SteevAK

Over two years. Two years, and that’s still not enough. What does it take for things to work out? Is there no rules? No pattern? No form to follow? No guidelines? Is there anything that can give the security of permanence? How does one survive the grim moments of trial? Where is the devotion? The steadfastness? The slightest sign that things are less than flawless and the object suddenly becomes something that deserves no sacrifice. Count me out, please.

The Zao shows were great. The first one was at 2 pm at The Paradox. Opening band, The Abadox, played with their back to us while naked men wrapped in red saran wrap crawled around the stage, speakers, and the pit. Very interesting. Can’t say the visuals were every rvery nice. Rather gross at times. Oh well, they finished quickly (thankfully!). Next up: Hexidecimal. Couldn’t tell if they were anti or pro computers. I’m guessing anti. Dressed up in shirts, slacks, and ties, they delivered an okay set. The only line I ever caught was “We are number one.” Hmmm, that’s great. Next band: Three Inches of Blood. Okay, now these guys were cool. They mixed 80′s metal with hardcore, and did a great job of it. They had two vocalists, one doing the hardcore one doing the high pitched metal wail. It was very funny at times. I like them a lot, and I would see them again. Zao finally took the stage at 4:30. Oh, man. I was front and center. I don’t know, it’s just really hard for me to explain it well. It is just so cool to see my favorite band live. However, I have the annoying habit of forgetting the lyrics. I’ll know the songs, but I’ll forget them when it comes time to scream along with them. I think one reason why I can’t really describe the whole thing well is because I actually get involved with the music. I don’t distance myself and listen to it as an outsider like I do with most bands. When you’re “in” the music, it’s hard to describe it as oppposed to when you’re just watching it.

Anyway, the second Zao show was later that night. I went to it as well. Rob and I skipped the first couple of bands. We came in on Totalisti. I tell you what, they SUCKED. [UPDATE: 2/10/06: They have improved quite a bit in the past 5 years] A way cheap rip off of Godsmack that was just plain annoying. Godsmack sucks to start off with, so a cheap rip off of them can’t be any better. Then came the surprise of the evening. One of my favorite emo bands played that night: Brandtson. Now, what’s really cool about this is that they are the musicians who crafted my favoritest song of all time, Blindspot. I would have paid $10 just to see that song live. So, I got to hear my favorite band and my favorite song all in one night. Totally unexpected and totally cool. Zao again delivered an amazing set. You just have to be there to really know what I’m talking about.

On a side note, I’ve discovered this about Zao fans. They are either really cool people or they are just plain jackasses. That’s what it was like the other night. Some of the guys there were really cool to talk to, but then there are these guys you just want to leave. There was this especially annoying girl there . . . only women can get _that_ annoying. ; )

On another side note, I _hate_ stage divers and crowd surfers. They can almost completely ruin a concert. These stupid idiots jumping off the stage onto other people’s heads, while kicking and flailing around is just idiotic, annoying, and stupid. I can’t stand them at all. Whever one comes near me, I pull them down as hard and fast as I can. I don’t care if they get hurt. I know there are a lot of other people who feel the same way about it. Plus, they knock off your glasses so that they get totally demolished by the pit. Good thing I have contacts.

Final thing: second place sucks. I’d rather get last than second place.