DragonForce / Sonata Arctica - Rollcall for this Wed in Chicago
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KingsGene
God of Thunder
Sonata was way better this time than the two times I've seen them before. Maybe the fact that they are not the headliner gives them the kick in the butt they need to put on a good show. However, their sound was atrocious compared to the other bands. No mix whatsoever....just a lot of drums. Could barely hear vocals...WTF?
This was my first time seeing Dragonforce and I must say that they impressed the hell out of me. I can't listen to that stuff for very long on CD, but live they were a lot better than I thought they'd be. I expected a bunch of sloppiness due to the speed factor, but they really keep it together. It was a nice surprise to see the key-tar battle between the Dragonforce guy and the Sonata guy....that was cool since the guitarists get most of the limelight. My old mantra for qualifying a good live metal act was "were they pumping, sweating, leaping, moving and crunching?" and they were all that....literally.
Must mention the opening act Taking Dawn....sorry, I guess it's Taking F*cking Dawn. They were ok. Need some more live seasoning, but not bad. I don't understand why these guys need to swear so much. Why so angry? Every other word is "f*ck, f*ck, f*ck"....I don't get it. I guess I'm just getting old...
This was my first time seeing Dragonforce and I must say that they impressed the hell out of me. I can't listen to that stuff for very long on CD, but live they were a lot better than I thought they'd be. I expected a bunch of sloppiness due to the speed factor, but they really keep it together. It was a nice surprise to see the key-tar battle between the Dragonforce guy and the Sonata guy....that was cool since the guitarists get most of the limelight. My old mantra for qualifying a good live metal act was "were they pumping, sweating, leaping, moving and crunching?" and they were all that....literally.
Must mention the opening act Taking Dawn....sorry, I guess it's Taking F*cking Dawn. They were ok. Need some more live seasoning, but not bad. I don't understand why these guys need to swear so much. Why so angry? Every other word is "f*ck, f*ck, f*ck"....I don't get it. I guess I'm just getting old...
I think Dragonforce gets more crap than they deserve, they were very solid last night. I liked how at the end of the show they brought the 2 little kids on stage one on each side and ZP had them headbangin. I bet ya those kids are gonna end up playing in bands for sure. The turnout was great, it wasn't sold out but it was good.
I noticed on my way out that the HOB was selling tix to some shows for only $10. I didn't have any interest in any of them but I hope this practice continues. Seems like a good idea IMO.
MetalSpice
A slave who forever rocks
Glad to hear SA went over well. Hoping for a headlining tour real soon!
I've seen DF so many times and every time they always put on a good live performance. Their music is just getting annoying to me.
I heard from someone else that the opener had the mouth of a sailor. That's a shame and one would would think he would have had more respect considering kids were there. That's either a severe lack of confidence and the swearing makes him feel more comfortable on stage, or an overabundance of confidence. Or perhaps the dude was just completely oblivious. Who knows.
Either way, glad to know the show went well.
I've seen DF so many times and every time they always put on a good live performance. Their music is just getting annoying to me.
I heard from someone else that the opener had the mouth of a sailor. That's a shame and one would would think he would have had more respect considering kids were there. That's either a severe lack of confidence and the swearing makes him feel more comfortable on stage, or an overabundance of confidence. Or perhaps the dude was just completely oblivious. Who knows.
Either way, glad to know the show went well.
I have seen lots of venues now do this......
At the Judas Priest show at Charter One, they were selling discounted tickets for Heaven and Hell.
They had $10 tickets for Ensiferum / Hypocrisy, and other metalcore gigs.
I have read previously that Sonata are doing a headlining tour in the Spring, I believe.
Taking Dawn had a good 80s US metal sound, reminicint of early Motley Crue at times. His potty mouth is what turned me off. I don't know if it is simply a matter of not being mature, or just trying to get a cheap pop from the crowd. They are on Roadrunner which means, like it or not, we will be seeing this name on tours for the next couple of years. I am very curious to see how this band is marketed. (IE - put them on tours with more traditional metal bands, ala Megadeth or DragonForce, or with metalcore bands, like Killswitch, Trivium, etc).
I have said it before. I have no idea why DF gets so much grief. 5 years ago, they were on most people's top 5 Prog Power wish list. They finally got on a label who have been giving them great tour support, got on Guitar HEro, and are now hated. Their music has not changed. Actually, I like their latest a hell of a lot more than Inhuman Rampage. All I can say is if you were ever a fan of them previously, and choose not to see them live simply due to their popularity then you are missing out. I have seen them 2 times now, and both were flawless performances, down to each and every solo.
At the Judas Priest show at Charter One, they were selling discounted tickets for Heaven and Hell.
They had $10 tickets for Ensiferum / Hypocrisy, and other metalcore gigs.
I have read previously that Sonata are doing a headlining tour in the Spring, I believe.
Taking Dawn had a good 80s US metal sound, reminicint of early Motley Crue at times. His potty mouth is what turned me off. I don't know if it is simply a matter of not being mature, or just trying to get a cheap pop from the crowd. They are on Roadrunner which means, like it or not, we will be seeing this name on tours for the next couple of years. I am very curious to see how this band is marketed. (IE - put them on tours with more traditional metal bands, ala Megadeth or DragonForce, or with metalcore bands, like Killswitch, Trivium, etc).
I have said it before. I have no idea why DF gets so much grief. 5 years ago, they were on most people's top 5 Prog Power wish list. They finally got on a label who have been giving them great tour support, got on Guitar HEro, and are now hated. Their music has not changed. Actually, I like their latest a hell of a lot more than Inhuman Rampage. All I can say is if you were ever a fan of them previously, and choose not to see them live simply due to their popularity then you are missing out. I have seen them 2 times now, and both were flawless performances, down to each and every solo.
Exactly! I've seen DF play live twice now and thoroughly enjoyed both shows! I got to meet the band after the first time I saw them. Very friendly, down-to-earth chaps, that lot!
KingsGene
God of Thunder
This might've been because the show was on a Wednesday in accordance with the LiveNation Wednesday specials. Not sure this would be the case all the time. Something else to consider is this new passport thing for $50....gets you in to any non sold out HOB show for the rest of 2009. Might be worth it if you see multiple shows that you're interested in...
nomisofsiman
Member
I've wanted to see them. It's just that they aren't one of those bands I HAVE to see and I'm low on the moolah lately. Sorta pissed that I didn't know about the 10 dollar thing though. I probably would've gone then. I think my big issue with Dragonforce is that while I like them, there are a shitload of other power metal bands that deserve more popularity than them and they just got lucky being put on Ozzfest and Guitar Hero. That's my two cents anyways.
MetalSpice
A slave who forever rocks
Agree.
Not that I think DF has 'sold out' or anything, but I heard "Cry for Eternity" played at my gym the other day! The Gym! A yuppie, meat-headed, ex-cheerleader-type filled gym! That was the last thing I expected considering they only play Top 40 Pop, R&B and Rap shit. Someone cool must have gotten a hold of the XSport Fitness Network, or Power Metal is becoming more radio friendly...in which case I am mentally torn.
More power to DF for having the luck with Guitar Hero and Ozzfest, but isn't kind of weird that DF gets so much attention? Perhaps DF's success may open doors for other Euro Power Metal bands in the future, who knows. I just don't want to see a bunch of people jump on the bandwagon simply because it is what's popular and not actually listen to the music or try to go out and discover other similar bands. I think the lesser known Power Metal bands get more appreciation when discovered, because their songs are not played on the radio 200 times a day.
My friend was going to do this but ended up not. The guys on the show usually won't be the one doing the tattoo and you'll still pay out the ass for it. Also, the place is actually called Love Hate Tattoos.
It's not so much about luck as how they manage to appeal to the kids. The retro video game influences makes them a comfortable introduction to power metal.
Of course there are always better bands than the ones who "make it"
I mean, are Metallica the greatest thrash band of all time?
Keep in mind that DF had a LOT of internet hype.
Don't they own the record for their demo being the most downloaded album ever on that old site MP3.COM???
If a band changes their sound due to their popularity, that is one thing.
As much as I love Metallica, I certainly can not argue why many wrote them off completely. Though, the last DF disc is REALLY good, much better than Inhuman Rampage, IMHO, so it's not like they are slacking in their songwriting.
Sure, they don't stretch themselves too much, but they are good at what they do. I am fine with bands who stick to their proven formula if they do it well (IE - Gamma Ray and Helloween primarily come to mind).
I mean, are Metallica the greatest thrash band of all time?
Keep in mind that DF had a LOT of internet hype.
Don't they own the record for their demo being the most downloaded album ever on that old site MP3.COM???
If a band changes their sound due to their popularity, that is one thing.
As much as I love Metallica, I certainly can not argue why many wrote them off completely. Though, the last DF disc is REALLY good, much better than Inhuman Rampage, IMHO, so it's not like they are slacking in their songwriting.
Sure, they don't stretch themselves too much, but they are good at what they do. I am fine with bands who stick to their proven formula if they do it well (IE - Gamma Ray and Helloween primarily come to mind).
nomisofsiman
Member
Hahaha! That's pretty funny it was playing at Xsport. I just don't know if it's gonna open the gates for other bands of this type, because Dragonforce has been known now for at least 4 years I think? And so far, nobody of this genre has stepped in alongside them. You have bands like Kamelot and Edguy who are getting more popular in the US, but nothing like Dragonforce. Maybe though with Sonata on the tour, they might. (Yes I know this probably won't happen but here's to hoping.)
nomisofsiman
Member
As for Metallica, I think it's hard to argue that they are one of the best thrash bands, even if they have a number of albums that are not really thrash and suck. haha. Best? Who knows, but yes I like countless others have hated the way they sold out, much like other bands in other genres have.
Did not know about the internet hype and that site. Then again, when they came out I wasn't an internet junkie like I am today. I'm not saying they sold out btw. I think Dragonforce have stuck to their guns and got lucky. They're talented, it's just like I said though, it's disappointing that other bands that deserve the popularity don't.
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