2026 Saturday Download Festival Review: Kerrang!
ss chaos begins. The band themselves are a masterclass in controlled chaos. Jack Donovan’s voice glides over the top of riffs that could power a small country, and the rhythm section of Matt Couto and Michael Risberg is a sight to behold.
Elder craft the kind of songs that take you on a journey, weaving in and out of heavy riffs and serene interludes with the ease of a seasoned pro. The crowd is mesmerized, caught up in the swirling vortex of sound emanating from the stage. As the set progresses, it becomes clear that Elder is not content to simply play music; they are summoning something primal and ancient, tapping into a well of power that few bands can access.
As the final notes ring out, the crowd is left breathless, stunned by the intensity of what they have just witnessed. Elder have proven themselves to be true masters of their craft, capable of creating music that transcends genre and time. In a world of flashy gimmicks and empty promises, Elder stand as a beacon of integrity and passion, reminding us all why we fell in love with heavy music in the first place. And as the sun sets on another day at Download, the memory of Elder’s performance lingers in the air, a reminder of the power of art to move us, to inspire us, to change us.