But not only in the tread band Instrumentation Nightwish completely new paths, also the contents refer to the new single "elan" in a completely unfamiliar, because new direction for the band. Rather than devote himself once more the fantastic and great emotions, Nightwish go to the banks of science and nature. It's about the meaning of life, the origins of humanity and most of all to the theory of evolution - the participation of world-renowned evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins as part of the upcoming album is only logical. A first impression of the spite of the scientific embossing very soulful and philosophical lyrics now gives us the single "Élan", a foretaste of the new masterpiece from the pen of Tuomas Holopainen ...
Even when looking at the cover artwork, which is emblazoned on the noble Digipak of the single, is clear: Nightwish go with her new work of art in the middle of the world of nature and freedom, the jump of the protagonists of the cliff depicts the sea these incredible life-affirming approach admirably. Even now one of my favorite cover art as it is just so full of energy, grace and grandeur and instant visual impression conveyed by the emotions that are let loose in the song to the listener. Striking and at the same time marked by incredible beauty - better you would have the single can not play to the gallery.
But of course it is mainly about the music, and this goes with the album version of the title track "Élan" directly into the full ones. The holistically rather gentle piece is introduced by the delicate sounds of the low whistle before the rest of the band uses and ensuring that the instrumental introduction to the first verse goes. In general, "Élan" very clearly influenced by Celtic and folky influences that have been woven by Troy very much alive in the overall composition and represent a highlight after every chorus. Besides Troy course also assumes a singer Floor over dominant role, but also is not surprising in view of their energetic and powerful voice. But precisely this song falls this time much less rocky out, as we were used from floor just at its other or previous bands, rather it is determined here by an angelic warmth and tenderness that only in the last chorus completely discharges and to a vocal explosion leads. What a suspense! Stylistically, you might think that it was in "Elan" to a mix of the older songs "Nemo", "I Want My Tears Back" and "Last of the Wilds", but that would be this refreshing, carefree song more than wrong do. The spirit of optimism that embodies this song is palpable in every second of almost five minutes of playing time - it is a beginning of a new era, which was passed by "elan" in stunning fashion in sounds. So the song combines content with musical profundity catchiness, and that is a balancing act that manages only a few artists. On the one hand the single release is a composition that you listen immediately that it comes from Tuomas' spring, on the other hand it seems surprisingly fresh and new, and most of all the great chorus gives the track the status of "masterpiece" ,
But we want to also address the substantive component, so the consistently positive lyrics of "elan". "Élan" celebrates life to the fullest, it is a frenetic paean to our existence on this beautiful planet called Earth. From time to time you will find an attentive reader of the text quite verses that might correspond to the mindset of the aforementioned Richard Dawkins, but that should be surprised at this substantive concept also anyone. Far too often, Dawkins called a preacher of a negative mindset and mentality - in this song is clear what a positive and life-affirming approaches can abgewinnen this Think! "Leave the Sleep and let the springtime talk / In Tongues from the time before you / Listen to a daffodil tell her tale / Let the guest in, walk out, be the first to greet the morn" - a feast for all those who consider the quality of life and nature as indivisible unity! Given of course you can also drag the rigid religiosity of many people in doubt: "Come to life, open mind, have a laugh at the orthodox," better one could truly express it not! Tuomas Holopainen thus selects for the lyrics a completely new approach - so melancholic and deeply saddened ("Two for Tragedy") as they used often, as they are today euphorically! If Nightwish wanted to prove with this single Elan, then you have this clearly demonstrated ...
"Sagan", the bonus track of the single, which will, however, do not appear on the album, already rather reminiscent of the old days of Nightwish. Carl Sagan, a noted American astronomer, astrophysicist and exobiologist, the band inspired this earworm, which would have deserved a much more prominent role than that of the bonus tracks. In the tradition of outstanding bonus tracks such as "Escapist" here once again a sonic gem has emerged, which should not be relegated to a secondary matter indeed. "Sagan" also begins with the gentle sounds of the low whistle, but this time joined by Tuomas' piano - and who has heard this before, who knows that otherwise his emotions so clearly and so directly expressed as just this. Due to the decline in compared to the past albums bombast the piano sounds take over anyway a much more important role, which the melodies in "Sagan" absolute benefit and was sorely missed by the fans for a long time. While the verses run similarly calm as in "Elan", the chorus of "Sagan" is swinging on an unprecedented pace. Ultimately, it falls to the Chorus very easily, instantly fix in the ear canals to inevitable is the catchiness of this presented in breathtaking style choruses. Shortly before the final, flute and electric guitar still deliver a thrilling duel, which empties into the last lecture of rousing choruses and danceable. Lyrically stands above all the intelligence at the center: "Entering the unknown / Sending all the poets to the stars / Daring to see beyond the husband / Woe to you who evade the horizon" - Image rich and lyrical could not this issue be put into words , "Sagan" is blessed compared to "Elan" with at least the same quality, and so it is with this magical artwork by one of the best songs ever published by Nightwish. Big Cinema!
The alternative version of "PEP" Petri Alanko, leading Responsible provides for the work on the soundtrack for "Imaginaerum" movie, for another highlight on this well-stocked for a single release. His interpretation of the song is entirely new perspectives and differs fundamentally from the album version. In its alternative sound structures it is much darker and more threatening than in the actual version, he puts on a striking orchestral accompaniment and at times even to electronic beats. Ultimately, the song comes by pompous lot therefore as in the original version, but it also loses a bit of energy. In addition, one may well wonder how the little betrübtere atmosphere for positive mood of the song fits - other than that it is but highly interesting to see the song from a completely different perspective. Unquestionably a successful version of a much gelungeneren songs! The Radio Edit of "Elan", which lets end the single, is a scaled-down version of the same song. He lost to the original one just under 50 seconds of valuable playing time, which is mainly in missing here Whistle intro and in the equally non completion of the song, which is actually decided by the gentle tones of an acoustic guitar, reflected. Dispensable, but for as many radio stations certainly a stroke of luck!
So what now remains to be said, when I have reported so extensively about my first trip to the new world of Nightwish? "Élan" is an absolutely outstanding taste of the end of March published album "Endless Forms Most Beautiful", and also independent of the album are the two relevant tracks, so "Elan" and "Sagan" Songs of the highest grade. Nightwish here take on very profound subjects, without losing sight of the catchiness and concert suitability in mind. For me, they have outdone themselves and have created a monument with the single, which clearly suggests that their work to date, which is among the best in music history without question, is exceeded with the upcoming longplayer. Although I have learned to love the bombast of albums like "Once" or "Imaginaerum", my reduced orchestration falls absolutely, positively on - fresh air is so worried! Speaking of fresh Find: Floor Jansen is already running on the single top form, as to their stunning vocals then be only on the album? The tension has been driven surely immeasurable in my case. Flattering could not turn an ode to science: Who else should create to express with sounds that the real nature and all its creatures is inherent most magic? Sometimes you have to just dream not to distant worlds to experience magic - our magical Planet and the sounds of Nightwish are the best proof.
