Once - Dark Publications

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Similar Items:

•	Century Child
•	Dark Passion Play
•	Oceanborn
•	Wishmaster
•	Dark Passion Play

Editorial Reviews:

Album Description
You may not know Nightwish yet, but the Finnish goth-orchestral-metal band is a phenomenon throughout the rest of the world. The group's fifth album, the platinum-certified Once, hit #1 over the summer on the Pan-European charts, and stayed there for three weeks. Behind them? The Beastie Boys, Avril Lavigne, Norah Jones and Usher, among others. So who or what is this band? On first listen, Nightwish seems to fall into the same genre as Evanescence, Lacuna Coil and the Gathering--female-fronted metal band with symphonic and gothic overtones. But any similarities end there. First of all, singer Tarja Turunen may be the only trained opera singer in metal, and her vocal prowess and range prove it. Then there's the rest of the group, led by keyboardist and primary songwriter Tuomas Holopainen. Listen closely, and you'll hear a group that's equally influenced by opera, classical music, Euro-metal, early thrash and even Kate Bush.

Nightwish formed as, of all things, an acoustic-based band in Kitee, Finland in 1997, though they quickly switched to a hard rock sound. Within a year the group had released its debut album, Angels Fall Fast, which featured the first hit single, "The Carpenter." Their second release, Oceanborn, landed in the Top Five in Finland, and featured three hit singles. By the time Wishmaster came out in 2000, Nightwish was a top concert draw and one of the most critically acclaimed metal bands in all of Europe. Thanks to the on-going buzz, the group was also able to land U.S. distribution for the first time. Nightwish's 4th studio effort came in the form of Century Child, which was the product of one of the most tumultuous periods in the band's career. It marked the grand entrance of Marco Hietala, a metal icon in his own right in his homeland. With Hietala's dual contribution to the band (bass and backing vocals), they were able to put forth some of their darkest, most aggressive material ever.

But Once is Nightwish's breakthrough, both in its epic scope and brilliant songwriting. Disgruntled Metallica fans may find a new axe-god in Emppu Vuorinen, who has quickly become one of the most brutal (and tech-savvy) guitarists in metal. Behind him is a seamless blend of top-notch musicianship and orchestral bombardment (much of which is provided by The Academy of St. Martins in the Field, who scored the Lord of the Rings trilogy). The chart-topping single "Nemo" is a monster, building slowly from a simple piano line and molten guitar riff into an over-the-top, orchestral breakdown. Thanks to Turunen's vocals, the song also possesses a haunted quality that modern-day metal often fails to achieve.

Forget formula--the band doesn't have one. Subtle electronic beats color "Wish I Had an Angel," while tribal drums shape the eight-plus minute "Creek Mary's Blood." There's the aptly titled "Ghost Love Score," which sounds like a great, lost Danny Elfman soundtrack. Then, on the other side, is the rough-and-tumble "Romanticide," a violent kiss-off that ends with bassist / back-up singer Hietala scowling "Spit on me, let go, get rid of me / And try to survive your stupidity" over one of the most headbanging riffs of the last five years.

So, are you ready for Nightwish?

Customer Reviews: Read 171 more reviews...

5 out of 5 stars

Nightwish's Crowning Achievement - Album of the Year February 7, 2005
94 out of 97 found this review helpful

It was bound to happen - Nightwish's recording budget increased, and the Finnish quintet added an entire orchestra to their new album, thus forging the most epic and powerful doom album to ever be released. Like giving a child everything he has ever wanted, the band have let loose their boundless creativity. The album is very similar to their previous release, Century Child, but with strings, horns and woodwinds in absolutely every nook. Oh, yes, it is absolutely over-the-top, but in a band such as this, it is fitting and magnificent.

The opening song, "Dark Chest of Wonders" begins with a pounding metal riff unlike anything else on the album - very reminiscent of "Slaying the Dreamer" or more recent In Flames. However, it doesn't last. Soon afterwards, trademark Nightwish power-riffs kick in, infectious and energizing, bringing along with them a parading symphony that does not go unheard. The last chorus is absolutely beyond belief, with the band almost *dueling* with the symphony in a musical power struggle. "Wish I Had an Angel" is very similar to "Dead to the World", with bassist Marko Hietala taking over the vocals in the chorus of this heavy piece. "Nemo" (released as two singles) and "Planet Hell" are Nightwish staples, accessible and tremendously melodic; the latter of which showcases the symphonic textures in a very isolated, gothic atmosphere ("Carmina Burana" is not a stretched comparison).

The album has two longer pieces, both of which are exceptional tracks. "Creek Mary's Blood", an 8-minute eulogy to the destruction of native Americans during the colonial period is woeful, slow and touching, building up to becoming a horn-driven hard rocker.

But it is nothing in comparison to "Ghost Love Score", a near 10-minute concoction of tremendous melodic fireworks. The song left me speechless, and would surely have impressed Carl Orff. Everything from the chorus to the symphonic bombast to the choirs is absolutely hypnotic and energetic. The song makes any other song seem pale, ordinary and thoughtless, including the last two tracks on the album. It is that good. Sometime after the 4-minute mark, the band stops playing, and leaves the song in the hands of a passionate symphony, culminating with the band's re-entry into the song. The choirs that aid in the choral delivery are mostly female, and absolutely majestic. The song is theatrical and truly unrivaled.

To be perfectly honest (and a bit cynical), the symphony in the album takes a little too much credit. The guitar-work on the album is far from impressive and, if the orchestra were removed, many songs would sound very similar. If it weren't for Turunen's voice and the orchestral onslaught, Once would be quite ordinary. Regardless, it is the symphonic album of the year, and the best of Nightwish's career thus far. My congratulations go to keyboardist/songwriter Tuomas Holopainen and his magnum opus.

See also: Nightwish - Wishmaster, Nightwish - Century Child

5 out of 5 stars

WOW! February 15, 2005
42 out of 45 found this review helpful

Nightwish has produced several exceptional albums, but this time they managed to top themselves. Once has that "it" appeal...it is bombastic, and yet still accessible. The album offers a great variety of tones, moods, and sounds that will satisfy any taste, and will thrill metal fans who search for originality.

From the opening number "Dark Chest of Wonders", you hear the great orchestral arrangement that compliments the music so well. It is basically like hearing a heavy metal movie soundtrack. There is a lot going on, but somehow, it works. And it works to damn near perfection. This track alone is worth the purchase, but it continues with the 2 songs that could help the band breakout here in the states, "Wish I Had An Angel" and "Nemo". The brilliant thing about these tracks is while each of them maintains intense musicianship, they both have big hooks that will be embraced by a more mainstream audience. And at the same time, they will satisfy even the most jaded metal fan. The assault continues with "Planet Hell", easily the albums most fierce song, and goes through a rollercoaster of changes as the album continues.

Opera and metal meet in perfect harmony. Who would have thought?

5 out of 5 stars

This album took my breath away.... October 16, 2004
19 out of 27 found this review helpful

Wow...I can't say that enough with this album...it's just...WOW. THe first song blew me away. It was breathtaking!!!!

I can't believe Nightwish hasn't gotten bigger here in the states!!! They are like selling millions of CDs in Europe! They need to get bigger over here! Perhaps once they actually come on tour here....they will get huge, because you can't keep stuff this good a secret for long!!!!

I'm listening to the CD right now, and it amazes me, that this album is actually BETTER than Wishmaster, which I heralded as the best Nightwish album ever.....Once surpasses it. The sound is bigger, the music is beautiful and heavy. It hits you hard, but in a beautiful hard way.....it's like angels knocking you on your back to get your attention.....it's just....WOW!!!!

If you like metal...power metal...or anything else...GET THIS. You have to....do yourself a big favor and get this album, because it's simply amazing, and if you love music, get this album....this is GOOD music....analyze it...it's well put together...it has structure, and you can't deny that her voice is heavenly. It sends shivers up and down my spine....and she's beautiful to top it all off. Long haired heavy metalists, with an absolutely fine singer. It's beautiful!!!

Alright, I need to stop, or else this will become a REALLY long review.....

5 out of 5 stars

I'm going to try to help with this review. October 6, 2004
17 out of 17 found this review helpful

First Part:
Nightwish, the most succesful Finnish band are back with their 5th album, Once. Just like the import version, this will probably get many confusing reviews so I'll try to help.
First, about Nightwish.
In the mid 90s, Nightwish appeared as a Power Metal with Symphonic elements that had Tarja Tarunen A professional Mezzo Soprano as frontwoman. Their first album, "Album fall first", is actually a good album but doesn't have a good production. Their next album, "Oceanborn" is an excellent release with a better production. Tarja's performance is awesome.
Their next release "The Wishmaster" is considered by many their best album. Is certainly the most "Power Metalish" but it doesn't lose the atmosphere. After "The Wishmaster", Nightwish comes out with "Century Child" which was a big change. The guitar work almost dissapeared, the Operatic vocals almost go away showing another style from Tarja and the band becomes more quiet plus they added a second vocalist (Marko Hietala who is also the bassist). Now to me, "Once" is pretty much "Century Child" mixed with "The Wishmaster" which is great. Tarja adapts her voice to the new style better than in "Century Child" basically because Toumas Hollopien (Keybordist and songwritter of most of the material) wrote the music in a way that they can fit with Tarja's voice.
Songs like "Dark Chest of wonders" or "Nemo" are actually Power Metal songs but that have the atmosphere of the new Nighwish. Epics like "Ghost Love Score" show the orchestra that worked with Nightwish for this album more than the other tracks and "I wish I had an Angel" show the alternative ideas being a track with heavy riffs and a "Techno Beat" that sounds like an Industrial Metal band.
"Once" is a good album for old and new fans of Nightwish. I recommend it.

Second Part: Well, "Once" is a very successful album. It got first places in European radios and it has sold a lot of copies. The most successful album by Nightwish to date. However, Nightwish has some detractors. The main detractors of Nightwish are some Metal music fans that don't like Nightwish because they are not heavy or fast enough. In terms of speed and virtuosity, Nightwish can't match other Finnish acts like the Power-Melodic Metal bands "Stratovarius" and "Sonata Arctica" (Both very good bands) or the Power-Black Metal band "Children of Bodom"(Another awesome band) however, remember that virtuosity doesn't always mean the best music. I'm not saying that Nightwish doesn't have technical quality. Certainly, all their members are stronger than the members of Evanescence and also Nightwish is more technical than the incompetent Nu Metal bands that you can find in the American Radios. However, compared with other Metal acts, they are a kind of weak but they still play awesome music.
The idea of putting Metal and classical music together began way before Nightwish, however Nightwish is still original. Just like the Import version, here, there will be some reviews that will mention "Symphony X"(Another awesome band indeed) as a better alternative. Symphony X is not even the same music. Sure, the members of that band are extremely talented and they are monsters with the instruments. The guitarist there, Michael Romeo, is one of the 5 best guitar players in the world today and all the other members play more complicated material than Nightwish but as I said, Nightwish is different and can play good music without so much technical quality. There is a possibility that Nightwish will become popular here in the United States (They are already very important in Europe) however, the American music industry doesn't want foreign bands to get popular here. Even the British bands don't receive publicity. I personally think that keeping the American people unaware of the good music is disgusting. American Mainstream music is in its worst moment. There is nothing but crap and Nightwish is an excellent alternative. Unfourtunatly, some rich forces try to keep this album away from the American people. How? They don't play the songs in the radios (Most of them owed by the same two companies) and well, this is just too good for MTV.

Buy this album and spread the word. There is awesome music out there that is way better than the lame Nu Metal. Nightwish is an excellent band and this is one of their best works to date.

5 out of 5 stars

Really a 4 1/2 -- Great Minus A Few Flaws March 11, 2005
11 out of 14 found this review helpful

If you've never heard Night Wish before, think of this album as this: the Lord of the Rings trilogy was made the same way, but they decided to combine Howard Shore's epic symphonic, choir-filled score with a rock-opera emphasis, and turned them into a trilogy of musicals.
With an album on the scope and intensity of "Once," which is pretty much nonexistent, just the sheer scope and epic power of emotion, the merits of the album alone are alone worth the highest score. And since I have chosen to round the score upward, I will analyze the weaker aspects first.

One person once referred to Night Wish as the most consistent group out there, and that they most certainly are. There's a problem, however, raised by this fact: in terms of melody (despite how extremely thankful for a group actually having some in today's music), Night Wish only has a handful of songs, if you use the same metaphor as to how there are only 7 kinds of stories in the world. Beyond just the music style and Tarja's strong voice, one can tell that they're listening to Night Wish, even when it's a totally new song, and commonly I hear overtly strong similarities from one song to another similar one. Not to say that I don't like the songs that resemble the past ones, as there are almost no Night Wish songs that I don't like, and a good chunk of my more favored ones blow my mind every time I listen to them. I'm just saying that, while the "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" philosophy is all fine and grand when we're talking about music so incredible and intricate, I would just like to more commonly hear ones that stray off the medium.

Luckily, Once does contain more "break-off's" from this trend. However, there are still some glaring issues. Personally, I didn't think the lyrics made much sense in many of the songs this time around...it was like pure semi-rhyming poetry, with little purpose. Another is that some songs, like "I Wish I Had An Angel" sound somewhat twisted. And lastly, would Tuomas PLEASE STOP IT WITH THE BRIDGES IN WHICH ONE NOTE IS CONSTANTLY REPEATED!?! The opening song "Dark Chest of Wonders" suffers from this, as there's a 30 second or so gap where there's almost no music, just a continuation of the beat and a guitar riff of primarily a single note. My less favorite Night Wish songs, such as "Passion and the Opera" and "Slaying the Dreamer" were put on my "less favored" list because this problem was stronger than usual.

Oh, and why is "Ghost Love Score," the finest track on the album, that's up there with "The Beauty of the Beast," not the finale? It's long, the most epic and emotional, and it fades out beautifully, so why not end with that one?

However, I don't at all wish to bellyache about this album, as it is, overall, one of the finest album's I've ever heard. 'Once' is an album that can be judged as Nightwish's best, as well as their weakest in a sense, as it's different, and while it has glaring problems the other's didn't have so strongly, it's also their most complex, and their semi-symphonic nature has successfully gone fully symphonic. "Dark Chest of Wonders" is a splendid rock song that's both catchy and a very good combination of rock and classical. "Nemo" is an incredible song that starts and plays very well, and ends on a finale that's unequalled in any song in the history of music. And "Ghost Love Score" is like a movie climax for the album, and is more than worthy of such a task. "The Siren" has an amazing dual-climax done by Marco (who's gone from good to great). "Planet Hell" is like a song straight from Hell, but isn't evil feeling; more like a depiction...like a musical painting. And "Creek Mary's Blood" is an odd one, but is very impressive nonetheless, and it's Native American influence is strangely successful. Overall, it's more than worth the money, and would make a welcome addition to anyone who likes emotion in music, and doesn't mistake swearing and talking about killing police as "emotion in music."
Oh, and for the record, I will soon turn 23; so no, not every Night Wish fan is either mentally incompetent or under 14 years old, like some people who can't conceive art would say.

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