This is the the newest opus by one Finnland’s hottest export Nightwish, and this album I would say is probably the most accessable and the most metal of their releases so far! The Album has a great opening track ]Dark Chest of Wonders] that accurately showcases how the band successfully melds their fiery blend of metal with frontwoman Tarja Turemen’s operatic styled vocals. After that, the album leads to the mildly techno-punk influenced sing I Wish I Had An Angel], with Bassist / Backing Vocalist Marco Heitala singing away with enough snarly attitude to make Johnny Rotten (Sex Pistols / Public Image Limited frontman) jealous. Track 3 Nemo is where business truly picks up on the album. This song is extremely somber and pulls you deep into a very dark, yet hopeful, soundscape powerful enough to make the listener burst into tears of joy (writer of this piece is guilty as charged haha)! Hands down, the best track isThe Siren with it’s majestic sounding keyboards and guitars, and both vocalists really nailing their parts with razor sharp precision on top of this flawless track! ]Dead Gardens and Romanticide are by this listeners ears the heaviest tracks on the album and really add some true balance to this eclectic piece of work! There are also a few theme tracks on this beast of an album as well. For example, the 10 minute long epic Ghost Love Score tells an excellent story musically and lyrically, and will keep you captivated for every second of the song. Another great example, is Creek Mary’s Blood which is a 8 minute plus track with a Native American theme, which I personally appreciate because of some my Native American Heritage. The best theme track is Kuolema Tekee Taiteilijan] which is sung completely in the Finnish Language! Very awesome indeed, even though I cannot understand a word that is being said on either tracks… except for the English parts Creek Mary’s Blood[! The album closes on an excellent note with Higher Than Hope leaving the listener musically and spiritually satisfied! Very yummy stuff indeed! I don’t actually have my hand’s on the Roadrunner print, and I am actually using a foreign version I bought a month ago (Yes, I actually buy the CD’s I review), but I can assure you the artwork will be killer. I can tell just by looking at the newer cover… .and it’s being put out through Roadrunner Records, they always deliver the goods! I will say that if you want to get into this talented band, this is definitely the album that will help you get an accurate snapshot of what they truly have to offer you and your music collection. I have also provided a link to Nightwish’s old label Century Media, so if you the Z-Rock Reader wants to go and research their back catalog, there is the link to do so! www.nightwish.com www.roadrunnerrecords.com www.centurymedia.com – said Joshua V. on Oct 10, 2004
Leave a Reply