The unique vocal force from one of the strongest female voices
in the metal business is unleashed on a double live disc.
Recorded at two shows in Rosairo, Argentina in March 2012. I'm
still very sad about the divorce between Nightwish and Tarja
Turunen, despite two strong discs with Anette Olsson, the albums
with Tarja were the ones that lifted Nightwish to the unique and
innovative level.
She has a majestic voice, which personality is portrayed in the
classic Nightwish song 'Nemo'. Her solo songs are unfortunately
not playing in the same league. The first disc is mostly her own
songs, spiced with 'Nemo' and a cover of Withesnakes' 'Still of
The Night' (a horrible version). I'm not the biggest fan of
Tarjas solo project, but she has found her own style in the
female fronted metal genre. How about female fronted
opera-metal? I can't hear the same tight and solid support that
she used to have with Holopainen and c/o. I know that I
shouldn't compare her with her former band, but I have 'End of
an Era' on DVD and it's one is one of my personal favourite
DVD's. This isn't even close.
Tarja on stage with her majestic appearance is something special
anyway. Her symphonic style is epic and different, but the songs
have not been written by the metal master. "Act 1" didn't find
the way to my heart and soul. The pauses between the songs don’t
create the live atmosphere, because the small talk and the
crowd’s response is a part of the mood on a live album. Several
of the songs are sleeping pills, but a few golden highlights
rescue this album from my big axe. I wanted more of the pompous,
symphonic and bombastic metal sound to support her dynamic high
pitched powerful vocal.
This just felt weak and lame. I'm looking forward to hear a new
studio album soon, because this was so-so...
