What an awesome show! We drove two hours to see this great show, made a few stops (guitar center & cheeburger cheeburger) and show up at Pop's early. This was great... we got to meet Periphery who were hanging out in front of the venue. We discussed important things in life such as Dream Theater and guitars.
When the doors opened, a local band (The Gorge or The George) started playing. No waiting around, just getting straight to the point-which is what we paid for! Not a bad band but they fit the genre of what we came to see although they talked to much (less talk, more rock!) ...and then the bands fell in one after another.
"Today I Caught The Plague" - in all honesty, i had never heard this band before. The singer dressed like a mix between Carlton from "The Fresh Prince Of BelAire" and James Dean." But this guy can sing! We bought their cd at the show. I never do that. I am a fan. Great band! I plan on seeing these guys again In June with Scale The Summit.
"The Safety Fire" - From London, this band was pretty amazing. Great songs. Powerful vocals. Very cool guitar riffs.
"Jeff Loomis" - This is where the show started for me. I've been a Nevermore fan since 1999. Loomis assembled his band like a squad of super heroes would be assembled: via YouTube! You could tell that a lot of the crowd behind us didn't know or even understand what was going on when Jeff took the stage but you could also tell they were in awe. Jeff Loomis was a 100mph steam roller and he never let up. After every song, the joint was screaming! I gotta say, after Jeff Loomis' performance, i was a bit saddend. I know that i will never reach that level of guitarmanship. If you are a guitarist, of any style or level of playing, you truly owe it to yourself to see this man play.
"Periphery" - The other reason why i came to see this show. I have to say, Periphery is one my favorite bands. In a sea of new music, where everything seems to sound alike, these guys soar above the rest in a fashion that makes everything they do seem easy. We had the opportunity to meet the band before the show and they seem very humble and appreciative of their fans. As for the show? flawless. ...and they had such a great time on stage. it was all fun. I am very thrilled that I got to see this band.
"Protest The Hero" - part amazing vocalist - part comedian! When "PTH" took the stage, you could tell who the majority of the crowd was their to see. Another band with a flawless performance. Everything they do, they make look easy. I gotta tell ya, the singer was dog-ass-sick and still put everything he had into an amazing show. There was no short set. No complaining. No disappointments. It was awesome!