I was psyched last night:  Dark Tranquillity was playing in Las Vegas (for the first time ) and they had some really great opening bands:  Divine Heresy and Firewind.   

I've heard of Firewind before and actually listened to their previous album "Alliegance" but when they took the stage, I was blown away.  You have Gus G who is a guitar phenom, Mark Cross (yay drummers!), and a slew of other really talented musicians.  Anyone who enjoys European metal should check these guys out if you haven't already. 

The tracklist was right on, not a downer in the set at all.  My favourite of the night had to be "'Til the End of Time," which has a GREAT head bangin' chorus.  They also did an instrumental number, with both guitarists solo-ing and trying to outdo the other.  Holy crap! 

Then Divine Heresy got on stage....   Don't get me wrong, I love Dino and all the work he did with Fear Factory, but this isn't the same at all.  Rather, it felt like it was just more of the standard American metal drek.  (Could everyone please stop using the f-word?  It's like my ears were raped last night)

Last, but not least, was Dark Tranquillity.  The epitome of Gothenburg/Melodic Death Metal.  Most of the stuff that was played was from their newest album, "Fiction," but it was still great stuff.  Nothing too technical, just really solid melodeath.  Apparently it was their first time in Vegas, and they seemed really happy to be playing. 

I've mentioned that I'm in a band right now, although it's just me and a guitarist, Alex.  Apparently, Alex is from Greece and his brother really knows the band Firewind.  I was kind of hovering near them and they were talking in Greek, and we almost got to go get a drink with them after the show!  Unfortunately, their rep from Century Media wanted to take 'em out for a night on the town.  You kind of have to if you're in Vegas.  All-in-all, a great concert ($14.00!!) and a wonderful experience meeting the band.   

Oh, and I got Firewind's newest CD signed by the entire band!  A happy metalhead is I!

I've heard all four of Firewind albums although I think their latest album "Allegence" is really missing something. Also, I'm not the biggest Gus.G fan because I've read way to many interviews where he feels the need to express his opinion on the Iraq situation. Not saying he isn't free to express his opinion but it's gotten to the point where it's annoying; he makes his opinion known in a few songs where it obvious what he's referring to but it's not nearly as blunt and it works better in that fashion. Let your music do the talking for you.

I'd say my favorite Firewind song is "Waiting Still" from Burning Earth back when they still had Frederick on vocals although Chitty proved on Forged by Fire he's pretty good.

If you like Gus. G I'd check out Dream Evil's first three albums: Dragon Slayer, Evilized and The Book of Heavy Metal. He also appears on the first Nightrage album as well but I can't remember if he's still in that band or not - he had the annoying habbit of being in to many bands and he'd quit, rejoin, quit - until Firewind got to the point it is now.

But definately check out "The Book of Heavy Metal" by Dream Evil though. It comes with a DVD and the part with Gus.G is pretty entertaining. He plays the guitar in a very... um, how should we say, "unique" way at one point during it.

Actually, their latest albums is called "The Premonition."  I have yet to listen to it (lent it to a friend of mine at work) but from what I hear, it's supposed to be phenomenal.