Finland’s symphonic power metallers Stratovarius played to a small but enthusiastic crowd on Sept 29^th at the Warehouse in Calgary Alta. With the original openers Pagan’s Mind dropping off the bill, two local bands were called in. Kobra and Lotus, a mix power metal, thrash and a bit of rock’n’roll, played first and had a lot of fun playing to the Warehouse crowd. Vocalist Brittney Paige is a captivating frontwoman she was full of energy and even got up to the barrier to interact with the crowd. Progressive metal band Viathyn, played their best show to date. The band is fairly new to the Calgary scene but you could not tell that by the way they shred through their set. While their entire set list was tight, the final song truly stuck out. “The Oracles Prophecy” really showcases each bands member’s technical skills, including dual solos and flawless rhythm changes.

Stratovarius came on stage to a chanting crowd and launched into “Destiny”. Right off the bat it was clear that this new line up had great chemistry. Their newest addition, guitarist Matias Kupiainen is a shred machine, having joined just in time to record on the band’s new album Polaris. Vocalist Timo Kotipelto told the crowd he has had the flu for the last two weeks of the tour. And a Calgary doctor had advised him that day he shouldn’t be singing but Kotipelto informed the crowd he was going to do his best for Calgary and did not seem to have any trouble sustaining the notes. Jörg Michael made his double bass drumming look easy as he grinned at the audience. Jens Johannsson ripped into some wicked keyboard solos. Lauri Porra was all over the stage as he rocked his bass and even treated the crowd to a bass solo. Stratovarius’ song choices for the set were excellent. “Deep Unknown”, “Winter Skies” and “Forever is Today” were played off the new album Polaris. The rest of the set list spanned some of the other 11 albums and a few crowd favorites were “Speed of Light,” “Hunting High and Low” and the final song “Black Diamond.”