The answer is a little of both...although I rarely "play it cool." I always cannonball my way through life. So I immediately bought all the CDs from Sabaton, Orphaned Land, Power Quest, and DSO -- the four bands with which I was less familiar. They made the biggest impact on me.
Regarding Sabaton, it wasn't necessarily the video announcement that spurred me on. It was when you (Glenn) wrote this: "Furthermore, my PERSONAL opinion is that Sabaton's The Art of War is the power metal album of the year. Period. It's not even close."
I've learned over the years that when you're passionate about a band it behooves me to pay attention. So the first CD of the bunch I listened to is The Art of War.
I agree with you. The Art of War is an ass kicker. For me, Sabaton is the band that, as of this moment, I'm the most jazzed to see.
Orphaned Land fascinates me. I listened to as much of their music online as I could, intrigued by all of it. Then I ordered their back catalog (which was difficult because their CDs aren't easy to find). The same thing happened with Power Quest. I previewed their CDs online, then sought them out and bought them.
So far, DSO is a "meh" band for me, although Ken Golden tells me "I think they will blow everyone's mind. You will love them." (I've learned to listen to Ken, too. He knows his shit.) When DSO's CD arrives, I'll pop it in...and hope that Glenn and Ken are correct about DSO.
I was familiar with all other bands and have most of their CDs.
So the four bands that I was most intrigued by and immediately bought CDs for are Sabaton, Orphaned Land, Power Quest, and DSO. Two of those purchases (Sabaton and DSO) were more because of Glenn and Ken than they were because of the announcement video. Sometimes I'll hear a band and not really hear it until someone who's more familiar with it shares his/her passion about it. Then I get into it, too. You know what I mean?
Bill