Century Child

Century Child is undoubtedly my favorite Nightwish album to date. Some argue that the singing range for Tarja (lead singer) has diminished since Wishmaster in 2000, other say Anette (current lead singer for Nightwish as of 2006) does a better job of singing with her new style, but personally I love how Tarja sings in this album. Her voice has a softer edge, and still possesses the same power it did before. This album also marks the debut of Marco Hietala as a band member of Nightwish, male lead vocals and bass guitar player. I also think that in this album, they really nailed the orchestra/heavy metal mix.

Bless the Child starts out with Tarja's operatic, passionate vocals, and leads into a memorable string and guitar duo that sounds enticing. After a short spoken-word intro by Toni Kakko, the song leads into the first verse with Tarja singing to the chorus of metal. Bless the Child is definitely in my top ten Nightwish songs. It demonstrates the perfect balance in sound between orchestral, vocal, and metal.

End of All Hope embodies the rock side of the band. Quick-paced and dramatic, it also holds a place in my top ten. In Dead to the World, Marco's vocals along with Tarja's are passionate, and as a duet they sound full and confident. Ever Dream begins with a beautiful piano intro, which then leads into a dramatic explosion of violin. Slaying the Dreamer is particularly dark, and one of the heaviest songs Nightwish has ever recorded. Heavy guitars followed by Marco's death chanting make this song one of a kind.

Forever Yours and Ocean Souls, in my opinion, seem rather out-of-place. They are slower, more mellow songs. Not to say that they lack talent, but I just felt these two songs fell below the standard in making up this collection of epic songs.

Feel for You starts with a calm base guitar intro. I think this song, along with Dead to the World reveal the best from Marco's voice. Feel for You also has a particularly awesome ending, as the intensity of Tarja's voice is exposed here. Phantom of the Opera is an awesome cover. I think it was a great idea to do a cover of this song! Tarja sings her part beautifully, and Marco achieves singing as sinisterly as the phantom himself. Beauty of the Beast presents an awesome finale that's well worth listening to; orchestra and metal combination are at there finest here, and it concludes with a stanza spoken by Toni, which wraps the album up from the beginning of Bless the Child.

I'd rate this album a 9/10. Definitely worth purchasing! I recommend adopting this Century Child for a lifetime!

In Defense of Nightwish...

Oh, the love! Oh, the hate! Oh, the confusion surrounding the symphonic power metal band, Nightwish! Due to the many arising controversies concerning this band, I have decided, in defense of Nightwish, to unearth the many qualities this group possesses in the following statements.

To this day, Nightwish remains my all-time favorite band. First and foremost, I believe Nightwish is immersed in numerous nuances of sound and lyric. Secondly, they are unmistakably unique and authentic, and definitely not dull or boring. Thirdly, their songs are written and composed by a brilliant keyboardist and poet, Tuomas Holopainen. Lastly, I will convey my feelings towards each of the female vocalists, both Tarja Turunen and Anette Olzon.

Some of you might be wondering; what is Nightwish? Nightwish is a female-fronted orchestral-rock band from Finland. They started in 1997 and are currently working on an album-in-progress. Since 1997, they have released 9 albums and numerous singles. From 1997-2005, Tarja Turunen was their lead vocalist. With an operatic style, she defined the essence of the band. In 2005 and the years afterward, Anette Olzon took over the role of lead vocalist. She had a different style, being influenced from Simone Simons from Epica and Sharon den Adel from Within Temptation. The band continues to create award-winning music and shaping the symphonic power metal genre.

One of the defining features of Nightwish are the orchestral accompaniments to metal. A symphony put to metal is one of the coolest ideas ever thought of in music! Syncing electric guitars, vocals and violins (most evident in songs such as Bless the Child) sounds rich and authentic. Some may argue that metal detracts from the orchestra or visa-versa, however I plead quite the opposite. The composer, Tuomas Holopainen can manipulate the metal to enhance the symphonic properties of the music. The dramatic, beautiful symphony can be aided by the course, backbone of metal. With the assistance of female vocals, Holopainen is able to create an extremely epic-like air to the music he creates.

Influenced by extremely gifted composers such as Hans Zimmer, poets such as Walt Whitman, and authors such as J. R. R. Tolkien, Holopainen embeds many metaphors and allegories in his songs. While most of his early Nightwish song lyrics consisted of mythological and fantasy elements, such as metaphysics and nature, but eventually he shifted to a more personal style. Tarja Turunen is quoted as saying (during their 2002 album, Century Child) that the lyrics no longer deal, "with the dreamland we were used to, but with the brutal reality of life."

Whether the transition from female singers Tarja Turunen to Anette Olzon was good or bad move on Nightwish's part, is constantly debated over. Some adored Nightwish for their front-singer and were extremely disappointed when she was fired (the result of a disision by Holopainen enlightened in an open letter he sent to her). Others say they prefer Olzon and that they are glad the lead singer changed. Personally, I prefer the original singer, Turunen, but openly embrace the style of the new singer, Olzon, as well. The most important part is, the Nightwish songs with Turunen continue to live on to be enjoyed...

All-in-all, Nightwish is a fantastic band that creates authentic, thrilling, and unique sound unparalleled by many others.

♫ Featured Song: Stargazers ♫ #47

Today's featured song is Stargazers by Nightwish. An energetic, melodic lead to their Oceanborn (1998) album. This awesome song combines exuberant violins, super-fast drumming (you gotta love that double-pedal), and exotic-sounding, freestyle electric guitar. Additionally, vocal-violin synchronization, soft flute playing and the ever-famous violin-guitar synchronization create an intensely satisfying sound.

I believe this song to be one of their best; it has drastic variation in areas and a high-velocity beat. You can play it by click the play button above, or click here.

By now you might have noticed numerous references to Nightwish, so now is just about a good time as any to introduce you to a fantastic Nightwish FanForum: Nighquest.

Ever wanted to delve into Nightwish conspiracy? Discuss and debate with other Nightwish fans and view other exciting topics!

Yes yes, I strongly encourage to check it out if you have any interest in this band!

YouTube Scoope: Nunchuck Skillz #32

Check out this cool video my friend Tomás discovered. I'm pretty sure Napoleon Dynamite would have to drop his jaw off the floor, seeings as these guys really have those nunchuck skills.

And to make it better, it's playing Nightwish in the background! What a stellar combination...

♫ Featured Song: Beauty Of The Beast ♫ #24

Today's song is Beauty Of The Beast by Nightwish. A truly outstanding finale to the Century Child (2002) album. This epic piece possesses a Symphonic quality with a Metal back-bone. Tarja Turunen's passionate vocals add to the drama. A fast drum beat accompanies these (with double petal).

Feel free to leave comments about your like/dislike of the song or other commentary.

Although, not to sway all of your opinions, I will say this is my #1 most favorite song as of now.
Oooooooooooooooooo!! THAT intensified the situation! What will it be? Enthusiastic agreement or flaming disagreement (if the latter, please make sure it's not too "flaming")?