GIGANTOUR Review

Didn't see Dillenger Escape Plan, they we over when I got there. I saw about 1/2 of Fear Factory's set. I really didn't get into them that much, but I was never that wild about their singer. They weren't bad sounding - just heavier/harder than I really like.

Most, if not all of the second stage bands had a signing session... they'd come inside after their set and sit at a table. I bought a CD before I got in line for them to sign. That's what they were encouraging people to do... but when Symphony X got there, they signed other stuff too. They also let people snap a quick cell-phone pic or two with them. Later I noticed people lining up for Fear Factory autographs - and they were a "main stage" band.... not sure about DT, they seem to famous for that, since it was just out in the hallway around the arena.

OK, this is a partial review because I really only went to see Symphony X and Dream Theater. Symphony X played on the "Second Stage" which means a small outdoor crowd and no real light show (it was still light outside). Russel Allen is strong on his vocals live. The highlight, musically, was Michael Romeo on guitar. Some nice leads. However, the guitar just about had to be the highlight... because the song selection for the Gigantour tour did not feature much proggy, keyboard-heavy stuff (think of the intro to The Odyssey). Overall, they were tight and definately polished. Also - I got to get autographs & shake hands with the band... when asked "When is the new album coming out", Romeo replied "We're working on it !".

Dream Theater was the headliner as far as I was concerned... we did not stay for the actual headliners Megadeth. They played a 90 minute set and strung songs together into sometimes 20 minute jams. I thought LaBrie's vocals were right on - I was worried at first. Of course, due to the overall Heavy Metal slant of the tour... DT played their heaviest new stuff which lead to some vocals that were not his trademark soaring high sound... but his "mean" sound... all a matter of taste I guess. Petrucci was technically great, but he really did not even look up at the audiance. Mike Portney more than made up for it because he can't seem to sit down for very long. He doesn't act all serious like Neil Peart - that's for sure!. Jorden Rudess was not really featured like I had hoped (metal oriented set). To me - John Myung stole the show.. his bass solo in Metropolis was perfect and he did about 40% two-handed tapping like his bass was a Stick.

Best comment of the night.... Me: "How do like that Bass player?" My Wife: "He looks like that little girl that came out of the well in The Ring!"  Ha Ha.

OVERALL - I can't wait for the Octavarium tour for some more proggy songs, and, I'm impressed with how down-to-earth Symphony X was when meeting them.