First up was Denver, Colorado's Jag Panzer with a 30 minute set. Since I've already seen them a few times and don't really care for their style of melodic metal I didn't see much of their show. They are talented musicians and the fans dug them, they just don't do much for me. Thumbs up to them for persisting for so many years while staying true to their music!

Gothenburg, Sweden's In Flames were next to hit the stage. They came out to the "Austin Powers" theme and started the show with "Bullet Ride". Highlights of the 50 minute set included "Behind Space", "Artifacts of the Black Rain", "Embody the Invisible", and "Episode 666". I wish they would have played more stuff off "The Jester Race" but since their stage time was limited I can understand. Frontman Anders Fridén had the crowd in the palm of his hand, they seemed to hang on his every word and were quick to respond to his "jump, jump" requests. Guitarists Jesper Strömblad and Björn Gelotte were in fine form, effortlessly working through complex melodies and lead changes. While the audience was disappointed when the band had to leave they seemed very enthusiastic over Anders promise to come back when their new CD was released. A very strong performance by all involved!

America's own Iced Earth was up next. The band took the stage then Matt came out waving an American flag to an instrumental version of "The Star Spangled Banner". He placed it to the left of the drum set and the metal began. I've heard a few complaints about their live sound on this tour but I had no complaints at all. The guitar sound was very crunchy, drums were booming (but not too bass heavy), the bass was clear and somewhat in the background as it should be and the vocals were very clear, a perfect sound mix if you ask me. Matt Barlow's vocal delivery was as close to perfect as possible, displaying his great range and hitting all the high notes with ease. Richard Christy simply killed on the drums, I always thought he was good but after seeing him play live it's a whole 'nother story. Although the crowd was pretty worn out from In Flames' high energy set they were very responsive, singing along with many of the bands' classic tunes. Highlights of the set for me were "Jack", "Dracula" and the "Something Wicked Trilogy". Any Iced Earth fan (any heavy metal fan for that matter) should definitely get out to see these guys, they've been performing for a long time and their live show is evidence of that.

Set lists:

In Flames:
Bullet Ride
Embody the Invisible
Artifacts of the Black Rain
Clayman
Behind Space
Clad in Shadows
Gyroscope
Episode 666
Only for the Weak
Ordinary Story
Pinball Map
Colony

Iced Earth:
Violate
Pure Evil
Wolf
Damien
The Hunter
Melancholy
Jack
Slave to the Dark
A Question of Heaven
My Own Savior
Watching Over Me
Dracula
Prophecy
Birth of the Wicked
The Coming Curse
Iced Earth