In the weeks leading up to Eye of Melian’s album release show at Hedon Zwolle, excitement steadily grew. Fans were eager to finally experience the songs of “Forest of Forgetting” live, especially with the promise of special guests and a unique acoustic performance by Delain. However, even before show day arrived, it became clear that the evening would not unfold exactly as originally planned. News had already circulated that Kai Hahto, who was scheduled to drum for Eye of Melian, had fallen ill and would not be able to join. Around the same time, additional medical issues within the Delain camp forced the cancellation of their acoustic performance as well.
While these setbacks could have cast a shadow over the event, they instead created a rare opportunity: Eye of Melian stepped fully into the spotlight, carrying the entire evening on their own. And they did so with grace, warmth, and quiet confidence.
The stage setup immediately set the tone for an intimate, atmospheric night. On the far left and far right of the stage stood two elegant piano‑styled keyboard setups. With Martijn Westerholt on one side, and Mikko P. Mustonen on the other, switching fluidly between keys and guitar throughout the evening. Between them, centered at the back, stood the drum kit. In front of the drums, three flower‑decorated microphone stands awaited the vocalists. Behind it all, a large screen displayed calm, flowing visuals. It included soft colors, drifting shapes, and nature‑inspired textures that perfectly matched the band’s ethereal sound. The musicians’ beautifully coordinated stage outfits completed the picture, creating a serene, fairytale-like aesthetic.
The show began a little after 20:30. From the first moment, the atmosphere in the room was soothing and unhurried. The band members performed with visible joy, exchanging smiles and radiating a sense of ease that spread through the audience. Yet the opening moments brought an unexpected hiccup: when Johanna Kurkela reached for her violin, a piece suddenly came loose, making it impossible to play. She handled the mishap with disarming charm, a soft smile, a shrug, and a graceful reset. By the next piece, the violin was fixed, and the issue was forgotten. Her voice, meanwhile, was flawless from the first note. Clear, emotive, and effortlessly controlled, it sent chills through the room more than once.
With Kai Hahto absent, the band called upon two last‑minute heroes to fill in on drums for several songs: Sander Zoer of Delain and Ivar de Graaf of Kingfisher Sky and formerly Within Temptation. Their contributions were subtle yet effective, adding rhythmic depth without overpowering the delicate arrangements. It was a testament to their musicianship, and to the supportive Dutch symphonic scene, that they could step in so seamlessly.
One guest who did make it to the stage as planned was Troy Donockley, whose presence added a special glow to the evening. His whistles and singing blended beautifully with Eye of Melian’s sound, enriching several songs with that unmistakable Celtic timbre. While there were no major surprises beyond his appearance, his contributions were warmly received. Some fans had hoped for Patty Gurdy to join as well, but her absence didn’t detract from the show’s overall magic.
Interestingly, the printed setlist mentioned speeches by Martijn Westerholt, Robin La Joy, and Johanna Kurkela, but none of them took the mic for spoken moments. Whether due to the earlier complications or simply a desire to let the music speak for itself, the band kept the focus entirely on the performance.
The setlist featured 18 songs, covering a generous portion of the band’s catalogue. From the new album Forest of Forgetting, only “The Mirror” was left unplayed. After finishing the main set, the band returned for an unlisted encore. A final, unexpected gift to the audience.
Following the show, several band members made their way to the merch stand, chatting with fans, signing items, and taking photos. It added a personal touch to an already intimate evening.
Despite the challenges leading up to the show, Eye of Melian transformed the night into something quietly special. Without the originally planned guests and extras, the spotlight rested fully on them, and they proved they were more than capable of carrying it. The performance was soothing, heartfelt, and beautifully executed, a gentle journey through their musical world. In the end, the simplicity of the setup, the warmth of the musicians, and the strength of the songs made this album release show feel like a genuine celebration of the band’s identity.
A night that could have faltered instead became a reminder of why live music matters: even when plans fall apart, sincerity and artistry can still create something unforgettable. If you can, make sure to catch one of their shows in Finland.
Setlist:
Lady of Light
Child of Twilight
Wings of the Dawn
The Bell
Tears of the Dragon
Doorway of Night
Everstrong
Ainiaan
Forest of Forgetting
Vita Nova
The Buried Well
Blackthorn Winter
Symphonia Arcana
Elixir of Night
Of Willows and Shadows
Under the Grey Sky
Dawn of Avatars
Rainfall
Encore:
Light
