Hey all, I thought some of you might like to read this. I'm surprised someone hasn't posted this already, considering that this is the SX forum. Here goes...
Alright, our five show August started with a bang at Jaxx nightclub down in Springfield, Virginia. Five bands played in one of the hottest (temperature) settings Ive ever been in.
Opening up the show was Encompass, an alternative progressive metal band out of Alexandria. Ive known of them for almost two years, but this was the first time that Ive seen them live. Boy o boy, what have I been missing? These guys, plainly put, were the balls. Very technical and melodic, they set the mood for the entire evening. If you are ever in the Mid-Atlantic area, come out and see these guys. You wont be disappointed.
Next up is Odins Court, a well known act here in the Mid-Atlantic area. I saw them once in 2005 when they opened up for Kamelot and Seven Witches. Since that night, Ive purchased Driven By Fate, and Re-Driven By Fate, and over the past two years, theyve become one of my favorite bands. With that said, I was disappointed by their set list last night. The guys themselves sounded awesome, and I know that they didnt have a whole lot of time to work with. They played two new songs, which were awesome, but then they played two covers, including The Number Of The Beast, by Iron Maiden, a song that I despise. Dont get me wrong, they played it well, and the crowd loved it. I was just hoping to hear some of the music that Ive grown to love from Driven and Re-Driven. I guess I should make it out to a Odins Court headlined show.
Band number three was Echoes Of Eternity. Heavy, aggressive metal fronted by a very capable female singer. I felt that they could benefit with the addition of a keyboardist, but I almost say that about bands. They sounded very good none the less, and Ill be checking out their debut album, The Forgotten Goddess.
Up next was Sanctity, who are justifiably being heralded as a part of the future of metal. Having toured with Trivium earlier this year, and embarking on their own European tour after this tour ends, Sanctity is on the way up. Last night, they were very aggressive, full of energy, and there to blow out ear drums.
Up next, an all time top 5 favorite band of mine. A band that I have rocked out to for many years now. A band that I was now finally going to see perform live. It took 20-30 minutes for Symphony X to take the stage, but it was well worth it when they finally did. I did not look at set lists for any of the other shows, so I didnt know what to expect. They opened up playing the first half of the new album, Paradise Lost. Domination, my favorite song off the new album, was amazing live. The guys are truly virtuosos at every instrument. Russell Allen had total command of the crowd. He hit some high notes that I didnt even expect him to go for. Matt Lepond was a monster on the bass. His solo leading into the opening of Sea Of Lies was a highlight for me. Michael Pinnella was a little low in the mix, but was awesome none the less. Jason Rullo was probably the best drummer that Ive seen live to date (Probably until Tuesday). Michael Romeo was amazing all night. His solos were crisp and clean. His riffs were heavy. Everything he played was consistent with the standard that he set on the albums. What an amazing show. Then after the grueling set list to come out and play The Odyssey, a song which clocks in at over 20 minutes, was one of the greatest experiences in music I have ever witnessed. If you were anywhere near any of the cities that Symphony X played on this leg, and you didnt show up . You messed up period. Symphony X fan or not. If you were a fan of music, you would have taken a lot from the show. These were world class musicians.
Oh, and I caught my second drumstick (Epica). As most of you know, Im 63. I caught the stick with both hands high above my head. When I brought it down, this dude got his hands on it and tried to take it from me. A few others did as well, causing us all to fall to the floor, but I wouldnt let go of the stick. I came up with it (of course) and handed it to the Wife.
If this is an indication of the fun Im going to have this month, Im gonna have a blast. Up next, Into Eternity, Redemption, and DREAM THEATER this Tuesday night in Baltimore! Until then
Symphony X
Oculus ex Inferni (Intro Tape)
1. Set The World On Fire (The Lie Of Lies)
2. Domination
3. The Serpents Kiss
4. Paradise Lost
5. Inferno (Unleash The Fire)
6. Smoke And Mirrors
7. The Walls Of Babylon
8. Sea Of Lies
9. Of Sins And Shadows
Encore
10. The Odyssey
Alright, our five show August started with a bang at Jaxx nightclub down in Springfield, Virginia. Five bands played in one of the hottest (temperature) settings Ive ever been in.
Opening up the show was Encompass, an alternative progressive metal band out of Alexandria. Ive known of them for almost two years, but this was the first time that Ive seen them live. Boy o boy, what have I been missing? These guys, plainly put, were the balls. Very technical and melodic, they set the mood for the entire evening. If you are ever in the Mid-Atlantic area, come out and see these guys. You wont be disappointed.
Next up is Odins Court, a well known act here in the Mid-Atlantic area. I saw them once in 2005 when they opened up for Kamelot and Seven Witches. Since that night, Ive purchased Driven By Fate, and Re-Driven By Fate, and over the past two years, theyve become one of my favorite bands. With that said, I was disappointed by their set list last night. The guys themselves sounded awesome, and I know that they didnt have a whole lot of time to work with. They played two new songs, which were awesome, but then they played two covers, including The Number Of The Beast, by Iron Maiden, a song that I despise. Dont get me wrong, they played it well, and the crowd loved it. I was just hoping to hear some of the music that Ive grown to love from Driven and Re-Driven. I guess I should make it out to a Odins Court headlined show.
Band number three was Echoes Of Eternity. Heavy, aggressive metal fronted by a very capable female singer. I felt that they could benefit with the addition of a keyboardist, but I almost say that about bands. They sounded very good none the less, and Ill be checking out their debut album, The Forgotten Goddess.
Up next was Sanctity, who are justifiably being heralded as a part of the future of metal. Having toured with Trivium earlier this year, and embarking on their own European tour after this tour ends, Sanctity is on the way up. Last night, they were very aggressive, full of energy, and there to blow out ear drums.
Up next, an all time top 5 favorite band of mine. A band that I have rocked out to for many years now. A band that I was now finally going to see perform live. It took 20-30 minutes for Symphony X to take the stage, but it was well worth it when they finally did. I did not look at set lists for any of the other shows, so I didnt know what to expect. They opened up playing the first half of the new album, Paradise Lost. Domination, my favorite song off the new album, was amazing live. The guys are truly virtuosos at every instrument. Russell Allen had total command of the crowd. He hit some high notes that I didnt even expect him to go for. Matt Lepond was a monster on the bass. His solo leading into the opening of Sea Of Lies was a highlight for me. Michael Pinnella was a little low in the mix, but was awesome none the less. Jason Rullo was probably the best drummer that Ive seen live to date (Probably until Tuesday). Michael Romeo was amazing all night. His solos were crisp and clean. His riffs were heavy. Everything he played was consistent with the standard that he set on the albums. What an amazing show. Then after the grueling set list to come out and play The Odyssey, a song which clocks in at over 20 minutes, was one of the greatest experiences in music I have ever witnessed. If you were anywhere near any of the cities that Symphony X played on this leg, and you didnt show up . You messed up period. Symphony X fan or not. If you were a fan of music, you would have taken a lot from the show. These were world class musicians.
Oh, and I caught my second drumstick (Epica). As most of you know, Im 63. I caught the stick with both hands high above my head. When I brought it down, this dude got his hands on it and tried to take it from me. A few others did as well, causing us all to fall to the floor, but I wouldnt let go of the stick. I came up with it (of course) and handed it to the Wife.
If this is an indication of the fun Im going to have this month, Im gonna have a blast. Up next, Into Eternity, Redemption, and DREAM THEATER this Tuesday night in Baltimore! Until then
Symphony X
Oculus ex Inferni (Intro Tape)
1. Set The World On Fire (The Lie Of Lies)
2. Domination
3. The Serpents Kiss
4. Paradise Lost
5. Inferno (Unleash The Fire)
6. Smoke And Mirrors
7. The Walls Of Babylon
8. Sea Of Lies
9. Of Sins And Shadows
Encore
10. The Odyssey
So we had to cut 3 songs ("Utopian Rust", "D2C", and "Paradise Lost: Chapter 1").
