Nightwish @ Town Ballroom, Buffalo, New York 4-16-15

It’s not often you get to see progressive power rock in Buffalo, NY. Nightwish, a band who is at the forefront of this genre of music, is currently on tour in support of their 8th studio effort titled “Endless Forms Most Beautiful.” The sold out crowd was eager to see Finland’s most successful musical export.

The band took the stage at approx. 9:40pm and played for almost 2 hours. This is the first album and first full tour that new vocalist Floor Jansen is a part of. When attending a Nightwish show one must be willing to experience various forms of music and instruments that will be played throughout the show. Troy Donockley played Swedish bagpipe’s and flute on the title track from the last disc. He also brought out the mandolin for “Weak Fantasy.” Bassist Marco Hietala displayed a beautiful double neck that had both bass and guitar capabilities. He played this on a few songs including the song “Islander,” where he was featured on both guitar and on vocals, while Donockley played the flute. Longtime Nightwish Drummer Jukka Nevalainen has been out since early last year due to medical issues. Kai Hato has been filling in has been and has done a tremendous job with the new tracks and also the classic hits like “Nemo” “Storytime.”

Many were interested how the newly incorporated Jansen would work into the Nightwish fold. She passed with flying colors. Her range fits into what Nightwish delivers both in the studio and live on stage. The melodic “I Want My Tears Back” and the first single off of “Endless Forms Most Beautiful” called “Elan” were just some of Jansen’s highlights. With a band like Nightwish, there is no need for an over the top vocalist and Jansen fit seamlessly within the confines of the band.

It’s been a long time coming and Buffalo needs more shows like this. There are various bands from around the world who are amazing, such as Nightwish, but they either bypass Buffalo altogether or play bordering towns like Toronto or Cleveland. Maybe this will be a start for bringing this kind of talent here in the future.

Setlist:

Shudder Before the Beautiful
Yours is an Empty Hope
Nemo
She is My Sin
Endless Forms Most Beautiful
My Walden
The Islander
Elan
Weak Fantasy
Storytime
Dark Chest of Wonders
I Want my Tears Back
Stargazers
Sleeping Sun
The Greatest Show on Earth