Both bands perform songs from their current albums with Leaves’ Eyes opening with their new singer giving the songs a boost of power.

Finland’s Sonata Arctica headlining North America for supporting their 2016 album The Ninth Hour performed a fourteen-song set of new and old material that range on various topics such as the environment, politics, and relationships. Starting with the intro from “We Are What We Are,” the band followed with the first single from the new album, “Closer to an Animal,” and then “Life,” “Wolves Die Young,” “Tallulah,” and “We Are What We Are.”

Singer and writer Tony Kakko focuses on the environment, explaining why wolves are featured on album covers, and other various relationships, kept a good interaction with the audience through the show. When they performed “Full Moon,” the audience were shouting to the chorus, “run away, run away.”

Guitarist Elias Viljanenhad a short guitar solo after “The Power One.” The other members: Henrik Klingenberg (Keyboards), Pasi Kauppinen (Bass), and Tommy Portimo (drums) were on target throughout the show.

Sonata Arctica returned for their encode retailing fans with two final numbers, “I have a Right” and “Don’t Say Word,” before wrapping the show. This concert offered a glimpse for what will be a good 2017 tour across North America.

Opening the show was German-Norwegian symphonic metal band Leaves’ Eyes with new Elina Siirala replacing original singer Liv Kristine. The band performed for forty-five minutes with most of the tracks from their current album, Kings of King.

The show started with the intro “Halvdan The Black” from the new album followed by the opening song, “My Destiny.” Elina gives the song power with her vocal prowess and stage presence. Her band mates include original member and growler Alex Krull, along with Thorsten Bauer (guitar, bass), Pete Streit (guitar), and Joris Nijenhuis (drums).

The songs from the Kings Of Kings were “The Waking Eye,” “Swords In Rock,” “Edge Of Steel,” “Sacred Vow,” and “Blazing Waters” where Alex comes on stage with the Viking helmet, clothing and sword. Additonally they performed the new song and EP title-track, “Fires From The North,” and “Melusine” a non-album song from Meredead.

The band did play some headlining shows on this tour and had additional Vikings included in their stage show, a fortunate surprise for fans not expecting such from an opening band. Either band could be a headliner considering the full production Leaves’ Eyes tours with in Europe including a Viking ship, fire swords, and other special effects. They will be back in 2017 with Swedish metal band Sabaton plundering across North America.

With Elina in the band, a new chapter is being written for new music and a continuation with King Of Kings saga.

Sonata Arctica
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Leaves Eyes
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Event Date: 04-Dec-2016