At manchester academy...ok, so here's how it went down.

3 Inches of Blood - Wow, they were awesome! The vocalist stole the show for me, his wail was incredible, I didn't think he'd pull it off that well live. 'Trial of Champions' was played second and is my favourite of Fire Up the Blades, sounded awesome! Too bad they only played a 5 song set.

DevilDriver - Awesome aswell, met everyone but Dez before the show. During the show Dez nodded and smiled at me twice, it's so awesome being acknowledged. They really had an incredible energy, even though they were just a guest I think that's who most people were there to see.

Opeth - They were good, and I appreciate their music, don't get me wrong, but I don't think they're a live band for me, more of a home listening band. They were good though, but their 6 songs (technically more, as Opeth songs tend to be lots of unrelated parts sewn together) stretched on for far too long. I got a little bored, I don't know...I guess I was just being too impatient about seeing...

ARCH ENEMY - I was here to see these guys mostly, but my god they were incredible! The whole band was amazing, the guitars were powerful and melodic, and my god, Angela was just...unbelievable. I've never seen a fronstman (or frontswoman, should I say) put that much passion into a performance. She looked like she was practically crying through every song, she literally poured her heart and soul into the music. Amazing. She's the best frontsperson for a band I've EVER seen, and I've seen both Phil Anselmo and Dave Mustaine in the last 2 months.

Anyone else catch/catching this tour? You will not be disappointed!

I really wanted to catch this tour, but unfortunately it isn't coming anywhere near me. It's a shame, because it would've been the fifth year in the row I've seen Arch Enemy, haha. They always put on such a great live show, I just keep coming back for more.

I can see where you're coming from with Opeth. I saw them back in 2006, and whilst I enjoyed their set, had it been much longer, I probably would've been bored. With a band like Opeth, it's not about rocking out but appreciating the music, I guess. Something like that. Anyway, I'll be seeing them at this year's Bloodstock which should be fun.

i'd love to see this tour, every band on the bill is ace :metal:

Moved this here.

not one band on that line up appeals to me, were the tickets expensive ?

i have seen phil anselmo last month at norwich and he is such a good front man i think. i got to shake his hand which was good. he even held up a picture of dime and the crowd went bonkers