Picture Gallery Credits – Klare Sherwood
War paint, high pitched techno, flashing lights, then with the sort of beat sound found on the biggest Party boats in the Mediterranean and somehow, overlaid with all of this, we have Turmion Kätilöt, bringing their unique style of metal to the stage at Resorts World Arena in Birmingham UK.
Vocalists Mc Raaka Pee and Shag-U working the gangsta vibe showing of industrial metal at its finest with the crowd being thoroughly entertained much more than expected from an opening act on a school night. Singing in their Finnish native tongue, their club night beats combined with humorous banter seemingly adopted and accepted making for an excellent, but far too short set.
Next up Beast In Black Opening with ‘Blade Runner’ from 2021’s ‘Dark Connection’ album the five piece once again set the bar as to what should be expected from an arena show. Guitarists Anton Kabanen, Kasperi Heikkinen and bassist Mate Molnar delivered synchronised moves, pulsating beats and solos to die for all whilst Atte Palokangas the happiest drummer on the planet was driving from the back. Add to that some of the finest vocal work from Yannis Papadopoulos proving beyond doubt it won’t be long until they will be headlining arenas of their own.
As the stage darkened, you’re reminded just how long we have waited for this moment. Way back in 2021 the original tour in support of their new album ‘Human:II: Nature‘ being cancelled due to Covid19, then of course Floor Jansen’s cancer scare then recent operation. 2 years later than expected, Nightwish have returned. All were seemingly fit, healthy and in fine form as they arrived on stage.
The stage set, lighting and video screens portray a band that rightfully sit on the symphonic metal throne and whilst their sound has shaped and diversified away from the albums made pre-Floor, they still know how to put on a show. Troy Donockley does an admirable job replacing former bassist Marko Hietala on the vocal front and whilst Troy might not be as powerful or gruff as Marko, what he brings gives the band a more folky considered sound which really pays off when he and Floor duet on the beautiful ‘Harvest.’ A set comprising of hits from their album ‘Once’ (Remastered). With every song as popular as the next, then if at all possible, bringing out the big guns for a massive one two of ‘Ghost Love Score’ and ‘The Greatest Show on Earth.’ There’s no doubting Tuomas Holopainen’s writing capabilities when listening to these songs as the sound contains layer upon layer of perfection that just needed to be peeled back to take in each and every moment.
With everyone in the crowd pumping fists in the air singing their lungs out to ‘We Were Here’ whilst thought provoking images were shown in the background the show ended amongst a mass of fire from what felt like 1000 flame throwers embedded in the arena’s stage. It’s going to be interesting to see what Nightwish will do next already pole-vaulting the bar well and truly out the park with tonight’s performance.
