Slaying the Download Crowd
Slayer, having been relegated to the Snickers Stage last year, have a strong following that want to see them gracing the Main Stage like the legends that they are. With Nightwish arriving over an hour late, fears arise that Slayer will, once again, be forced to cut short their Main Stage set. It is a relief when Nightwish exit early and their fans depart to see Lacuna Coil on the Second Stage.
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Slayer are right where they should be for once, and where they should have been last year and where they feel most comfortable - on the Main Stage in front of a huge crowd. As they launch in to their set, the sound of their juggernaut guitar riffs and solos sitting behind the unmistakable vocals that cry out "Slayer Are Here", the crowd lurch towards the stage to try and get a piece of their favourite band.
Pounding, racing and at all times on top of their game, Slayer display effortlessly the kind of talent that so many bands playing over this weekend can only dream of. It is brutal and perhaps too heavy for the Nightwish and Lacuna Coil fans to truly appreciate but as classics like 'Post Mortem' and 'Angel of Death' play out, it's obvious that Slayer will always be at home and welcome in Donington.
To view all photos taken during this set click here. There are 28 available.