From the origin of the world and the evolution of species: Nightwish contact captivating melodies to conquer!

From the origin of the world and the evolution of species: Nightwish contact captivating melodies to conquer!

Endless Forms Most Beautiful (Audio CD)

Customer Review

Anyone familiar with the history of the world-famous symphonic metal band Nightwish, which is quiet can guess why the fan base aufhorcht when a new album is announced the formation. Nightwish mastermind Tuomas Holopainen, his character responsible for the vast majority of compositions and lyrics, is the beguiling interplay of orchestral bombast and a certain degree of hardness, but also for heavenly melodies and even progressive, which especially in the longer songs of the band to wear comes. In short, Nightwish are no less than the most important band in the symphonic metal genre. In the winter of 2011, the then purely Finnish musician rose up with the Swedish singer Anette Olzon to carrying the cinematic masterpiece "Imaginaerum", which is considered today as a reference in the genre to light. But not only the musical epic excited with its ornate orchestration and its content concept which plays with the imagination and the imagination, attention - no, also published a year later, the same film was frenetic jubilation storms arise. A real movie of a band? Exactly. Nightwish ventured here on completely new ground, setting off this challenging task with flying colors by created a highly emotional, but also technically sophisticated film. But profound changes in the band line could not be avoided despite the huge success, and so the former frontwoman Anette Olzon difference during the US Tour 2012 from the band. Even during the current tour and with no real preparation time jumped today Chanteuse Floor Jansen a - and so masterfully, how they could solve their unexpected task on the spot, the immediate enthusiasm of the fans is quite understandable. With its marked by great intensity, strength and flexibility, especially voice Floor Jansen dominated virtually all the songs from the Nightwish discography, providing a few years ago still seemingly impossible option now also again songs from all eras of the band darzubieten. Besides Floor Troy Donockley was, the already enriched the band a long time on tour with his folk instruments another puzzle piece adds to the cosmos, was added to the band, as well as Kai Hahto (Wintersun), the drummer Jukka Nevalainen due to its had to replace persistent insomnia.

On March 27 of 2015, a new chapter should be opened in the band's history - already months earlier, the eighth studio album, "Endless Forms Most Beautiful" was (German: infinite number of the most beautiful forms) announced and it should appear in this henceforth historical days. This is largely a concept album that follows a red thread and dealt with the theory of evolution by Charles Darwin, the theses of Professor Richard Dawkins and the beauty of life and nature. Although the vast majority of songs just submit this basic tenor, drop a few songs but from the grid by to deal with very different issues, but this makes for a welcome change. But of course, face several fundamental questions: Is Tuomas Holopainen and his entourage to the acclaimed "Imaginaerum" once such a big hit or has the band even further developed? How does the new singer Floor Jansen brings? To what extent change the new band members Troy and Kai the sound? And what forms has adopted the music, where this very serious issue but is probably not too easy to squeeze into sound forms? All this and much more I want to answer to my review on this 80-minute epic. So: Let's go, waiting for us on an adventurous expedition!

As an opener of "Endless Forms Most Beautiful" acts of almost six minute track "Shudder Before The Beautiful". Who has the hype encompassing not closed before the album release, the will be known that the song was made available even before the publication and in cooperation with a Finnish newspaper. It should be an appetizer - and what a! Basically, would you be able to wish for a better introduction track for this album: "Shudder Before The Beautiful" contains all the typical Nightwish elements and surprises with its freshness anyway - already with the first guitar riffs come memories of the 2004 hit album "Once" on. At the beginning of the song, the voice of the British evolutionary biologist and author Richard Dawkins is heard for the first time by introducing with beautiful words in the song. Here, his voice turns out to be very pleasant and very impressive, and yet to match the spoken passages admirably in the lyrical concept of the title: ".. The deepest solace lies in understanding This ancient unseen stream, a shudder before the beautiful" The compared to the fast-paced chorus quite tasteful verses that are recited solely by Floor Jansen, let unavoidable mysticism and magic come up - you dive formally into the remotest depths of the blue sea. The very melodic bridge I need to mention, because in this idiosyncratic composition put so much ingenuity. The aforementioned chorus is first to be called impulsive and dynamic, wants the ears but no longer escape after the first run and clarifies that "Shudder Before The Beautiful" is the perfect opener for not only this album, but also for concerts the forthcoming autumn tour is. In the middle part of the song we experience after a very long time again a duel between the guitar and the keyboard, and by this very long and rousing instrumental part even created a degree of progressivity. Shortly thereafter, lead hard guitar riffs in a never heard before in this opulence chorus before the song fades out with the refrain. Wow, what a brilliant start! Seen Lyrically the lyrics are, incidentally, marked by a similar sentiment as the advance single "Elan" - it's about the beauty of life and the world, although it also directly refers a little on nature: "Tales from the seas / Cathedral of green ".

With "Weak Fantasy" follows in second place, a song that can be regarded as the hardest song of the complete works together with the later following "Yours Is An Empty Hope" without a doubt. You could take in announcing the tracklist yet, the avid fantasy readers Tuomas Holopainen have renounced with this title of the imagination, the real theme of the text proves rather than social criticism. Since we can indeed again be reassured! So the very offensive verses offer much room for interpretation, one may assume but certainly that is about the stories you want to tell us all over the world. Ultimately makes the text a clear conclusion: "Every child worthy of a better tale". That's the way it is. If one examines the musical direction of "Weak Fantasy", then the piece with his thunderous guitars right immediately a on what the listener can expect hereafter. Already at the beginning merge electric guitar, bass, drums and orchestra to a giant roller that sweeps away all doubt. Against all expectations, the stoking the beginning, the peaceful verses quite surprising, although Floor here first presented their rockier and rougher vocal style. Before the chorus they can still elicit a gentle "Fear is a choice you embrace" ... And shortly thereafter followed by the Chorus, which provides a true battle between Marcos and Floors voice and the choir. Basically it can be said that "Weak Fantasy" contains some very progressive structures, including a folk part that was recorded shortly before the end of Troy's bouzouki. Ultimately growing this exceptional song with each pass and unfolds quickly an unexpected knock-on effect that you can not even imagine after the first impression. Chapeau!

About the advance single "Elan", which fits perfectly with their nimbleness between the two bulkiest tracks on the album, do not have to be lost too many words. The play was not chosen without reason for the single release, it is a cheerful and highly digestible song full of positive energy. Anyway, unquestionably produced the song by its brisk folk and pop elements a very special catchiness, which makes it attractive for the radio stations in the world - and yet it complies with the unmistakable typical Nightwish-style. In the delicate verses Floor may disclose the gentlest facet of her voice, while the intoxicating chorus Troy installed as backing singers. The quite cheerful sounds bring the most life-affirming message of the text in an absolutely appropriate musical form, and the latest iteration of the chorus even pulls again properly and will bring the masses to the concerts to romp. In the last seconds passed us an acoustic guitar from the event ... As already emphasized, the text is a flaming appeal to the listeners to enjoy their lives and tackle it in a positive mood as possible. An impressive ode to life ...

"Yours Is An Empty Hope" is for me personally a throwback to "Master Passion Greed" from the album "Dark Passion Play". It starts with a very cinematic intro that lives on this very bombastic and so reminiscent of film music. Shortly thereafter, uses the groovy guitar in "Once" style, driving the song with their dynamic forwards. Although by no means I look "Yours Is An Empty Hope" as the best song of the album, as a minimum include the verses but the masterpieces it. This can safely be called a musical namely lashes, because if one applies it to a verbal picture. In addition, they prove once more Floors vocal flexibility as they can really let off steam here. The bridge and the chorus against Marco brought one of his rare platforms on "Endless Forms Most Beautiful," but he knows this rare opportunity as in the past so often best exploit. Although the chorus proves simple and repetitive, but it fits perfectly in the mood of the song, thus ensuring a decidedly gloomy atmosphere. In the last third then follows an impressive orchestral passage that goes into bloodcurdling growls of Floor - what a superwoman! Wow, I'm speechless.

The full contrast program to deliver the on folgene "Our Decades In The Sun" - a heartfelt ode to the parents of the band members, but certainly everyone can relate to and his life: "Our walk has been sublime / A soaring ride and gentle lead / You have the heart of a true friend / One day we'll meet on shore did again ". And as required by the lyrics, the title is the only real ballad on the album. It starts with a siren same children's choir, which had its effect on the whole song away - and which should reflect the theme of love between child and parents better than a chorus of those who are themselves in this situation? The interaction between this sound element and the text is absolutely obvious. Otherwise the song Floor bestowed their greatest vocal moment - goosebumps! After their aggressive border experiences in "Yours Is An Empty Hope" Now caresses us with her singing of frosting that can be safely be called a warm coat that envelops the listener in the winter cold. The middle section is dominated by Emppu guitar before ultimately the final chorus begins with all its emotional elemental force. A very special moment - and not just on this album, but in the entire music history. Who is not stirred at the latest on the last chorus to tears, who has buried his heart long ago under rubble ... In between is every now and again the soothing piano playing by Tuomas heard, and it ultimately also characterizes the finale of this moving masterpiece which must absolutely not hide from such classics as "Sleeping Sun".

"My Walden" I can now definitely among my favorite songs. On the one hand I enjoyed the lyrical reference to the book "Walden" by Henry D. Thoreau, secondly, the superficial folk elements. But we are talking first and foremost about the lyrics. Who knows Thoreau's works to know what is at stake: "mid-19th century undertook the American writer Henry David Thoreau a unique hitherto existence experiment. For two years, he retreated deep into the woods Massachusetts' back It was him not simple escapism, but the exploration of human existence to a truly conscious life and the limitation to the essentials. " And it is precisely this highly exciting and spiritual for me topic brings Tuomas Holopainen now in Nightwish-cosmos: "I want to taste the manna in every tree / Liquid honey and wine from the Distant Hills / An early Greenwood concerto / Greets my Walden with its eternal voice ". I just as ardent lovers of nature can do more than just identify with this philosophy, and it is from my personal point of view one of the best Nightwish lyrics ever. It is simply wonderful if one can find himself in such lyrical verse ... Let's go over to the music. Troy is here with his danceable Welsh intro and its bell-like voice a real highlight, though he already is a key factor in this dominated by Celtic elements song. And of course, a criss-crossed by so many folk elements Track is also highly danceable! So also the chorus, in which the feet simply can not stand still and even persecuted the one in his sleep: "Weaving my wings from many-colored yarns / Flying Higher, higher, higher / Into the wild / Weaving my world into tapestry of life / Its golden fire / In my Walden ". But it is also interesting the fact that the song basically can be divided into two different parts. While the first part of the chorus together can be called a brisk folk pop song perfectly, trumps the second half with beguiling instrumental passages, which are reminiscent of the popular folk metal band Eluveitie - just the pipes do here rest. Myself enjoys the high folk share on the entire album, however, beyond measure, I have long love such earthy and peppy music and because of this style in Nightwish universe fully justified. Those who criticize the folk component which should deal in detail with the subject of the lyrics of this song, then one should exploit the need of it.

And now we have reached already the title track "Endless Forms Most Beautiful". The fleet, driving entry is immediately backed by Floors backing vocals, reminiscent of tempting sirens in the sea. But worth mentioning are the extremely rhythmic, one or the other surely shallow stanzas whose hardness is increasing steadily up to the Bridge. Then Nightwish offer us once again a captivating catchy chorus that almost drifts already in poppy fields, thereby evoking one of the most memorable and best tunes of music history. This same pop elements belong in my opinion but also in the Nightwish sound structures, as they ensure a high entertainment value even when serious and profound issues. Despite the pop Appeals, through which the track would seamlessly fit into the tracklist of "Dark Passion Play" to Diversity is here announced: A little orchestral bombast combined with pounding guitars before the final, put forward with even more vigor Chorus makes for some variety. The lyrics are probably one of the thematic center of the album, because it very explicitly to the concept of the album, so the titular life forms on this planet, are based: "Deeper down in Panthalassa / A eukaryote finds her way / We return to the very first one / Greet the one we'll soon become ". So content we move toward the dawn of existence.

Much fantastic it is with "Edema Ruh", the "The Name of the Wind" from the regicide Chronicle of Patrick Rothfuss was inspired by the fantasy novel. The Edema Ruh are in this story, a group of traveling entertainers, and as such Nightwish see indeed. So it was very obvious to take this vagabond musician and actor in the lyrics and above all on their abilities, the spectators to take all your worries to respond: "We'll give you a key to open all of the gates / We'll show you a sea of ​​starlight to drown all your cares / Mirror Houses, the sweetest kisses and wines / A Debussy dialogue between wind and the roaring sea ". "Edema Ruh" should according to the plans instead of "Elan", the first single, but Tuomas was convinced by other band members to change his opinion. But clearly, in about the song goes in the same direction. After what felt like an eternity waiting here finally a song with synth elements and beats on what the very quiet but no less majestic verses enhances noticeably. Also worth mentioning is the fairytale keyboard intro, which marks the starting point of the song. But the chorus is made up immediately in the ear canals and fixed also escapes them no longer as fast - It is striking that it dynamically and at the same time fragile fails. Shortly before the end Emppu plays a virtuoso guitar solo almost into a frenzy before Troy once more is used and brings the spirit of the Edema Ruh with his pleasant voice expresses. Prior to his Pipes must not be missed - self-explanatory.

If I had to name the way an absolute favorite of "Endless Forms Most Beautiful", then it would certainly next to the final "The Greatest Show On Earth" "Alpenglow". The elegant sounds of the strings lead together with the electric guitar sprawling and highly melodic Additional song history, but also striking are the fragile, instantly engaging and intense from the mood forth verses. The absolute contrast provides the subsequent Bridge, in which floors vocals sounded almost cocky and very powerful. Overall, the song would incidentally also fit very well with Anette Olzons voice, but the magical atmosphere of the song also calls for a such a gentle expression in the chorus and the verses. As Tuomas has emphasized in various interviews, contains "Alpenglow" all conceivable items that required a Nightwish song to be more than hittauglich - there was certainly not too much promised. And as if the first verses of the refrain would not be catchy enough already, yet this is finally a plan and draws up the pace along with a beautiful Reims considerably on: "We Were Here / roaming on the endless prairie / Writing An Endless Story / Building A Walden of Our Own / We Were Here / Grieving the saddened faces / Conquering the darkest places / Time to rest now and to finish the show / And become the music, one with Alpenglow ". As you can see, the verses fall again from very personal and intimate, which is certainly also corresponds to the character of the song. Fabulously!

The only instrumental on the album, "The Eyes of Sharbat Gula," separates the first nine songs from the grand finale, the 24-minute epic "The Greatest Show On Earth". Prior to the release you might have a similarity with "Arabesque", the instrumental track from the last album "Imaginaerum" suspects - far from it. In the first seconds of the play put an ominous drums and probably an acoustic guitar before to indulge joined the elegiac piano by Tuomas with all its drama and melancholy. In this way, the song rises into a hypnotic mantra that is supported by flute sounds and Troy's backing vocals, into it. Despite the nearly six minutes of playing time this instrumental work is not boring because the song have to go back as far as necessarily to produce such a dense atmosphere. In addition, "The Eyes of Sharbat Gula," the best example of what is a gain Troy's voice for Nightwish, because another voice here would be misplaced been. Approximately in the middle uses a moving children's choir, which will launch the actual theme of the song in the mind's eye - one sees so cruel it is, raise children in the war. And finally to the song exactly give expression - after all, Tuomas even tried to lyrics on this issue before Troy was advised to leave it as an instrumental. They wanted so only produce sounds with pictures, announce the how awful it is when children are abused for senseless war. Mission accomplished!

The grand finale, Tuomas' magnum opus, was announced as the ultimate Nightwish track. And there we have certainly not promised too much! The epic and sweeping "The Greatest Show On Earth" covers a full 24 minutes (!) And is in every second so incredibly epic that you really can find no words for it. Despite the extremely fact-based, scientific theme of the theory of evolution is the whole song in a very mystical atmosphere, as the song plays both musically and content in dimensions that are not really tangible for. If only for the sake of clarity, but also to emphasize the fundamental differences between the parts, was "The Greatest Show On Earth" divided into five sections: "Four Point Six", "Life", "The Toolmaker", "The Understanding "and" Sea-Worn Driftwood ". Parts in the "Life" and "The Toolmaker" alone waiting on the song with two choruses inimitable, which one is delivered without resistance and which one can not escape. But let's start with "Four Point Six", which embarks on a journey through time and the first few seconds sings on our planet: "Archaean Horizon / The first sunrise / On a pristine Gaea / Opus perfectum / Somewhere there, us sleeping". Who Tuomas' moving piano playing has missed the last longplayers with such clarity that gets at the start of the first section, the full operation at the latest. Once heard, one could truly go to their knees, while it sounds almost as if you have it taken from the classical genre. Melancholy Cello sounds give an introduction to the music probably the saddest moment of the complete works, but previously also the orchestra returns with all his might. Without question raises an already "Four Point Six" in the highest spheres, because exactly at this point that floor for the only time her soprano singing a - and how! No matter how short this divine passage may be, they could easily come with all its epic from another universe!

But it is still going on in the text. "Life" is not only an outstanding chorus, it also celebrates the creation of life - what you should expect from this subtitle and another? Under the sounds of magical Uilleann Pipe of Troy comes Professor Richard Dawkins once again to speak: "After sleeping through a hundred million centuries we have finally opened our eyes on a sumptuous planet, sparkling with color, bountiful with life Within Decades We Must. close our eyes again. Is not it a noble, to enlightened way of spending our time in the sun letter, to work at understanding the universe and how we have come to wake up in it? " This is followed by a powerful blend of Pipes, orchestra and guitar, to the very cool verses that are almost spoken, quite an impression. One could this emphasizes monotone vocal style quite a musical reference to science or even insinuate the sci-fi genre, but that would be too far-fetched. In contrast, the bridge falls again highly melodic and the chorus can already safely be called a most uplifting moment of the entire album, as it therefore comes with an incomparable power, which is combined with the catchiness further proof of the incomparable talent for composition of Tuomas. "The Toolmaker" on the other hand deals with the behavior of the human race, the revenue from which of course is also a part of the history of this planet: "Enter Ionia, The Cradle of Thought / The architecture of Understanding / The human desire to feel so exceptional / To rule the earth ". The chorus plays against it that human knowledge is limited and will be for ever: "Man, he Took his time in the sun / had a dream to understand / A single grain of sand / He gave birth to Poetry / but One day'll cease to be / Greet the last light of the library ". The Part announces itself with hypnotic drums and the haunting choral singing, but also animal sounds (including monkeys) can be heard very soon. Of course, the animal calls are an innovation in Nightwish-cosmos, but they fit excellently in the Long Track and especially in its textual embodiment, a. In the powerful verses that come along very metallic to Floor and Marco share their part, and it is this count also the strongest moments in "Endless Forms Most Beautiful". The chorus is somewhat reminiscent of "Wish I had an Angel", which of course is also due to the duet between the two vocal artists. Definitely but prove Nightwish here again world class in creating a monumental choruses. Marco and Tuomas control with "The Toolmaker" one of those moments in which a loss for words. In the midst of the action even appeared on a short techno beat, and that alone should be enough evidence that there are always discovering new details.

After about 17 minutes then begins Part 4, "The Understanding". It is left to tackle now noticeably quieter and scores again with a heart-rending piano and as deeply sad as graceful flute sounds. What follows is the most impressive and inspiring moment of Richard Dawkins. Who can close our eyes to such words? Accompanied by instrumental sounds of the highest grade he speaks the following phrases: "We are going to die, and That makes us the lucky ones Most people are never going to die Because They are never going to be born The potential people who could have been.. here in my place but who will in fact never see the light of day outnumber the sand grains of Sahara. Certainly Those unborn ghosts include greater poets than Keats, scientists greater than Newton. We know this: because the set of possible people allowed by our DNA so massively Exceeds the set of actual people. In The Teeth Of Those stupefying odds it is you and I, in our ordinariness, That are here. We privileged few, who won the lottery of birth against all odds, how dare we whine at our Inevitable Return To That prior state from the vast majority have never Which stirred? " The last moments of contrast include the bombastic finale, "Sea-Worn Driftwood". The trip will take place with another moving quote from Dawkins, sprawling soundscapes, mysterious ambient sounds and other animal noises end. And who can resist the powerful sound of a bouncing into the air Wales already? The power of these sonic metaphor is not to describe in words and to better ensure a powerful appeal to us all on our earth, our natural livelihoods. An invitation to give nature finally hearing, instead of destroying them. And a suggestion to all creationists, finally the fact of evolution to look in the eye ... What now ending, is a musical journey through eons. Sophisticated it is not really, and Nightwish have become their own claims really lives.

So what teaches us "Endless Forms Most Beautiful"? First of all, of course, that Nightwish even after a masterpiece like "Imaginaerum" can evolve yet. This is, of course, to the new influences by the addition of beaten band members, but also to the incredible talent of Tuomas Holopainen to write consistently outstanding songs. Floor Jansen hurries with her vocals from peak to peak - and even those who complain about the frequent use of their gentle facet, should realize that this is quite good for the songs. Overall, the sound is much band-oriented than its predecessor, which does not mean that the London Philharmonic Orchestra does not matter much more. It is obvious that the album the fans - as well as all previous works - splits, but keeps me exactly not stop them from looking at it as the best Nightwish album ever. Nightwish contact "Endless Forms Most Beautiful" another monument and edit in the course of which even an equally important as meaty topic, that of evolutionary biology. Whoever thought earlier, Nightwish and realism would not match, the wrong enormous - here an academic Monument is simply emerged in musical form.

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