I gotta say this night alone has pretty much made my year. Katatonia is hands down my favorite band. I know every song and all the lyrics by heart. I can pick out a song from the first few notes and tell you a plethora of facts relating to it. Are you screaming "fanboy"? You’re damn straight.

After throwing on one of my rare Katatonia shirts, grabbing my copy of Jhva Elohim Meth and the rest of my necessities, I made my pilgrimage to the venue. After the bands arrived and we both grabbed our press credentials we were greeted personally inside by the tour manager and led backstage. The very second I walked into Katatonia’s lounge, I literally froze, as before me, kicked back and chatting away with each other were my idols. After meekly exchanging formalities with everyone and setting up my scheduled interview with Anders I was relieved to hear him request that the interview be conducted after their set. I don't think I actually breathed during that entire time, because the moment I stepped back into the crowd I found myself immensely winded.

The venue was in the same small lounge that Celtic Frost and Goatwhore played in (see previous issue), except this time they closed off the adjacent grand ballroom.

Ironically, I found myself separated from my buddies and right next to a skinny, borderline anorexic emo kid in tight emo rags, shitty dyed black porcupine hair and makeup. It didn't help that it was a guy, or at least I hoped it was. He had also brought his dad along. After unwillingly chatting with him I found out that he didn't know any of the bands that were playing and he was only here for the mosh pit. I opted to inform him that this was a doom metal show, and people simply don't mosh at doom metal shows. After he heard this he was pretty disinterested in staying, even for one band, but I talked him into staying to see Katatonia.

It is not a stretch of the imagination to say that Daylight Dies (below) is the best doom metal band in the United States. With their latest album garnering immense attention and respect, it's no small wonder why they're on tour with two of the biggest names in doom. The North Carolina quintet took the stage and even before a single note was played, an aura of power radiated from each and every one of them. Without a word, they exploded into their first song, as I among others exploded into furious headbanging.

Charley Shackleford and Barre Gambling both sounded amazing. if Gambling's tone was a woman, I'd do anything I could to screw her. Egan O'Rourke's basslines sang out clearly and warmly, perfectly melting with the fabulous drumming brought on by Jesse Haff, while Nathan Ellis' vocals shone through the mix like a ray of sun through grey clouds. The set was a perfect blend of old and new, with the most rousing number being "A Dream Resigned."

When Katatonia (below) finally hits the stage, it is to deafening cheers. The setlist was simply incredible. Every Katatonia song is an absolute gem, and the shining choice of songs included hits such as "Ghost of the Sun," "My Twin," "Soil's Song," "Teargas" and the now signature end song: "Murder." Previously I had heard that Jonas was sick and wasn't singing as well, but it seemed he was well enough: His vocals were flawless, as was the rest of the band. I had decided to lose all decency and headbanged harder than I have ever done in my life, I even threw my arm around a guy next to me with him doing the same so we could both headbang long and hard without worrying about either of us losing balance. Fanboy, I know.

After seeing my heroes play live and getting a pick from Anders, I remember my interview and run to my car to grab my gear and my CD. I get stopped by a number of people who are in awe of my copy of Jhva Elohim Meth... the Revival, which is most certainly a prize in the Katatonia world. Each one got their turn to look it over and ask me "Where the fuck did you get THAT?!" I finally made it backstage and into Katatonia's room, where I find the band in high humor at a gig well done. Timidly, I take care of the most important item on the list: getting Anders and Jonas to sign my CD, which Anders accepted from me with great reverence, drawing attention from Fred Norrman who sidled over to have a look at the album. After Anders and Jonas both signed the album under their old aliases (Blakkheim and Lord Seth), we got down to the next thing on the list, which was the interview that appeared in the previous issue of Maelstrom.

Moonspell last came to Houston with Opeth and Devildriver on the Fair Judgement tour. What made that gig great was that Fernando had brought along a completely badass shaman staff that he slammed on the floor to the beat of several songs throughout the set. Unfortunately, he had switched out his shaman staff for light corpsepaint reminiscent of Celtic Frost's Tom Warrior.

Among a plethora of songs both new and old, the favorites of the night were "Opium" and "Nocturna." Fernando showed amazing stage presence and dominated the stage like a dominatrix over a fat, balding businessman. He worked the crowd flawlessly and you couldn't help but get into the show. He ended the set by wielding two drumsticks and slamming away on the cymbals during the final passages of the last song, ending a most incredible night. Home was a long way away, and I had countless memories and mementos to savor from the night. And what did I listen to on the drive home? Katatonia, of course!