I went with a friend to see you in Richmond, VA last night, and I have to tell you that it was one of the best shows I've ever seen. I really wish there had been more people there to enjoy it with us, and I really hope that doesn't discourage you from coming to The National again.

Let me put it to you this way: I'm a thirty-something college graduate with a steady, well-paying job complete with two kids, a wife, a house, and a damn Prius. I go to church on Sundays, drink only on the very rare occasion, have only one black t-shirt in my entire wardrobe, I say stuff like "wardrobe", and I absolutely love your music. I know I'm not your target audience, but I really felt like you should know how far your music reaches. I even got in the pit last night for the final song, and held my own if I do say so myself.

Since the days of Vinnie Paul and Darrell Abbott, there have been thousands of bands trying to make, and re-make, hard metal music, and frankly they are all pretty good, and all pretty much the same. You guys have found several ways to set yourselves apart. For starters, having one, much less three, talented vocalists is amazing. I think most metal bands take for granted that just screaming is good enough. I can't help but think, "Yeah, it was fun, but we've heard that song before." You guys take it much farther than that. Don't be afraid to use the harmony where it works, and believe me, it works in a lot of places, particularly with Paolo. Also, your awesome mix between lead and rhythm guitar with Matt and Corey is extremely unique, and it makes for a great sound. And of course, Travis is either the most talented or the most creative drummer I've ever heard, and quite possibly both. His speed, and even more his changes, are definitely some of the things that set you guys apart from the other run-of-the-mill metal bands.

Also, it's worth mentioning that most of the time it's pretty easy to tell that there's not much going on inside the head of the front man when he opens his trap at most of the metal concerts I've been to, but I really get the impression that you guys are pretty damn smart, particularly after seeing the show last night. I hope that doesn't sound condescending, I mean it as an extreme compliment. Mostly, it gives me a lot of confidence that you'll be able to keep up this awesome work you're doing, and continue to surprise and amaze us with your future works of art.

I guess that's what this really comes down to: you guys are true artists, not just the same, tired old copycats we've had to put up with ever since Cowboys from Hell hit the shelves.

Thanks again for coming to Richmond, and I really hope to see you here again next year, or sooner.