The problem with ADToE is that's the album which Portnoy wanted a year or two break from, which none of the rest of the band wanted and caused that huge fiasco where Mike was kicked out. So upon hearing it, I agree with his statements where the band needed a bit of a break, the music on ADToE was very dull. That isn't to say there are not good songs out it, I quite like "On the Backs of Angels", "Outcry", and "Lost Not Forgotten". However, even if they possess good sound, doesn't mean they have the "it" factor that were on previous albums. Plus that album cover is an effin' joke as far as I am concerned and just everything combined (from the music, fiasco, style) just puts too much of a bad taste in my mouth.
Yeah, I think that's what is going to happen to me as well - more listens will eventually make me grow with the album. "Barstool Warrior" is a stupid title for a band such as DT, but the song is quite melodic and I like it. The beginning is particularly good, which could rival one of their best openings for a song with "Surrender to Reason".
You can always take a ferry ride to Germany if that's the case considering they got a shitton of those prog metal and power metal feasts. Hell, Germany is one of those countries where a band like Blind Guardian can actually make a living in lol. Sorry to hear about AIC, but again they will probably eventually tour somewhere in main-land Europe or Stockholm and it should be a fairly simply trip. That's one of the benefits of Europe, try taking a train from Denver to Chicago. Sure it exists, but is like 2x that of a plane ticket even with all the hassle of an airport.
