HIM / Motionless in White @ Fillmore, Silver Spring 12/12/2014

I went to see HIM (a pricey $38) with my buddy Tony at the Fillmore, Silver Spring. I saw Robin and Marie there, but not many other familiar faces. My buddy had seen HIM before, many years ago, but I never managed to see them until tonight. I think that this Finnish goth rock/metal band has consistently put out solid albums, albeit a bit more on the emo/mopey/mushy side of lyrics, and I thought they'd be great live. And at the Fillmore, you know it was going to sound pretty fabulous! Initially it was just HIM on this tour when it was announced, and at some point they added Wounds and Motionless in White, neither of which I was excited for.

Crowbar / Unearth/ Black Crown Initiate / Yesterday's Saints @ Empire 12/7/2014

I went to see Black Crown Initiate on their tour w/ Crowbar and Unearth ($18.50). I was on the fence about this show because I like BCI but was kind of meh on the others. I ended up going, as you can tell. There were a decent number of people there- I saw Chris Crazy-Wolf, Kris, Bridget, Dale, Matt R, J. Oliver, Ashleigh~, Dorothy, and Kyler there.

Iris Divine / MindMaze/ Division / Vitality @ Cafe 611 12/6/2014

I went to see Iris Divine with other bands up in Frederick at Cafe 611 ($10). I was pretty excited because both MindMaze and Iris Divine have new albums that were recently released. This was going to be an uptick to a pretty dark and dreary rainy night. I did see a few people I knew there- Tom, Bobbie and Nick, The Teets, and Chris J.

Death to All / Obituary / Massacre @ Empire 12/3/2014

I went to see Death to All (aka Near Death) w/ Obituary (and others) ($25) at Empire. I saw a lot of people at what seemed to be a huge Death Metal show- Miss Lindsey, Ariel y Ilem, James, Yave y Sara, Sean, Jason, Rene, Nathan w/ a J, Alie, Kris, Daniel G and Nick, Matt R, Kyler, Dorothy, Omar, Ruby, Catherine, and Metal Chris of course. This is kind of an odd tour because Death really isn't a band anymore, and the members of Death to All are playing all old Death songs, kind of like a tribute or cover band. Now I'm not complaining because this is the closest many of us will get to hear Death songs live. This was a packed show, I was surprised given the low turnout last time at the Fillmore. Looking at it  now, it seemed that 300 at the Fillmore is pretty full for Empire. So this venue was a better fit for this package.

Whoa is this Empire?

Exodus / Yesterday's Saints @ Empire 11/24/2014

I went to see Exodus ($17) on a one-off date from their tour with Slayer and Suicidal Tendencies at Empire. For a Monday night, Exodus drew very well. I think if this was a weekend, it would have been closer to selling out. I saw a bunch of people there- Ariel y Ielm, Sara y Yave, James, Rod, Dwayne, Jose, Neil and Michelle, Kyler, Alie and Nathan w/ a J, Kris, Erika, Miss Lindsey, Dorothy, Matt R, Zach O, Ruby, Marc, Sean, Marie, Steve Harris, GreekGirl, Catherine, and of course Metal Chris! It was great seeing the whole metal family (or many of them!) at this show, and on a crappy Monday night to boot!

EXODUS

The Birthday Massacre / New Year's Day / The Red Paintings @ Empire 11/15/2014

I went to see The Birthday Massacre ($17) at Empire, hopefully to play a full set this time! Last time, Chibi had an accident and her knee got screwed up, forcing a short set.  I met up with miscreants- Mari, Bridget T, and Spencer! I noticed that the parking lot was full and had to hustle in the cold from across the street. It turned out to be a sold out show, apparently. This was one of the rare Empire Sold out shows!

Onslaught/ Artillery / VX-36 @ Empire 11/3/2014

I went to see Onslaught with Artillery ($18) at Empire for Monday Night Thrash. Striker had dropped off, and there was not much info on other openers. I saw a number of people there- Ariel, Nathan with a J, Greekgirl, Gori, Neil and Michelle, Brian B, Krysia, Ruby, Kyler, MattRice, and Thane and Ronnie. For a Monday night, a number of people I knew, but definitely not a great turnout.

ONSLAUGHTs, featurings Neil Turbins

Arch Enemy / Kreator/ Huntress/ Starkill @ Baltimore Soundstage 10/23/2014

I went to see Arch Enemy at the Baltimore Soundstage ($25) with a variety of supporting acts. Arch Enemy is on tour to support their new album with new singer Canadian import Alissa White-Glutz. Having last seen Arch Enemy in 2011 with Angela Gossow, it had been a while and I wasn't sure what to expect of Alissa live. I had seen The Agonist twice before live, both times Alissa was not doing so hot (singing that is). I thought she did better background vocals for Kamelot, etc. This would be the first stop on their North American tour for "War Eternal," here in MD! I ended up seeing a number of ppl there- Ariel y Ilem, Jose, James, Scott, Ray C, Bobbie n Nick, JACINDA, Russel, Dorothy, Danica, Daniel G, Bridget, Rock and Roll Experience Bob, and of course Metal Chris.

This is Blur Eternal

Tony MacAlpine / Travis Larson Band/ LoNero @ Jammin Java 10/19/2014

Upon recommendation from T.J., I went to see technical guitar virtuoso Tony MacAlpine at Jammin' Java ($25). I saw T.J, his wife, Christine and Paul, Ariel, and Juan there. As this was a Sunday night, all instrumental bands, kind of short notice, and I'd not been back here (and never seen a show here) in a while, I wasn't sure how all these things would flow together if at all!

Tony MacAlpine, Bjorn, and Aquilies Priester !

King Diamond / Jess and the Ancient Ones @ the Fillmore Silver Spring 10/13/2014

I went to see the legendary King Diamond ($35) at the Fillmore, Silver Spring. This was basically THE Metal show of the year- nearly everyone was there- Ariel y Ilem, Dwanye, Rod, Dickie, James, Marysol y Mark, Yave y Sara, Kyler, Ethan, Miss Victoria, Miss Lindsey, Marie, Robinmerch, Gori y Omar, Alex T, Henry, other Henry, Sean, Dorothy, Bridget P, Greekgirl, A Josh of Thunder, Tony Dio, Chris C, Luke, and Tom. I know others were there but I didn't see in person- Neil and Michelle, Nina, Jesse, Chris Crazy Wolf, Metal Chris, Gerber, and more I'm sure! Many people had been waiting since 2005 (last at Jaxx apparently), and more had been waiting... longer!

Suffocation / Kataklysm / Jungle Rot/ Pyrexia @ Empire 10/10/2014

I went to see Suffocation and co at Empire ($20). There were originally  11 (!) bands slotted to play from around 6. I saw Nids, Scott, Sean, Jason, Miss Lindsey, Blake, Ariel y Ilem, Nathan w/ a J, Alie, Chris Crazy Wolf, Dorothy, Dan G., Brian B, Matt R, Luke, Renae, AND Metal Chris there. I had Seen Suffocation last in February up in Baltimore.

Frank

Lacuna Coil / Devil You Know/ Unlocking the Truth @ the Fillmore 10/8/2014

I went to see Lacuna Coil ($30) at the Fillmore, Silver Spring and met up with Bridget and Mari (AGAIN), Russell, Scott, Ray,a nd boot brother TJ! It was a pretty small group but it was fun hanging. The last time that I saw Lacuna Coil was earlier this year on the "hottest chicks in hard rock tour, and the turnout wasn't near sold out (and they didn't headline either), so I was expecting a pretty light night.

Within Temptation / Amaranthe at Rams Head Live 10/7/2014

I went to see Within Temptation ($30) at the Rams Head Live. They brought the amazing Amaranthe with them this time. Last time, I went to PA to see them.  I had seen WT in 2011 last. I met up with Bridget D, Mari, their sisters, Spencer, Ray, PhotoRay, Lauri, Danica, and I think Bobbie and Nick were there too. This evening there was also Butcher Babies at Soundstage and Deicide /Inquisition/ Spetic Flesh/ Carach Angran at Empire, but that didn't prevent this show from being pretty packed!

WITHIN ALL YOUR TEMPTATIONS

Coheed and Cambria @ the FIllmore, Silver Spring 9/23/2014

I went to see Coheed and Cambria at the Fillmore ($35!) for their Neverender (aka play the full album)  of "In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth: 3." I guess it is the 11 year anniversary of its release. I met up with Scott, Stacey, Timmy, Oksana, and Nate. This as a sold out show a few months before the show, so you know it as gonna be crazy. The last time they came around as on my birthday, and it was an excellent show!

Cousin It Claudio Sanchez

Eluveitie / Tyr / Metsatöll @ Baltimore Soundstage 9/19/2014

I went with L and Kate to see Paganfest Jr. - featuring Eluveitie, Tyr, and Metsatöll  at the Baltimore soundstage (~$20). I will say that I was not expecting nearly the crowd that was there. I saw so many people- Dan Paytas, Megan, Ethan, Kris, Jen P, Erika,Scott, Bridget, Kris, Russ, Sarah and Evan, Lex, Dorothy, Ariel y Ilem, Nathan with a J, Daniel G w/ Ben, Inga, and Sean, Greekgirl, Brittany,Larry and his brother, Lynn,Robin and Jennifer and Gat, and maybe someone else. Kevin, Victoria, and Jason were there too, but I didn't see them in the throng. Oh and that's only the people I KNOW, because there were like 700+ people there. Also this was the first night of the Origins North American tour! apparently this was a sold out show, as Eluvietie just posted it.

WE ARE HELVETICAS

Puya @ the Howard Theater 9/16/2014

I went to see Puerto Rican band Puya ($8.5 goldstar tickets! $25 regular) at the swanky Howard Theater. I met up with Ariel, James, and Raul y su mujer!  There were more than a few boricua there! The Howard Theater intermittently shows heavy concerts, and this was probably the first since 2013's Mago de Oz show. It's so odd what acts they have there, because it is a primarily black music focused, and I think they try to grab the Latin acts as well (which is good because it's a nice place. Nice, but expensive). And then they'll have the random act like Kreator or Ginger Baker.

PUYA!

Skeletonwitch / Ghoul / Black Anvil @ Empire 9/12/2014

I met up with John and we went to see Skeletonwitch ($18) for a one-two punch of heavy shows (yesterday was Overkill). I saw a bunch of people there too- Patricia and Bobby, Kyler, Annie, Renae, the Sanctuary shirt guy from Overkill, Nathan with a J, Allie, Nicole, Dorothy, Ariel y su mujer, Daniel G, Luke, Mary and Jason, Noc, and Metal Chris.

From a very Cloudy Stage

Overkill / GI9 / Blunt Force Rebellion / Nomad @ Empire 9/11/2014

I went to see Overkill  at Empire ($25). They were the only touring band, and there were a number of locals that differed from the billed local bands. I did see a lot of friends there- Ariel y hombre, Sean, Nathan w/ a J, Miss Lindsey, Marie (and Rolland later!), Greekgirl, Dave, Kevin, and Bryan, Luke, Marysol, Marc, Dorothy, Kyler (crowdsurfing CITY), and Metal Chris. WHEW.

Overkill, saying hi from the gutter

Sonata Arctica / Delain/ Xandria @ The Trocadero, PA 9/5/2014

I went to see Sonata Arctica in Philadelphia ($24) at the Trocadero due to scheduling conflicts at the Baltimore show.  I actually met up with Chris (whom I had seen at a Face Melting Friday) and his gf Lindsey and Lyndsey at the show! I also met with Ken and Dave (Mindmaze fans!) and chatted with a couple other interesting fellows about an old Batman comic, and another Steve.

Not Iron Maiden, not from England, they are Sonata, from Finland

Arsis/ Allegaeon/ Exmortus @ Empire 9/1/2014

I went to see Arsis ($20) at Empire this Labour Day. This was a good lineup- Exmortus and Allegeon  I had both missed on 2 different dates (tho I did get merch).  I was wondering how the first stop of the 10th year anniversary of "Celebration of Guilt" tour was going to be on this holiday weekend. I saw Sean, Jason, Jen P, Bridget, Ariel, D'Andre, Steve Miller, and super Arsis fan Scott there.

James Malone's Arsis

Appetite For Destruction/ Red White & Crue/ Poison'd @ The FIllmore, Silver Spring 8/28/2014

Juliya and I went to see The Kings of Hollywood tour (Red White and Crue, Poison'd, Appetite for Destruction) at the Fillmore, Silver Spring ($0).  Saw Miss Lindsey and Blake there, and not sure if anyone else I knew was there.  I had seen this last year (also free), and figured what a start to the Labor day weekend, with a free show after some delicious tapas.

"Bret" was pretty close to the real thing, complete w/ stuffed trousers

Grendel / Ludovico Technique / Deathmaschine @ Asylum 13 (Delaware) 8/23/2014

I took a road trip to see aggrotech band Grendel ($24) at Asylum 13 (Mojo 13?) up in Delaware. The trip up took a bit, due to rain, a fuel spill on 95, and general weekend traffic, but coming back wasn't too bad.  I actually saw a couple people I recognized from the DC area gothy scene (Midnight) who also made the trip up!

Mötley Crüe / Alice Cooper @ Jiffy Lube Live 8/22/2014

I went to see Mötley Crüe on their  alleged "Farewell Tour" (~$40 lawn). I met up with my buddy Tony and a few of his buddies (Nick, Joe, etc.).  I know several other people went (Mary, Ruby, Ariel, etc.), but this was one of those times I found no one instead of finding everyone (like at Mayhem).

Nothing More / Sleepwave / Guns Out at Sundown / Fatally Yours @ Ottobar 8/18/2014

I went to see Nothing More ($8) at the Ottobar (part of 98 Rock's Noise in the Basement). I met up with Josh and Erin, Kris, and Rock and Roll Experience guy.  Also met John T and Stephanie there.  This was going to be a long night, as I noticed the line to get in snaking out into the parking lot from the side door.

Summer Slaughter 2014- Dying Fetus/ The Faceless/ Thy Art is Murder / Goatwhore/ Origin/ Decrepit Birth /Within the Ruins /Fallujah @ Empire 8/12/2014

I went to see the final stop of the Summer Slaughter Tour (Dying Fetus/ The Faceless/ Thy Art is Murder / Goatwhore/ Origin/ Decrepit Birth /Within the Ruins /Fallujah + locals WHEW) at Empire (a pricey $30/35).  This date was added to the end, and Morbid Angel was supposed to headline, but there was some reason why they didn't. There were a ton of friends there- Zach, Luke (thanks for the ticket bro!), Scott, Allie, Nathan w/ a J, Sean, Jason, Stacey, Miss Lindsey, Marie, Ariel, James, D'andre, Dorothy, John, Chris J., Shelly, Matt Rice, Matt C, Steve G and Danielle, and Metal Chris too!  I think that was everyone (hope I remembered everyone).

Led Zeppelin 2 @ the FIllmore, Silver Spring 8/9/2014

I went to see the extremely hard to google  Led Zeppelin cover band, Led Zeppelin 2( I got a free ticket, but I know some people paid around $20 for tickets).  I think it's pretty bad business sense these days to have a band name exactly the same as one of the albums  which has the same name as the band you're covering. A play on a popular/famous song would have been better, because the particular choice is really going to give you great results when you google Led Zeppelin 2 you'll get mostly items about their second album.  Anyways I met up with Mary and Jason, and Yave and Sara.  Unexpected but fun company!

Kiss/ Def Leppard @ Jiffy Lube Live 7/25/2014

Juliya and I went to see the hottest band in the land, KISS, with Def Leppard at Jiffy Lube Live ($36).  We met up with Gori and Omar before rolling in. Inside we saw Marysol (y su madre) y Mark. We had a nice little group!

Queen + Adam Lambert @ Merriweather Post Pavilion 7/21/2014

Andrew and I went to see most of Queen (+ Adam Lambert and some hired guns) ("Almost Queen?" "Mostly Queen?" "1/2 Queen?"- Brian May and Roger Taylor are basically half of Queen) at Merriweather Post Pavilion ($45 lawn, but ours were about $40).  Adam Lambert (no relation to Christopher or Miranda  as far as I know) gained his fame being a singer on American Idol (and the is he or isn't he speculation regarding his sexuality. Fun fact, he likes dudes if you needed to know).

A very clear Roger Taylor

Agalloch / Vex @ Empire 6/28/2014

I went to see Agalloch ($15) at Empire.  I apparently didn't know that they were that popular, because it was pretty crowded. Accordingly, I saw a bunch of people there -Sean, Jason, Sarah, Evan, Kris, Kristen, Nathan with a J, Scott, Kyler,  Milla, JACINDA, Danielle and Steve G, Steve Miller, Joel, Antonio, Annie, Brian B, Marie and Rolland, maybe one more.

The Allogochs

A Sound of Thunder / Benedictum / Leather Leone / Dark Sermon / Metanium / Darker Half @Empire 6/26/2014

I went to see Benedictum and more at Empire ($13), including 2 of my favourite local bands!  There were a number of people I knew there- Renae, Gloomy William, Brian B, DAVE, RUBY, Gori y Omar, Ariel y Ilem, Yave, Mr. Nina, Bobbie, Sean, Henry, Martin, Alex T and Johnny, Sako and Greg, and METAL CHRIS (seemed like a bit of an odd show since he likes the heavier stuff!).

Septicflesh / Fleshgod Apocalypse / Morta/ Seraph / Gloom @ Empire 6/22/2014

I went to see FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE and some others (Septicflesh) ($20) at Empire. I saw tons of friends- Matt Rice, SCOTT, Steve Miller, Ethan and Greek girl, Ariel y su mujer, Annie, Nathan, Antonio, Dorothy, Kris, Bridget, Eric, Daniel G, Sean, Jason, Danielle T, Metal Chris, Matt C, Renae, Dale, Danny and Slee, Marie and Rolland, and maybe even a couple more!

Grim Reaper / Ghost of War @ Fish Head Cantina 6/14/2014

I went to see Grim Reaper ($18) up in Hell (Baltimore/Arbutus).  I met up with a ton of people- Ariel y Ilem, James y Barbara, Gori y Omar, Henry, Ruby, Amberley, Adam, Tammy, TOM, Lisa S, Brain B, Neil and injured Michelle, and maybe one more person.

Brad Paisley / Randy Hauser/ Leah Turner @ Merriweather Post Pavilion 6/12/2014

Andrew and I went to see Brad Paisley ($49) at Merriweather Post Pavilion.  We grabbed tickets before, because last time Zac Brown sold out the lawn. Better safe than sorry. As it turned out, the rain (and maybe the Thursday night) drove away some of the potential crowd. However, that didn't mean that not a lot of people showed up.  Cause there were still a ton of people there!

Brad Paisley! YEEE HAWWW

Cheap Trick @ Celebrate Fairfax 2014 6/8/2014

Juliya* and I were at the Celebrate Fairfax festival 2014 ($15) and Cheap Trick happened to be performing that evening.  Last time I saw them with Aerosmith in 2012.  I figured why not enjoy this with the rest of the goings on?  We saw Ariel and James after the show, so they def caught some of it

Cheap Trick on the Bud Light Main Stage

Black Star Riders / Hellenback @ Blue Fox Billiards 6/6/2014

I went to see the Black Star Riders (aka Thin Lizzy Jr.) at Blue Fox Billiards in Winchester, VA ($30).  This is the second 'far' show in a row and I don't know how I made both Adrenaline Mob in Hagerstown, this show in Winchester, then Cheap Trick the next day at the Fairfax Fair. With work and all that. I met up with Lisa and Tim S. there, and it was actually a pretty cool place.

Why not 4 guitars?

Adrenaline Mob/ Silvertung / New Day Dawn / Ghost of War @ Hardtimes Hard Times Cafe & Cue, Hagerstown6/5/2014

I went to see Adrenaline Mob ($10)  up in Hard Times Cafe & Cue, Hagerstown.  It was further than expected, but it had been quite a while since the last show.  I saw Tom there, who had not seen Adrenaline Mob yet.  Mike Portnoy is not in Adrenaline Mob anymore, he was replaced by A.J. Pero of Twisted Sister Fame.  Russell Allen has had the more complex Symphony X, but they have been a bit quiet as of late.

Ritchie Blackmore's Night / Wizard's Consort @ the Birchmere 5/20/2014

Finally I went to see Ritchie Blackmore ($52.85 after fees!!) and Blackmore's Night at the Birchmere.  I met up with Nina and Josh, Neil and Michelle, Tom, and Dorothy.

Disclaimer: I have never seen Ritchie Blackmore live, so this night was a special bucket list night, as I needed to see him live before one of us departs.

Blackmore's Night!

Ashes of Ares / A Sound of Thunder / Ghost of War / Martyrd @ Empire 5/17/2014

I Went to see Ashes of Ares ($10) with a solid set of openers. I saw a ton of people- Kris, Ariel, James, Nathan with a J, Sean, Lisa, Brian B and Samjhana, Maery and JASON, Bobbie + Nick, Nina and Willie, Dave, Dickie, Joel, Ethan, my boot brother TJ, Martin, Cascade, Allie,Greg n Sako, Mike and even met some new friends (Erika, Jorge).

Killswitch Engage/ Trivium/ Battlecross @ Rams Head Live 5/15/2014

I went to see Killswitch Engage up in Baltimore ($35 after fees WTF). I met up with Tony and saw Kris, Matt Rice n Witt Black (Yesterday's Saints... who let those chumps out of the studio?) Jose, Scott, and I am pretty sure the singer from Hydra Kyll and Jen P and Bridget were there too.  I was pumped to see Killswitch and hang with my buddy Tony, but I also was interested in the rest of the bill. Would Nothing More sound like an Octane band? Would Battlecross sound the same as last time? Would Trivium be underwhelming like last time?

VNV Nation / Whiteqube @ Empire 5/14/2014

Juliya and I went to see VNV Nation (Victory not Vengeance) ($25) at Empire. We met up with Kate, Jason, and DarKNess, and Lori (Chris Crazy-Wolf was also there, but he was hiding!).

Winery Dogs @ The Birchmere 5/7/2014

I went to see the Winery Dogs ($58.50 after ridiculous fees ugh)- (Mike Portnoy (ex-Dream Theater,ex-Adrenaline Mob, ex-Avenged Sevenfold, Transatlantic, etc. etc.) Billy Sheehan (ex- Mr. Big, ex-Talas, ex-David Lee Roth band), Ritchie Kotzen (ex- Mr. Big, ex-Poison)) at the Birchmere with Ariel.  We got there around 7, and I was curious as to how it would be, as I've never been to this venue before.

Fozzy / Raven @ Empire 5/5/2014

I went to see Fozzy w/ Raven  last night at Empire ($18).  I was excited to see Fozzy add Raven as a solid treat for this date!  I saw Jason, Tom, Neil and Michelle (and their brood), Brian B, Omar, and Kyler.  This was also Cinco de mayo, so I'm not sure if that affected attendance, OH and that it was Monday night RAW (Chris Jericho used to be a wrestler).

Black Label Society/ Down/ The Devil You Know/ Butcher Babies @ the Fillmore Silver Spring 5/4/2014

I went to see Zakk Wylde's Black Label Society ($35!) at the Fillmore, Silver Spring. BLS was one of my first concert experiences, and def one of my favourite. It's been a while since I've seen BLS, and the addition of Down was amazing!  Howard Jone's Devil You Know and the questionable Butcher Babies were just icing on the cake. I saw Tony, Tom, Sean, Scott, Nids, Jacinda n Heather, Johnny, Joe, Dale, Jen, Bridget, Kris, Patricia-lynne, Chris Crazy-Wolf and Lisa there.

Primal Fear/Arctic Flame/ Flag of the White Rose/ Mindmaze @ Baltimore Soundstage 4/29/2014

I went to see Primal Fear ($24-27) up in godforsaken Baltimore at the nice Baltimore Sound Stage.  After some initial parking difficulties and an almost altercation with some guy, I scampered thru the rain to the venue.  I saw Dave, Mike A, Milla, Bobbie, Nina, Tom, Avi, Brittany, Brian B and Renae there!

M3 Fest Day 2 Part II- Tesla/ Night Ranger/ Sabastian Bach/ Slaughter/ L.A. Guns/ Autograph/ Queensryche @ Merriweather Post Pavilion 4/26/2014

Part II of M3 Festival Day 2- the 2nd half  (Part I here)  We left as I was scampering over to see...

M3 Festival Day 2, Part I- Stryper/ Jake E Lee's Red Dragon Cartel/ Keel/ Jack Russell's Great White/Femme Fatale/ John Corabi/ Heaven's Edge @ Merriweather Post Pavilion 4/26/2014

Part I of M3 Festival, Day 2.  (Part II here!)
I didn't catch Day 1 of M3 (Paganfest 2014 instead), but my friend Neil did and has a much better written review  at his blog.

I went to M3, day 2 ($40 lawn) for 2014 with my buddy Tony.  I saw a bunch of people there, including Kris, Bobbie, Marysol y su hombre, Ariel y su mujer, Tom, Rod, Dwayne, James y su mujer, Rachl, Tony Dio, RUBY, Bob (Mr Rock and Roll Experience) and maybe someone else. whew! Break out your leather and hairspray, because we going to the BIGGEST (hair) metal (and hard rock) show of the year (in the US)! Whew.

As great as family bonding is, I think the skullet is not a great choice

Paganfest America 2014: Korpiklaani/ Turisas/ Chthonic/ Varg/ Winterhymn/ Yesterday's Saints @ Empire 4/25/2014

I went to see Paganfest America 2014, featuring coheadling Korpiklaani and Turisas. I am missing M3 Day 1 (2014) for this goddamn triple booked weekend (Paganfest, M3, local show). Last Year's Paganfest  was amazing, but this year's lineup was a bit ... "I've already seen those guys and they are kind of the same again" I saw Nathan with a J, Kris, Sean, Milla, Renae, Sarah, Ethan, Joel, Lex and Tom, and there.

Iced Earth / Sabaton / Revamp/ A Sound of Thunder @ Empire 4/21/2014

John, Kate, and I went to see ICED EARTH (with others) at Empire ($27). There were a ton of people there- Scott, Milla, Brittany, DanPaytas, Amberley, Ethan, Paul n Christine, Neil and Michelle, Brian B, Ciara, Sean, Jason, Dave, Nathan with a J, Ariel, James, otherSteve, Bobbie, Sako and Greg,  Greekgirl, Miss SketchyLindsey, Marie, Avi, Nina, Josh, Jesse, Chris, Renae, Ray, Tony Dio, Mike AG, Joe H, Mari and Bridget, Steve Miller, Chris Crazy-Wolf, Daniel G and Nick, and maybe one or 2 more??? whew!  I was super pumped for this show because I'm a huge Iced Earth and Sabaton fan. oh and ASOT is one of my top local bands and I was curious about the ReVamps.

Nile/ Exemptus @ Baltimore Soundstage 4/15/2014

I went to see Nile ($18) w. Miss sketchyLindsey at the Baltimore Soundstage in godforsakenbaltimore on a freakin ridiculously rainy evening.  This better be a damngood show is what I was thinking as we rolled up. I saw Jacinda and Dan, Dylan and Crystal, Scott, Renae, Sean, Jason, Maery, JASON, Daniella, and of course ZACH.

Carcass/ The Black Dahlia Murder/ Gorguts/ Noisem @ Fillmore Silver Spring 4/13/2014

Went to see Carcass in Silver Spring ($28) for the last stop of the Decibel tour.  I saw several people there- Steve Miller, Kris, Krysia , Sean, Nathan with a J, Bridget, Renae, Miss Lindsey, Kavin and Daniel G., Brian B, Metal Chris, MattRice, Zach, Crystal, Dylan, Tom, Jacinda, Ethan, greekgirl, Kim. whew!

All That Remains/ Darkest Hour/ Wilson/ Wings Denied @ 930 Club 4/9/2014

I went to see All That Remains again at the 930 Club ($20, $28.75 after fees wtf).  I met up with Chris Crazy-Wolf, saw Stacy and Jacinda, and new Denzel. I think James O., Danica, and Rick were there too, but not entirely sure.