Finally getting some rest from the travel to and from Denver.
The Symphony X/Haken/Trope show at the Oriental Theater in Denver was an amazing show. All of these bands I saw for my first time, it was an entirely new experience, even seeing a show at that venue was a first. Parking was easy as there was parking all around on the side of the streets. Entered the venue and was surprised at how intimate it is. It's all GA with sections, you have the pit floor and then 3 rows of raised levels.
I saw Trope from the 2nd level and had a great spot. I sort of agree with Cram and others about Trope. The issue for me is that, while I didn't mind the music, the show could've been way better and that put a damper in their overall live show for me. The music reminded me of Tool, 10 years, and Flyleaf. Since it was just a guitarist and a female singer, the show would've been way more enhanced with a live drummer and bassist. That music style calls for a live bassist and drummer, and it just doesn't work with only a guitar and vocals, especially when the guitars are not doing much. There were people who didn't give a damn at all and were jamming out. Kudos to them, but I couldn't help but keep thinking, "This could be so much better"....
Haken was next and I went to the bathroom and found a spot down in the pit floor on stage right. I was behind the person on the barrier and was able to see almost everything. The person beside him and me were tall so I couldn't even see Ray at all. But, I was in front of Charlie and Pete so that made for it. I enjoyed the set a lot and didn't mind the Virus songs at all. The highlight was definitely 1985 for me, as Affinity is my favorite album. The Cockroach King was cool to see them do all the vocal parts as well too. Carousel was a great song live, but it's an odd one to end the show with.
While the house lights came on, I looked back and saw the floor got pretty packed, the people in front of me left, and one guy went there, and then asked, "Are they saving their spot?" to which another guy said, "NO". So I then asked the people behind me to save my spot and rushed to the bathroom. I went back down and got my spot back, only there was an empty spot, and then the guy there let me in, and the people behind me let me have that spot. I was so thankful that someone let the short person up front, his words, "short people need to be in the front."
Symphony X finally started with their intro tape which was an overture of sorts from there many intro songs, it was neat to hear. Nevermore is a good opener, and all the songs were great. I was right in front of Michael Romeo, which was amazing to see up close. I sang my ass of to Evolution (The Grand Design), and hearing Sea of Lies was awesome. I liked the piano interlude that segued into When All Is Lost, which was the highlight for me. The banter relating to covid wasn't really bad at all, it was more about the band being able to play music live, and the fans getting to experience live shows again, which segued into the song Without You. Russell Allen is a great showman, and he was having fun with the security there in the front rows, trying to get the one in the black shirt "The one in the black shirt is usually the one in charge" as Allen put it, to sing too. Allen also thanked him for keeping this guy who was in those mobile wheelchairs, close to immobile, safe from the moshers. The crowd was really nice too and they did all they could to keep him safe as well. There was also some family members there in the seated balcony, and also, the bass player from Trans-Siberian Orchestra too. At the end of the Odyssey, Russell and Romeo were having some fun before belting out the last final notes.
Overall, it was a fantastic show and despite not liking the setlists, the show was still amazing. I didn't care at all because it was my first time seeing them all. Just being able to witness them and experience a set from both bands was my highlight of the night. I bought a Symphony X beanie and the Haken Virus hoodie. Also, at the end of the show, no one was waiting to ask for the set-list. The roadie came by to pick up stuff and I just hollered a "Hey" and an "Excuse me" then asked if he could hand me the set-list, which he then took it off and handed it to me. That had to be the easiest set-list I have ever attained. I also just missed catching Jason Rullo's Drumstick but the lady behind me caught it when it bounced off her companions hand.
I would say to go to this show if you are on the fence on seeing Symphony X and Haken.