The show here in St Louis was nothing short of amazing. Here is a whole day wrap-up of the events that went down.
So, i arrive at the venue (pops) at about 4pm. I met up with my buddy Mike (tumn on the Hypocrisy forum) and proceded into the venue. The venue is really quite unique-many of the bands are just sitting around relaxing in the bar. As i walk in, my buddy and I spot Christian from Scar Symmetry. We got some things signed and some of the other band members came over and signed my stuff as well.
Well, as we were wrapping up things with the Scar Symmetry guys, I spot Martin Hendrickson over at the bar using his small labtop computer. I approach him and he automatically remembers me. So, i sat down, chatted about guitars, the tour, and the setlist. Again, it became very apparent that Martin is one of, if not, the nicest member of any band im a big fan of.
So, onto the show.....
One cool thing about this was this was the first time in a long time that there was no barricade for the crowd up front.
The first band to play was a some teenager kids called Soul Dispersion (i think that was their name). Wow, talk about a suprise. These kids OWNED! I was very impressed with their tightness, old-school thrash approach and how well they played for such a young age. The crowd even got into them quite a bit. I must check these guys out more since they are local.
Scar symmetry was up next. Only played a 6 song set. Christian has been suffering with some sickness, but he still did VERY well considering. The band was tight and had great stage pressence. The vocals were a little turned down, but that may have been due to Christian's sickness. I dunno. I would love to see them with Christian healthy-he is one of the best vocalists in metal right now in my opinion.
Up next was Into Eternity. These guys are different for shure. I have their latest cd and its pretty good. However, what supprised me was the fact that these guys play pretty technical stuff, but the technique and ability of the players in the band seemed under-par. I dunno-i guess if they can pull it off by looking sloppy, then more power to them!
Well, for alot of the people in the crowd, the Haunted seemed to be the highlight for the night. I mean, im what you would call a half/half fan of this band. They made a few great records, but a few real dumps as well. Peter Dolving just doesnt do anything for me. However, Jenson is a Riff GOD! I pretty much watched him the entire night, looking reminiscent to James Hetfield in his hayday in terms of awesome rythem guitar playing.
Last but not least, DT hit the stage. Let me tell you, the band was in FINE form on this night. Perfect sound, great setlist and awesome perfomance. Highlights for me included Terminus, My Negation, and THe new build.
At the end of the show, Mikael Stanne grabbed my hand and signaled to meet him outside after the show. Mind you, Mikael has always remembered me from past tours for some reason, probably since i gave him and the guys in Hypocrisy a case of beer a few years ago. Nonetheless, he remembered me and wanted to hang out after the show. While outside, my buddy and I met up with Per from Scar Symmetry, got some stuff signed and talked for a bit.
So, the bus emptied out and with the entire DT band plus 3/4 of Scar Symmetry and proceeded to the strip club across the tracks. Talk about a memory i will never forget! Chatting with Mikael about Rush, Porcupine tree, puking before shows, and watching various members of both bands get grinded on by hot strippers. It was a priceless memory! It was getting late, so i made my round to everybody and said goodbye.
Talk about some fun!
The DT board has its own hot weather-girl. Just like those on tv. :Spin:
