In no particular order:
Leprous: Jesus Christ, this was amazing. If they toured in the States I'd see them again in a heartbeat. Absolutely crazy shit. Thank you so much to Shane & co. for bringing them over!
Avantasia: In Stockholm. Tobias Sammet, Amanda Somerville, Jorn Lande, Michael Kiske, Kai Hansen, Oliver Hartmann, & more all sharing the same stage? I'll probably never see that again, ever. Near-flawless setlist, hitting most of their epic songs, including the Scarecrow's title track, The Wicked Symphony's title track, Stargazers, Seven Angels, etc etc etc. The girlie shirt I got is way too large for me... but it's SOMETHING to take home to prove that I WAS THERRRE.
Seventh Wonder: Both at ProgPower and the Great Escape release party. Very different environments, but both very cool. I still have no clue how Tommy Karevik is human.
Epica: Their January show. Partly for the sentimental value, partly for the awesome setlist (DYU title track >>> Kingdom of Heaven). They were, with Kamelot, my first metal show, and it felt really cool to go from seeing them support Kamelot in front of 200 or so people to filling up and selling out venues on their own.
Moonsorrow: Loved them at Paganfest despite not knowing any of their material, so I had to catch them again. One of the most insane crowds I've ever been in.
Swallow the Sun: It's a shame that they apparently weren't as good on the Orphaned Land tour, because they absolutely converted me during the Finnish Metal tour. Really nice guys, too!
Tarot: SATAN IS DEAD. 'Nuff said.
Sonata Arctica: WORLD PREMIERE OF DEATHAURA? OH YES, THAT MADE ME HAPPY. I loved it enough that I actually managed to stammer "THANK YOU FOR PLAYING DEATHAURA <3" to Tony after the show without being too ridiculously shy!
HammerFall: I went into their set at ProgPower thinking that I'd leave after two songs. I wound up liking them to the point where I now own a best-of and a DVD. Well done.
HONORABLE MENTIONS: Oceans of Sadness (YEAHH), Fates Warning (Parallels lineup! LEGENDARY PROG! however, 120+ degree venue = noooooo), Týr (wish I caught more of their set!), Blackguard (wore my ProgPower shirt to their show with Epica on the 20th and Paul gave me a fist-bump from the front row), Leaves' Eyes (zomg, first guitar pick!!1!).
Leprous: Jesus Christ, this was amazing. If they toured in the States I'd see them again in a heartbeat. Absolutely crazy shit. Thank you so much to Shane & co. for bringing them over!
Avantasia: In Stockholm. Tobias Sammet, Amanda Somerville, Jorn Lande, Michael Kiske, Kai Hansen, Oliver Hartmann, & more all sharing the same stage? I'll probably never see that again, ever. Near-flawless setlist, hitting most of their epic songs, including the Scarecrow's title track, The Wicked Symphony's title track, Stargazers, Seven Angels, etc etc etc. The girlie shirt I got is way too large for me... but it's SOMETHING to take home to prove that I WAS THERRRE.
Seventh Wonder: Both at ProgPower and the Great Escape release party. Very different environments, but both very cool. I still have no clue how Tommy Karevik is human.
Epica: Their January show. Partly for the sentimental value, partly for the awesome setlist (DYU title track >>> Kingdom of Heaven). They were, with Kamelot, my first metal show, and it felt really cool to go from seeing them support Kamelot in front of 200 or so people to filling up and selling out venues on their own.
Moonsorrow: Loved them at Paganfest despite not knowing any of their material, so I had to catch them again. One of the most insane crowds I've ever been in.
Swallow the Sun: It's a shame that they apparently weren't as good on the Orphaned Land tour, because they absolutely converted me during the Finnish Metal tour. Really nice guys, too!
Tarot: SATAN IS DEAD. 'Nuff said.
Sonata Arctica: WORLD PREMIERE OF DEATHAURA? OH YES, THAT MADE ME HAPPY. I loved it enough that I actually managed to stammer "THANK YOU FOR PLAYING DEATHAURA <3" to Tony after the show without being too ridiculously shy!
HammerFall: I went into their set at ProgPower thinking that I'd leave after two songs. I wound up liking them to the point where I now own a best-of and a DVD. Well done.
HONORABLE MENTIONS: Oceans of Sadness (YEAHH), Fates Warning (Parallels lineup! LEGENDARY PROG! however, 120+ degree venue = noooooo), Týr (wish I caught more of their set!), Blackguard (wore my ProgPower shirt to their show with Epica on the 20th and Paul gave me a fist-bump from the front row), Leaves' Eyes (zomg, first guitar pick!!1!).
