The last ever Therion US tour

[Yippee38]

I was blown away by them too. I was expecting a similar show to what they did at PP. Although they played some of the same songs, it was like a whole different band. The theatrics were very fun to watch, and they appeared to be having a great time with it. If you're on the fence about seeing them, GO! They rocked.

The crowd was small, and it seemed like only about 1/3 of them were willing to react to the band in any way. That's a shame. The band didn't let that stop them though. They interacted a ton with the people who were getting into it.

As far as Aesma Daeva . . . I was unimpressed with the performance. However, the singer has a great voice. She seemed like she was very uncomfortable on stage. After their set several people were commenting on how awkward she seemed, and her lack of charm as a front woman. When she came out with Therion I kept wondering if it was the same person. She seemed entirely at ease and was really great. Her vocals were just as strong, but her performance was great. It was weird, but cool.

The dark haired, female singer was a blast to watch. She was constnatly making creepy faces. Her voice was great too, but at the beginning of the set I couldn't hear her at all.

The two male vocalists kinda put me off with the face paint at the beginning, but even that worked. Somehow it fit the rest of the show. Their vocals sounded good, and they were both fun to watch.

When the drum solo started I walked away to get drinks. I pretty much hate drum solos unless it's Neil Peart. Anyway, while I'm standing at the bar I noticed the bartenders are all kinda getting into the music. I thought the music sounded a bit different than a standard drum solo. When I got my drinks I turned around and saw the two singers playing the two drums up front. It was damn fun to watch. They took a standard drum solo and made it a bit more fun.

Great show. Tonight, Nightwish is gonna have a tough time beating that performance.

GO SEE THEM!

 

[MetalRose]

Nah... They were deplorable. Apparently what's wrong with me also plagued the majority of the crowd too, considering they all seemed lulled to sleep. Luckily, I found mild catharsis at the bar... and I STRESS mild!

I respect your opinion and all, in fact I like that you were so honest about them.

If I may- What about them made them horrible?

Was it the composition? The songs? One musician in particular? The tone? The sound? The way they played together?

I know that their singer is fairly new and the bass player was/is having some serious health issues and I'm wondering if one or both is having an effect on their live performances.

Thanks!

-MetalRose

 

[AMBR]

I know. I'm 50/50 on going depending if I can get a sitter or not... and if I can get ahold of Johnny Mac who was supposed to go with me. I have NO idea where I'm going in NYC Thanks to BenMech.

If I can't make it I'm going to be so heartbroken.

-Metal

It's easy to find. If you do decide to go, let me know how you're going, i.e. drive, train, whatever, and I'll tell you the best way. I'll be there.

 

[rockyracoon]

I respect your opinion and all, in fact I like that you were so honest about them.

If I may- What about them made them horrible?

Was it the composition? The songs? One musician in particular? The tone? The sound? The way they played together?

I know that their singer is fairly new and the bass player was/is having some serious health issues and I'm wondering if one or both is having an effect on their live performances.

Thanks!

-MetalRose

Musically, I never felt any of their songs had any direction or emotion. In fact, some of the songs seemed as though they might have been written an hour or so before the show. At the end there was a 300 yr old classical piece performed that really seemed to lose the crowd entirely.


Performance-wise, there was little to no energy whatsoever. I suspect that had something to do with an uninterested crowd, but as an opener the burden is on you to get things moving. Additionally, the band as a 'whole' never seemed to gel on stage. By that I mean they all kinda seemed like they were playing in separate rooms from each other. The minimal crowd interaction came across like someone doing stand-up comedy for the first time at a middle school talent show.


All in all, they really struck me as a band that might benefit from a little more practice time in the garage. There's typically 3 openers at The Pearl Room shows, and I think Aesma Daeva are right there at the bottom for me. Probably the best opener I've seen there in regards to local acts goes to Mindwarp Chamber. Too bad more of the openers can't get it done like they did.

 

[Michael TEOF]

I was blown away by them too. I was expecting a similar show to what they did at PP. Although they played some of the same songs, it was like a whole different band. The theatrics were very fun to watch, and they appeared to be having a great time with it. If you're on the fence about seeing them, GO! They rocked.

The crowd was small, and it seemed like only about 1/3 of them were willing to react to the band in any way. That's a shame. The band didn't let that stop them though. They interacted a ton with the people who were getting into it.

As far as Aesma Daeva . . . I was unimpressed with the performance. However, the singer has a great voice. She seemed like she was very uncomfortable on stage. After their set several people were commenting on how awkward she seemed, and her lack of charm as a front woman. When she came out with Therion I kept wondering if it was the same person. She seemed entirely at ease and was really great. Her vocals were just as strong, but her performance was great. It was weird, but cool.

The dark haired, female singer was a blast to watch. She was constnatly making creepy faces. Her voice was great too, but at the beginning of the set I couldn't hear her at all.

The two male vocalists kinda put me off with the face paint at the beginning, but even that worked. Somehow it fit the rest of the show. Their vocals sounded good, and they were both fun to watch.

When the drum solo started I walked away to get drinks. I pretty much hate drum solos unless it's Neil Peart. Anyway, while I'm standing at the bar I noticed the bartenders are all kinda getting into the music. I thought the music sounded a bit different than a standard drum solo. When I got my drinks I turned around and saw the two singers playing the two drums up front. It was damn fun to watch. They took a standard drum solo and made it a bit more fun.

Great show. Tonight, Nightwish is gonna have a tough time beating that performance.

GO SEE THEM!

What was with Snowy Shaw dressing like an S&M version of Link from Zelda?

The Michael

 

[skyrefuge]

The Micheal (progpower board poster who looks like the keyboard player from Rhapsody).
Snowy Shaw was running out and nearly crushed my hand. He was a sight to see....looked like a gay viking.
The Micheal said he looked like Link from the old Zelda game.
the one was from Aesema Daeva and the other looked like a gothic version of Pam from the Office.

ha, you should get a job as people-describer; these are all spot-on.

The dark haired, female singer was a blast to watch. She was constnatly making creepy faces. Her voice was great too, but at the beginning of the set I couldn't hear her at all.

Yeah, I was a bit worried at first...I don't think there were any sound problems, she just wasn't ready to go for it at the beginning. But after a few songs she seemed to warm up and do fine (still completely outclassed by her counterpart though, at least in the vocal department).

I'm still sort of baffled by the Aesma Daeva-hate. I can understand people finding them boring or whatever, but they had a really good sound, played well, and aren't something completely out of the ordinary for Therion fans. Weird.

Anyway, my review is at http://www.gregie.com/neil/words/2007/10/27/therion-aesma-daeva-the-pearl-room/ if anyone cares to read it.

Neil

 

[OrbWeaver]

Therion were definitely AMAZING last night. I'm so glad I've got to see them twice now. I think this production was even more entertaining and awesome than the first time I saw them, when they had more singers. But like the first time I saw them, I just could not quit smiling. This band just makes me feel good, and I love seeing them live.

I didn't like Aesma Daeva. I LOVED Lori's singing. I'd kill for that kind of voice. But AD was basically doom metal. It really bored me to tears. I did get a kick out of their lead guitar player though. He was silly.

It was fun seeing Diabolik, The Michael, Yardley and Yippee too. I vote to give Y&Y the "Best Looking Couple" award, too.

 

[Jibrille]

I hate you all. Maybe I should claim I have the flu for two days this week.

 

[Diabolik]

Therion were definitely AMAZING last night. I'm so glad I've got to see them twice now. I think this production was even more entertaining and awesome than the first time I saw them, when they had more singers. But like the first time I saw them, I just could not quit smiling. This band just makes me feel good, and I love seeing them live.

I didn't like Aesma Daeva. I LOVED Lori's singing. I'd kill for that kind of voice. But AD was basically doom metal. It really bored me to tears. I did get a kick out of their lead guitar player though. He was silly.

It was fun seeing Diabolik, The Michael, Yardley and Yippee too. I vote to give Y&Y the "Best Looking Couple" award, too.

I too cant help but smile by watchng Therion. I love the theatrics this time around. I cant stop thinking about this show.

 

[yardleybates]

DO NOT miss this show if you have a chance to see it. Totally different from their Prog Power performance and SO MUCH FUN!!!!!

 

[Photino Decay]

I hate you all. Maybe I should claim I have the flu for two days this week.

Hell yeah! PARTY IN NYC!!!!!!

 

[MetalRose]

Hell yeah! PARTY IN NYC!!!!!!

You're in NYC? Shit, now I HAVE to make it down for the show. (It was good to meet you at PP too!)

rockyracoon-

Thank you so much for that. I haven't seen them with their singer Lori, but to be honest, i am looking forward to it, even if the reviews aren't that great. When I see them though, I'll be more objective (as they are good friends of mine as well.) and see if I can spot the same things that you and others spotted.

-Metal

 

[Stingray11214]

Now, I HAVE to go this Thursday.

 

[Entropiastrife]

I saw therion on the 2005 tour at the CT date, great show though there were about 30 people there, and I remember them saying that they probably would not come to the US again. It is cool that they tried it again, but it seems that they are blaming problems that can happen anywhere (tour bus breaking down, stolen visa's) on us.

THe problem I think with these bands is that they think they can just come over here their first time and headline, without any solid support no less. Maybe a few tours as direct support for a few more well known bands that can draw in the US, and they could then be ready to do it on their own. I don't think a lot of American bands even could pull their first tour headlining in the states.

 

[Diabolik]

I saw therion on the 2005 tour at the CT date, great show though there were about 30 people there, and I remember them saying that they probably would not come to the US again. It is cool that they tried it again, but it seems that they are blaming problems that can happen anywhere (tour bus breaking down, stolen visa's) on us.

THe problem I think with these bands is that they think they can just come over here their first time and headline, without any solid support no less. Maybe a few tours as direct support for a few more well known bands that can draw in the US, and they could then be ready to do it on their own. I don't think a lot of American bands even could pull their first tour headlining in the states.

I totally agree. While Therion are a name in the metal scene, but not a strong enough name to headline a US tour and expect big crowds. I have been saying this for years.....bands need a strong support act to draw the people who are still on the fence about going. I know there was talk about having a more known act opening at the Chicago show, that would have drawn more people for sure but I dont know if it is an ego thing but when bands come over and tour the states...you need decent support acts. Even a band that is a different genre that can draw a different crowd to the show. Iced Earth has always done a great job of this.

 

[AMBR]

I saw therion on the 2005 tour at the CT date, great show though there were about 30 people there, and I remember them saying that they probably would not come to the US again. It is cool that they tried it again, but it seems that they are blaming problems that can happen anywhere (tour bus breaking down, stolen visa's) on us.

THe problem I think with these bands is that they think they can just come over here their first time and headline, without any solid support no less. Maybe a few tours as direct support for a few more well known bands that can draw in the US, and they could then be ready to do it on their own. I don't think a lot of American bands even could pull their first tour headlining in the states.

I agree too. I believe Epica learned that lesson this past tour. These bands really need to build a better "tour team" then attempting to headline too soon, and then assuming the US metal scene sucks and they don't give it another try. Kinda sad - the potential is there if done right.

 

[Cheiron]

Therion has some rules about stage setup. They don't like anybody to open. And if they open then they have to do so infront of how Therion is already set up. Doing it with Aesam Daeva was surely no problem. But this generally means lack of any local opener (not that there are too many local openers that draw crowds these days...), and lack of another big name on the bill.

Therion could be successful here if they toured here as coheadliners with another big name metal band.

 

[eaeolian]

Therion has some rules about stage setup. They don't like anybody to open. And if they open then they have to do so infront of how Therion is already set up.

That's normal for opening for touring acts, at least in my neck of the woods, although the general Euro band attitude of not liking to have local openers really gets on my nerves - I understand some clubs abuse it, but still...

 

[Magius]

Being that Therion is a no name band in the US, what big name metal band is going to give them coheadliner status on a tour? Therion is stuck with a logistics problem: They'd have a better chance of building a fanbase by opening for a big name metal band, but their setup is prohibitively expensive for an opening band.
They could tour with a bare bones setup and a lot of prerecorded tracks; however, they won't do that as they feel it compromises their show and name.

 

[yardleybates]

I didn't like Aesma Daeva.

It was fun seeing Diabolik, The Michael, Yardley and Yippee too. I vote to give Y&Y the "Best Looking Couple" award, too.

I didn't love Aesma Daeva - I didn't hate them, and I agree that Lori is an incredibly talented singer, but I agree with Yip's comments on her stage presence during the AD set, she seemed uncomfortable and unsure, but during the Therion set, she was great. With AD, she did a little too much of the high register operatic stuff and it got on my nerves a little.

Muah! You're the sweetest girl!

I agree too. I believe Epica learned that lesson this past tour. These bands really need to build a better "tour team" then attempting to headline too soon, and then assuming the US metal scene sucks and they don't give it another try. Kinda sad - the potential is there if done right.

Yip and I have discussed this so much this fall. Epica would have been great touring with Within Temptation this year, or again with Kamelot, though I'm sure they don't want to end up always touring together. I think with Within Temptation they would have gained some new fanbase.

I totally see the point with the theatrical set up and that puts Therion in a difficult situation. I'm not sure what a great solution for that would be. All I know is that Yip and I are dieing to see them in Europe with a full blown setup. Amazing show! Just amazing!