Calgary’s Palace Theatre was alive with power metal spirit on Sunday night, as Symphony X and Sonata Arctica delivered a night of soaring vocals, solid musicianship, and the kind of crowd energy that only decades-strong fanbases can bring.
THE OPENER: SONATA ARCTICA
Sonata Arctica kicked off the night with a set that, while on the shorter side, was packed with fan favourites like Full Moon, Replica, Don’t Say a Word, and their signature closer Vodka. They’re a personal favourite of mine, and 2025 marks 20 years since I first saw them live for the first time. Even before the first note, vocalist Tony Kakko had the crowd in the palm of his hand, entertaining with playful Freddie Mercury-style call-and-response while drummer Tommy’s tech issues were resolved. Once underway, the band’s musicianship shone through: polished, precise, and heartfelt. While Tony seemed to be running on slightly less energy than usual, his charisma and professionalism carried through. It was clear from the sea of voices singing along that Calgary’s Sonata Arctica faithful turned up strong, creating an energetic atmosphere of shared nostalgia.
Experiencing Symphony X live for the first time was a revelation. The band came out firing on all cylinders, and from the opening notes it was clear why they’ve long held their status as titans of progressive power metal. Russell Allen proved himself not only as a powerhouse vocalist with great range, but also as a consummate frontman who could balance raw vocal intensity with an approachable, down-to-earth presence. He worked the crowd effortlessly, sharing laughs with the audience and playful interactions with his bandmates throughout the set.
Michael Romeo’s guitar work was both precise and expressive, while Michael Pinnella’s keyboard passages added both atmosphere and power in equal measure. The rhythm section was equally locked in, driving the band’s complex arrangements with unshakable tightness. What stood out most was how seamlessly the group blended technical complexity with accessibility, creating moments that were as headbang-worthy as they were musically intricate.
Despite not having released new material in nearly a decade, Symphony X filled the Palace Theatre with energy and drew a massive response from fans who clearly had been waiting years for their return. For me, the show was not just a concert but an awakening: I walked away wondering why I hadn’t dived deeper into their catalog years ago, and knowing this certainly won’t be my last Symphony X show.
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