Right fucking NOW asshole!
Round 7Lonestar – Anathema – Untouchable Parts 1-2WOW! That’s all I have to say. I’ve seem Anethema mentioned a lot around here, but have never checked them out. This is out of my comfort zone, but it’s an incredible song. Starts out nice, and then at about 4 minutes in the “I’d never betray our trust” parts starts and it’s a 4 minute eargasm that follows. Amazing. Might be my favorite 4 minutes of the whole roulette. The second more slower parts is a little draggy. I feel the parts should be switched. Not sure a studio version would be so magical. This is why I do Live!
9.5Kingshmegland – Enchant – Under FireSo apparently Rush and Kansas had a baby! I’ve honestly never heard an Enchant tune before. I was really looking forward to it. Major Rush influence but there’s not much other than that that really stood out for me. Nothing I didn’t like about it though.
8.5b5150 – Eden’s Curse – Black WidowOh Brent, I am sorry, but this was probably my least favorite song of the round. You do know I’m not a Deris fan right? And I’m still shocked that you had so much trouble finding a track in this round. I have heard some Eden’s Curse before, and it’s OK, but I was hoping a live version of one of their songs would really change my mind on them. Unfortunately it didn’t.
8.0Jingle.boy – Nightwish – Planet HellChad used a Wild Card in this round and gave me a Tarja and a Floor song. I went with Planet Hell as I liked the song a bit better. Love how the male vocals play off the female. I’m not big on female vocals in a rock band. At all. So while I wouldn’t buy a Nightwish studio album, I could see myself investing in a live album by them.
8.5Evermind – Evergrey – Mark Of The TriangleSimilar to Nightwish, Evergrey is a band that I have sampled a couple of times over the years. I’ve frankly never been that impressed. That’s why I cringed when Ruslan submitted them. But the energy of this live track was infectious. Loved how the crowd was mixed and it gave this a ton of energy. The song had some highs and lows and both were supported greatly by the audience. I surprisingly really enjoyed this. Again, I could see me buying this live album and being happy.
9.0jjrock88 – Circle II Circle – EpiphanyA little Savatage encore here! I’m not sure if this is from an actual release or just a youtube vid with decent sound, but either way, I loved this track. It really has a mini epic feel. Love how the electric piano weaves in and out. I am going to follow up with CIIC. I could close my eyes and picture myself at a club listening to this. That is how I love to experience music. Great tune!
9.0Senecadawg2 – Anathema – One Last GoodbyeThe second Anathema track submitted this round. I think it’s from the same live album. This isn’t as bombastic as Untouchable was, but this was an incredible experience. And again, I’m not sure the studio version would have the same effect. It would come off as moody to me. But this live version is so genuine, I got goosebumps. Especially when the crowd stated singing. Tingles!! I expect to buy this live album and be happy not buying another Anathema album. Thought this was fantastic.
9.5Big Hath – Harem Scarem – No JusticeHath, I hate to do this to you, but I can’t believe this was the best live track at your disposal. You have such a wide range of tastes so you picking such a mediocre band like Harem Scarem to submit is surprising. I will say that No Justice was decent live, but I’m pretty sure I would not give the studio version any love. Honestly what I was hoping I’d get from you is a clean live vocal from Devin Townsend. I’m pretty sure the vocals can’t suck on all of his songs.
8.0Wolfking – Kamelot – KarmaKamelot is a band that I have sampled many times, but something has been missing for me. I can’t put my finger on it. But this was a cool song, and in many ways offered a bit more than the Eden’s Curse. Loved the lyrics and the vocals. In fact, Roy’s “babbling madman” style in the middle reminded me a bit of Suicidal Tendencies. While it doesn’t make me want to run out and buy a Kamalot album, it does make me want to buy THIS live album.
8.5StandingsWolfking-52.5
Lonestar-52.0
Senecadawg2-51.5
Kingshmegland-51.5
b5150-51.0
Jingle.boy-50.5
jjrock88-50.5
Evermind - 50
Big Hath-49.5