Eden’s Curse open up the show with some melodic-rocking, power metal. Michael Eden’s rasping voice against the corrosive guitars and thundering drumbeats may appear to be great support act, but the crowd remain unbothered.
Firewind, with more than a handful of fans in the crowd, kick it up a gear- epic style. Rupturing through ‘Head up High’ and ‘Mercenary Man’, vocalist Apollo Papathanasio, enthusiastic as he is, proceeds to push both guitarist Gus G and keyboardist Bob Katsionis out of the way to command centre stage and blaze through ‘Falling to Pieces’. Firewind have certainly left the crowd with a fiery impression.
After perfect warm up and much anticipation, Finnish melodic power metal legends Stratovarius, break into ‘Hunting High and Low’ as their first number. Vocalist Timo Kotipelto takes to the stage with much exuberance, clenching his fists at every opportunity as he hits the high notes.
Powerful, emotional and complex, they plough through tracks from their new album ‘Polaris’; ‘ ‘Higher We Go’ and ‘Winter Skies’. The lights lowered and the mood sombre, Stratovarius launch into a heartfelt rendition of ‘Forever’. Kotipelto’s lyrics echo around the stillness of the Academy while Jans Johansson encapsulates the relaxed tones of the evening.
Just as you thought it was about to end quietly, they explode back with a jovial performance of ‘Eagleheart’. An encore ensued followed by a fantastic performance of their new single ‘Deep Unknown’, garnering a frenzied response.
Stratovarius close the show with a performance of ‘Black Diamond’ in the company of new recruit, Matius Kupianinen shredding through, making him a competent replacement, if not, the youngest member of the band.
It goes without saying, appealing to fans across different generations is not easily accomplished, but Stratovarius pull it off without hitch. Before leaving the stage, Kotipelto request the crowd to count up to four in Finnish, purpose of this request is still yet unknown! However, Stratovarius fans are no doubt counting down to their next show in London.
Rating 9/10
Words by Taya Uddin