Download 2006 - Snickers Stage, Saturday

United Kingdom | by Hollie Garraway | 14 June 2006

As the sun bears down on the outside, the action is sizzling inside the Snickers Tent.

Newly signed to Roadrunner, Khoma are out for blood from the start. Like a darker Sigur Ros, they take a softer approach to hardcore, which in many ways emphasises its menace. Soaring melodies and floating guitars in the vein of Tool provide the perfect summer soundtrack for a chilled out, captivated crowd.

The turn out for underground heroes Johnny Truant is impressive if not a little identikit. In the midst of all the studded belts and black fringes, are a genuinely appreciative crowd, who maintain the enthusiasm throughout the blistering 25 minute set. An unusual blend of metal, Noisecore and Prog, the band are technically flawless and refreshingly diverse. Heart wrenching brutality at its best.

Headliners Alter Bridge bring the day to a close, playing to a small, inspired crowd, somewhat sparse due to Metallica’s simulataneous set. Despite this, the band manage to generate immense applause and warmth, with uplifting riffs and heavenly power ballads like the mighty ‘Broken Wings’. Mark Tremonti displays plenty of guitar acrobatics and ‘The Brad Pitt Of Rock’, vocalist Myles Kennedy graciously leans into the crowd to shake eager hands. ‘Open Your Eyes’ emerges as the highlight of the set with every single fist in the air, cementing their popularity on British soil.