won over doubters. The band played all of their trademark heavy tracks supported by a stunning light display that heightened the moody times. It wasn’t very revelatory, but it was a respectable demonstration of their technique for that weren’t familiar with the band. When Davis pulled out his signature bagpipes for “Shoots and Ladders,” the evening’s high point was the delightfully surreal moment that brought shouts from the loyal fan base, who obviously knew this odd custom well. The band then shifted the song into a heartbreaking excerpt of Metallica‘s “One,” establishing an unexpected yet impactful musical bridge. Longtime fans were clearly having a great time during the concert, applauding every well-known riff and singing along to deep cuts. This demonstrated that, even if Korn may not be everyone’s cup of tea (certainly not mine), they have mastered the art of providing their supporters with exactly what they came for.

Photo: Niko Sihvonen.