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Since last.fm is the best place on the web for stupid teenagers to vent about their petty meaningless lives, I'd thought I'd share my burden with you guys. It's something that's been bugging me for a while now, it's really been eating away at me...there's this guy at uni on my course, who is probably the most normal person you could ever meet, except for one small thing...right slap-bang on his chest he has a pair of breasts, and they're not round or perky tits, they're just more like two puppies in a burlap sack.

If he was overweight I would understand, but he's 6'2, slim build and cant weigh anything more than 80kg. Whereas most men walk with pride, chest out, back straight, head held high, he walks with his face tucked into his chest as if nobody will notice. Every time I talk to him, every time I just see him, I cant help but stare at his breasts. Please help me, how do I confront him so I can move on with my life?

Between the Buried and MeBurzumOpethDimmu BorgirNileDream TheaterNevermoreMastodonIsisNeurosisMeshuggahThe OceanMayhemDarkthroneEmperorSymphony XSikThAfter the BurialThe Dillinger Escape PlanBorisBehemothAgallochToolAyreonSlayerIn FlamesDeftonesLamb of GodNightwishChildren of BodomTriviumKatatoniaAmon AmarthDragonForceGojiraCradle of FilthArch EnemyDevilDriverStrapping Young Lad

1. How did you get into 29? Nightwish

Randomly went into JB HiFi one day and bought Century Child based solely on the reputation of the band. Not their best work, but got me into them.

2. What was the first song you ever heard by 22? Stream of Passion

Probably Passion.

3. What’s your favorite lyric by 33? Draconian

From When I Wake:

What have you done?
Reveal your heart
Your suffocating silence
Tears me apart

So break this seal
Where the quiet remains;
Where lovers mourn
Broken and torn

4. What is your favorite album by 49? Dimmu Borgir

Puritanical Euphoric Misanthropia

5. How many albums by 13 do you own? Dark Tranquillity

9, not counting EPs:

The Gallery
The Mind's I
Projector
Haven
Skydancer / Of Chaos and eternal Night
Damage Done
Exposures - In Retrospect and Denial
Character
Fiction

6. What is your favorite song by 50? Porcupine Tree

Probably Wedding Nails. Gotta love a good instrumental track.

7. Is there a song by 39 that makes you sad? Soilwork

Departure Plan. It reminds me of someone.

8. What is your favorite album by 15? After Forever

Can't go past Invisible Circles. Cheese, but good cheese.

9. What is your favorite song by 5? Madder Mortem

Tough call. Such an underrated band. I'll go with Faceless for its pure awesomeness.

10. Is there a song by 6 that makes you happy? Arch Enemy

The Immortal. Not a happy song, but brings out the happy in me. Oh, and not the fucked-up Angela version, but the original Johan version. Angela should stick to her own songs and leave the Johan era well alone.

11. What is your favorite album by 40? Faithful Darkness

I only know one: In Shadows lies Utopia. Very cool and unintentionally amusing at times too.

12. What is your favorite song by 10? Moonspell

Faaark. How to choose? There are so many, but I'll go with In and Above Men for pure power.

13. What is a good memory you have involving 30? Demons & Wizards

Nothing really specific, it's just a great mash of Iced Earth and Blind Guardian.

14. What is your favorite song by 38? Iron Maiden

Another tough call. Run to the Hills if I really had to choose only one.

15. Is there a song by 19 that makes you happy? Bloodbath

Eaten puts a big ole smile on my face.

16. How many times have you seen 25 live? Hearse

Never. I wish they'd come to Australia, but I'd say there's a snowball's chance in hell of that.

17. What is the first song you ever heard by 23? The Gathering

Liberty Bell. Heard it on some soundtrack and was enough to get me into them.

18. What is your favorite album by 11? Scar Symmetry

Holographic Universe. Catchy as syphilis.

19. Who is a favorite member of 1? Iced Earth

Matt Barlow, but an honourable mention to Jon Schaffer who is one of the best songwriters ever.

20. Have you ever seen 14 live? Lacuna Coil

Nope.

21. What is a good memory involving 27? Blind Guardian

Listening to the Fly EP during a uni class instead of, you know, working.

22. What is your favorite song by 16? Dream Theater

So many to choose from. I'd go for Finally Free, for the awesome performances and storytelling involved.

23. What is the first song you ever heard by 47? System of a Down

Chop Suey! Just like the rest of Australia.

24. What is your favorite album by 18? Autumn

Altitude. Something about Marjan Welman just does it for me.

25. What is your favorite song by 21? Warrel Dane

When We Pray for the truth and conviction contained within the lyrics, not to mention Warrel's performance.

26. What is the first song you ever heard by 26? Diablo Swing Orchestra

I think it was Poetic Pitbull Revolutions. Such a funny band.

27. What is your favorite album by 3? Nevermore

Hell of a tough call, so many fantastic albums. If I really had to choose, I'd go with Dead Heart In A Dead World, but it would be a close run thing.

28. What is you favorite song by 2? Opeth

*pulls hair out* How can I choose? OK how about Serenity Painted Death. Probably change my mind two minutes from now , though.

29. What was the first song you ever heard by 32? Primal Fear

Angel in Black, I think.

30. What is your favorite song by 8? Katatonia

I'd have to go with July, although there are so many great tracks.

31. How many times have you seen 17 live? Faith No More

Again, never. They're doing shows here next year, but the shows sold out in 7 minutes, so I guess I won't be seeing them then.

32. Is there a song by 44 that makes you happy? Tristania

Not really a happy kind of band, but Destination Departure would be the closest they get to conjuring feelings of happiness in me.

33. What is your favorite album by 12? Rammstein
Sehnsucht, hands down.

34. What is the worst song by 45? The Haunted

Anything from the last two albums.

35. What was the first song you ever heard by 34? Fear Factory

Edgecrusher. Still love it.

36. What is your favorite album by 48? Nemesea

Mana. The other album is beneath consideration.

37. How many times have you seen 42 live? Sonata Arctica

Hmmm, that'd be.............. never. Sigh.

38. What is your favorite song by 36? Borknagar

Inherit the Earth is a fantastic song, hard to go past it.

39. What was the first song you ever heard by 28? In Mourning

Probably the first track off of their only album: The Shrouded Divine.

40. What is your favorite album by 7? Ayreon

The Human Equation, definitely. So many great singers and great storytelling.

41. Is there a song by 31 that makes you happy? Bruce Dickinson

Book Of Thel. Love it.

42. What is your favorite album by 41? Black Sabbath

Paranoid, of course.

43. What is your favorite song by 24? Apocalyptica

Of their original songs, I would go for Grace.

44. What is a good memory you have involving 46? Sevendust

Loved these guys when I was at school. Best moment was probably from listening to Live Again for the first time.

45. What is your favorite song by 35? Rob Zombie

Dragula. Bitchin'.

46. Is there a song by 9 that makes you happy? Metallica

Only one? How about The Thing That Should Not Be.

47. What is your favorite album by 4? Epica

Tough call, but I'll pick The Classical Conspiracy for the sheer range of songs as well as the orchestral components. Oh, and the performance of Living a Lie is a definite highlight.

48. Who is a favorite member of 37? Jeff Loomis

Jeff Loomis. Der.

49. What is the first song you ever heard by 43? Machine Head

Desire to Fire. I've come a looong way since then, and so have they.

50. How many albums do you own by 20? Tool

Five:

Opiate
Undertow
Ænima
Lateralus
10,000 Days

1. How did you get into 29? Kamelot
I think I found them out by friends recommendation in 2003. After that, I was so addicted to them. When they released The Black Halo in 2005, I must have played that 10 times on day of release. One of my favorite Progressive/Power Metal bands for sure.

2. What was the first song you ever heard by 22? Týr
That would be just like every other Týr fan: Hail to the Hammer. :P

3. What’s your favorite lyric by 33? Turisas
From the track: Cursed be Iron
"Did thy father, or thy mother
Did the eldest of thy brothers
Did the youngest of thy sisters
Did the worst of all thy kindred"

4. What is your favorite album by 49? Equilibrium
Sagas without a doubt. Mana is one of the most epic songs ever. Just imagine Wintersun made a 16 minute song, it would sound a little like this. :P

5. How many albums by 13 do you own? Ensiferum
All four:
Ensiferum
Iron
Victory Songs
From Afar
Their EP:
Dragonheads :D

6. What is your favorite song by 50? Vital Remains
Dechristianize for sure.
Dave Suzuki is awesome.

7. Is there a song by 39 that makes you sad? Rage
Beauty is a track that can be pretty sad. It's the saddest part of 'Suite Lingua Mortis', to my knowledge. You really need to hear this 21 minute Progressive Metal piece (Suite Lingua Mortis, not Beauty of course) btw, it's epic.

8. What is your favorite album by 15? Korpiklaani
Tales Along This Road of course. This was Korpiklaani at their best so far.

9. What is your favorite song by 5? Opeth
Forest of October without a doubt. It's pure awesomeness. :D

10. Is there a song by 6 that makes you happy? Edge of Sanity
Crimson because it's just so good. I smile every time i hear this epic piece :D

11. What is your favorite album by 40? Akercocke
Choronzon obviously.

12. What is your favorite song by 10? Black Sabbath
Ah the almighty Sabbath.Don't care what anyone says, Dio was better in Sabbath than Ozzy, even though I like both. My favorite track is: Die Young.

13. What is a good memory you have involving 30? Carcass
Yep. Seeing them live at Bloodstock Open Air 2009, of course. :D

14. What is your favorite song by 38? Wintersun
It would have to be: Winter Madness because amazing solo is amazing.

15. Is there a song by 19 that makes you happy? Children of Bodom
Why yes, it's: Kissing the Shadows. Seriously, who can deny the awesomeness in that solo?

16. How many times have you seen 25 live? Symphony X
Once, opening for Dream Theater. What a dream line up that was.

17. What is the first song you ever heard by 23? Metallica
Errm...controversial band. :P
I believe my first track to be Creeping Death. It's been a favorite of mine for about 7 or 8 years.

18. What is your favorite album by 11? Tarot
It's got to be Suffer Our Pleasures literally for the song Rider of the Last Day, otherwise my favorite would be Follow Me Into Madness. I believe Marco Hietala could be God, if he exists whether he's in Tarot, Northern Kings or Nightwish, his music is pure awesomeness.

19. Who is a favorite member of 1? Dream Theater
You seriously want me to pick between John Petrucci, Jordan Rudess, James LaBrie, John Myung and Mike Portnoy? Well I'll pick Petrucci but only because he could co into World domination mode. Though Rudess can probably open portals with his keyboarding skills, but LaBrie can break things and people with his high F's in Learning To Live. Myung, that Korean could probably control nuclear weapons with his bass guitar. Portnoy could create Black Holes with his time sig changes while drumming. Let's face it, Dream Theater will probably be what is behind 2012 and the so-called "end of the world" ;P Ok, I pick Petrucci.

20. Have you ever seen 14 live? Alice in Chains
Nope, going to in December maybe though.

21. What is a good memory involving 27? Porcupine Tree
Listening to The Incident for the first time is the last good memory I had with this brilliant band. Which was in September so =)

22. What is your favorite song by 16? Bloodbath
That would obviously be Bathe in Blood. I love the guitar tone on it and Mikael's growls are awesome.

23. What is the first song you ever heard by 47? Jeff Loomis
It was Devil Theory I believe. Jeff only has one album out anyway but this is my first and my favorite by him. One of the greatest guitarists ever and I place him next to the likes of Michael Romeo and John Petrucci for that.

24. What is your favorite album by 18? Kreator
Even though most plays are for the newer albums, nothing they release will be better than Extreme Aggression. That is my favorite album by Kreator.

25. What is your favorite song by 21? Edguy
It's gotta be We Don't Need a Hero. Great band this.

26. What is the first song you ever heard by 26? Satyricon
It was Mother North. I just happened upon the video and it was awesome. :D

27. What is your favorite album by 3? Nevermore
Nevermore's This Godless Endeavor has to be my favorite. Seriously, it's just awesome and I think these guys get better every album. Lets hope The Obsidian Conspiracy is better. :D

28. What is you favorite song by 2? Iron Maiden
My favorite band despite being second most played. :D
This has to be a four way tie between Hallowed Be Thy Name, Fear of the Dark, Only the Good Die Young and Caught Somewhere in Time.

29. What was the first song you ever heard by 32? Avantasia
It was this beautiful track called Farewell.

30. What is your favorite song by 8? Helloween
That would be the 13 minute Power Metal masterpiece: Halloween. Kai Hansen is awesome.

31. How many times have you seen 17 live? Amon Amarth
Twice. Third time coming up this Sunday.

32. Is there a song by 44 that makes you happy? The Agonist
I'd say Business Suits and Combat Boots because it helped my find the band.

33. What is your favorite album by 12? Ayreon
It has to be The Human Equation. That album is not only Arjen's finest piece of work, but it's an album in my top 5. James LaBrie, Heather Findlay, Mike Baker, Mikael Åkerfeldt and the rest, they all just rocked. I wanna listen to it now... :D

34. What is the worst song by 45? Gamma Ray
There isn't one bad song.

35. What was the first song you ever heard by 34? Guns N' Roses
I believe that to be Paradise City. It's one of those songs I heard as a little chillen.

36. What is your favorite album by 48? Evile
Infected Nations by miles.

37. How many times have you seen 42 live? Mastodon
Once, I believe.

38. What is your favorite song by 36? HammerFall
It's gotta be a 3 way tie between Natural High, Templars of Steel and Stronger Than All.

39. What was the first song you ever heard by 28? Norther
I believe it to be Last Breath.

40. What is your favorite album by 7? Megadeth
Has to be So Far, So Good...So What!. It's definitely Mustaine's finest piece of work and it's underrated as hell.

41. Is there a song by 31 that makes you happy? Sonata Arctica
What? Almost all Sonata Arctica songs make me werry werry happeh! :D This mostly though Wolf & Raven.

42. What is your favorite album by 41? Katatonia
The almighty Brave Murder Day wins. :D I do like all Katatonia though. I see people bitch about them "going soft" and whatever. :P

43. What is your favorite song by 24? Warrel Dane
It's gotta be Messenger or When We Pray. Either way, they're both catchy as hell and well written. Dane is a great lyricist.

44. What is a good memory you have involving 46? Darkthrone
Hearing A Blaze in the Northern Sky for the first time.

45. What is your favorite song by 35? Tenacious D
Has to be Master Exploder. Jack Black is cool. :D

46. Is there a song by 9 that makes you happy? System of a Down
Of course. There's loads :D but I would have to say most of all Vicinity of Obscenity because it's so damn hilarious.

47. What is your favorite album by 4? Pink Floyd
I love the Floyd. My favorite would have to be either Meddle or The Wall.
Echoes is such a fantastic song.

48. Who is a favorite member of 37?Rage Against the Machine
Zach De La Rocha is the man.
"FUCK YOU I WON'T DO WHAT YOU TELL ME!"

49. What is the first song you ever heard by 43? Candlemass
I think that was Mirror Mirror. The riffs are so heavy on that, it's awesome.


50. How many albums do you own by 20? Alestorm
I own all 2 albums. Both great.

1. How did you get into 29? The Mars Volta
I got a promo copy of Bedlam in Goliath from my work. At first the music was a little too sporadic for me. Then my TMV friends gave me De-Loused and since I've been hooked. Once the new album came out and I heard Cotopaxi is when I think I became a big fan. I have all the albums now.

2. What was the first song you ever heard by 22? Fates Warning
It had to have been something off of Spectre Within or Awaken the Guardian my friend showed me, and I honestly wasn't blown away. At least not until I heard some of the newer songs played live on Portnoy's latest DVD. I'm much more into the Alder era FW.

3. What’s your favorite lyric by 33? Mastodon
The first few lines in Crack The Skye (track) are amazing..
"Blessed visionary, cut me with your sun,
The rivers ran in blood, spark fueled to fire
Deep within the endless void
Searching for a sign
The vessel forged inside me
Watches over like the death of the moon"

4. What is your favorite album by 49? Devin Townsend
Ziltoid! I remember my friend showing me this album before it was released. I couldn't take it seriously with the cover. I thought this Devin Townsend guy was a little over the top. Well he is! And now that's the reason I like him so much. He writes in a manner of "not giving a fuck" and I love that now that I "get it".

5. How many albums by 13 do you own? The Dear Hunter
Act's I, II, and III which is pretty much all you can find. I'm not sure if there are other small singles or anything available, so as far as I know I have everything!

6. What is your favorite song by 50? Genesis
I'm a big fan of The Knife and Return of The Giant Hogweed. I can't really decide which I like more.

7. Is there a song by 39 that makes you sad? Obscura
Not that I could say. All I have by them is cosmogenesis and it's pretty much in your face tech-death the whole way through. Fucking amazing album though.

8. What is your favorite album by 15? Bloodbath
Easily Nightmares Made Flesh. Cancer of the Soul, Soul Evisceration, and of course.. EATEN. SO GOOD

9. What is your favorite song by 5? Katatonia
July. If I could combine that string of songs half way through The Great Cold Distance (Rusted, Increase, July, In The White) I would say that, but hands down July is my favorite track.

10. Is there a song by 6 that makes you happy? Between the Buried and Me
A few songs! Firstly Shevanel Cut A Flip because of the double break down, Secondly Backwards Marathon because of the final IT'S RAAAAAAAAIIIII!!! The hoedown in Ants Of The Sky as well! haha

11. What is your favorite album by 40? Necrophagist
Epitaph solely because of Seven and Diminished to B.

12. What is your favorite song by 10? Meshuggah
Pineal Gland Optics. Closely followed by Dancers to a Discordant System.

13. What is a good memory you have involving 30? The Tangent
Many of the memories I have of The Tangent involve the track Sun In My Eyes. Anyone who knows this song understands why.

14. What is your favorite song by 38? Yes
Heart of the Sunrise for sure.

15. Is there a song by 19 that makes you happy? Anekdoten
YES THERE IS! And for a reason that may seem silly to others. On there first album they have a song called Wheel and they land on a suspended 4 chord that doesn't resolve down to the cliche major 3rd. They just hold the 4 for 2 measures and then move to a new part! Makes me so happy cause I get tired of hearing the same cliche lines over and over.

16. How many times have you seen 25 live? dredg
Sadly none yet. The first chance I had was election night and the second chance I had I was away visiting family

17. What is the first song you ever heard by 23? BeardFish
I actually can't remember. I'm assuming it was As the Sun Sets, because I don't think there were any previews that I found. I just heard many good things about them that I found their, at the time, latest album Sleeping In Traffic: Part Two.

18. What is your favorite album by 11? Camel
The Snow Goose. The whole album flows so well, like the story it's based off of.

19. Who is a favorite member of 1? Dream Theater
It has to be Mike Portnoy. He opened me up to a whole other realm of music with Liquid Tension Experiment and Dream Theater. Being a drummer myself he just came to be one of my biggest inspirations as an artist.

20. Have you ever seen 14 live? Coheed and Cambria
Yes at Lollapalooza 2009. Also got to do the meet and greet with them. Lots of fun

21. What is a good memory involving 27? Helloween
Oh Helloween, I love those guys. Always reminds me of Nick and John Walsh as they both took part in getting me into them. The concert John and I went to was just an awesome time.

22. What is your favorite song by 16? Pain of Salvation
Hmm this is a thinker. I love Rope Ends and Fandango. Also Nightmist. Chainsling is sick too. I'm not too sure if there is a definite best, but if I had to choose it would be Rope Ends.

23. What is the first song you ever heard by 47? Type O Negative
Love You To Death, and damn was I instantly hooked.

24. What is your favorite album by 18? Spock's Beard
V for sure. At the End of the Day and Thoughts Part 2 are easily my two favorite songs by them.

25. What is your favorite song by 21? Gojira
Esoteric Surgery definitely.

26. What is the first song you ever heard by 26? Pagan's Mind
I just realized Dredg and Pagan's Mind are tied at 25 but I saw dredg first. So PM gets this question. It was The Celestine Prophecy. Totally not what I was expecting. Really cool stuff

27. What is your favorite album by 3? Opeth
It was always Blackwater Park, but I'm so in love with Watershed still that I think that it's my most favorite now.

28. What is you favorite song by 2? Porcupine Tree
The Sound Of Muzak. Easy.

29. What was the first song you ever heard by 32? Oceansize
It was Commemorative T-Shirt. I got the Frames album and a group of us had a listening party to this new band.

30. What is your favorite song by 8? The Flower Kings
Monkey Business probably. I love Silent Inferno too, along with Chicken Farmer Song, Last Minute On Earth, and Adam and Eve.

31. How many times have you seen 17 live? Symphony X
Twice. So good the first time I saw them a second.

32. Is there a song by 44 that makes you happy? Rodrigo y Gabriela
Pretty much all of them. I really enjoy the Orion cover.

33. What is your favorite album by 12? Muse
I think Origin Of Symmetry is the most consistent even though Absolution has some of my favorite songs.

34. What is the worst song by 45? Powerglove
Hmm lets see. I'm not a fan of there Power Rangers cover as there are versions I've heard that were much better

35. What was the first song you ever heard by 34? Dark Tranquillity
Another one that I'm not sure of. Probably something off of Character.

36. What is your favorite album by 48? Andromeda
The Immunity Zome! It's the only one I have, but damn I love it.

37. How many times have you seen 42 live? Miles Davis
None goddamnit.

38. What is your favorite song by 36? OSI
That would be Go off of Free.

39. What was the first song you ever heard by 28? Into Eternity
One I remember! Splintered Visions

40. What is your favorite album by 7? King Crimson
This is tough. It's a 3-way tie between Red, Larks' and Discipline.

41. Is there a song by 31 that makes you happy? Emerson, Lake & Palmer
Are You Ready Eddy? cause it's silly.

42. What is your favorite album by 41? Ayreon
Probably 01011001 because Jonas is amazing on it along with Gildenlow and Hansi.

43. What is your favorite song by 24? Frost*
Definitely Black Light Machine. SO GOOD.

44. What is a good memory you have involving 46? Frederik Thordendal
The reaction my friend had to the drum solo.... anyone who knows understands and probably had the same reaction. I know I did.

45. What is your favorite song by 35? Protest the Hero
Bloodmeat and Spoils are my top 2. Probably Bloodmeat first though.

46. Is there a song by 9 that makes you happy? Rush
Faithless because the lyrics are totally how I feel.

47. What is your favorite album by 4? Lamb of God
Sacrament by a long shot.

48. Who is a favorite member of 37? 3
It has to be Joey Eppard. So Good.

49. What is the first song you ever heard by 43? Dethklok
The Coffee Jingle of course! If you don't count the theme song.

50. How many albums do you own by 20? Iron Maiden
Number of the Beast, Powerslave, Seventh Son, and A Matter Of Life And Death. I also own the flight 666 dvd/cd combo.

I've just had an idea to a new hobby to kill time, I'm going to put up my band or artist of the month at the end of each month. Starting with October 2009, here are my top 5 from the list of candidates.

1. Devin Townsend, including his other monikers, The Devin Townsend Band and Devin Townsend Project
The metal genious, mad scientist of metal, you name him whatever you want, I've listened to his discography for over 2 years and I'm still trying to get into what's rest of his works. I've finally come to appreciation of his album Ki, which was released this year, and I hope his next album Addicted will at least as good as its predecessor. If it succeeds, it will surely own the rest of the candidates for the next month
2. Textures
Now as I've heard their album Silhouettes, I've played it numerous times and found plenty of favourites that are worth my high ranking. If their track Storm Warning wasn't available for free download from last.fm earlier like it ain't now, it would've been a low to no chance for me to give these progressive death/thrash metal musicians a shot. Besides, their tracks need time to grow on you in order to find some real appreciation, so my hats off for Textures as well. Watching their videos on their website shows that they have some warm humor as well. :D
3. Animals as Leaders
Who here likes guitarist's instrumental solo album? If you don't, maybe because those you've listened to was nothing but technical wankery and self-indulgent guitar playing. Animals As Leaders would beg to differ, since not only is it full of Tosin Abasi's talent in playing 7 & 8 stringed guitar tunes that speaks the language of emotion and shows off some original tricks but it's also accompanied by electronic synth to build the atmosphere around the songs for its distinction's sake (at least my theory). Even the drums are technical, they were actually programmed for the self-titled album but has finally a drummer that can fulfill the duty organically. The music ranges from progressive metal in the veins of Meshuggah to atmospheric yet technical jazz-fusion. It's a pleasant surprise to see that some Afro-americans can make their talents useful in more than just pop, r'n'b, soul and jazz. (No racism intended, I just share my cynical point of view)
4. Dream Theater
DT has long been my favourite band and changed my view of progressive metal music for the better, which is why I see them as my best favourite so far. So, this month, I finally got to see their live DVD, Chaos In Motion. It's quite unusual for me to watch live DVD's, since I usually prefer to listen to their audio cd's. But as I did, I realize that my view of the band's musicianship has been changed for the better, since they really show that they really can play what they play. My dad watched the DVD with me, funny since I noticed that regardless of his rock/metal taste, he's a sucker for live DVD's. (though I wouldn't bet on extreme metal acts for him :p)
5. Fantômas
A crazy band in terms of wacky avant-garde creations! I liked their debut album, but I found more precious moments in their latest album Suspended Animation. It's pretty exhausting in the end, but I just keep smiling when there's some crazy stuff going on. : )

Worthy candidates (in no particular order)
Kalisia
Empyrios
Machinery
Globus
DGM
Mind Key
Redemption
Pagan's Mind
Behold... the Arctopus
Bulb
Red
Enochian Theory
Guilt Machine
Psychostick

Bands and artist that I believe would have got such credit (let alone nominated) if I figured out at least 5 years ago to do this
* = Would have entered the top 5 list more than once, by my theory.
Jorn*
Masterplan
Dream Theater*
Nickelback
Devin Townsend*
Anathema
Antimatter
Ayreon*
Flaw
Default
Psychostick
Pagan's Mind
Russell Allen / Jorn Lande
Linkin Park
The Chronicles of Israfel
Redemption
Green Carnation
Wolverine
Thousand Foot Krutch
Demians
Delain
Soul Secret
Beautiful Sin
This Will Destroy You
MullMuzzler/James LaBrie (they're ideally the same)
Ark
Alter Bridge
Creed
Ambeon
Within Temptation
John Macaluso & Union Radio
Daughtry
Ride the Sky

What will November bring in next...? : )

I've a question that pertains to a lot of people on here as well as many other areas. What is the big fucking deal about meeting bands? Yeah, yeah, I know, it's because you admire them and respect this band great deal and want to show your appreciation for what their music gives to you back to them. Fine. I can understand that.

I myself have met bands many times, taken pics with them and all that jazz since getting into Metal. I understand it's part of the show and scene and has been like this even before Metal existed. But there's a line to be drawn here because it's getting out of hand. How? Well, take a look at what has happened since the advent of the internet...

People have gone from typical fans to lunatics who post both personal pics of themselves, kith and kin, and then of course celebrities and bands they've met and sad to say the majority of them do so just for bragging rights, to rub it in the faces of those who will either feel envious or jealous. And they know it.

Me, I couldn't give a fuck. I've got stacks and stacks of pics of celebrities, actors, comedians and bands from many shows I've been to who I've met over the past 6-7 year period and not one will ever be posted online. Why not? Because I don't feel the need to go showing off.

Now, before any of you go getting your panties and boxers in a bitch bind keep in mind that I'm only referring to those who do so just for the sake of bragging and not you who simply want to show your online friends who you met, where and when. You met them and that's great. But what I want to know from both sides is why is it so goddamn important to go out of your way to meet these people, going as far as paying extra for shit like VIP passes and all that?

VIP passes? Most of these bands have meet and greets anyway and are usually out in the crowds where you can meet them. And in most cases more fans meet them who didn't pay for a VIP pass than those who did! I've been going to the Wacken Open Air (well I missed last yer but went 2 times the years before) and Bloodstock Open Air the past couple years and you see band members so much that after awhile they look just like every other person walking around in those fields. If I manage to see any members of bands I listen to out in the crowds next year - and I more than likely will just like before - a simple nod or smile should suffice, not jumping up and down like a crazed mutt for his Kibbles & Bits!

It's one thing to admire these bands, to love and appreciate the magic in the music they bring to you...but come on, people, posting pics left and right just to say you've been there, done that is a bit beyond eccentric - and sometimes even sad. I can understand maybe one pic or two, but a whole set? Goddamn people! They're just musicians, not gods and goddesses.

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