Title asks it all...I'm trying the game, because it's only 10$...and wondering which server would probably be best for a new player to start on.

Also, as an aside, what would be a good first class?

I do appreciate large explosions!

I would recommend playing on one of the more populated servers such as Elendilmir, Landroval, or Brandywine.  It makes grouping a lot easier than it can be on some of the lesser populated ones.  Regardless though, if you search for a kinship and join one rather early (assuming you're in a kin that actually helps each other) you shouldn't have an issue on any server you might choose.  Personally, I play on Elendilmir and find it always has a healthy population even during "off hours" due to it being the unofficial oceanic server of the NA servers. Of course, this is all assuming those are the servers you'll be playing on so if its the European side of things I have no clue hehe

You might enjoy playing a runekeeper if you enjoy "making things go boom".  I don't play one myself but it seems many others enjoy the class and far as being a nuker they seem to fit the bill from what I've seen.  Fair warning though, runekeepers are a hybrid class so you may run into some people or groups that might want you to focus on healing more than nuking and I have seen some at high levels get frustraterd with how squshie the class can be. Still, most seem to have fun with it and they seem to be a pretty cool class from what I've seen.

Another dps class you might like is the hunter.  They're all about dps.  They do have some nice snares and roots available as well but you can be a dps machine as one.  If a group has you along they aren't gonna expect much more than dps besides some cc in areas or fights.  Having one that can kite really well and knows how to use their cc abilities to the full effect can be really nice.  Runekeepers can kite as well but due to the hunters run speed buff, cc capabilities, and ability to wear medium armor they can mitigate damage a lot better than an rk.

They also have a nice run buff and can port around a lot so it makes it rather easy  and a lot quicker to get around the zones.  Problem with this class is they're a dime a dozen so even on the most populated servers it can be trying at times to find a group for something in particular because there's just so many playing them.

I would highly recommend trying out a few classes yourself and leveling them to around lvl 20 to see if it's what you like.  It doesn't take long to get to that level and chances are if you aren't having fun with the class by then; you probably won't in general so best to try another class out.

My suggestion would be to join Elendimir and PST me ingane (Name of Burdock) then I can reccomend you to the leader of our Kinship, The Mithril Crowns, which is a really large and helpful kinship, if your interested.

I currently reside on Landroval, the unofficial RP server. Very large population, and the kin I am in has over 500 active members. Always someone on, and very helpful. sonsofnumenor.com/archet/index.php is our website.

I am a total NOOB and started on Brandywine.  Seems pretty active...

I'd suggest not starting on Landroval, Brandywine, or Elendilmir if you want to avoid server lag or queues.