Beyond the Embrace - they opened with "Insect Song", which absolutely killed live. Since seeing them at last year's BW & BK, it's good to see that these guys have taken their stage show to the next level. Shaun has really blossomed into an excellent front man. They played "Against the Elements", "Bastard Screams", "Flesh Engine Breakdown" and a bunch of new tracks whose titles I don't recall. The crowd seemed to be very into them.
Trivium - A Metalcore band from Florida, with an excellent drummer and not much more. Their songs are very formulated; Death vox verse, clean chorus, mosh riff, horrible solo, clean chorus. The guitar player may have been the sloppiest player I've ever seen live.
Iced Earth - Tim seemed to struggle with the opening song ("Declaration Day"). I thought it was going to be an off night for him, but it actually turned out to be a strong performance. He seems more comfortable than he was a month and a half ago, though he still lacks the energy you want from a great Metal front man. The lead guitar player was just terrible. He was very solid in Philly, but he was just soooo sloppy last night. One or two more performances like that, and smart money says Jon cans his ass. Anyway, they played their typical set list, which went over great with the undersized crowd. All in all, Ive come to accept Tim in Iced Earth. He trully has an amazing voice. However, whenever he sings Matts slow vocal lines (Dracula, Melancholy, Prophecy), I really miss Matts amazing sound.
Side notes - This was my first time at the Starland Ballroom. It's a quality venue. The one thing I found strange was the drastic difference between the pit at the Iced Earth show in Philly (in late April) and the pit last night. Last night's pit was just brutal; a bunch of huge guys flailing their arms and kicking their legs. I'm not sure why I never see that in Philly. I'm guessing the Troc doesn't stand for it.
Zod
Trivium - A Metalcore band from Florida, with an excellent drummer and not much more. Their songs are very formulated; Death vox verse, clean chorus, mosh riff, horrible solo, clean chorus. The guitar player may have been the sloppiest player I've ever seen live.
Iced Earth - Tim seemed to struggle with the opening song ("Declaration Day"). I thought it was going to be an off night for him, but it actually turned out to be a strong performance. He seems more comfortable than he was a month and a half ago, though he still lacks the energy you want from a great Metal front man. The lead guitar player was just terrible. He was very solid in Philly, but he was just soooo sloppy last night. One or two more performances like that, and smart money says Jon cans his ass. Anyway, they played their typical set list, which went over great with the undersized crowd. All in all, Ive come to accept Tim in Iced Earth. He trully has an amazing voice. However, whenever he sings Matts slow vocal lines (Dracula, Melancholy, Prophecy), I really miss Matts amazing sound.
Side notes - This was my first time at the Starland Ballroom. It's a quality venue. The one thing I found strange was the drastic difference between the pit at the Iced Earth show in Philly (in late April) and the pit last night. Last night's pit was just brutal; a bunch of huge guys flailing their arms and kicking their legs. I'm not sure why I never see that in Philly. I'm guessing the Troc doesn't stand for it.
Zod
