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As I wandered around Soundwave, desperately seeking shade for some respite from the sun, I couldn’t help but feel that this review was destined to be a bit MOR. The day had been good, and logistically much better than past years, but it seemed to have lacked that something extra special for me to really to sink my teeth into. And then came Faith No More.

I could go on about this year’s vastly improved sound, minimal drink and food lines, intelligent stage placements, or the surprisingly friendly (dickhead-less) crowd, but Faith No More were so spectacular it seems every word not spent on them is a word wasted.

Mike Patton and co. cast a spell over each and every Soundwaver (even those lying dehydrated in the dust by the Gyros stand). Jaws collectively dropped as the mad-man prowled the stage spitting out lyrics and drawing the crowd into his world. As the crowd heaved, suddenly revived from a day in the harsh sun, I wondered if anyone was watching HIM, or at any of the other stages for that matter. Like moths to a flame, the crowd flocked to Patton.

As the set jumbled along, it became increasingly apparent how many huge songs Faith No More really have. From Midlife Crisis to We Care a Lot, they laid them down one after the other, whilst the crowd lapped it up. Patton was relentless in his delivery, stalking the stage in his suit with megaphone in hand. It was amazing.

Then there was everything that happened before Faith No More…

With the issues that had occurred at the festival entry last year front of mind for many punters, a large number had arrived much earlier to ensure they were through the gates by the time the first band kicked off proceedings. Much to everyone’s delight, the lines moved along smoothly and at a good pace, with what appeared to be an increased security presence keeping things flowing. The only auditable gripe at this point of the day seemed to be due to a lack of phone reception, an issue which plagues many an Australian festival.

Rolo Tomassi was first up and if anything this band is fascinating. With a 5ft-nothing frontwoman, who shrieks like a banshee over convoluted, math tunes, it is hard not to pay attention. Playing to a crowd that was probably 80% drop-in – as the stage was the first you passed from the south entrance – the band managed to develop a fantastic atmosphere.

Scheduling Gallows early was a move of sheer brilliance. With Stage 6 seeing its biggest crowd of the afternoon turn out for the UK hardcore outfit, lead-singer Frank Carter spent more time in the crowd than in front of it and never once missed a note.

Eagles of Death Metal seemed to confuse the punters more than please them, despite putting on a typically high-octane set. With their tongues placed firmly in cheeks, the cock-rockers were in fine form, belting out all their classics including I Want You So Hard and Cherry Cola. Disappointingly however, the flow of people seemed to mostly be moving away from Jesse Hughes and co. rather than towards them.

As the day drew on, the sun became increasingly hotter and the ground increasingly dustier. This meant that most punters lingered inside the caged bars praying silently for a speck of rain to break up the unbearable heat. And unless you considered the occasional spray of bourbon as the heavens opening up, then it soon became clear these prayers would not be answered.

Crowd favourites Alexisonfire seemed to lack a bit of punch on this hot, dusty day. Musically they didn’t fail to deliver, however, the band and crowd seemed weary from a long day in the sun.

Reel Big Fish seemed to be able to semi-revive their crowd, playing a set of their uber-danceable party tunes. They certainly got me in the right frame of mind to check out Creepshow, who were one of the day’s quiet achievers, putting on a solid set and drawing a sizeable crowd in the harsh sun.

Essentially acting as the warm-up band for Faith No More, Jimmy Eat World was never going to have an easy slot to fill. From the outset, their performance seemed to divide a weary crowd. That said, their always fanatic followers jumped for joy when they belted out 23, Blisters and Middle.

After watching in awe as Nine Inch Nails tore Soundwave apart last year, I didn’t think any future headliner of this festival could possibly top such a performance. Faith No More proved me wrong, and then some. Unless Led Zeppelin is announced as next year’s headliner, it is hard to see their performance being topped any time soon.