Dream Theater is an awesome band. I've been into them since around '92. "Under A Glass Moon" is one of the hardest guitar solos I've ever tried to learn. My band used to cover Pull Me Under and Take the Time off that album. I'm also a big fan of Triumph.

Nightwish is one of my favorite 3 bands (in close running with Queensryche and Celldweller) - my friend Chris turned me onto them about 9 years ago. I like the early stuff, but I also like the new singer, I think she fits in well with how they've evolved. In fact I'm listening to that album (Dark Passion Play) right now. Do any of you folks listen to Lacuna Coil or Echoes of Eternity? Two other great bands.

FYI - have you seen Gina Pitkanen's paintings of Nightwish (with former singer Taarja)? Awesome. I think they were either here or at RDNA gallery a few years back, but I can't find them now.

OT - I played guitar for a while in the 90's with Canada's Thor, and we covered "Court of the Crimson King" on his Thunderstruck album in '98. I played keyboards and guitar on it. I don't know if it's still in print, but if you're a fan of old-school prog, you might like it. :)