Proof that supergroups are not just gimmicks
Last appearing at Donington in 2007, the heavy metal supergroup Hellyeah once again perform on the prestigious main stage of one of the finest festivals in the world. Consisting of stars from metal outfits past and present (Pantera, Damageplan, Mudvayne, Nothingface), the five members return to the UK to promote their soon-to-be-released album ‘Stampede’.
Unlike the hugely-anticipated supergroup of the previous day, Them Crooked Vultures, Hellyeah actually appear to be excited to be at the festival, with vocalist Chad Gray requesting that the audience show their appreciation for the upcoming acts Deftones and Rage Against the Machine. In a contrasting way to Them Crooked Vultures, Hellyeah have managed to form a strong working relationship between their musicians and is evident in their performance delivery.
‘Alchohaulin’ Ass’ is a welcome change of pace, bringing forward a stronger sense of country and blues to what has otherwise been a set dominated by forceful heavy metal. Similarly, ‘You Wouldn’t Know’ starts with a relatively calm manner before exploding into life and is handled well within a live scenario.
Hellyeah functioned perfectly as a preparatory act for what turned out to be, musically, the heaviest day of the weekend on the main stage of Download 2010.