Nightwish - Once

You may not know Nightwish yet, but the Finnish goth-orchestral-metal band is a phenomenon throughout the rest of the world. The group's fifth album, the platinum-certified Once, hit #1 over the summer on the Pan-European charts, and stayed there for three weeks. Behind them? The Beastie Boys, Avril Lavigne, Norah Jones and Usher, among others. So who or what is this band? On first listen, Nightwish seems to fall into the same genre as Evanescence, Lacuna Coil and the Gathering--female-fronted metal band with symphonic and gothic overtones. But any similarities end there. First of all, singer Tarja Turunen may be the only trained opera singer in metal, and her vocal prowess and range prove it. Then there's the rest of the group, led by keyboardist and primary songwriter Tuomas Holopainen. Listen closely, and you'll hear a group that's equally influenced by opera, classical music, Euro-metal, early thrash and even Kate Bush.

Nightwish formed as, of all things, an acoustic-based band in Kitee, Finland in 1997, though they quickly switched to a hard rock sound. Within a year the group had released its debut album, Angels Fall Fast, which featured the first hit single, "The Carpenter." Their second release, Oceanborn, landed in the Top Five in Finland, and featured three hit singles. By the time Wishmaster came out in 2000, Nightwish was a top concert draw and one of the most critically acclaimed metal bands in all of Europe. Thanks to the on-going buzz, the group was also able to land U.S. distribution for the first time. Nightwish's 4th studio effort came in the form of Century Child, which was the product of one of the most tumultuous periods in the band's career. It marked the grand entrance of Marco Hietala, a metal icon in his own right in his homeland. With Hietala's dual contribution to the band (bass and backing vocals), they were able to put forth some of their darkest, most aggressive material ever.

But Once is Nightwish's breakthrough, both in its epic scope and brilliant songwriting. Disgruntled Metallica fans may find a new axe-god in Emppu Vuorinen, who has quickly become one of the most brutal (and tech-savvy) guitarists in metal. Behind him is a seamless blend of top-notch musicianship and orchestral bombardment (much of which is provided by The Academy of St. Martins in the Field, who scored the Lord of the Rings trilogy). The chart-topping single "Nemo" is a monster, building slowly from a simple piano line and molten guitar riff into an over-the-top, orchestral breakdown. Thanks to Turunen's vocals, the song also possesses a haunted quality that modern-day metal often fails to achieve.

Forget formula--the band doesn't have one. Subtle electronic beats color "Wish I Had an Angel," while tribal drums shape the eight-plus minute "Creek Mary's Blood." There's the aptly titled "Ghost Love Score," which sounds like a great, lost Danny Elfman soundtrack. Then, on the other side, is the rough-and-tumble "Romanticide," a violent kiss-off that ends with bassist / back-up singer Hietala scowling "Spit on me, let go, get rid of me / And try to survive your stupidity" over one of the most headbanging riffs of the last five years.

So, are you ready for Nightwish? Album Description

 Great skill in every note...
It is really hard for any review to do this band justice. Every song in this CD, from Dark Chest of Wonders to Live to Tell the Tale, is the result of many years of work and skill. Each member, all famous artists in their own right, worked together to create a wonderful, heart beating opera for the dark, cold, side of the human soul. Yet while it has great depth it also seems to have an uplifting effect on my mind and body. The amount of energy, time, and experience that has been poured into this CD shows with every word, every sound, every emotion. I am amazed that it took me this long to find out about this band! May 8, 2008

 My First and Favorite Nightwish
Not long ago I had just discovered a band called Lacuna Coil. This was really new music for me and I saw that Nightwish was listed as another artist I might like. I was able to sample some songs from this album and they happened to be NEMO and SIREN. When I heard SIREN I knew I had to have this album. The album is quite good though I am not as into the over the top symphonic part of this music but that is part of what Nightwish is about. Since discovering this album I have also found some other artists who have a similar mix of metal and amazing female vocals. The Gathering has an amazing mix of metal / electronic and sometimes ambient music. The vocals are amazing and albums like Mandylion and Nighttime Birds are really amazing. More recently their album Home is more like Depeche Mode. Within Temption is a little more like Nightwish but perhaps a little more commercial (not that they are at all commercial really) and have that mix of metal and symphony but it is a bit more melodic. Mother Earth and The Heart of Everything really stand out as great albums. Two lesser known bands from the USA are worth a mention. Anti-M has released and album titled Damage. The song RAGE has an eastern feel kind of like SIREN and a great mix of vocal melodies, hard rock and electronic rock. A bit of it even sounds like Rush. Collide's album Chasing the Ghost is more electronic like HOME but is so melodic and mysterious. I think if you like this symphonic / Electronic / Metal Genre you can't go wrong with any of these bands. ONCE is definately my favorite Nightwish, I have not yet heard the new album with the new vocalist. April 17, 2008

 Fantastic, One of Nightwish's Best!
If you like symphonic metal, this is a MUST HAVE! One of the best albums I've ever bought. Their previous album, Century Child is another all time favorite, I recommend it too! April 12, 2008

 nice music
The overall album is decent. First time listening to Nightwish, I only liked the first three songs. Band has good potential. April 5, 2008

 Five star rock
Top quality album, vintage "Nightwish". If you looking for real voice and quality music, it is a must. As good as "Stormbringer" or any Heep. A real surprise - not all good musicians died 20 years ago. March 26, 2008

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