Label: Nuclear Blast

Release Date: November 29, 2013

Rating: 9.5/10

Reviewed by: Todd "Toddstar" Jolicoeur

Most people wouldn't make this leap, but what do Van Halen and Nightwish have in common?  They both got much better with a new lead singer.  When Anette Olzon departed the band, they quickly recruited Floor Jansen to take over on the microphone, and based on this live performance, recorded at Wacken, this is for the better.  From the opening notes of "Dark Chest Of Wonders," the band doesn't let up and Floor makes each song her own, while staying true to the originals (whether recorded with Olzon or original vocalist Tarja Turnen).  Her vocal prowess is in the forefront on most tracks, but really sticks out on tracks such as "She Is My Sin" and one of my personal favorites "Storytime."  Floor's vocals seem to soar to new heights on this track and the band sounds better than they ever have.

The band is fierce and attacks the stage and audience from the start when they open with "Dark Chest Of Wonders."  The band is tight and doesn't miss a beat.  "Wish I Had An Angel" is another track that demonstrates how in sync this band is, even with a new vocalist in tow on this tour.  The dual vocals really lift this track to another level.  The band also shines on "I Want My Tears Back."  The use of pipes and more dual vocals make this song pop live; you can almost hear how much fun they are having playing together while listening to this track.  The band comes alive during the instrumental "Last Of The Wilds" and demonstrates how they have persevered in the metal world, even with lead singers exiting on them in the past.

Floor's control of the stage and crowd is evident in the banter leading into the track "Nemo."  This song helps highlight the strength of the bands abilities: chugging guitars, a heavy rhythm section, and the use of keyboards and other elements.  This is top quality symphonic metal.  "Bless The Child" gives Floor a bit of room to show her vocal range and operatic qualities.  The crowd and Floor tackle the track "Amaranth" and band feeds into the fun with a tight performance that might just be the best on this collection, as well as being my favorite track on this disc.  "Song Of Myself" is another strong performance on the disc that sets up the finale, "Last Ride Of The Day."  The downside to this track is the fact it is the last track on the collection.  The energy from the band and crowd are undeniable, even as the show comes to a close.  The guitar solos are clean and fresh, the vocals strong, the bass and drums thundering, and the keyboards are as full as they were almost 1-1/2 hours ago.  This will go down as one of my favorite live albums.

If you get the chance, check out the DVD as well.  The show is entertaining, as the stage, pyro, and light show enhance the bands performance.  Better yet, when these guys come through your town, get a ticket and experience this performance first hand.

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