Started off with some simple rockin'. Friday at the 'pad, I was there to see Scenester and Romeo GTH. Just my luck, those two happened to be first in the lineup, so I split after that. Not much to say; they rocked as expected. "Could I have some more audience?" If that was a mistake and I missed anything afterwards, someone better speak up.

Saturday found me at The Compound. For some reason, I hadn't gotten around to visiting this place until now, so it was my first time. There's no bar here, just a room with a stage. It takes a special kind of band to make that (lack of inhibition-inhibitors) work, but a special band is exactly what was coming up, so I knew everything would be ok. Alas, it quickly became clear I was going to have to sit through some hardcore/numetal bands while I waited for the metal, and that usually gets me down. But just when I wasn't expecting it, one of the openers, a little band from Santa Fe called Torn Between Two Worlds showed that their guitarists knew how to do more than just fill in as "extra" bass players. In fact, they fucking rocked!! A beautiful Maidenesque tone and melodies filled the air, along with some instant-headbanging riffs. Ok, it was with hardcore vocals, so I'm not promising you the Second Coming of Maiden (I'd say this band is very aptly named), but nevertheless, keep your eyes'n'ears on these dudes. In particular, check out the guitars!

At the end of the night, Wisdom of the Leech showed what totally rockin' metal is all about, leaving me breathless, sweating, and sore the next morning. If you haven't seen the Leech yet, what the fuck is your excuse?! Luckily, 21+ folks will get two more chances next weekend, so don't blow it.

Sunday gave the weekend a "bonus metal night" as there's usually not much to see on Sundays -- but this time, ATG was at the 'pad. They were scheduled to play last, so I was less than punctual, and had to make up for it by starting off my beer sequence with some Jack. As I let Mr. Daniels do his work, an interesting punkish band (with horns?!) played and I thought they were pretty good. Alas, I'm ashamed to admit I didn't catch their name. (somebody! speak up!) Another interesting thing besides the horns, was their crowd. They formed an old-fashioned pit. I don't mean that perverted travesty, mockingly refererred to as a mosh pit that you'll see nowdays, where assholes just push each other around because they're too bored with the music. I mean the kind of pit I used to see way, way back at metal shows 15-20 years ago, with excited people dancin' around in a circle, while not just trying to hurt somebody. Ah, that took me back.

ATG gave the neck a good workout, and they finished with a new song that sounded pretty good. Too bad I won't get to learn it anytime soon. This is probably the last ATG show 'til February, so if you missed it, all I can say is: You Snooze, You Lose! And don't whine that you can't go out on a Sunday night, 'cause I was home by 11:15.