Concert Reviews

Trans-Siberian Orchestra 2022 Show Review

Published

2 years ago

December 6, 2022

There are a lot of different types of traditions that families dive into around christmas
time. Sitting around a fire watching a holiday movie in your warmest pajamas, and going out
with a creamy hot cocoa looking at christmas lights. However, there is one tradition that doesn’t always come around, but when it does, it’s truly magical.

What we’re discussing here is unique light and orchestral performance by none other than The Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Touring since 1999, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, or TSO, have been spreading holiday cheer for generations in the most memorable form. The rock band, formed in 1996 by producer, lyricist, and composer Paul O’Neill perform their own twist of Christmas classics which give off a very rock opera type persona. To spice it up even more, the band provides the audience with a visual light display that has left many people in awe and craving for more.

Some of their more memorable albums have included but are not limited to, Christmas Eve and Other Stories, The Lost Christmas Eve, The Christmas Attic, and Beethoven’s Last Night. All of these albums, along with a few covers as well, were all featured in TSO’s latest tour, The Ghosts of Christmas Eve, The Best Of TSO and More.

Now into the third week of their 2022 Winter Tour across North America, TSO came to
please. Playing some of their more iconic songs,, such as “Christmas Canon Rock”, which of
course is their own rendition of the infamous Canon in D, or a fan favorite, “Christmas Eve
Sarajevo”, to some lesser beknown to newer fans like “Music Box Blues” or “Child of The Night/
A Last Illusion, fans both old and new are surely are not disappointed. Included in the setlist was
a cover of “If I Go Away” by Savatage, a heavy metal band featuring current members of TSO
Chris Caffery and Al Pitrelli, which they dedicated to O’Niell, who unfortunately passed away in April 2017. Another highlight of the show included the storyline in the first half of the show, told by long time storyteller Bryan Hicks, about a young girl who takes shelter from the cold in an abandoned theater, only to witness different sights and wonders of Christmas Magic, which ends with her receiving a gift to make it home to her family for Christmas. The second half included just as much excitement and brilliant light displays, along with a few satellite stage performances that allowed members to elevate above the audience members, as well as some amazing pyrotechnics. To say the least, there was never a moment where the audience wasn’t on the edge of their seats waiting to see what awaited them in the next song of the night.

To close the night, TSO performed for the second time of the night a reprise of Christmas Eve Sarajevo, to which left audiences on their feet in a standing ovation. So many fans have made it a yearly tradition to make sure that they include TSO in their holiday activities, and after not touring for two years due to the pandemic this is most certainly a genuine treat this holiday season to both fans new and old, a tradition I for one certainly hope to
hold close for years to come.

About Author

Shelby Tyce

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Related Topics:Empire Extreme featured Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Concert Reviews

MARTY FRIEDMAN LIVE DRAMA TOUR 2025: RAMSHEAD ON THE STAGE

Published

2 weeks ago

February 10, 2025

Ron

Marty Friedman is on tour right now with his Live Drama 2025 and he brought Patrick Kennison and Nikki Stringfield on tour with them.

Nikki and Patrick opened up the show with an amazing acoustic set, I’ve got to see both of them many times with their other bands but this was the first time seeing them perform together and it was magical. I loved the way they not only complemented each other vocally with harmonies and more but just the feeling of love on the stage as well. We got to hear some great songs like “Where Demons Lie” and “Numbered” which is about addiction issues and dedicated to Layne Staley. We also got to hear an Iron Maiden cover “Aces High”.

Marty and his band came out on stage and if you’re into high energy and some mind blowing shreds, this is a tour for you. I love that Marty’s band is backed by some amazing Japanese musicians and probably one of my favorite drummers Chargeee, (he’s Insane while playing the drums: he’s like the live action version of Animal from the muppets)

I loved that Marty is from the area and was talking to his band mates about it and the laurel area. There was one time when Marty’s guitar player Naoki played the lead that Marty was supposed to play then they had an argument all in Japanese (the one time I wish subtitles was a real thing) the other band mates gave him the finger then Marty started to shred.

I just the energy that’s on the stage it doesn’t stop and it’s so infectious. The crowd at rams head on the stage were in full capacity for the show and ready to rock and roll with Marty.

We got to hear some of the softer more romantic side of Marty and the band when they played a few songs off the “Drama” album which was fun as well.

It’s insane to watch someone like Marty shred in a small intimate venue, you really get to see how amazing he really is and the passion he has for his craft.

About Author

Ron

Ron has keen eye for new talent, a love for the underground, and a tremendous passion for music of any genera. You’ll probably bump into him at a horror convention or some seedy club checking out the next need-to-know band.

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Concert Reviews

APOCALYPTICA PLAYS METALLICA VOL 2: DC SHOW REVIEW

Published

2 weeks ago

February 9, 2025

Ron

Apocalyptica is on tour now with Nita Strauss on their PLAYS METALLICA VOL 2.

Nita opened the show and as always put on an amazing show, it’s fun to see Nita on these solo tour when she’s not touring with Alice Cooper. You get to see her shine even more and just put a clinic on with shredding on the guitar. I’ve seen Nita a few times but this night was a little extra special, she brought out Kasey Karlsen of the band Deadlands out to sing a few songs which was great cause normally there’s no vocals at her shows.

This was my first time being able to not only see Apocalyptica but also photograph them. I’ve always been a huge fan of their music and loved the 2 Metallica albums as well. I figured this was more than likely the only way I’ll get to hear Metallica play is with Apocalyptica playing them.

We got to hear an amazing mix of songs throughout Metallica’s career. Opening up with “Ride the Lightning” and “Enter Sandman” you knew you were gonna rock out.

The band is amazing, such awesome and jaw dropping skills on those Cellos. There’s something magical about musicians that come from Helsinki and the Finland area. Eicca Toppinen, Paavo Lotjonen and Perttu Kivilaakso are insanely talented but also demand the stage so well and bring in that comedy as well.

We also got to hear songs like “Creeping Death”, “The Call of Ktulu” “St Anger”, “Blackened” “Master of Puppets”, “Nothing else Matters” and ending the night with “Seek and Destroy” and “One”. This was such a great night in a cool setting at Warner Theater in DC. I loved the atmosphere and the blending of not only music with classical and metal but also the crowd was as diverse as well.

If you get a chance to go out and see this tour, you must you won’t be disappointed.

About Author

Ron

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Concert Reviews

NIGHTMARE AFTER XMAS 9

Published

3 weeks ago

January 31, 2025

Ron

ITS THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN WHEN THE POWERS TO BE GATHER FOR THE MOST BAD ASS OF TIME. YES ITS THAT TIME FOR ANOTHER NIGHTMARE AFTER XMAS.

OF COURSE YOU HAVE SPELLBOOK AND WRATH OF TYPHON ON THE BILL, AND HEADLINING PRINCE DIAMOND (This year doing an all Mercyful Fate set) WE ALSO GOT SABBATH WARLOCK AND ZAUBEREI AS WELL.