Rating: 5/5 … Most concert films are rarely interesting for anyone besides fans of the bands in question, hampered by uninspired versions of the songs, weak camera work, and shoddy atmosphere. Some break the mold—such as Deep Purple’s ‘Made In Japan’, Iron Maiden’s ‘Live After Death’ and Opeth’s anniversary concert at the Royal Albert Hall. Ulver now joins those ranks with their first live video, ‘The Norwegian National Opera’.

I witnessed Motorpsycho deliver an awe-inspiring concert only two days before, but they would be quickly forgotten as Crippled Black Phoenix burned through one of the best concerts I’d ever seen. The British band, led by Justin Greaves (formerly of Electric Wizard and Iron Monkey), has become one of the premier European prog rock bands today. Their recent record ‘(Mankind) The Crafty Ape’ is the perfect fusion of Pink Floyd’s epic scope and Led Zeppelin’s hard-hitting groove.

Frozen and Elitist, take note. You are eager to learn the secrets of the mountain, but you may want to get some new climbing gear—you have a long way to the peak.

The phrase “rock opera” is rarely used in music literature today—having been reduced to a joke by egocentric rock bands in the late 1970s. I shudder at the thought of those bloated excesses and egos, and even if I’ve never had any love for punk rock, I appreciate that rock had returned to the small clubs by the end of the punk revolution.

So, why then did I go to see a rock opera last night?

While not the best altogether tour package I’ve seen, Deicide and Jungle Rot made it more than worthwhile. Lecherous Nocturne and Abigail Williams definitely didn’t wow me, but if you are a fan of either of those bands (in their current states) go see this show. If you’re just there for the “old school” fare, maybe show up a little late.

Overall, an excellent, LONG-overdue show. Tool shows no signs of rust after all these years, and they had no trouble bringing the house down.

When I found out that the mighty Mastodon was set to do a club gig in Oslo, I lept into action immediately and got hold of a ticket. I’ve never had the pleasure of seeing the band in a smaller venue as they’ve preferred bigger gigs when they’ve visited these shores; festivals like Roskilde, Hove, Norwegian Wood, and support slots on tours like Unholy Alliance.

I’ve always felt the Norwegian Wood festival has been a venue for “dad rock” and its ilk. … On Sunday they allowed three of the icons in contemporary metal onto the stage: Gojira, Enslaved, and Mastodon. It turned out to be a blast!

On the last night of their “An Evening with AMON AMARTH” tour, the mighty Swedes played a killer set at The ‘Dise in Boston. MetalMattLongo snapped some sweet photos and Willow Holden wrote a lovely letter to thank them. They have another round planned for Fall 2011, too!

Live review of Agalloch’s first concert in Montréal, with Worm Ouroboros and Musk Ox opening—complete with pictures and advice on earplugs.