There were two bands on the bill, both from Finland. First up was Sonata Arctica. I wasn't familiar with these guys, aside from a run through the songs on their myspace page. They weren't bad, but their set sounded kindof stock - decent riffs and melodies, but seemed to lack the spark that really lights up a live show. But i did enjoy watching their keyboard player from my vantage point up front near stage left. He was definitely feeling the music; if only more of that energy had translated to the audience. Or maybe it was just me.
Quick history lesson: After growing personal tensions hit a breaking point, Nightwish fired their original vocalist, Tarja Turunen, in 2005 and started auditioning for her replacement. They finally hired Anette Olzon in 2007 who made her debut on their next album "Dark Passion Play".
I, like many music fans, tend to resist change. When one of my bands changes key members (especially their vocalist), the new lineup then has to prove themselves to me. Some bands fail (e.g. Evanescence). Nightwish, however, succeeded and then some; i actually like Anette a lot more than Tarja. I mean, i wouldn't presume to devalue Tarja's 10 years of excellent work with the band, nor fail to recognize her stunning soprano stylings. But i feel that Anette's singing is just warmer & richer somehow; maybe it's because she's an alto.
Anyway, Nightwish rocked the house. I have to admit it wasn't the most fired up i've ever been, but their performance was highly enjoyable. They played a fairly comprehensive set, and i think Anette did a lovely job with their older material (i daresay i liked her renditions better, but don't tell Tarja i said that). New singles, old favorites; a great set start-to-finish.
With that, on to the photos!
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Sonata Arctica:
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Nightwish:
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