[Godflesh]

[Pellaz]

Trauma -- meh.
Trollfest -- ehhh.

I'm expecting the 'E' band to be Edenbridge based on that "momentum" clue.
--Although Ensiferum would be great, and Evergrey would be great, too. Almost like coming home; I've known Tom since the infamous* first ProgPower Europe in 1999.
I'm not expecting Edguy or Emperor.....although Emperor would be a jaw-dropper. Nothing less.


---
* "EverSpray"

[Downvod]

The 2017 70000TONS OF METAL POOL GIRL OF THE MONTH Calendar is here!

Please join me in welcoming our very own international ambassadors of Heavy Metal - the 70000TONS OF METAL POOL GIRLS - back onbroad for Round 7 of The Original, The World's Biggest Heavy Metal Cruise!

To celebrate, we are offering a desktop and mobile wallpaper calendar for 2017, which will be updated each month featuring a different member of the 70000TONS OF METAL POOL GIRLS team.

Click here To download your desktop or mobile calendar wallpaper, and don't forget to check back every month for an updated calendar!

Never heard of the Pool Girls. I am guessing it is more filler... bring on the blackened power rap metal announcements!

[Memnoch]

You all know how this pool girl calendar thing is gonna go, right? First we all get excited for the initial announcement of January. Now, everyone's sure February is going to be next since it's on everyone's wish lists and all, but instead we get a six-month silence. After that silence we get something like October, August and November in a somewhat timely manner - even if March and April were already leaked in other calendars - followed by another silence and, finally, March, April, June, July, September and December announced all at once closer to the end of year. So, what about February, you ask? We're not getting February at all. Instead we get some obscure South American month like Februario or something.

[Downvod]

You all know how this pool girl calendar thing is gonna go, right? First we all get excited for the initial announcement of January. Now, everyone's sure February is going to be next since it's on everyone's wish lists and all, but instead we get a six-month silence. After that silence we get something like October, August and November in a somewhat timely manner - even if March and April were already leaked in other calendars - followed by another silence and, finally, March, April, June, July, September and December announced all at once closer to the end of year. So, what about February, you ask? We're not getting February at all. Instead we get some obscure South American month like Februario or something.

The next announcement will be Febron Amarch

[Phoenix]

You all know how this pool girl calendar thing is gonna go, right? First we all get excited for the initial announcement of January. Now, everyone's sure February is going to be next since it's on everyone's wish lists and all, but instead we get a six-month silence. After that silence we get something like October, August and November in a somewhat timely manner - even if March and April were already leaked in other calendars - followed by another silence and, finally, March, April, June, July, September and December announced all at once closer to the end of year. So, what about February, you ask? We're not getting February at all. Instead we get some obscure South American month like Februario or something.

This is pure gold. Well done, Wookie.

[TPH]

Exactly my reaction

[capacitator51]

You all know how this pool girl calendar thing is gonna go, right? First we all get excited for the initial announcement of January. Now, everyone's sure February is going to be next since it's on everyone's wish lists and all, but instead we get a six-month silence. After that silence we get something like October, August and November in a somewhat timely manner - even if March and April were already leaked in other calendars - followed by another silence and, finally, March, April, June, July, September and December announced all at once closer to the end of year. So, what about February, you ask? We're not getting February at all. Instead we get some obscure South American month like Februario or something.

My cousin's uncle's girlfriend's roomate's kid's co-worker who's good friends with February said that they will definitely be announced next.

[biertroll]

You all know how this pool girl calendar thing is gonna go, right? First we all get excited for the initial announcement of January. Now, everyone's sure February is going to be next since it's on everyone's wish lists and all, but instead we get a six-month silence. After that silence we get something like October, August and November in a somewhat timely manner - even if March and April were already leaked in other calendars - followed by another silence and, finally, March, April, June, July, September and December announced all at once closer to the end of year. So, what about February, you ask? We're not getting February at all. Instead we get some obscure South American month like Februario or something.

Everyone at work just looked at me strangely for laughing loudly out of nowhere. Thanks.

[AceHugger]

Airport at FLL,just Fuck!

Just saw this on sky news. Wtf is going on in the world?

I'd say 'fortunately were flying into MIA' but I don't think it'll make any difference, i think security across the whole air network is going to through the roof.

After the cruise we're flying internally from FLL to Indiana and back a few days later.

But seriously.... FUCK.

Allow extra time people.

[meshuggah]

What's wrong with this picture:

This guy is mentally ill. He was interviewed by the FBI a couple of months ago, and told them that voices said he should watch ISIS videos. They took away one of his guns, but gave it back to him a month later. He still had the ability to purchase firearms. He was still allowed to fly with a loaded firearm in his luggage. This is ridiculous. The gun laws MUST be revised. The NRA and Republicans are out of control on this issue (as well a MANY others).

Enough with the "rights" of gun owners. I'm all for the 2nd Amendment right to own a 1-shot musket, but the firearms that people have the "right" to own these days is absurd.

[mooyagi]

You all know how this pool girl calendar thing is gonna go, right? First we all get excited for the initial announcement of January. Now, everyone's sure February is going to be next since it's on everyone's wish lists and all, but instead we get a six-month silence. After that silence we get something like October, August and November in a somewhat timely manner - even if March and April were already leaked in other calendars - followed by another silence and, finally, March, April, June, July, September and December announced all at once closer to the end of year. So, what about February, you ask? We're not getting February at all. Instead we get some obscure South American month like Februario or something.

[AceHugger]

Still at least we know there'll be no more leaks from Metal Hammer.... R.I.P.

Has Metal Hammer folded? I haven't heard anything about that.

Yup. It's parent company team rock went into administration just before Xmas. All staff told to go home with no December pay.

Future publishing has swooped in and saved team rock and metal hammer!!!

https://www.theguardian.com/media/2017/ ... rock-saved

[deathmetalpat]

Future publishing has swooped in and saved team rock and metal hammer!!!

https://www.theguardian.com/media/2017/ ... rock-saved

Future Publishing sold Team Rock for 10.2 million pounds three years ago and bought them back for 800,000 pounds.It is more like a college kid coming home, to live in the basement ,until the parents can think of what to do with them.

[Gratch]

Airport at FLL,just Fuck!

Just saw this on sky news. Wtf is going on in the world?

I'd say 'fortunately were flying into MIA' but I don't think it'll make any difference, i think security across the whole air network is going to through the roof.

After the cruise we're flying internally from FLL to Indiana and back a few days later.

But seriously.... FUCK.

Allow extra time people.

You seriously overestimate the attention span of the American public. This will (sadly) be entirely forgotten about within a week or two, and it will be back to business as usual. I would highly doubt we see any impact at all during cruise week.

[cowboy71]

11 bands left to announce, with 24 days to go :)

This stage last year we still had 16 bands we were waiting on, with the final 11 being announced in the last 8 days.

Previous year we had 24 bands to go, with the final 11 being announced in the last 7 days.

So, things have definitely improved (and now I've jinxed us by saying that, and we won't get any more bands until the day of the cruise

[Razor Ramon]

Just hoping for at least one or two more that I won't completely shit on..

[cowboy71]

Final 10 bands for the years we've had a 60 band lineup (because, I reckon the next band is certainly Edenbridge).

2016 - Dead Cross, Fallujah, Ghoul, No Raza, Incantation, Arkona, Nervosa, Novembers Doom, Starkill, Diamond Head
2015 - Whiplash, Soulfly, Riot V, Corrosion of Conformity, Adaliah, Dark Sermon, Gurd, Exumer, Helstar, Wintersun

To make it mathematically similar (that is, one-sixth of the lineup) the final 7 bands for the years we had 40(ish) bands:

2014 - Keep of Kalessin, Twilight of the Gods, Nekrogoblikon, Massacre, Atrocity, Terrorizer
2013 - Threat Signal, Nightmare, Anaal Nathrakh, ETECC, Steel Engraved, Fatal Smile, Cryptopsy
2012 - Edguy, Sapiency, Vicious Rumours, Massacre, Candlemass, Megora, Diamond Plate
2011 - Twilight of the Gods, Dusk Machine, Destruction, Malevolent Creation, Circle II Circle, Arsis, The Absence

Out of all those, there are a couple I was REALLY happy about - Circle II Circle, Edguy, Atrocity, Wintersun.

But on the flipside, 2016 I didn't see a single set from any of the last 10, and all 5 other cruises I only saw set/s from 1 band out of each of the final announcements.

Moral of the story? I'm not expecting any more than a single band I really like in the final 10.

[AceHugger]

You seriously overestimate the attention span of the American public. This will (sadly) be entirely forgotten about within a week or two, and it will be back to business as usual. I would highly doubt we see any impact at all during cruise week.

This makes baby Jesus cry....

[Pellaz]

You all know how this pool girl calendar thing is gonna go, right? First we all get excited for the initial announcement of January. Now, everyone's sure February is going to be next since it's on everyone's wish lists and all, but instead we get a six-month silence. After that silence we get something like October, August and November in a somewhat timely manner - even if March and April were already leaked in other calendars - followed by another silence and, finally, March, April, June, July, September and December announced all at once closer to the end of year. So, what about February, you ask? We're not getting February at all. Instead we get some obscure South American month like Februario or something.

LOL, that just made my night. Kudos to you, sir.

[AceHugger]

Final 10 bands for the years we've had a 60 band lineup (because, I reckon the next band is certainly Edenbridge).

2016 - Dead Cross, Fallujah, Ghoul, No Raza, Incantation, Arkona, Nervosa, Novembers Doom, Starkill, Diamond Head
2015 - Whiplash, Soulfly, Riot V, Corrosion of Conformity, Adaliah, Dark Sermon, Gurd, Exumer, Helstar, Wintersun

To make it mathematically similar (that is, one-sixth of the lineup) the final 7 bands for the years we had 40(ish) bands:

2014 - Keep of Kalessin, Twilight of the Gods, Nekrogoblikon, Massacre, Atrocity, Terrorizer
2013 - Threat Signal, Nightmare, Anaal Nathrakh, ETECC, Steel Engraved, Fatal Smile, Cryptopsy
2012 - Edguy, Sapiency, Vicious Rumours, Massacre, Candlemass, Megora, Diamond Plate
2011 - Twilight of the Gods, Dusk Machine, Destruction, Malevolent Creation, Circle II Circle, Arsis, The Absence

Out of all those, there are a couple I was REALLY happy about - Circle II Circle, Edguy, Atrocity, Wintersun.

But on the flipside, 2016 I didn't see a single set from any of the last 10, and all 5 other cruises I only saw set/s from 1 band out of each of the final announcements.

Moral of the story? I'm not expecting any more than a single band I really like in the final 10.

Maybe it's just me, - but I only see one ( maybe two) bands each year that I really recognise or would have any interest in..

That said I have discovered a few cool bands in the lineup that I didn't know before, so to give them all their dues I would check 'em out

...probably.

[Memnoch]

Final 10 bands for the years we've had a 60 band lineup .

2016 - Dead Cross, Fallujah, Ghoul, No Raza, Incantation, Arkona, Nervosa, Novembers Doom, Starkill, Diamond Head
2015 - Whiplash, Soulfly, Riot V, Corrosion of Conformity, Adaliah, Dark Sermon, Gurd, Exumer, Helstar, Wintersun

To make it mathematically similar (that is, one-sixth of the lineup) the final 7 bands for the years we had 40(ish) bands:

2014 - Keep of Kalessin, Twilight of the Gods, Nekrogoblikon, Massacre, Atrocity, Terrorizer
2013 - Threat Signal, Nightmare, Anaal Nathrakh, ETECC, Steel Engraved, Fatal Smile, Cryptopsy
2012 - Edguy, Sapiency, Vicious Rumours, Massacre, Candlemass, Megora, Diamond Plate
2011 - Twilight of the Gods, Dusk Machine, Destruction, Malevolent Creation, Circle II Circle, Arsis, The Absence

For me there's usually been some good names among the last ones:
2011: TofG, Malevolent, Arsis, The Absence
2012: Massacre, Candlemass
2013: Anaal Nathrakh, Cryptopsy
2014: TotG, Massacre, Terrorizer
2015: nothing
2016: Fallujah, No Raza, Incantation, Novembers Doom

I hope this year isn't like 2015 I guess.

[Downvod]

Final 10 bands for the years we've had a 60 band lineup (because, I reckon the next band is certainly Edenbridge).

2016 - Dead Cross, Fallujah, Ghoul, No Raza, Incantation, Arkona, Nervosa, Novembers Doom, Starkill, Diamond Head
2015 - Whiplash, Soulfly, Riot V, Corrosion of Conformity, Adaliah, Dark Sermon, Gurd, Exumer, Helstar, Wintersun

To make it mathematically similar (that is, one-sixth of the lineup) the final 7 bands for the years we had 40(ish) bands:

2014 - Keep of Kalessin, Twilight of the Gods, Nekrogoblikon, Massacre, Atrocity, Terrorizer
2013 - Threat Signal, Nightmare, Anaal Nathrakh, ETECC, Steel Engraved, Fatal Smile, Cryptopsy
2012 - Edguy, Sapiency, Vicious Rumours, Massacre, Candlemass, Megora, Diamond Plate
2011 - Twilight of the Gods, Dusk Machine, Destruction, Malevolent Creation, Circle II Circle, Arsis, The Absence

Out of all those, there are a couple I was REALLY happy about - Circle II Circle, Edguy, Atrocity, Wintersun.

But on the flipside, 2016 I didn't see a single set from any of the last 10, and all 5 other cruises I only saw set/s from 1 band out of each of the final announcements.

Moral of the story? I'm not expecting any more than a single band I really like in the final 10.

Maybe it's just me, - but I only see one ( maybe two) bands each year that I really recognise or would have any interest in..

That said I have discovered a few cool bands in the lineup that I didn't know before, so to give them all their dues I would check 'em out

...probably.

Man, no offense... but if you are going to have the attitude where 'they aren't worth my time because I haven't heard of them,' then you are missing out on one of the best aspects of the cruise. That would be, in my humble opinion, the exposure to new music from around the world. Some of the bands I have low expectations of end up putting on way better performances than the ones I've known for years. From the last 10 in 2016, I was only familiar with Diamond Head and November's Doom. I listened to Ghoul when they were announced late last year, and thought they were just decent thrash... but I happened to wander into one of their live shows on the boat, and they ended up being one of the best live performances I saw. Nervosa was also a band I wasn't immediately drawn to, but also had a great live show.... Starkill was a decent melodeath band from my hometown.... Fallujah is awesome.... Arkona was great... and I do enjoy No Raza even though I didn't get a chance to catch their set.

The bottom line is, check out a few songs from every band that is announced. If you are on the fence, it may even be worth seeing some of the live show. They may surprise you. Keep in mind that for a lot of the smaller bands, an event like this is a huge opportunity for exposure, and they will play like its their last performance.

[MonicaMM]

Last year I really tried to see Carach Angren play one of the very first sets, and they were in the tiny club! Way too stressful, it was so overcrowded.

It is soooo much better to avoid that first slot, I think! I'm gonna watch the shore disappear this time. Maybe yell at another ship. With booze in hand, of course.

I was there "trying" to see Carach Angren. It was crowded as fuck, hot as hell. That tiny club sucks, unless you go there early enough to stay front row - or try crowdsurfing, otherwise you cant see a shit. Same happened in 2015 when I tried to see Trollfest, I hope they play on a better stage this year.

[Phoenix]

Man, no offense... but if you are going to have the attitude where 'they aren't worth my time because I haven't heard of them,' then you are missing out on one of the best aspects of the cruise. That would be, in my humble opinion, the exposure to new music from around the world. Some of the bands I have low expectations of end up putting on way better performances than the ones I've known for years. From the last 10 in 2016, I was only familiar with Diamond Head and November's Doom. I listened to Ghoul when they were announced late last year, and thought they were just decent thrash... but I happened to wander into one of their live shows on the boat, and they ended up being one of the best live performances I saw. Nervosa was also a band I wasn't immediately drawn to, but also had a great live show.... Starkill was a decent melodeath band from my hometown.... Fallujah is awesome.... Arkona was great... and I do enjoy No Raza even though I didn't get a chance to catch their set.

The bottom line is, check out a few songs from every band that is announced. If you are on the fence, it may even be worth seeing some of the live show. They may surprise you. Keep in mind that for a lot of the smaller bands, an event like this is a huge opportunity for exposure, and they will play like its their last performance.

I'm with Downvod on this one. When I went in 2015 I was pleasantly surprised by TrollfesT, Claim the Throne, Therion, Melechesh, In Extremo, and Equilibrium. This year I haven't even gotten halfway through my in depth homework and I'm already super stoked to catch Draconian, Haggard, Gojira, and Saltatio Mortis. These are all bands I would never have checked out were it not for the boat, or if someone on the boat hadn't told me to check out a band because they were 100% worth it live.

[bodomdragon]

Yup, the smallest venue is not exactly the cruisers' favourite. In all fairness, it sucks at many levels. First, it's very difficult to get a good sound there. And most important, the stage is not higher than the pit, which means you won't see shit after the third row. I try to avoid it as much as I can.

[deathmetalpat]

So compared to The Spectrum is Studio B about the same(both the small venue)?I am seeing the same complaints but I didn't mind the Spectrum that much.Having the seats to sit down and wait between shows was a plus,but there are 50% more cruisers on the big ship with only 1 more stage.That could make the place way more crowded.

[ExtraneouS]

So compared to The Spectrum is Studio B about the same(both the small venue)?I am seeing the same complaints but I didn't mind the Spectrum that much.Having the seats to sit down and wait between shows was a plus,but there are 50% more cruisers on the big ship with only 1 more stage.That could make the place way more crowded.

The Spectrum would be equivalent to the Pyramid Lounge. Studio B is the ice rink, so it'll be like being in a mini stadium.
While I haven't been on the Majesty, I would assume the Pyramid Lounge is slightly less crowded, if not the same, as the Spectrum.

Even though there's more people, the schedule is made so that it's never the only venue playing at once. Once it get too full, I assume people would leave to catch the other band that's playing.

[Pellaz]

I was there "trying" to see Carach Angren. It was crowded as fuck, hot as hell. That tiny club sucks, unless you go there early enough to stay front row - or try crowdsurfing, otherwise you cant see a shit. Same happened in 2015 when I tried to see Trollfest, I hope they play on a better stage this year.

I'm thinking crowdsurfing in the Sphincter/Sphinx/Pyramid room would be a BAD idea. The ceiling is so low you might get gored by a low-hanging light fixture or water sprinkler.

[mooyagi]

The sightlines in the Pyramid Lounge are actually worse than in the Spectrum. The Spectrum wasn't great, but it did have that nice bar area in the corner with slightly raised seating that was a decent spot to catch a show if the floor was too busy.

[Razor Ramon]

Some bands I wanted to see twice I end up only seeing once because they got put in the shit lounge.

[deathmetalpat]

The sightlines in the Pyramid Lounge are actually worse than in the Spectrum. The Spectrum wasn't great, but it did have that nice bar area in the corner with slightly raised seating that was a decent spot to catch a show if the floor was too busy.

That is what I was thinking,The Spectrum had a slight elevation and you could find a spot even if it was a little crowded to see.Sounds like The Pyramid is dead flat with nothing to help you see,The Spectrum in normal cruises had lounge singers and front area was a dance floor.This place seems to be a dance floor mainly with no thought of being used as a place for concerts.That helps with schedule,just avoid this as much as possible,except for when it is only option.

[Downvod]

I was there "trying" to see Carach Angren. It was crowded as fuck, hot as hell. That tiny club sucks, unless you go there early enough to stay front row - or try crowdsurfing, otherwise you cant see a shit. Same happened in 2015 when I tried to see Trollfest, I hope they play on a better stage this year.

I'm thinking crowdsurfing in the Sphincter/Sphinx/Pyramid room would be a BAD idea. The ceiling is so low you might get gored by a low-hanging light fixture or water sprinkler.

Doesn't stop people from trying... Nervosa in the lounge had some of the most crowdsurfing I've ever seen. It was insane.

[sara]

The sightlines in the Pyramid Lounge are actually worse than in the Spectrum. The Spectrum wasn't great, but it did have that nice bar area in the corner with slightly raised seating that was a decent spot to catch a show if the floor was too busy.

That is what I was thinking,The Spectrum had a slight elevation and you could find a spot even if it was a little crowded to see.Sounds like The Pyramid is dead flat with nothing to help you see,The Spectrum in normal cruises had lounge singers and front area was a dance floor.This place seems to be a dance floor mainly with no thought of being used as a place for concerts.That helps with schedule,just avoid this as much as possible,except for when it is only option.

Now now, there were at least chairs that you can stand on. I think for Carach Angren, every chair was being used as a booster seat of sorts for short people, but not with much luck.

Some small-time bands are fine in the tiny club, or at least if there's a small draw due to time or schedule conflicts. Incantation was one of the few sets I saw in there last time, and I loved them. Got right up front.

I really make my "schedule" (which will be blown to hell at times) around where I prefer to see a band. Thrash bands are great in the ice rink, it's perfect for moshing. Other bands that draw a big crowd, I just want to stand on a balcony on the pool deck and not be totally stuck in a huge crowd of people. Some bands are nicer in the theater. But almost nothing is "better" in the little club.

[sara]

Final 10 bands for the years we've had a 60 band lineup .

2016 - Dead Cross, Fallujah, Ghoul, No Raza, Incantation, Arkona, Nervosa, Novembers Doom, Starkill, Diamond Head
2015 - Whiplash, Soulfly, Riot V, Corrosion of Conformity, Adaliah, Dark Sermon, Gurd, Exumer, Helstar, Wintersun

To make it mathematically similar (that is, one-sixth of the lineup) the final 7 bands for the years we had 40(ish) bands:

2014 - Keep of Kalessin, Twilight of the Gods, Nekrogoblikon, Massacre, Atrocity, Terrorizer
2013 - Threat Signal, Nightmare, Anaal Nathrakh, ETECC, Steel Engraved, Fatal Smile, Cryptopsy
2012 - Edguy, Sapiency, Vicious Rumours, Massacre, Candlemass, Megora, Diamond Plate
2011 - Twilight of the Gods, Dusk Machine, Destruction, Malevolent Creation, Circle II Circle, Arsis, The Absence

For me there's usually been some good names among the last ones:
2011: TofG, Malevolent, Arsis, The Absence
2012: Massacre, Candlemass
2013: Anaal Nathrakh, Cryptopsy
2014: TotG, Massacre, Terrorizer
2015: nothing
2016: Fallujah, No Raza, Incantation, Novembers Doom

I hope this year isn't like 2015 I guess.

Yes, for me some of the best bands were last. Nervosa and DDLM, Incantation... and Fallujah is pretty big, not as big as Gojira but definitely up there for American fans, at least.

I often find myself liking the "Cripper" bands, too. The cruise always gets some acts that might be popular, but are not my cup of tea. I'd rather find out about some grind or crossover band I haven't heard before than see a band that's much bigger but outside of my tastes. And I have a pretty varied taste overall, just not so much for cheesy dragons and stuff, unless it's very high quality, Blind Guardian level cheese.

[MonicaMM]

I'm thinking crowdsurfing in the Sphincter/Sphinx/Pyramid room would be a BAD idea. The ceiling is so low you might get gored by a low-hanging light fixture or water sprinkler.

As we say here in Brazil... you don't know a shit, innocent!!! hahahah
Thats how I could see my fellows from Nervosa - wearing my Chapolin Colorado costume and everything!
(I dont know how to attach a pic here, so Im tagging you on facebook and you can see it happening)

[MonicaMM]

Doesn't stop people from trying... Nervosa in the lounge had some of the most crowdsurfing I've ever seen. It was insane.

YES!!!
And I was one of those crazy crowdsurfers during Nervosa!

[big perken]

Doesn't stop people from trying... Nervosa in the lounge had some of the most crowdsurfing I've ever seen. It was insane.

YES!!!
And I was one of those crazy crowdsurfers during Nervosa!

That was awesome I put up so many people. Sunday night shows can get crazy

[Godflesh]

You all know how this pool girl calendar thing is gonna go, right? First we all get excited for the initial announcement of January. Now, everyone's sure February is going to be next since it's on everyone's wish lists and all, but instead we get a six-month silence. After that silence we get something like October, August and November in a somewhat timely manner - even if March and April were already leaked in other calendars - followed by another silence and, finally, March, April, June, July, September and December announced all at once closer to the end of year. So, what about February, you ask? We're not getting February at all. Instead we get some obscure South American month like Februario or something.

You Sir, have won this forum
I'll buy you a beer if I get the chance.

[Godflesh]

Exactly my reaction

Probablement parce que c'est une réaction très française