Have you seen the lineup of this year’s Summer Sonic? It’s pretty amazing. Sure not as amazing as Rock in Japan, but still great. It’s been 7 years since my last Summer Sonic (I was there in Osaka in 2010 and 2011). It usually has one or two artists that catch my attention, but rarely enough to get me to actually go.

This year though there were two bands on the lineup that I didn’t dare miss: ling tosite sigure (don’t get mad at me for the spelling, it’s official) and Mastodon.

Sigure’ve been mostly silent the past few years – it was only after seeing them live yesterday that I found out that they released a new album just this year. I’m glad they’re active again and can only hope they’ll keep it that way.

As for Mastodon, I try not to miss foreign artists I like when they come to Japan – in general too. Many years back I decided not to go to a Nightwish gig which turned out to be their last with Tarja in my vicinity. Since then I try to see artists at least once.

Recently I listen to Mastodon quite a lot, though for some reason that doesn’t show in my stats. (It has nothing to do with me using Mastodon either, though I did go yesterday wearing my Mastodon shirt.) I was really happy that they played many songs I know and like.

Also all over the place were plastered posters of Download, apparently coming to Japan next year! I’m thrilled that another legendary festival tries to conquer Japan. Ozzfest and Knotfest both had great lineups so I’m really looking forward to what Download will pull off.