Hey Gang,
Been a long time since i posted but that is because I have been busy listening to new music for PP XII. This was the first year that i did not own a any cd's from the bands playing this year at the main festival. Needless to say, I have been busy. Before I get started, I would like to say a few things about PP XI.
Bronze - Oceans of Sadness - They were fantastic, I loved their set and their energy. I loved these guys on cd and i thought the live show was even better. Sound was amazing, seemed like they had some of the best sound of the night. This is a band that I had never heard of before and I can not wait for the new one.
Silver - Delain - WOW, i love them on cd but thought they were even better live. Charolotte sounded amazing and in a live setting the music had a little more punch which was awesome. I do hope they get an invitation back. Fantastic show and a great set list.
Gold - Kamelot - Okay, two things, Glenn and Jen, great job for keeping your cool when things could have really gotten ugly and my hats off to Mike for NAILING IT!!! Mike outdid Khan himself. This is the best i have ever seen kamelot here at PP. WOW, i would love if Mike fronted Kamelot and Circus Maximus, know it won't happen but man he was good. While we are on Kamelot, count me in as disappointed with the new disc. Love the dark sound but khan just does not sound good to me on this one. Give me the fourth legacy any day where he actually sings. I find him doing more of a talk/sing with the new one and I just don't like it. Glenn, thanks for clearing it up for us what is going on in the kamelot camp. i wish roy the best and do hope he comes back and I wish nothing but success for the rest of the band and hope they find a good replacement.
Platinum - Seventh Wonder - TOMMY IS THE BEST VOCALIST TO HIT THE PP STAGE. He was absolutely amazing. Hell, the whole band was amazing and very nice guys. If you were not able to see the Sat morning show, i hate to rub it in but it was even better. Hearing 3 ballads in a row to start and then Tommy saying sorry for his voice(WHAT??? He sounded fantastic). Had never heard of this band before the the announcement last year and they are now my favorite band. Glenn and Jen - thank you!! Their new cd, The Great Escape, was my favorite in 2010. If you have not heard it, go get it. AWESOME BAND and I hope they are back VERY SOON!!!!
Okay, on to the PP XII music.
CREATION'S END - A New Beginning - I had never heard of the band. So upon first listen, i was not digging the dark vibe on this one. After a few more spins, this one really grew on me and i find that I enjoy this one a lot. Mike has a great mid range voice and has some serious power behind it. The production on this disc is awesome. Love the crunch of the guitar and love the solos. The first song on this disc is a total monster. Nice and crunchy with plenty of solos from the keys and guitar. My one complaint is that to me some of the songs are a tad bit too long. I find myself digging this one but not wanting to continue so my journey will end here with this band. With that being said, this is going to be an awesome live show, especially to start the main show. Looking forward to some tasty solos.
VOYAGER - I Am The Revolution - I had never heard of this band. HELL YES!! This one grabbed me from the first note. I must be getting old because this music is not the heaviest but I sure am loving it. I love the vibe of mid 90's Depeche Mode or even T42(what ever happened to them?) mixed in with some crunchy guitars and some outstanding vocals. LOVE THIS BAND!!! I find myself grabbing this one and singing along to every song. Very melodic and some great melodies. VERY FUN DISC and I WANT MORE. My journey will continue with this band. I ended up buying the previous two cd's as well. I do like the older stuff as well but i prefer the more dance/metal direction of the last cd. Daniel's voice is awesome and I am totally pumped ablout seeing them live.
ELDRITCH - Blackenday - I had heard of this band and heard a little bit of their stuff a long time ago. This is not what i remembered them sounding like when i firsdt heard them back in the 90's. At first listen, i was not digging this. I loved the thrash, simplistic song structure that hit you in the face but i had a hard time with the vocals. The more i listened to this disc, the vocals seemed to find their place and I enjoy this quite a lot. Love how they hit you in the face hard and heavy and don't let up. Songs are short and to the point. This is going to be a GREAT LIVE SHOW!! This type of music goes very well on the PP stage. However, i don't find myself craving more so my journey ends here with this band.
MOB RULES - Radical Peace - I had never heard of this band. WHOA, I LOVE THIS BAND. This disc smokes from beginning to end. The only way i know how to describe this is Epic hard rock. The music is crunchy and songs are a little on the longer side. What is awesome about this band, the amazing choruses. How can you not find yourself headbanging and singing those amazingly melodic choruses. Production is fantastic and the vocals are amazing. Just enough rasp and grit to satisfy me but tons of melody and emotion. I can't say enough good things about this band. GO GET THIS DISC. My journey will continue with this band. i can't wait to hear the new one. This is going to be an awesome show!!! Fantastic Band.
ARCTURUS - Sideshow Symphonies - Not sure where to begin on this one. I am sure that there are some followers here but i did not get it. This music is strange and i have a really hard time following it. i can't seem to find the melody or get exactly what they are trying to do. I am sure there guys are phenominal musicians but i don't understand this. I am looking forward to the live show b/c i would consider these guys the oddball this year. Every year the oddball is typically the band i struggle with most on cd but live they are one of the best shows(think DSO, hated them on disc but live they were AMAZING). I do think the singer has a great voice but i struggle with his delivery, hellhammer is an amazing drummer and i can't wait to see him live. tore is amazing on the guitar so i have a feeling they are going to be heavier live. I am looking forward to the live show as i feel i will be surprised but on cd, i just don't get it. Needless to say, my journey ends here with this band.
SANCTUARY - Refuge Denied/Into The Mirror Black - I had never heard this band. I remember seeing these discs back in the day but I was never much of a thrash fan. Listeneing to these discs, i did have a good time. Those simplistic metal riffs from back in the day are awesome. I know I am going to get killed here but i really don't see what the fuss is with Warrel. Sure he can hit the high notes but they sounded forced and hard to hit. I will take Midnight anyday. Not to say Warrel is bad, b/c he is not, i think i was expecting more from all the praise i had seen about him. Of the two discs i prefer ITMB due to less high pitched vocals and the songs are just better in my opinion. Overall a fun listen but my journey will end here with this band. I think the live show will be AWESOME. I checked out the live clips and they sounded AMAZING. This is going to be a kick ass live show and I am very much looking forward to it. Great way to close the fest on Friday.
HAKEN - Aquarius - Have never heard of this band. This by far was the biggest surprise for me of the lot. From the reviews i had read, this was not going to be my cup of tea. THIS DISC IS AMAZING!! I love this thing from start to finish and can't wait for more. I love how all over the place this is. i never know which direction this baby is going but all directions are amazing. If i could change anything it would be the growls, thankfully they are mimimal. Production on this disc is awesome, everything is clear and up front in the mix. This disc has some heavy moments but most of the time this is a very easy listening cd. Guitarist smokes and has some tasty solos all over this thing. Highlight is the vocalist, this guy has an amazing voice and an amazing range. His voice is perfect for this band. I can't wait to see these guys live and how they pull all of this off in a live setting. This will also be a great change of pace for the PP stage. My jounrey will continuie with this band. Can't wait for this one.
WHILE HEAVEN WEPT - Vast Oceans Lachrymose - I have never heard of this band. this was the 2nd biggest surprise for me. When i heard this was a doom band, i knew i was probably not going to like this. This cd is not doom, may have some doom moments but it is not a doom cd. Production is fantstic. I love the harmony on the choruses on this disc. I do wish they would do more acoustic passages because they are amazing. Standout for me on this one is the vocalist. This guy can really sing and has a very strong voice. My journey will continue with this band. Can't wait to see them live.
RED CIRCUIT - Homeland - I have never heard of this band. This is exactly how i like my music, chunky and melodic. I love everything about this cd. I find myself going back to this cd regularly. The production is top notch with the guitars really up front in the mix. Standout again for me is the vocals. i have always been a chity fan but he has never sounded better. He does an outstanding job on this outing and I can't wait to hear him live. I think this band is going to win over a a lot of new fans. My journey will continue with this band. Can't wait for more from these guys.
LABYRINTH - Return To Heaven Denied Part II - Had heard of this band before but did not really pay much attention to them. This cd is very solid and very melodic. Production is a little muddy for my tastes but it did not take away from the warmth of the music. Plenty of solos from the guitars and keys. Vocals are outstanding. I do prefer when the vocalist sings the mid paced and slower songs as you can really hear just how smooth and strong his voice is. Very solid cd that i enjoy but it does not leave me wanting more. My journey ends here with this band. I do however feel this will be a great live show, especially in the vocal dept.
DREAM EVIL - In The Night - I have never heard of this band. HELL YES, this is what i am talking about. Solid, crunchy, in your face power metal. This cd is fun/fist pumping power metal from start to finish. Are they cheesy - yes - are they awesome - HELL YES!! I can't get enough of this band and think they will steal the fest this year. i sure hope they play the title track live, fantastic song. I loved this cd so much i also purchased UNITED and THE BOOK OF HEAVY METAL. United to me is more of a hard rock album with great vocals and TBOHM is an absolute classic and is my favorite of the 3 albums. By far my favorite band of the lot and my journey will continue with this band. LOVE THESE GUYS and think they will OWN the PP stage.
THERION - Sitra Ahra - I have heard of this band. My only experience with them was from PP a few years back and I did not get it. I hate to say this but after listening to this cd, i still don't get what the fuss is about. I tried to like this because of all the positive feedback they received when the show was announced. I like the vocalists and the music is not bad, i think this is just a type/style of music that i just don't like. No doubt there is nothing out there doing this today and I appreciate that creativity but it is just not clicking with me. More thank likely i will be worn out from DREAM EVIL and will stay for a few songs but will call it in early. I hate to say that but i have to be honest here. So needless to say, my journey ends here with this band.
Thursday Night Show - I WAS PUMPED ABOUT VANDEN PLAS AND EVERGREY. GREAT JOB GLENN. Glenn, i will go ahead and ask if this is a format we could continue with? I don't make it to the Thursday night show very often because there are typically 4 bands and only 1 that i might want to see. I am one of the old school PP guys and there is something special about seeing bands like Symphony X, Evergrey, Kamelot, Edguy, Angra, Vanden Plas etc. you have said that to keep the main show going you have to expand the boundaries a little bit to gain fresh blood. I love that you do b/c every year i find new bands that i love. To me this year is an old school PP's wet dream with two bands that us old guys will love. I know nothing about budget costs but is this something that can/could continue in the future? Having two well known bands playing full sets is amazing. Just wondering and would love to hear your thoughts on this.
So gang, i will wrap up but as always i would love to hear your comments. I love to see where we agree and diagree.
Glenn and Jen - outstanding job and I can't wait to see you later this year. You two do so much for us fans and we love you for it. I can't thank you enough for all you do for us.
Look forward to hearing your thoughts.
Thank you,
Brand
Been a long time since i posted but that is because I have been busy listening to new music for PP XII. This was the first year that i did not own a any cd's from the bands playing this year at the main festival. Needless to say, I have been busy. Before I get started, I would like to say a few things about PP XI.
Bronze - Oceans of Sadness - They were fantastic, I loved their set and their energy. I loved these guys on cd and i thought the live show was even better. Sound was amazing, seemed like they had some of the best sound of the night. This is a band that I had never heard of before and I can not wait for the new one.
Silver - Delain - WOW, i love them on cd but thought they were even better live. Charolotte sounded amazing and in a live setting the music had a little more punch which was awesome. I do hope they get an invitation back. Fantastic show and a great set list.
Gold - Kamelot - Okay, two things, Glenn and Jen, great job for keeping your cool when things could have really gotten ugly and my hats off to Mike for NAILING IT!!! Mike outdid Khan himself. This is the best i have ever seen kamelot here at PP. WOW, i would love if Mike fronted Kamelot and Circus Maximus, know it won't happen but man he was good. While we are on Kamelot, count me in as disappointed with the new disc. Love the dark sound but khan just does not sound good to me on this one. Give me the fourth legacy any day where he actually sings. I find him doing more of a talk/sing with the new one and I just don't like it. Glenn, thanks for clearing it up for us what is going on in the kamelot camp. i wish roy the best and do hope he comes back and I wish nothing but success for the rest of the band and hope they find a good replacement.
Platinum - Seventh Wonder - TOMMY IS THE BEST VOCALIST TO HIT THE PP STAGE. He was absolutely amazing. Hell, the whole band was amazing and very nice guys. If you were not able to see the Sat morning show, i hate to rub it in but it was even better. Hearing 3 ballads in a row to start and then Tommy saying sorry for his voice(WHAT??? He sounded fantastic). Had never heard of this band before the the announcement last year and they are now my favorite band. Glenn and Jen - thank you!! Their new cd, The Great Escape, was my favorite in 2010. If you have not heard it, go get it. AWESOME BAND and I hope they are back VERY SOON!!!!
Okay, on to the PP XII music.
CREATION'S END - A New Beginning - I had never heard of the band. So upon first listen, i was not digging the dark vibe on this one. After a few more spins, this one really grew on me and i find that I enjoy this one a lot. Mike has a great mid range voice and has some serious power behind it. The production on this disc is awesome. Love the crunch of the guitar and love the solos. The first song on this disc is a total monster. Nice and crunchy with plenty of solos from the keys and guitar. My one complaint is that to me some of the songs are a tad bit too long. I find myself digging this one but not wanting to continue so my journey will end here with this band. With that being said, this is going to be an awesome live show, especially to start the main show. Looking forward to some tasty solos.
VOYAGER - I Am The Revolution - I had never heard of this band. HELL YES!! This one grabbed me from the first note. I must be getting old because this music is not the heaviest but I sure am loving it. I love the vibe of mid 90's Depeche Mode or even T42(what ever happened to them?) mixed in with some crunchy guitars and some outstanding vocals. LOVE THIS BAND!!! I find myself grabbing this one and singing along to every song. Very melodic and some great melodies. VERY FUN DISC and I WANT MORE. My journey will continue with this band. I ended up buying the previous two cd's as well. I do like the older stuff as well but i prefer the more dance/metal direction of the last cd. Daniel's voice is awesome and I am totally pumped ablout seeing them live.
ELDRITCH - Blackenday - I had heard of this band and heard a little bit of their stuff a long time ago. This is not what i remembered them sounding like when i firsdt heard them back in the 90's. At first listen, i was not digging this. I loved the thrash, simplistic song structure that hit you in the face but i had a hard time with the vocals. The more i listened to this disc, the vocals seemed to find their place and I enjoy this quite a lot. Love how they hit you in the face hard and heavy and don't let up. Songs are short and to the point. This is going to be a GREAT LIVE SHOW!! This type of music goes very well on the PP stage. However, i don't find myself craving more so my journey ends here with this band.
MOB RULES - Radical Peace - I had never heard of this band. WHOA, I LOVE THIS BAND. This disc smokes from beginning to end. The only way i know how to describe this is Epic hard rock. The music is crunchy and songs are a little on the longer side. What is awesome about this band, the amazing choruses. How can you not find yourself headbanging and singing those amazingly melodic choruses. Production is fantastic and the vocals are amazing. Just enough rasp and grit to satisfy me but tons of melody and emotion. I can't say enough good things about this band. GO GET THIS DISC. My journey will continue with this band. i can't wait to hear the new one. This is going to be an awesome show!!! Fantastic Band.
ARCTURUS - Sideshow Symphonies - Not sure where to begin on this one. I am sure that there are some followers here but i did not get it. This music is strange and i have a really hard time following it. i can't seem to find the melody or get exactly what they are trying to do. I am sure there guys are phenominal musicians but i don't understand this. I am looking forward to the live show b/c i would consider these guys the oddball this year. Every year the oddball is typically the band i struggle with most on cd but live they are one of the best shows(think DSO, hated them on disc but live they were AMAZING). I do think the singer has a great voice but i struggle with his delivery, hellhammer is an amazing drummer and i can't wait to see him live. tore is amazing on the guitar so i have a feeling they are going to be heavier live. I am looking forward to the live show as i feel i will be surprised but on cd, i just don't get it. Needless to say, my journey ends here with this band.
SANCTUARY - Refuge Denied/Into The Mirror Black - I had never heard this band. I remember seeing these discs back in the day but I was never much of a thrash fan. Listeneing to these discs, i did have a good time. Those simplistic metal riffs from back in the day are awesome. I know I am going to get killed here but i really don't see what the fuss is with Warrel. Sure he can hit the high notes but they sounded forced and hard to hit. I will take Midnight anyday. Not to say Warrel is bad, b/c he is not, i think i was expecting more from all the praise i had seen about him. Of the two discs i prefer ITMB due to less high pitched vocals and the songs are just better in my opinion. Overall a fun listen but my journey will end here with this band. I think the live show will be AWESOME. I checked out the live clips and they sounded AMAZING. This is going to be a kick ass live show and I am very much looking forward to it. Great way to close the fest on Friday.
HAKEN - Aquarius - Have never heard of this band. This by far was the biggest surprise for me of the lot. From the reviews i had read, this was not going to be my cup of tea. THIS DISC IS AMAZING!! I love this thing from start to finish and can't wait for more. I love how all over the place this is. i never know which direction this baby is going but all directions are amazing. If i could change anything it would be the growls, thankfully they are mimimal. Production on this disc is awesome, everything is clear and up front in the mix. This disc has some heavy moments but most of the time this is a very easy listening cd. Guitarist smokes and has some tasty solos all over this thing. Highlight is the vocalist, this guy has an amazing voice and an amazing range. His voice is perfect for this band. I can't wait to see these guys live and how they pull all of this off in a live setting. This will also be a great change of pace for the PP stage. My jounrey will continuie with this band. Can't wait for this one.
WHILE HEAVEN WEPT - Vast Oceans Lachrymose - I have never heard of this band. this was the 2nd biggest surprise for me. When i heard this was a doom band, i knew i was probably not going to like this. This cd is not doom, may have some doom moments but it is not a doom cd. Production is fantstic. I love the harmony on the choruses on this disc. I do wish they would do more acoustic passages because they are amazing. Standout for me on this one is the vocalist. This guy can really sing and has a very strong voice. My journey will continue with this band. Can't wait to see them live.
RED CIRCUIT - Homeland - I have never heard of this band. This is exactly how i like my music, chunky and melodic. I love everything about this cd. I find myself going back to this cd regularly. The production is top notch with the guitars really up front in the mix. Standout again for me is the vocals. i have always been a chity fan but he has never sounded better. He does an outstanding job on this outing and I can't wait to hear him live. I think this band is going to win over a a lot of new fans. My journey will continue with this band. Can't wait for more from these guys.
LABYRINTH - Return To Heaven Denied Part II - Had heard of this band before but did not really pay much attention to them. This cd is very solid and very melodic. Production is a little muddy for my tastes but it did not take away from the warmth of the music. Plenty of solos from the guitars and keys. Vocals are outstanding. I do prefer when the vocalist sings the mid paced and slower songs as you can really hear just how smooth and strong his voice is. Very solid cd that i enjoy but it does not leave me wanting more. My journey ends here with this band. I do however feel this will be a great live show, especially in the vocal dept.
DREAM EVIL - In The Night - I have never heard of this band. HELL YES, this is what i am talking about. Solid, crunchy, in your face power metal. This cd is fun/fist pumping power metal from start to finish. Are they cheesy - yes - are they awesome - HELL YES!! I can't get enough of this band and think they will steal the fest this year. i sure hope they play the title track live, fantastic song. I loved this cd so much i also purchased UNITED and THE BOOK OF HEAVY METAL. United to me is more of a hard rock album with great vocals and TBOHM is an absolute classic and is my favorite of the 3 albums. By far my favorite band of the lot and my journey will continue with this band. LOVE THESE GUYS and think they will OWN the PP stage.
THERION - Sitra Ahra - I have heard of this band. My only experience with them was from PP a few years back and I did not get it. I hate to say this but after listening to this cd, i still don't get what the fuss is about. I tried to like this because of all the positive feedback they received when the show was announced. I like the vocalists and the music is not bad, i think this is just a type/style of music that i just don't like. No doubt there is nothing out there doing this today and I appreciate that creativity but it is just not clicking with me. More thank likely i will be worn out from DREAM EVIL and will stay for a few songs but will call it in early. I hate to say that but i have to be honest here. So needless to say, my journey ends here with this band.
Thursday Night Show - I WAS PUMPED ABOUT VANDEN PLAS AND EVERGREY. GREAT JOB GLENN. Glenn, i will go ahead and ask if this is a format we could continue with? I don't make it to the Thursday night show very often because there are typically 4 bands and only 1 that i might want to see. I am one of the old school PP guys and there is something special about seeing bands like Symphony X, Evergrey, Kamelot, Edguy, Angra, Vanden Plas etc. you have said that to keep the main show going you have to expand the boundaries a little bit to gain fresh blood. I love that you do b/c every year i find new bands that i love. To me this year is an old school PP's wet dream with two bands that us old guys will love. I know nothing about budget costs but is this something that can/could continue in the future? Having two well known bands playing full sets is amazing. Just wondering and would love to hear your thoughts on this.
So gang, i will wrap up but as always i would love to hear your comments. I love to see where we agree and diagree.
Glenn and Jen - outstanding job and I can't wait to see you later this year. You two do so much for us fans and we love you for it. I can't thank you enough for all you do for us.
Look forward to hearing your thoughts.
Thank you,
Brand
