Fantastic Schizophrenic Metal
System of a Down are a band that make you think "What the fuck?" How exactly did System of a Down get so big? They've been around since their self-titled mainstream debut in 1999 but it was 2001's 'Chop Suey!' from 'Toxicity' that propelled them into the limelight. With their b-side release 'Steal This Album!' after that and the first part of the double album 'Mezmerize' recently released, they're a band that have more than enough material to headline, but why would 60,000 people want to watch a group of Armenians mixing political statements and irreverent humour to, what can best be called, schizophrenic metal.
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After an hour delay and several topless ladies cheered for by the crowd, the introduction to 'Soldierside' rings out with a silhouette of guitarist Daron Malkien illuminated behind a System of a Down backdrop. This is immediately followed by cheers as 'BYOB' rolls out to 60,000 people spread across the whole site at Donington.
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With the latest album 'Mezmerize' already engraved on the hearts of all System fans, in just one month, it's no surprise as the whole crowd sing along to the chorus of 'Revenga' as well as the following 'Science'.
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Songs that once played to 1,200 fans in small venues across the country are now being played to, in the course of two weeks, around 100,000 British people. As Daron announces "I'm a big asshole", there is a realisation that there's something about System of a Down that's different from all other bands. They should come across as conceited and immature, yet instead they manage to portray themselves as a genuine, intense, caring band that they now are.
The memories of the dismal Ozzfest 2002 and System of a Down's short performance is now in the past, and as Daron talks through the opening lyrics of 'Cigaro', it is now obvious that the band are the perfect choice to end Downlaod 2005. There's no other band quite like them anywhere else; they constantly reinvent themselves and push the boundaries of any genre that the media try to box them in - yet fans of Feeder and Sabbath alike will all scream the same when System of a Down are performing.
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It goes without saying that, from a musical point of view, System of a Down are flawless. Donington's PA may be able to flounder Nightwish's opera trained vocalist, but not System of a Down, who put out a rich, innovative and complete song at all times. You don't just hear the CD played live - instead Daron Malkien constantly changes the direction of the song and links songs together with guitar solos.
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There's no doubt that 'Toxicity' is a favourite album as the crowd go mad for song after song - be it 'Needles', 'Deer Dance' or 'Bounce'.
The set carries on along the same path - a fantastic end to Download 2005 that no other band would be able to pull off after the eclectic mix of bands over the last three days.
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As System of a Down end their set with 'Suite Pea' and 'Sugar', the crowd depart for their cars, the campsite, and nearby hotels as the dust settles over Donington's once green racetrack. The perfect end to the most diverse Download Festival ever.
To view all photos taken during this set click here. There are 22 available.