It's been 18 years but no talent is lost for Anthrax
Making their Download come-back for the first time in 18 years, Anthrax are promising to be one of the highlights on this dreary Saturday afternoon. With a somewhat deliberate screechy start off, Anthrax are already proving to knock the crowd senseless with their sheer force. Held onstage like the pure legends they are, they start off with the explosive, aggressive power that is 'Spread Your Disease'. The crowd are quickly drawn from whoever are playing the other stages at this time, and rightfully so. No matter how good a band may be, they will always stand in the shadow of Anthrax and other bands with the experience that they have. Anthrax do not disappoint those who come to see them at all; their performance is flawless and shows their abilities off fantastically well. Fast paced and adrenaline packed, their force echoes out for miles around the path, leaving a legendary mark upon the now packed field. Those witnessing this moment are touched with the honour as they stand in awe of the Gods before them onstage. Anthrax have also been blessed with escaping the awful sound troubles on the main stage that Trivium had to face earlier and this makes their performance all the more explosive. The audience scream along and the communication between the band and audience is intense and indescribable; it's a connection as old as the band itself and it seems that everyone approves of their outstanding performance.
Swinging their hair wildly and throwing out the best performance so far this afternoon, Anthrax's power even seems to extend to controlling the weather as the sun appears for the first time this afternoon, warming the heart and soul of everyone present and rising to enhance the sheer intensity of the atmosphere. The band are certainly getting on a bit in years with their last Download appearance in 1985, but that most certainly has not killed their sheer energy and lust for performance. Anthrax have put on a fantastic set performing many old favourites for the crowd, whose response is mind-blowing. It is without a doubt that Anthrax have set the mood for a great afternoon and if anyone could rise to better their performance then it will be no one but Black Sabbath, an equally experienced Black Metal band. Anthrax has been a real treat for the masses, definitely one of the highlights of the afternoon.
To view all photos taken during this set click here. There are 24 available.