Best show I have ever seen. Period.
Then you, my friend, have not been to many shows. It was okay, but not great. The sound sucked - and it was obvious that the crew was having difficulties in between Nevermore and Opeth. Even after Opeth started, Peter kept having issues with his guitar (during DOTF he was standing around at one point with this 'why the fuck isn't my guitar working' face). The Nevermore singer kept motioning to the soundboard to turn various things up or down. Plus, the accoustics in the Palladium vary greatly depending on where you are. I was about ten rows back towards the left, and I heard every word Mikael said.
And, while it was neat to hear When and Face of Melinda, I did not like hearing 4 repeat songs from the D&D tour (Deliverance, Blackwater Park, In My Time Of Need, and of course, DOTF). I mean, you know we're getting DOTF. But with only 9 songs on the setlist, I could have done without these repeats (I would have prefered: A Fair Judgement, The Leper Affinity and To Rid The Disease).
I thought Fireball Ministry sucked
That's too bad. And it proves that you haven't been to too many shows, because there have been bands who were far worse than they to open for Opeth. They weren't that bad, but they weren't that good either. I was tapping my foot and nodding my head - so, fine - that's what the opening band should make me do. Devil Driver, on the other hand couldn't get through their set fast enough. Talk about suck.
my God, their guitarist chic is so hot.
Really? Okay. She was hot in that 'she's not a guy' kind of way.
Nevermore were pretty great, but yea, their sound was fucked up especially at the beginning of born. Their guitarist fucking pwns, he was shredding like mad.
I agree with everything - especially that last point. That guy is amazing.
Pit wasn't insane, from where I could see, and it was pretty packed.
You're right - the pit was pretty calm. The Nevermore singer practically had to beg for a pit during the last song. In general, it was one of the most polite crowds I've ever been a part of - in terms of how they treated each other. I saw no injuries, no idiots charging the pit with fists flying. Hell - people were even passing water to each other in between sets (complete with pleases and thank-yous !?)
during "Face of Melinda," it seemed like everyone in the crowd was talking amongst themselves.
This was completely true, and the only time the crowd was not acting cool. But - what are you gonna do?
I hate getting old and being responsible.
Funny story - I'm about to turn 30, and I ran into this 18 year-old kid I know from around town. I'm talking to him, and SOTU comes up. I say I didn't go because I didn't really like any of the other bands enough. His friend, standing next to him starts freaking out and pointing to his 'Lamb of God' teeshirt. So I had to explain to him that, since I didn't grow up on their music, it really doesn't seem that good to me. Opeth is one of the few bands who can match (and exceed) the quality of the 80s bands I grew up on.
Also - have you noticed that Opeth can kick your ass without looking like their even trying to kick your ass? Other bands are always running around and screaming and calling us motherfuckers and generally trying to dominate the crowd. Opeth slays with its music (and, I might mention, their humor - I love that they don't take themselves seriously - kind of a 'hey, we're a band - we're going to play as hard as we can for as long as we can - take it or leave it')
One other thing that pissed me off was that I paid $15 to park in the lot directly across from the Palladium.
Next time you see a show there - if there isn't anything going on at the Centrum (now the DCU Center) try driving around a bit. You will probably find a spot on the street (as I did last night). These spots are free, as meters are only used before 5pm.
If there is something going on at the DCU, try this (I did it on the D&D tour). Park in the DCU garage. It says that it's $10 or $15, but all the workers go home after the DCU closes down. If it's a hockey game, everyone will be out of the garage by 11:30. Then, at 12:30, when you are leaving, get your car and watch as
no one attempts to collect money from you! The gate will be open, and you will have enough money to get much needed post-mosh eats.
Finally...
All in all - not a bad show. It would be nice if they could have a longer set, or even two sets with an intermission. But I guess that would take money which would require them selling out or death metal becoming popular, neither of which I want. I can't imagine they're making too much money with $18 tickets (how many ways is THAT getting split??)
(I was also about 15 rows back, so this is a judgement call from a distance, maybe i should look at pics on the band's site before i make up my mind 
