Since I know only a few on these boards enjoy these groups, I'll make it brief.
The first key to listening to these groups is to ignore their fan base. Plenty of scene kids, and dorks. But I love dorks.
Anyhow, I missed whoever was opening for them, and started off arriving during the first song of Coheed's set. From the beginning they bring a lot of energy to the show. I had never seen a picture of Coheed before, so seeing this big man with a big fro standing at the mic surprised me, especially knowing his voice. The entire set was good, played very well, and the sound there was great. You could actually hear them singing and what they were singing about. They played a variety of songs, from their newer prog metal/prog rock works, to their older more punk-rock driven sounds. The highlight of the night for me, was that Coheed ended the set with about a 12 minute instrumental. This instrumental was gorgeous. I never got bored. The lead singer is also the lead guitarist, and he had some awesome shreds that puts him up there with almost any prog/power metal group that we all love. The fans loved when he put the guitar behind his neck and did some super fast shredding. But their instrumentals wasn't just about fast solos, it was about their sound, from everybody, mixed together, with some ambience, but not too much to put you asleep, it constantly pulled you back into the song. Its nice to know that the fans all enjoyed it, considering the number there, and that people are ready to hear some really talented musicians, and some great guitar.
Avenged Sevenfold put on a high energetic show. The lead singer reminded me a bit of Anselmo (Pantera), at least the way he interacted with the audience. Overall they played their songs very solid, and a good mix from all of their albums, including both of their popular songs off of City of Evil. I was hopping they'd play Wicked Evil, a great prog track off the new album, but they didn't. Instead, Zak (their lead guitarist) came on stage for about a 4 minute solo. No drums, no bass, no rythm, just him. That takes guts. And he nailed it. He took a small break during it to pay tribute to Dimebag, and then he went back into it. He is very creative on the guitar, willing to substitute blazing speed for interesting sounds. But he also can play fast. He had a great-fast shred on the high frets of the guitar which almost blow your ears out, but he hit all the notes. Again, another guitarist that could stand up with the best of them in metal, and yet he is very young.
I encourage people to see both of these bands live if they get the chance. You might not like some of the songs they play, as they tilt more towards rock and sometimes hardcore, but Avenged Sevenfold leans heavily on Thrash instead of hardcore, and Coheed always has prog elements. Either way, once you ignore the idiots around you, and watching people walk out of the pit with a blood nose, busted up knee, or kicked forehead... if you like metal, you'll like the show.
The first key to listening to these groups is to ignore their fan base. Plenty of scene kids, and dorks. But I love dorks.
Anyhow, I missed whoever was opening for them, and started off arriving during the first song of Coheed's set. From the beginning they bring a lot of energy to the show. I had never seen a picture of Coheed before, so seeing this big man with a big fro standing at the mic surprised me, especially knowing his voice. The entire set was good, played very well, and the sound there was great. You could actually hear them singing and what they were singing about. They played a variety of songs, from their newer prog metal/prog rock works, to their older more punk-rock driven sounds. The highlight of the night for me, was that Coheed ended the set with about a 12 minute instrumental. This instrumental was gorgeous. I never got bored. The lead singer is also the lead guitarist, and he had some awesome shreds that puts him up there with almost any prog/power metal group that we all love. The fans loved when he put the guitar behind his neck and did some super fast shredding. But their instrumentals wasn't just about fast solos, it was about their sound, from everybody, mixed together, with some ambience, but not too much to put you asleep, it constantly pulled you back into the song. Its nice to know that the fans all enjoyed it, considering the number there, and that people are ready to hear some really talented musicians, and some great guitar.
Avenged Sevenfold put on a high energetic show. The lead singer reminded me a bit of Anselmo (Pantera), at least the way he interacted with the audience. Overall they played their songs very solid, and a good mix from all of their albums, including both of their popular songs off of City of Evil. I was hopping they'd play Wicked Evil, a great prog track off the new album, but they didn't. Instead, Zak (their lead guitarist) came on stage for about a 4 minute solo. No drums, no bass, no rythm, just him. That takes guts. And he nailed it. He took a small break during it to pay tribute to Dimebag, and then he went back into it. He is very creative on the guitar, willing to substitute blazing speed for interesting sounds. But he also can play fast. He had a great-fast shred on the high frets of the guitar which almost blow your ears out, but he hit all the notes. Again, another guitarist that could stand up with the best of them in metal, and yet he is very young.
I encourage people to see both of these bands live if they get the chance. You might not like some of the songs they play, as they tilt more towards rock and sometimes hardcore, but Avenged Sevenfold leans heavily on Thrash instead of hardcore, and Coheed always has prog elements. Either way, once you ignore the idiots around you, and watching people walk out of the pit with a blood nose, busted up knee, or kicked forehead... if you like metal, you'll like the show.
. It sounds like an awsome show.
