Nightwish - Over the Hills and Far Away

 Nightwish A Must!
Dark Passion Play Nightwish was my first intro. to Symphonic Metal. I just about have every CD and DVD they have produced. They also do tours in the USA. Dark Passion Play is their latest CD. All their other CDs are just as good. Looking for a different division of Metal, they are it! April 6, 2008

 My first Nightwish CD
I can't remember how I stumbled upon this group, but I liked the sample enough to give it a try. Having never heard them before, my reaction/opinion is strictly without any preconceived idea of how it should sound. Saying that, I really like the instrumental or orchestral part. I have to say the vocals are just a little too drama oriented for me. I picture characters from the World Wrestling Alliance in love! So personally, I like the music but kind of wish they'd shut up so I could take it more seriously. March 11, 2008

 Awesome!
I'm not a longtime fan of Nightwish, nor am I an expert on music. All I can say is that this CD is flippin' SWEET, go buy it!

I was first introduced to Nightwish via YouTube of all places, where I saw sort of a "music video" of the Real Ghostbusters set to "10th Man Down." The more I watched the video, the more I loved the song...so I set out to buy the album that it was from. And I'm glad I did! I guess I would describe them as "Metallica" meets the "Trans-Siberian Orchestra," if that fits. September 24, 2006

 Nightwish - Over the Hills and Far Away
As I have said before in my reviews of Nightwish, their music is amongst the most beautiful music that I have ever heard. Tarja has vocals that sound very heavenly. 'Over the Hills and Far Away' is not a full album as it only contains two new songs, a cover, and a remake. But this is a long cd! The band included six live tracks originally found on the DVD, 'From Wishes to Eternity.'

The title track is a cover that Nightwish has brilliantly chosen to perform. It is a very fun song and has some awesome celtic melodies. The chorus is really addicting! The songs '10 Men Down' and 'Away' are wonderfully done and were written specifically for this EP. The remake of 'Astral Romance' is very pleasing to the ear and is one of the best songs on the album. The live songs that are present are good choices. I would have really liked to hear 'Dead Boy's Poem,'or 'Come Cover Me,' but that is just me wanting more on this wonderful cd. Included are many songs from the albums Wishmaster and Oceanborn. After this EP, the band would later write the majestic 'Century Child.'

This is not typically a first choice album to get for a newcomer to Nightwish..as I would recommend Oceanborn, or maybe Century Child...but this is a great one to own in one's collection. The Song 'Over the Hills and Far Away' is almost worth the price alone, but having 10 songs is a real treat. It saddened me to hear about the departure of vocalist Tarja from the band, but she did a phenominal job with all of her hard work on every album. I look forward to hearing new Nightwish material in the very near future! June 30, 2006

 It Grew on Me
This is not what I was expecting. I ordered the CD because of one member of the band who had appeared as a cast member in the TV miniseries SHARPE'S RIFLES. In the series, he occasionally sang songs from the Napoleonic era. One of them was "Over the Hills and Far Away". I learned that he was a member of this band and this CD is titled OVER THE HILLS AND FAR AWAY. I don't think they listened to anything like this in Wellington's army.

This is much more towards the heavy end of the rock spectrum. At first, I didn't like it too much. It didn't bother me but it held no attraction either. Over time, though, it grew on me. I noticed the quality of both the vocals and instrumentation. I can appreciate that even if I do not care for the style. The lead singer could sing and do a creditable job with any opera in the country.

Fans of heavy rock who appreciate great skill may well enjoy this one a lot. For me, it was not a waste but neither was it to my taste.
May 15, 2006

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