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Rainbow - "Tarot Woman"

They're doing a "world tour" starting in May. There aren't a whole lot of dates, but they are going through Europe. I'll be at the Toronto show.

Heidevolk - "Een Met De Storm"

After what felt like forever since I went to a concert (even though it was only a month and a half), I made my way to Toronto on Thursday night to see Enslaved. In support were Yob, Ecstatic Vision and Kosmograd. Kosmograd is a local band from Toronto who put on a surprising set. Their entire 30 minute set was played in one unbroken song. It was unique and allowed their flow to stay intact without being broken up with songs ending. They seamlessly went from one song to another. Up next was Ecstatic Vision, a relatively new band (I guess? They don't have any albums that I could find) out of Philadelphia. Their sound was equal parts old school and psychedelic. And holy crap, they played a melodica! I've seen all sorts of wacky instruments being played before, but this was the first time I've seen a melodica. Hurray for being different! Yob followed with one of the best sets I've ever seen. I'm not normally a fan of doom/sludge metal, but holy crap. Their music was simply beautiful to listen to. There are few times in life where you experience a moment of pure contentment. That set was one of them. Words cannot describe how much I enjoyed them. Enslaved finished off the night with an hour and a half of great melodic black metal. The entire band was really into the performance, interacting with the crowd which served to whip things up into a frenzy. I didn't know too much about them before tonight (I figured I'd give them a chance), but they definitely made me a fan. Here are some pictures! Kosmograd! Ecstatic Vision! Yob! Enslaved!

Battle Sluts - "The Berserker's Field of Whores"

Here's what's on tap for 2015 right now: March 19 - Enslaved and Yob April 14 - Nightwish, Sabaton and Delain May 3 - Kamelot and Dragonforce May 12 - Babymetal May 17 - Amaranthe May 20 - Ensiferum, Korpiklaani and Trollfest May 28 - Sepultura and Destruction July 17 - Weird Al July 30-August 1 - Wacken Open Air September 10 - AC/DC

With Fast Lane Plus, you shouldn't run into many issues. If this year is anything like last year, get to Wonder Mountain's Guardian first since it won't be on Fast Lane and the queue will become real long real fast. Also, if you're there around Canada Day, stick around for the fireworks if they have them when you're there. It's usually a good show.

As always, I've signed up for the Canada's Wonderland event. Doing this is never a question for me. I will always support this awesome cause. Here's my site for anyone who feels like donating early why not: http://support.gktw.org/site/TR/CoastingForKids/General?px=1016790&pg=personal&fr_id=1361

Amaranthe - "Drop Dead Cynical"

Ensiferum - "Heathen Horde"

Last night, I ventured forth to the briny deeps of Toronto to see Alestorm and Piratefest 2015! Alestorm is one of those bands that I will never miss, so of course I was there. As luck would have it, they brought two other pirate metal bands along for the ride, The Dread Crew of Oddwood and Swashbuckle. The Dread Crew of Oddwood did a great and very fun set. They weren't so much "metal", but as they put it "heavy mahogany". All of their instruments were acoustic and included an upright bass and harpsichord. The atmosphere was more of a party than a concert. Swashbuckle on the other hand is the complete opposite. While Dread Crew was softer, Swashbuckle was balls to the wall fast and loud. They have a great sense of humour which really shows through in their act. I mean...their lead singer is named Admiral No-Beard when in fact, he has a monster beard. Alestorm was as always, fantastic. They played a good number of songs off their new album, but mixed it up with some older stuff, dating all the way back to their demos. The crowd was also ready and pumped for a good time and really came alive. During "Nancy the Tavern Wench" (seriously), the entire crowd sits down and rows. Don't ask me why, I don't know. I just go along for the ride. Also, at the end of the show, the lead singer started crowdsurfing, yelling "carry me to the bar!". And so...he was carried to the bar. I love this band so much and can't wait to inevitably see them again. Here are some photos! The Dread Crew of Oddwood! Swashbuckle! For the seafood lover in you! Alestorm!

I think this picture sums up current day CNN quite well

The best thing about Sledgehammer is watching it from the Behemoth queue. That is, when it's open. Not a fan of the ride, but is certainly is unique, I'll give it that.

My list (subject to change): Liseberg Alton Towers Europa Park Tokyo Disneyland Tokyo Disney Sea Nagashima Spa Land Tivoli Gardens Dollywood

This was last night... About a foot and a half of snow. Good times.

Turisas - "Take the Day!"

I love fast passes. When I travel, it's to a place that I'm not likely to get back to any time soon. So, a fast pass is a godsend. It allows me to get in all the rides without really having to worry or be too stressed about planning my day. They are absolutely worth the money. Now that being said, I won't buy a fast pass at my home park or somewhere I go often. That just doesn't make sense.

I always preferred Skyrider's old paint job to the newer one they gave it before it left. That said, I'm not shedding any tears over its removal.

Battle Beast - "Angel Cry" This album is full of hilarious retro '80s nonsense. Good times.

Eisbrecher - "1000 Narben"

Any wingrider is also ridiculously good looking. It's hard not to take a good picture of one. Gatekeeper X-Flight

I randomly went to a BMO day at Wonderland one year. I showed up early to process my season pass and saw the rides running. I asked if the park was open and if I could go in. They said sure, so I went in and was surrounded by "BMO Day" signs. There were no lines, but I was terrified of being kicked out, so I did a quick lap and then left.

It's in Canadian funds. You know...being in Canada and whatnot.

Apart from being a huge metalhead, I also really enjoy classical music. Not sure how that works, but whatever. Anyway, on Saturday, a friend and I saw the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra perform Tchaikovsky's Sixth Symphony. I was pleasantly surprised with how good the orchestra actually was. They definitely exceeded my expectations. And since it was a relatively cheap night, I'd probably go back and see them again. Here's a picture! Orchestra warming up!

Woodies are also remarkably cheaper than a steel coaster. Outlaw Run and Goliath were in the $10 million range and a GCI will come in under that. So, anything's possible.