Just got back from watching a crapton of metal bands. Here are the random thoughts that crossed my mind:

Close Your Eyes - I can’t tell if Funeral For a Friend just got more punk or if Millencolin got more metal, but I knows I likes it.

Attilla - A speedy, lyrical MC who spits rhymes in the form of gutteral growls? I think someone just reinvented the rap metal wheel.

For All Those Sleeping - Just so you know, only Chris Carraba can whine like a straight-up infant and call it singing.

War of Ages - I swear if I hear, “One more time”, one more time…

Sleeping With Sirens - It takes a lot of balls to outright admit you’re the pussiest band on the bill, so commendations are in order for the 15-year-old singer doing his impression of Michael Jackson from The Jackson 5.

The Chariot - This WAS my first ro-day-o, and damn if it weren’t the most glorious thing ya ever done saw.

Sleeping Giant - Apparently the venue is now a church and all between-song banter is now a sermon. Yawn.

In This Moment - You guys truly are a metal band, but damn if ya’ll don’t write some of the catchiest, hookiest, dare I say pop-iest songs I’ve ever heard.

iwrestledabearonce - I wish I could have actually seen and heard you guys, but the sub-par team behind the boards made sure you were shrouded in darkness and filtered through the crunchiest mix I’ve ever heard at a live venue. Thank you for nothing, Palladium Ballroom.

Norma Jean - I finally got to see Corey and the gang waltz with their murderers alongside Josh Scogin, who looks like a pissed-off Nick Swardson, now that I think about it.

In the end, good times all around!!