Tarja – The Shadow Shows in London

Tarja is the undisputed queen of symphonic metal. Her incredible voice only keeps getting better year after year. She has this light about her and a huge smile that just fill you with energy. You see her singing, jumping and laughing, and you cannot help feeling in awe of her because somehow, somewhere, you feel that you are in the presence of greatness. (I guess you could say I am a fan)

When she announced that she is playing Koko in London, I jumped at the chance to see her there. For those who don’t know Koko is an amazing old theatre, opened in 1900. With beautiful decoration, many different balconies and levels, a ceiling that would amaze anyone and a huge disco ball reflecting light throughout the venue, it’s a beautiful place to be. The only downside? On the ground floor, if you aren’t in the front rows, you’re probably not gonna see anything on stage. If that happens, it’s better to just go up and up and find a place with a panoramic view of the stage.

Back to the concert. I had seen two previous shows from this tour (Bucharest and Timisoara), and quite frankly I was a bit underwhelmed by them. So, to me, this show was a make it or break it? Will it be redemption or giving up?

What a show this was! It started a bit slow with songs that seem hard and rock-ish, but are quite mellow: Demons in You, 500 Letters, No bitter End. Lucid Dreamer is a song that has taken ages to be played live and we all enjoy it.  The moment she sang „Supremacy” (Muse cover), everyone stood in awe. I think that’s the greatest piece of singing I’ve ever heard from her. She followed it with a Nightwish Medley (Tutankhamen – Ever Dream – The Riddler – Slaying The Dreamer), which was obviously the delight of the evening. Up next, an acoustic medley that was so beautiful and mellow and yet everyone felt a part of it. I personally think an acoustic part is a very smart thing to do in the middle of the concert because not only does it create an extra special moment but it somehow makes you slow down and think the show was actually longer and … more.

The rest of the setlist featured new and old songs alike, with recent hits such as Love to Hate, Undertaker (one of my personal favourites) and Too Many and older wonders like Victim of Ritual. For the encore, she amazed us with Innocence, Die Alive and Until My Last Breath.

All in all, the show was very fit for the venue, the crowd was really great. There is no need to state how utterly amazing Tarja’s voice is because we all know it. She is always smiling and jumping, dancing (even though sometimes it’s awkwardly). She gives of light and energy.

However, with this being my 10th show of hers, I have seen it all. It’s great to see and hear her, but I would love for her to bring something different, to do some kind of production in her show. Alex and Kevin, her string players try to rise to the challenge, but they don’t feel like a band in their stage presence. I would definitely go see her again and if you haven’t, you really should.

I have only great words for the organisers as well, Kilimanjaro. Thanks for a great show!