As I Lay Dying Deliver Hit & Miss Set
What are you going to expect from a band with a name like As I Lay Dying? Really heavy, violent, thrash metal? Even if you didn't, that's what you get. Well, that's what you get after a hypnotic, winding melodic intro that lets you believe it's not going to be heavy.
Then the songs start, and the thrash fest begins. There is some superb drumming - it really stands out because of the sheer power of it all. The tunes aren't bad either, and complement the screaming vocals really rather like a glove. As I Lay Dying are yet another of those bands whose infectious joy at playing Download spreads to the crowd. The reaction is magic to watch.
The whole band seem like really nice guys, and their gratitude for just being able to play at the festival makes a different between a good or bad set. "Two days ago, I didn't think we were going to make it, so we're really glad to be here." So they treat us with 'Empty Hearts', a new song with incredible drumming.
'Elegy' shows just how tight they are, combining death, thrash, and heavy metal into one glorious song. It's a pity, then, that they follow it with a pretty standard thrash affair that doesn't ignite much interest.
The rest of the set is a mixed affair, with some of it likewise straightforward stuff, and I'm left wishing there was more of the likes of 'Elegy' and 'Empty Hearts'. That's why virtually the last song is a surprise: a manic mess of thrash, schizo beats and melodies gets me moving and pounding my fist in the air.