Article by Rod Boston
Speaking as a longtime supporter, to review this band without using countless superlatives, for me is very difficult, but here goes; I will try to remain objective. Nightwish have a presence that precedes them, judging by the throng gathering as early as 1.30 pm that afternoon, not to mention the wealth of Nightwish freaks that had rapidly descended upon our local “rock” watering hole, the Tap and Tumbler. Having already seen them blow everybody off stage at Bloodstock last year, I knew that we were going to witness something very special tonight. I wasn't wrong.
Having secured my place on the barrier I was surprised to find I was surrounded by children. It wasn't like this at Bloodstock! All the older metalheads around my age were standing nearer the back, like wounded antelope. Evidently “ Nemo ” must be doing the business on Scuzz .
After a lengthy wait our follicly challenged DJ announced Nightwish's imminent arrival. The place goes bananas. The two pre pubescent girls next to me wet themselves simultaneously. The atmosphere is simply ELECTRIC.
Finally the band emerge and immediately issue their opening salvo; the good ol ' kick up the arse that is “Dark chest of Wonders”. Tarja is the last to emerge, and she is greeted with a roar so mighty it threatens to drown the band out completely. Despite the initial muddy sound, this song is an absolute corker; a perfect set opener. By the arrival of newie “Planet Hell”, Nightwish had effortlessly found their cruise control. God damn, this song is heavy! From here on in, we are treated to a veritable string of pearlers from all of their albums (except for “Angels fall first”; “ Elvenpath”, anyone?), “She is my sin”, “Wishmaster”, ”Sleeping Sun”…fantastic. I'm in hog heaven. New song “Higher than hope” gets a somewhat unexpected airing, but I can see now why they included it; it sounds great live. We also bear witness to a blistering rendition of the old Megadeth chestnut , ”Symphony of destruction”, but not before we watch our Marco polish off half a large bottle of Smirnoff (Stout fellow!!).
The “Century child” material performed sounded particularly powerful tonight; “Bless the child” and “End of all hope” had my head moving back and forth very fast, and the band were clearly having a blast up there. “Over the hills and far away” heralded the end of the set (old Gazza would be proud), but the band returned promptly and the first strains of “Dead boy's Poem” echoed over the PA. I cheered loudly. No one else in my vicinity did. Bugger. Despite not being recognised by most in attendance it was still mesmerising, and coupled with storming headbanger “Slaying the dreamer” it was simply unstoppable. All too soon final song “Wish I had an Angel” came around; another song that comes into its own live, and at its conclusion, the cheer was so loud, I'm sure it went right through the stage mics , and out through the PA again. It was deafening. Tarja is visibly overcome, but manages to compose herself as her bandmates bond with the front row one last time. As they left the stage, it occurred to me just why this remarkable band stand out from their metal peers; it's sheer escapism; the ability to take you away from your daily grind, and make you feel 100 ft tall – which is the very essence of Heavy Metal, Rock n Roll, whatever - and no sign of any self obsessed teenage angst!
Thanks for showing my hometown how it's done, Nightwish ! See you on the next UK tour (I'll drink to that – pass the Jaegermiester !!). Cheers!!
