
Whether it has been the original line up to any of the other line-ups that have existed in the history of the band, I have been a 100% supporting member of the KISS Army. I own over 90 KISS/KISS related cds. The related cds are cds from former KISS members who have put out solo cds and also tribute cds from various artists. I was blessed to be able to see KISS this past July in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer blew away any expectations I had for seeing them live in concert. KISS is not a group that professes that their music changes the world or that they have a higher meaning to their music. KISS is about having a good time with your friends, listening to your music loud and to rock and roll all night. The stage show is the best in the world and no other band can even come close. My favorite KISS songs are from all eras of the band. "Rock N Roll All Nite," "Forever," "I Was Made For Loving You," "Modern Day Deliah," "Unholy," and "Black Diamond" are my all time favorites.

Finding out about this band was purely accidental but it was the best accident that has ever happened to me. Nightwish is one of the most amazing bands and they are such a unique and powerful sound and visual. Their sound is like nothing else out there and the songs are written by Tuomas Holopainen. The way that he creates music is something to behold. I truly believe he doesn't just write music, but he crafts it. Some of my favorite Nightwish songs are "Wish I Had An Angel," "Bye Bye Beautiful," "Dark Chest Of Wonders," "Sleeping Sun," and "Where Were You Last Night." Marco Hietala brings a raw energy with his vocals and bass playing. Even though that the lead singer has changed for the band from Tarja Turanen to Anette Olzon, the bad still lives on and may have picked up even more fans. If you want a fresh sound, then look for any cds or songs from this metal band from Finland. You will not be disappointed. I guarantee it!

Marco Hietala is the bass player for Nightwish but also has been the bass player in his brother's band Tarot since the 1980's. The band has a dedicated following that has grown since Marco's inclusion in Nightwish. The band tours and records when Marco is not touring or recording with Nightwish. Marco handles the majority of the singing, which in my opinion gives the songs a harder edge and a more raw sound. The highlights from their song catalogue is "Pyre Of Gods," "Ashes To The Stars," "Messenger To The Gods," and "Guardian Angel." The original sound was more of a traditional heavy metal sound but Tarot removed the second guitar player and added keyboards to the group. Nightwish would use the same formula years later. Tarot is currently touring but do not cross over to North America much in their tour schedule. They are playing Atlanta, Georgia this summer and I wish I could go see them.

I have always been a Guns N Roses fan. Axl Rose is one of the best frontmen to ever grace a stage but he is also one of the hardest performers to get along with it seems. The band was the biggest in the world in the late 1980's and early 1990's and I was right along there with them. The 2 album "Use Your Illusion" set was something that was a chance by the band but it was worth it. Even when the band re-emerged with a different line up, and the line up has changed over the years since Axl debuted "The New GnR," I have followed the band and enjoyed their music. It is not hard for me to list my favorite GnR songs. "November Rain," "Sweet Childe O'Mine," "Don't Cry," "Madagascar," "Patience," and "Paradise City" are all awesome Guns N Roses songs. Even though they are a shadow of their former selves, the band is still a big name and draws fans when they put on a show. The hype for Chinese Democracy was immense and the album was a success. I do think that Axl, Duff, Slash and Matt with re-unite at some point as Velvet Revolver needs a lead singer and GnR is always changing up the supporting cast of musicians.

Dragonforce is definitely a different type of sound than what I usually listen to, but I have to admit that I am hooked. The speed on the guitars, bass and drums that they play is incredible. The length of the songs is also something as there tunes usually rock for 6 to 8 minutes in length. The first Dragonforce song I ever heard was "Through The Fire And Flames" and it is my favorite song that the perform. I do like "Cry For Eternity," "Heros Of Our Time," "My Spirit Will Go On," and "Trail Of Broken Hearts." The band has just recently announced that they have parted ways with lead singer ZP Theart and are auditioning for a new lead singer. It is too bad that this has happened as I truly dug the sound that ZP brought to the band with his vocals. The band will find a new singer and as long as the speed of the instruments is is there and the lyrics contain the same fantasy element as their past albums, I do not see the change in members affecting the band in a huge negative way.

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