I was extremely excited to be able to see NIGHTWISH only 5 minutes from my residence since it is unlikely to happen again. As you have voiced before in my reports the turnouts in Kansas are sometimes embarrassing, but to my astonishment upon arrival at the venue there was a line of about 350 people (that's three times what I was expecting)!

The opening act was SONIC SYNDICATE, and I had heard them briefly about 4 months ago or so and was immediately turned off. My friend that was driving down from Omaha said at least go watch them and then make a final judgment, so I gave in. What I got was some descent stage presence, with some hardcore vocals and a lame attempt at a Progressive sound. I still didn't care for them and I think my friend was the only one into them, since I am pretty sure he was the only one moving at all.

Finally, the moment had come for NIGHTWISH to take the stage and my own my ass. Immediately, Annette had every person in the venue in the palm of her hand. Her overall presence on stage is amazing and engaging. She was interactive with the crowd to the point that she told us she was sweating so much that her pants were falling off. Tuomas and the rest of the bad were very animated as well. Emppu was having a great particularly during the solos promptly putting his foot on the monitor to get a good stance. Marco's vocals were one of the highlights of the show; I just love his vocal tone, so much in fact that I was yelling for TAROT songs during their set. On to the set contents; most of their set was from the new album Dark Passion Play with the exception of Nemo, Wish I Had An Angel, Sirens, Dark Chest Of Wonders and Wishmaster. I am by no means complaining, but it would have been nice to hear Annette try out some of those older songs and put her own spin on them.

NIGHTWISH was one of the finer concerts that I have seen in the area. I even talked to the promoter the next day and he said the show was sold out, so hopefully they will be back in an even bigger venue.