Bombastic rock with divas singing and whistle

"What Lies Beneath" is her second solo work (the Christmas album from 2006 do not count), and the first time it has all taken production and songwriting into their own hands. (At least she was involved in the composition of all the pieces, which was not previously the case.) The result is a mature album in rock / classical crossover range with excellent sound: Audiophiles can be assured that such a dynamic range compression as often severely affected the listening experience during the loudness betting race, is missing here, fortunately. Also compositionally enough ideas and variety are available to make the album interesting to medium and long term.

In fact, some of the pieces are so complex that they can not unfold properly be the first time or casual consumer. Various small details will become apparent only after repeated listening, and the lyrics are ambiguous and stimulating enough to keep the listener in the long term in line. So there is no disposable food or fast food in between, but by thought structures that are worth attentive listening. Earworm potential most of the pieces have yet plentiful - and, incidentally, a cool groove. Almost needless to say that Tarja is an outstanding performer with a wonderful timbre, the technically challenging passages, reminiscent of opera arias mastered here effortlessly with their powerful voice, but also more popular tones offers and a wide range of expression covers. (By the way, she has recorded the piano passages themselves.)

Not only the stylistic range is impressive and makes it almost impossible to classify the album in one of the most popular categories. The mediated by the pieces moods and feelings are very diverse. Nevertheless, a separate, typical sound can be recognized here. The electric guitar parts are usually held in a modern style à la Rammstein on "Crimson Deep", however, almost doomy.

Thus, the disc, which is expected to appeal to many different tastes, thoroughly recommended.

For beginners in this kind of music, the album is certainly suitable; but the cheeky and quite eccentric opener "Anteroom of Death" could (Compare with "Circus Metal" Diablo Swing Orchestra and Bohemian Rhapsody are not far-fetched) on which deliver van Canto interesting choral parts instead of the usual Rakkatakka, under certain circumstances may be confusing or act at all disturbing. Who fears, these nerves might not cope with, it would at first perhaps as a precaution skip ... ;-)

The bonus disc is for beginners may be less important and more dispensable. If money plays a role, would like the reader who is not already a fan, perhaps only purchase the standard version in case of doubt.

Unlike a number of symphonic / orchestral oriented metal bands can not be expected to "What Lies Beneath" with guttural singing. Only in "Dark Star" can be heard some screamer, but so much blended into the background that they will not notice hardly uncomfortable.

It should be noted that the album - which should not be surprising - Tarja's vocals is in the center, thus strongly focused on this and is constructed around him. The instrumental parts are accordingly not exceptionally spectacular, but is mainly the contribution of the drummer Mike Terrana (his reputation in the hard rock / metal scene accordingly) noteworthy. Even Doug Wimbish and drummer Will Calhoun Guest (the rhythm section of Living Colour form) contribute to the success of the album. In fact, the rhythm parts here form a strikingly strong backbone, while instrumental lead melodies are rarer than one would expect perhaps (from hard rock / metal perspective). (It is my impression that the criticism in some reviews to do with this fact, but the class of compositions is not affected, and I also do not see the need for further Songwriters; the music is quite as intended, as here present, the rest is a matter of taste) Despite the instrumental restraint professionalism and musicality of all participants is palpable. the results sound rounder than on the previous album, certainly because here finally a tight band is at work, not just session musicians.

But true the statement that the instrumentalists practice rather in restraint, not without exception. For guitar fans is interesting - mainly - the commentary by Joe Satriani in "Falling Awake". Even more unusual instruments you get sometimes heard.

Loyal fans, but especially also friends unkonventionellerer pieces and perhaps classical music lovers should be placed on each case, the "Limited Edition" fond as these with "We Are" a gloomy, progressive track with "Naiad" another, in orchestral style contains entirely without electric guitars and drums, held longtrack the story about the titular character (a Naiad is in Greek mythology actually a water nymph) from "The Archive of Lost Dreams" retold.

In addition, you can still get "Still of the Night", on the Tarja, supported by her two brothers, a bombastic, jazzed up with orchestra and choir interpretation of Whitesnake classic submits is simply fun. Hard rock / metal purists who like the original in the ear, this version differ too much of it, but you can see it differently; I find oblique and unexpected covers much more interesting than "faithfulness". On the other hand, among metal fans on "hard" trimmed cover versions of "mainstreamigeren 'songs are often just very popular, I can not help thinking that is measured here with double standards of suspicion. By the way: Even the Nightwish cover of Gary Moore is until today of Metalfans poorly made, this is really one note on the original and also of the mood forth alike. A musically fogged (also what Classic Rock concerns) friend who "Still of the Night" by chance did not know (he prefers the 60's and 70 insofar as forgivable) was, did not come naturally to the idea of ​​the song could not by Tarja be, clearly argues against the claim that he would bite their style. (Amusingly, the observation that this criticism strikingly often comes precisely from people who are excited about the "Swedish" version of Nightwish classics ;-))

The final treat is a fourteen-minute making-of video, which is a sympathetic insight into the production of the album. Note: On the DVD player, the video will only work if the device supports data CDs; Otherwise, just watch on the PC - one video can be copied to the hard disk even easy. A little tip: On the web, another video has now surfaced that takes in 52 minutes. Just after "Making of WLB" Search.

Even a small addendum, because I had a completely forgot to mention: namely, the very stylish booklet with his dominated by black and white color scheme and despite the crowded pressure (apparently wanted to prevent the booklet is too thick the label) legible lyrics , in a layout reminiscent of ancient inscriptions, with interesting photos showing the singer in several different costumes and illustrate individual songs. Fancy.