The Epica show was wonderful yesterday! I wasn't sure to expect so I didn't get my hopes up. We were waiting to get in and I see Mark (grunter,guitarist, and a creator of EPICA and AFTER FOREVER) coming towards me. I say, "Hi Mark!". I'm not expecting for him to remember me, but he smiles gives me a hug and a customary European kiss on each of my cheeks. I couldn't believe it! I was so excited after that! Mike just laughed at me because I was like, "I'm a VIP!" No one else got a greeting like that, LOL! Thankfully, my name was on the guest list like it was supposed to be, so getting in was no problem!! I was able to get right to the front of the stage and we were stage right. Then came the wait for Epica. We stood through four opening bands. Each very different.
The Last Alliance: A local band that really needed a makeover. They couldn't headbang at all. A decent sound, but looking at them was not inviting.
The Agonist: An awful female fronted metal band from Montreal. The girl's outfit looked like she was a referee and a kitty. She screeched and tried to sing melodically from time to time. Every song was super fast and was boring. I was quite relieved when it was over.
Blackguard: We've seen them at least 5 or 6 times. They are a fun band, but their lead singer stunk like ass. I know this because he was in front of me quite a bit and I could smell how he probably hasn't taken a shower in days. Generally, I enjoy this band, but not tonight.
Scar Symmetry: This band was interesting. They weren't totally offensive. Their guitarist who was an angry bald man with a long beard was mad that his monitor was not working and it was too loud. His accent was cute and he was wearing Nike velcros. Sorry, I have a difficult time taking you seriously when you are rocking out wearing velcros. LOL! Their bassist seemed to think that Mike was a distant relative, LOL! The bassist kept coming over to Mike and smiling! I was thankful when the band was done, though!
Epica: Well, I've seen Epica at least 4 times. This show didn't give me goosebumps. Simone was a bit off with her singing. It was a good show because they did a good mix of their old songs (my favorite) and a decent mix of new songs. Mark was fun and he is my favorite grunter as always They really treated Cleveland well. I do have to say that the new Epica fans do not impress me. They cover themselves in the band's merchandise and that's about it. There were a lot of underagers too. Plus, now there are families coming to these shows. Sorry, but I really don't want to see 5 to 10 year olds at these shows when their parents drag them there. In the past we've seen a couple who comes up from West Virginia for shows. They have a three year old little girl, who really likes the music. She've giving the horns and she stays awake through the shows. She's quite impressive! It also puts the band into a difficult position when they are saying, "Let's get fucking wasted!", etc. etc. So PLEASE KEEP YOUR KIDS AT HOME!
Overall, the show was very fun. Mark actually came out after the show and talked to more fans. Of course, I had to interrupt him (because I'm a VIP) by saying good bye and I got a few more kisses. ;)
It was a great way to start Thanksgiving! I leave you with a pic of Mark!
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