Ahhhh Paradise! It was a long time waiting, but the first week of the semi-finals kicked off at the Paradise Rock Club Thursday night. Saturn opened up the first night to a packed house and simply rocked. These guys are a very tight rock band; plan on seeing a whole lot of them in the near future. Thyk took the stage and played some hardcore death metal followed by the harmonious acoutsic jams of Meet the Day. Fluttr, last years finals winner who are now currently on tour for us, impressed the crowd as a guest band in the middle of the night. Roots Down Below blew the roof off the house and had every hand in the room raised to take the night. Sad Marvin, Silencio, and Beantown Project all played fantastic sets to an impressive crowd. Friday was an interesting night to say the least. The 80''s overblown glam rock band The Unholy Mothers started off the night. They certainly won over the crowd with their stage antics and a smashed bass at the end of their set. Headline and Two Minute Warning played to receptive fans while Disorder by Design Scared the @$%& out of most of the older people there to see their grandchildred play a show for the first time. Pete Moss, the national finals winner in Montreal last year absolutely rocked the house as the friday night guest band. Blue Letter Days took the stage and brought most of Boston to the show; Tunnel Drill followed will some kick ass original Faith Lo More-ish rock and took the night. Lumin-R and Verloren finished strong to end the first 2 nights of the semi finals. Saturday night arrived with the Latino jams of Planet Groove. The alternative rock of Blackline and Micah Howeson kept the crowd going as Porcelain followed with a very unique style. They rocked to an impressive group of fans and a packed house. Chrysalis took the stage as the guest band who played at the finals last year in Washington D.C.. For being on tour, and never playing Boston before, they were met by a very receptive audience. The Life of Boys took the stage, and although very different and raw, seemed to be a favorite of most of the other bands. Blue Collar Product rocked out hard as Brookfield once again won everyone over. Their energy permiated through the room as they took the night. 26 Beers ended the night on a highnote with their raw old school punk style and won over many fans. It was a strong night all in all. Sunday night finally arrived after a long, but exciting first week of semi-finals. Daylight and The Jungle Boys kicked off the night to a strong crowd. Rune took the stage with an impressive acoustic funk set led by a strong violin soloist. The Mark hit the stage and after a few seconds of technical difficulties got their business in order. The crowd soon forgot about the problems and The Mark went on to be the fourth band added to the finals show at Avalon. Sines of Life and Droned played next with some straight up hardcore metal. Life Underground took the stage and rocked out. The had a very loyal crowd at the show who supported them to the end. The Conspiracy was the final band of the weekend and played an upbeat ska style of rock that put everyone in a good mood. The first week was exciting and displayed the awesome talent of the bands that won round 1 at the Middle East. There are two more weeks to go of Semi''s before we know who will be taking the stage at the national finals at Avalon. Be ready!