Live Review: Nighwish, Sabaton, Darker Half

Although 99 per cent of the already swelling room wouldn't have known a Darker Half song if it broke into their home and stole their television, the Sydneysiders' Maiden-infused trad-metal garnered a warm response. Tomb Of The Unknown Soldier's Queensrÿche-esque prog even elicited fist-pumping and further audience interaction.

Storming the beaches… ahem, the stage in a flurry of hair, flailing guitars and to a far louder reception than anyone – band included – could have realistically expected for their first visit, battle-inspired Swedes Sabaton swiftly made an impression. Despite their power metal being cheesier than a Kraft factory (and backing tapes substituting for their former keyboardist somewhat intrusive), the band seemed genuinely awestruck by the response. Inevitable Cliffs Of Gallipoli was a crowd-pleaser, enlisting new recruits ready to sign up for the war effort.

Having said bye bye beautiful to their second frontwoman last year, Nightwish were sporting their third lead vocalist in as many Australian tours. Towering, Amazon-like Dutch touring singer Floor Jansen (still billed, alongside pipes/whistles/flute man Troy Donockley as a 'guest musician') has the potential to be the Finnish metallers' best yet. Packing stronger stage presence and on-stage chemistry with bandmates – particularly bassist/co-vocalist Marco Hietala – than original siren Tarja Turunen helped. Also, despite not possessing as warm a demeanour as immediate predecessor Anette Olzon, Jansen instead offered a harder-edged, yet likeable air and wider vocal scope better suited to their symphonic crunch. The ability to windmill headbang with authority without missing a step was a bonus. Thus, she was instantly accepted by the faithful.

Unsurprisingly given Jansen's roots in studying classical singing, Turunen's operatic era was better suited to her range. Elsewhere, their live presentation was slick and carefully hone. There are professional football teams less well-drilled. Although that left little room for spontaneity, it had the packed venue in raptures. Opening with a barrage of hits (Storytime, Dark Chest Of Wonders, Wish I Had An Angel, Amaranth) risked blowing their wad too early, but they retained enough energy and fan favourites (Nemo, epic Ghost Love Score, cover of Gary Moore's Over The Hills And Far Away) and unexpected gems (jazzy Slow, Love, Slow) to continue the momentum. Where Nightwish head is uncertain, but they're clutching a winning lottery ticket with Jansen. They just need to cash it in.