Article by Richard Kleiser [Skunk_Monk]
I've been a fan of Nightwish for a couple of years now what started as a passing interest has somewhat blossomed in the past few months, largely due to being around the Oceanborn crowd as it were, and discussing all things Nightwish (along with allsorts of other rubbish) into the wee hours. I had yet to see Nightwish in the live environment, and to say I was looking forward to the Astoria show is an understatement by the time we had all crammed down by the front barrier of the Astoria at 6.30pm on Friday the 16 th of July, I was ready for something fantastic.
So first up: Brainstorm - fantastic stuff! I knew not one of their songs, but I was jumping around and clapping away by their second tune the band had so much energy and enthusiasm that how anyone could fail to be swept up by the atmosphere is beyond me. By the legions of devil horns and fists in the air, I obviously wasn't the only one enjoying myself. Indeed, even the lead singer seemed so awed by the reaction and at some points it looked like the poor chap was going cry tears of happiness!
By the time Brainstorm left the stage, the tightly packed, already melting sauna of the Astoria crowd were certainly ready for some Nightwish. Several welcome drinks of water later (much appreciated by those of us dying at the front!) orchestral chimes signalled their arrival on stage.
I won't beat around the bush for Nightwish - I will have to say I was quite disappointed. There, I've said it, the deed is done.
The sound was pretty dire at the start, and then continued to range from average to muddy for the rest of the show. The guitars during "Dark Chest" were non-existent - but I can overlook that - I've been to the Astoria so many times I've lost count, and I've come to terms with the fact the venue is capable of killing the most note perfect of bands.
All sound issues aside - having not seen Nightwish live before - they didn't impress me at the level I was hoping or indeed led to expect. Granted, being right at the front, I was spending a large amount of my time trying not to get crushed or lose my footing, but that's never really stopped me loving a gig before. Some of it I thoroughly enjoyed - like "Wishmaster", "Bless the Child", "Over the Hills" and "Wish I had an Angel" being my particular highlights - they had me jumping like a loon. I was under no false impressions the band were stage showmen I've seen the DVD after all and I know very well they all just pretty much stand there. (Thank goodness for a bit of crowd interaction from Marco though, with Vodka in one hand and fag in the other.) But for a large amount of the time they just didn't hold my interest - and it seemed in places to me the band were just playing by numbers. There was just something lacking. I really can't put my finger on what it was. Don't get me wrong, it was by no means a bad gig, it was very enjoyable gig, it just wasn't a GREAT one, and unfortunately that was what I was hoping for. When the band were on form they certainly were right on target but some of it felt like going through the motions. Maybe it was the last gig of the UK tour and they were tired? Who knows?
However, to see the look on Tarja's face when an inflatable Nemo fish hit her during the show was probably worth the admission price alone!
I have been reliably informed there have been much better performances by Nightwish - so I wait with curiosity until I see them in Brussels this coming November. Hopefully it will have that little something extra that was lacking at the Astoria.
