Who would have just thought after the relatively faint-hearted debut "Angels Fall First" that the successor would come along so energetic, pompous and expressive of 1998? Nightwish have outdone themselves with this musical piece of gold themselves and their fans cope immensely expanded. The latter should anyone wonder who has had the good fortune to lead this album to mind. The wonderful opener "Stargazers" already announces that a lot has changed in the house Nightwish. Epic bombast, keyboard-heavy melodies, punchy rhythms, excellent arrangements and a Tarja Turunen in top form. The positive about the whole thing is that all these features formative are for the entire album. such listening can not give rise to a lot of records. On the one hand we have the force and pressure full title ("Stargazers", "Sacrament Of Wilderness"), on the other side the charming and above all, Tarja's almost divine voice heavenly ballads ("Swanheart", "Sleeping Sun"). Even refined melodies ("Gethsemane", "The Riddler") or even angry tones ("Devil & The Deep Dark Ocean", "The Pharaoh Sails To Orion ") must not miss it. The latter are primarily distinguished by the male vocals, the time fortunately singer Wilska accepts because Tuomas vocally could not really shine on the previous album. Here also the most hardened Metaler get their money, especially Wilska has a neat powerful organ. On "Oceanborn" takes the range of varied and exciting beautiful music no end. She makes a sad, happy, thoughtful, dreamy and encourages especially in the instrumental "Moondance" one to hit the dance floor. No title assumes the role of a gap filler, anyone can convince in his own way. Another unique feature is the dense atmosphere on the album. A veil of melancholy lies over all the songs that Tarja's voice takes on unexpected timbres, melodies kidnap a nowhere and also the title of the album makes its name because of the profundity and mysticism of the water are also reflected in the music. For "Walkin 'In The Air" listening to waves crashing, lyrical plays the immensity of the sea quite a symbolically important role and ultimately completes the album cover that impression from. Rarely I could from an album swarm as of this because I have actually always something to criticize or even the most trivial things I spoil the joy of music. "Oceanborn" is one of those rare exceptions. And when you consider the direction in which Nightwish have developed, then this masterpiece is certainly something very special, especially since there is no comparable almost good album next to "Wishmaster". If you can make friends with the musical direction of the metal melodic operas, then you get to this bead anyway are not around. But also all the other was suggested that "Oceanborn" is so versatile and enchanting that is worth at least a short preview for sure this album is not just music -. It is balm for the soul. Playing tips: "Stargazers", "Gethsemane", "Sleeping Sun"
