I'll throw in my $.02:
First off, thanks to Ray for putting this all together. Given the events of Saturday evening, you definitely went above and beyond.
Second, a big "FU" to all the flooding. Man, did that traffic suck, or what?
Third: All of the bands were very easy to work with, as was the venue. We definitely felt at home back at JJ Kelley's. It was great hanging out with everyone after, too.
Fourth: Thanks to everyone who braved the awful traffic and came out. You guys were great.
Fifth: Thanks to C-Lo for providing an additional level of entertainment and showing designated drivers everywhere how NOT to do it.
On to the bands:
Black Casket - Some very nice riffing, and excellent vocals for the style they're doing, sort of a modern thrash/death hybrid. Overall, I enjoyed them quite a bit.
Mirror Black - My second time seeing these guys, first with this lineup. Great semi-technical power/thrash with ripping lead playing and lots of interesting twists and turns in the music. The new guitarist (who's name flew right out of my head, but he's a cool guy) fits much better than Matt did, IMO. Tight, vicious, and unpredictable - a big improvment from teh previous time I saw them.
Sacred Dawn - Nice mix of melodicism and heaviness, with good vox and good original tunes. "Devil Went Down to GA" was fun, and they were really good guys, too. (I was eating and doing merch during their set, so I *know* I didn't pay as much attention to them as the other bands. Sorry.
)
Destructor - Nice, solid, traditional thrash metal. Enjoyable, tight, and they were having fun for sure. I don't envy them leaving right after they finished to drive home, though.
Division - I had a ball, even with Lotesto whipping my leg with his belt. Fag.
Bavmorda - A nice blend of styles, tight playing, and some nice vocals - and serious screams - from Met-Al. Hardly "typical" power metal at all, with all the arrangement twists. Very nice...
Fun was had by all. Getting up and driving back 13 hours on Sunday? Not so much...
