Anette Olzon , who was a member of Nightwish between 2007 and 2012, made a triumphant return to Brazilian stages in this unprecedented performance since leaving the band. Held at Vip Station in São Paulo, the show was part of her Brazilian tour, marking the first time the singer performed as a solo artist, focusing exclusively on the repertoire she recorded on the albums Dark Passion Play (2007) and Imaginaerum (2011).
With a carefully selected setlist, Anette demonstrated not only her unwavering vocal talent, but also the charisma that charmed the audience. For the crowd, composed mostly of Nightwish fans, this was an opportunity to relive live a phase that divided opinions, but which left unforgettable songs in the symphonic metal repertoire. The night also featured an opening act by the Brazilian band Magistry .
Directly from Curitiba, Magistry took to the stage at Vip Station to warm up the night. Formed by Lya Seffrin (vocals), Leo Arentz (vocals and guitar), João Borth (guitar), Thiago Parpineli (keyboards), Leo Rivabem (bass), and Johan Wodzynski (drums), the band presented their orchestrated sound that blends lyrical and guttural vocals amidst heaviness and great melodies. Their setlist included songs like “Swing to the Circles of Time,” “Alchemy of the Inner World,” and “Black Abyss” from the album *The New Aeon * (2025), as well as tracks from their recently released EP *Venus Mellifera *, such as “Divine” and “Me, the Moon and Venus,” which were very well received by the audience still arriving at the venue. To close, they performed “Lost Paradise,” demonstrating once again the competence of the Curitiba natives in their compositions. A pleasant surprise!
Anette Olzon receives several standing ovations.
With a slight delay, it was finally time to see Swedish singer Anette Olzon again. The opening with “7 Days to the Wolves” was spot on: powerful, dramatic, and with an epic atmosphere that perfectly blends heaviness and melody. Soon after, the energy exploded with “Storytime” and “Ghost River,” songs that showed how Anette still confidently masters the spirit of composition and manages to imprint her charisma on songs that have already become classics. The audience responded accordingly, singing in unison and transforming the space into a true choir.
“Bye Bye Beautiful” and “Amaranth” sounded like anthems, even more so with the backing band formed by Sanzio Rocha (guitar), Filipe Duarte (bass), Vithor Moraes (keyboards), and Kiko Lopes (drums), who knew how to represent Nightwish's grandiose sound well, delivering impeccable arrangements. Anette was happy, dancing and interacting with the audience, encouraging their participation and showing a charismatic stage presence that made everyone feel part of the show. Not surprisingly, she was cheered several times, being affectionately called "pastor" due to her characteristic attire.
The same pattern repeated itself in “Rest Calm,” which brought a measured heaviness without losing its characteristic lyricism. The breathtaking instrumental of “Last of the Wilds” gave the vocalist a moment of respite. It was then that the show gained an intimate dimension. Seated next to the band, Anette performed “Eva” and “Turn Loose the Mermaids” in a more acoustic moment. These songs showed another facet of her art: a delicate, emotional expression, close to the audience. It was a moment of contemplation, as if everyone were sharing a unique and personal experience alongside the singer.
One of the highlights came with “Sahara,” which featured a special appearance by vocalist Lya Seffrin from the band Magistry. The chemistry between the two voices was intense and enhanced the song, drawing warm applause and cheers from the audience. Soon after, Anette delved into impressive interpretations of “The Poet and the Pendulum” and “Meadows of Heaven.” Long tracks, full of layers and emotion, that demonstrated not only the singer's versatility but also her complete commitment to the performance. The closing couldn't have been more memorable: “Last Ride of the Day,” sung while Anette wore a Brazilian flag.
It was the perfect gesture to seal the night and thank the fans for their affection, who followed each verse with happiness and gratitude. In the end, it was clear that the show was not just nostalgia, but a reaffirmation of Anette Olzon's strength as an artist, showing that her post-Nightwish journey continues to live on in the hearts of the Brazilians who welcomed her with open arms. It's worth mentioning that, upon saying goodbye, Filipe Duarte (bassist) made a point of highlighting and remembering that the date marked one year since the passing of the great Pit Passarell , from Viper .
READ ALSO: Anette Olzon postpones show in Belo Horizonte due to health problems.
