The Off Topic Topic

[HVC]

I did learn that King Charles III is also officially the Lord of Mann which is a badass title.

He's reigning Mann? Hallelujah!

[HisMajestyBOB]

 

[Jacob]

It is a silly place, don't go there 

The UK or Reddit?

[Baron von Schtinkenbutt]

The UK or Reddit?

Yes

[garbon]

I think this is very easy to understand.

[Sheilbh]

I would argue with any version of that using the phrase "British Isles" (but that's the Irish nationalist in me)...

I legit don't think it is that odd. One country with multiple nations (like Canada or Spain), plus some independent jurisdictions that are basically all tax havens from the nearby (like Andorra, say) to the distant colonies (not sure there's much difference between British and US Virgin Islands).

I find the French approach weirder of all the overseas areas being France - for example the line of the Quai d'Orsay that 60% of France's territorial waters are in the Pacific

[viper37]

A night at the concert.


Ad Infinitum was in Quebec city Tuesday night.  Had to be there for early Wednesday morning and was disinclined to leave home at 4:00am to avoid traffic.

I initially asked a friend to go with me, but well.


First Act.
Tulip.

We're a proud Canadian band [...]
Singer proceeds to speaks a few sentences in French.  Struggles a bit, but it's nice, more than most bands.
Canadian patriotism at its best, don't even want to say they're from Toronto, too ashamed of it, but I understand.


Internet:  Tulip is a Texas symphonic metal band.  Da fuck?  Did we annex the State while I was sleeping?     
Upon further verification, they were originally from Toronto but claimed asylum in Texas to escape the horrors of Toronto traffic.
(story is darker/weirder, but I won't elaborate).
Nice little band for a first act, but too dark, too religious for my tastes. 
Argyles, Texas, for those interested.


Second act.
Seven Spires.
We're a proud NORTH American band [...]
Singer proceeds to speak French, much more than the first band, less accented too.  Guitar player was quite fluent in French.  Can't find from where in his bio, he's from South Carolina and seems to spend most of his free time there.  Singer, guitar and bass player all studied at Berklee College of Music in Boston.  Singer seems to have traveled a lot.  Bassist is from America, can't remember
Drummer is from Toronto.

It is strange when you come to think of it.  Not so long ago, they would have introduced themselves as an American band despite their American drummer, or said they hailed from Boston, despite their diverse origins, since it's where they all reside.

I get the feeling, in not so many years, the movies I watch will involve some big dude in a machine gun fighting to protect people wanting to emigrate in Canada.  Or F-35 and Grippens dancing in the skies with Maple Leafs under their wings repulsing Su-57 and Su-75.  Twilight Zone.


Anyway, back to music.  Didn't know this band.  From the first notes, it is very clear they lean heavily in their inspiration from Arch Enemy, music wise.  Their texts are more mythological in nature though.  Read the members bio, and it shows.  They could very well all be here on Languish with us, from their gaming, tv/movie and reading choices.  Bunch of geeks & nerds

Powerful voice, lots of energy in the guitar, appropriate rythm in the bass and drums with lots of noise.  Exactly what I needed to heard.

Also Symphonic Metal.  Arch Enemy is classified as Melodic Death Metal, but don't let yourself be confused, that singer's growl is very powerful.

Main Act.
Ad Infinitum
Symphonic Metal/Rock

Was familiar with the very early stuff of the band, back when they began in Switzerland (which led to some later confusion* on my part

).  Also familiar with the singer other work.  Melissa Bonny, originally from Switzerland (now living in Denmark with her husband).  Typical Euro girl  who speaks French, English, Spanish, German and Danish.  While we bitch and moan about having to learn a second language and the damaging effects it could have on our brains. 



The show was great.  The second act, Seven Spires had a song with the singer from Tulip, and Melissa invited both singers for a song each to accompany her (small stage, it was cramped with both singers + guitard+bass).  I like it when the main event share some space with the invited guests, small act of big acts alike.

It's softer music than Seven Spires, but it's defo much harder than the music videos like Marching on Versailles would have led me believe.

I had a great time and the band is really generous, and extremely communicative with the audience.  Melissa being francophone helps a lot to connect with the audience, obviously, but Seven Spires wasn't in rest either.  I wouldn't be surprised seeing them headlining a tour soon.

As for Ad Infinitum, I don't know.  Melissa Bonny has solo projects and other things in mind, apparently, according to the band's page.  I'm sure things will go well if they keep releasing stuff, the tour seems to be doing fine.

This is a small venue, 200 people and it was sold out.
Quebec city has had a lot of problems with attracting metal bands recently, the biggest one being the lack of venues, now controlled by Québécor (Pierre-Karl Péladeau) who hates metal.




*So, I wanted to buy CDs.  Seven Spires was cash only, ok price. 30$ CDN tax included.  A bit higher as it was on Amazon (21$+tax), but I don't mind.  I'm supporting an emerging band.

Now, remember, Ad Infinitum is a Swiss Band. Payment is Paypal.  I was expecting Swiss Franks. Or Euros.  Or US$, depending on their label/management.  I had approximate conversion done in my head.  Dude shows me the amount in Danish Krone on his phone.  FFS.  Ah, ok, can't be that high right?  163,67$ DK.
JFK.  Nearly 37$ for the CD, as I realized after transferring the money.


Danes have nothing to fear from the Americans, they're way too poor for an invasion of Greenland to succeed.

[Barrister]

I did learn that King Charles III is also officially the Lord of Mann which is a badass title.

He's reigning Mann? Hallelujah!

OK, that made me laugh.

[Jacob]

He's reigning Mann? Hallelujah!

 

[Grey Fox]

It would be easier if Brits would refer to their countries with another word, like nations, or atleast acknowledge that the rest of the world doesn't use it the same way they do.

[Syt]

I did learn that King Charles III is also officially the Lord of Mann which is a badass title.

He's reigning Mann? Hallelujah!

OK, that made me laugh.

Hey Beeb.

[mongers]

A night at the concert.
....

Thanks for the reviews Viper, rather cool.

[Valmy]

I did learn that King Charles III is also officially the Lord of Mann which is a badass title.

He's reigning Mann? Hallelujah!

OK, that made me laugh.

Beeb!!!

I have missed you pal 

[viper37]

A night at the concert.
....

Thanks for the reviews Viper, rather cool.

[viper37]

I did learn that King Charles III is also officially the Lord of Mann which is a badass title.

He's reigning Mann? Hallelujah!

OK, that made me laugh.

Hey man!