Twenty 3: Fifty 9 - O’Riley’s, 11/09/07
Twenty3Fifty9 describes itself as “symphonic progressive metal,” which makes them a very unique act in the DFW area. Featuring Jeff Beardsley (guitars/vocals), Brian Bradford (keys), Bill Rankin (drums) and Tom Martino (bass), the band is reminiscent of Queensryche or Dream Theater. They played mostly originals like “ Overture 1815,” “Darkness” and “One Hundred Days,” but mixed in covers like Kansas’ “Carry On My Wayward Son,” Dream Theater’s “A Change Of Seasons and even Heart’s “Barracuda.” Most impressive, though, are their original songs. Many musicians in the large crowd this night took notice of the band’s talent. Make sure to see them, as you’ll be impressed. (Kim Polen)

Misfits, Ghoultown, Lions @ Granada Theater 11/21/07
Austin’s Lions warmed up the crowd with their Classic rock sound and typical Austin grunge look. If you like Zeppelin, Sabbath, or any number of old codger rock bands, you’ll love Lions.
Ghoultown surprised and won over Misfit fans, as they blasted their own style of countrified hell infused metal. Despite Count Lyle fighting a bout of laryngitis, he pulled off an incredible show belting out such Ghoultown hits as “Fist Full of Demons” and “Killer in Texas.” To top it off, he finished up the night on stage with the Misfits singing “Die, Die my Darling.” This is one act that locals should observe to see what putting on a show is all about.
Jerry Only, now singing lead vocals as well as playing bass, lead the Misfits into a blood curdling, heart pounding, fear fest of Classic horror punk anthems. In typical Misfit fashion, they cranked out every hit - from “Hate Breeders” to “Skulls” and everything in between. Currently on their 30th anniversary tour, the Misfits feature Dez (Black Flag) on guitar and Robo (Misfits - Earth A.D and Die, Die, Die tours) on drums. This had to be one of the wildest shows to hit the Granada Theater in years. The mosh pit that ensued from Jerry’s opening note through the entire show was simply insane and more like aerial combat then moshing. After 30 years, the Misfits have proved they are still a force to be reckoned with - and feared! (Gene Reichert)

Back 2 Texas - O’Riley’s, 11/16/07
This band plays one of the most diverse cover sets that one could ask for, with something for everyone. Songs included “Piece Of My Heart” (Janis Joplin), “She Talks to Angels (The Black Crows), “Ice Cream Man” (Van Halen), “No Sugar Tonight” (The Guess Who) and “Whole Lotta Love” (Led Zeppelin). Vocalist Warren Wardup hits all the notes perfectly. Other Back 2 Texas members are Jay Burlington (guitar) and twins Kenny Casey (bass) and Kelly Casey (drums). This group of talented musician had fun on stage, while the large crowd enjoyed this evening of great Rock and Roll. (Kim Polen)

Daughtry - American Airlines Center, 11/9/07
With all the success former American Idol contestant, Chris Daughtry has had this year; it didn’t seem out of place that he was headlining a show at Dallas’ American Airlines Center. Though, it was strange to find out Daughtry was there as part of the Texas Stampede, a country music-sponsored rodeo event! Guess that just goes to show the crossover appeal of this talented rocker.
Having a full headline set allowed Daughtry the rare opportunity to play every song from his multi-platinum debut. Not only did fans get to hear huge radio hits “Home,” “It’s Not Over,” “Over You” and latest single, “Feels Like Tonight,” they were also treated to lesser known but equally good, deep album cuts “Used To,” “Crashed” and “Breakdown.” The show’s highlight was an unbelievable acoustic version of “All These Lives,” which really showcased Chris’ fantastic voice. Don’t miss Daughtry when they return to the AAC with Bon Jovi, April 14, 2008. (Andy Laudano)

Nightwish - The Palladium, 11/11/07
After having to cancel two previously planned American tours and then find a new lead vocalist, Finland's Nightwish finally made it to the U.S.! In what was easily one of the year's best concerts, they played most of their brilliant new album, Dark Passion Play mixed with a few other favorites before an enthusiastic crowd.
New singer, Annette Olzon sounded fantastic. She had a great stage presence and good chemistry with both the rest of the band and the audience. Bandleader Tuomas Holopainen (keyboards), Marco Hietala (bass/vocals), Emppu Vuorinen (guitar) and Jukka Nevalainen (drums) all seemed to be enjoying themselves.
As a special treat, Native American musician John Two-Hawks joined them on "Creek Mary's Blood." Other highlights included "Bye Bye Beautiful," "Amaranth," "The Islander," "Nemo," "Wish I Had an Angel" and the emotional "Higher Than Hope," dedicated to a friend who had passed away earlier that day. (Andy Laudano)