Music (and what's happened)

Seriously what's going on with my favourite type of music!? Metal is suffering in my humble opinion. Bands labelled as 'not metal' such as Bring Me The Horizon whom I fell in love with, possibly to stand against the haters and then simply because their music was good and suited what I wanted, well, they've actually become 'not metal!' The latest Metallica song is lame, Slipknot have been consistently great live but just roll out the same old show every time. It's a conundrum.

I've discovered some new bands which have satisfied my needs, the latest Nails album is stunning and when I'm having a 'black', which crops up quite often they burn my ears of and help me address things, BUT they went and split up! Puppy are floating my boat lately in a rather metal Smashing Pumpkins meets Iron Maiden style. The latest Blink 182 album is probably my most listened to album this year and they're old skool.

There's more but I'll probably rant about it another day.

I've had country music on my ipod in the last 12th months and they're are some stunning artists out there, Zac Brown Band, Chris Stapleton to mention two.

So how do I really feel.about metal? I'll stick with it of course. Parkway Drive have a stunning album despite the new sound and are IMHO the best live band on the circuit right now. The new Korn (nod to my bestie @_lalabum) tracks are stunning and although I'm not the biggest Korn fan they are certainly flying the metal flag in a age where things appear to be suffering.

I'm sure metal will survive and with new Alter Bridge coming soon and sounding great and new Meshuggah heading our way to continue the great releases from King 810 and A Day To Remember the latter part of 2016 could be a blinder...

Let's get ready to ramble

So it's been ages since I blogged. So much has changed. I became a dad, I lost my dad, I've moved jobs, I might have to move jobs again. Some things remain the same however, I still love music and film, I still read graphic novels and collect ridiculous action figures (I just have to buy two now, one for the little man to play with and one to stay in the box #nerd). So as I get time prepare for more of my random ramblings...

Download Festival 2012 Sunday

Waking up it is clear that the rain has cleared and well its almost sunny, today will be a good day.

Breakfast is great once more, full marks to the  http://www.slugandlettuce.co.uk/derby/  near the Cathedral in Derby - brilliant food.

The journey to the festival is uneventful and this is a good thing as the lunatic taxi driver from the night before felt it appropriate to enter roundabouts at 55 MPH - seriously we are glad to be alive.

We arrive for Anthrax who are brilliant, Indian Headresses, circle pits, Joey runs the along the front of the crowd singing his heart out, the great part is where the steward tries to grab him in some confusion, does he stop singing - nope! Anthrax deserve to one of the Big 4.

Sunday was always going to be a lazy day and when the sun comes out fully and the arms start burning its time mighty Zakk and Black Label Society to bring it. Bring it they do, stomping through some sludging heavy metal hits, stopping briefly (yeah right) for a guitar solo moment. Too be honest it went on far to long (sorry Zakk), talented as you are and as awesome as your playing is, at a festival, I just want hits!

Next up and taking it down a notch!! Lamb of God hit his squarely between the eyes, hard riffs, hard lyrics, hard language, apparently we are all MuthaHubbards on more than one occasion, at least Randy was grateful to us all.

The third quarter of the Big 4 step up next and deliver a consistent set. Megadeth are still a great band but for me they were just as good as last year, which is still good but nothing new, I guess if it ain't broke...

I put my laziness to one side at this stage and leave the main stage (I have no interest in watching Soundgarden, I only know one track for a start and haven't quite got past Chris's solo stuff!).

Heading off to the closest stage which is the Red Bull Bedroom Jam stage I catch the end of an acoustic set as I pass the Jager stage, Saint Jude I think they were and it sounded decent. http://www.saintjudemusic.com/

The Red Bull tent has for me a complete unknown band on it, The Dirty Youth, http://www.thedirtyyouth.co.uk/. It was loud, brash, hard and heavy and the singer was, well simply put, very appealing. Above that though she can seriously belt out a tune with attitude. They made Paramore look like nursery rhymes. Seriously enjoyable.

Back to the main stage and the moment is here, the legends Black Sabbath hit us hard. The riffs are simply outstanding and legendary. The sound was perfect, heavy enough to rattle my rib cage. The drummer worked so hard he made Joey Jordison look static. They were exceptional, despite some singing issues from our God Ozzy.

Best Download Headliner to date; two words

Bloody Brilliant.

Download once again delivered an excellent line up, a brilliant weekend, roll on 2013 and Mr Copping will need to perform a miracle to top Sunday's Masters of Heavy Metal - Slipknot headliner perhaps?