i thought all the bands were great except for high on fire. they started off strong but by 4 songs in i had gotten so bored that i left early. which is the opposite with their new album, i think it starts off weak but then picks up a few songs in and i really start to enjoy it. i thought they'd be better live.

but man, they were fucking loud.

We spent the first 2 bands' sets at my brother's apartment drinking bourbon & Oktoberfest. Got there in time for Mono, who I really enjoyed, and then stayed for the entire pummelling HoF set. As to the quality of their set, I was rather pleased. Dude from Zeke on bass was locked in nicely with Des (who sounded like a whole marching band drumline all by himself). Pike's rig was ungodly loud, but his playing was also wizard-level and his intensity undeniable. His vocals are an acquired taste, but as a big Motorhead fan, I always liked 'em. Very Lemmylike.

Like RacerX, we missed the first couple of bands for much the same reason. (plus after OM on Thursday, Katatonia, Swallow the Sun, Scar Symmetry and Insomnium on Saturday) it was taking a bit more pre-gig action than usual.

Mono delivered and the crowd seemed pleased. After a break outside and a round of ridicule and harasment from DrugRock Thugs Neb and RacerX (who learned real quick who stinks and who doesn't!), it was time to once again bask in the majesty of High On Fire. Drawing on both older material as well as choice cuts from their latest, Death Is This Communion I found my reaction to the band, pretty much the contrary of Burning Beard. Which is a great example of why you should support touring bands and open yourself to as much live music as possible. No one can describe a band to you better than yourself.

quote:

DrugRock Thugs Neb and RacerX (who learned real quick who stinks and who doesn't!)

Clearly, it was us - after all, we were the ones smoking the smelly cigars. You, despite our spurious accusation, smelled cedar-fresh.

oh, i should note that my disinterest in high on fire probably stemmed from the fact that i think Mono is the best live band in the universe, and anytime i see them i just can't get into whoever plays after them.

That makes sense.

I know what you mean. Seeing an all time favorite leaves little love left for anyone else. And I do agree that Mono put on a hell of a performance.

Win-win for all.

My hangover from that show just went away.......

i dug Panthers set. believe they were the second band. nice group of guys also. however, Mono blew me away, this being the first time seeing them live.

only complaint i had was that there were two fucking chads behind me in the crowd heckling Mono. if i remember correctly, "where's the heavy parts? man, fuck this!" i was very pleased when Mono blasted the crowd and the chads shut the hell up. i was ready to get rowdy.

seriously... mono's ability to go from super quiet to SUPER loud just makes them seem that much louder.

Chads?