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Nightwish - Once CD (album) cover

ONCE

Nightwish

 

Progressive Metal

3.64 | 217 ratings

From Progarchives.com, the ultimate progressive rock music website

razifa
3 stars Good but non-essential

I love Nightwish, their dark lyrics and the symphonic-metal compositions of Tuomas Holopainen. I consider Tarja's operatic vocals are wonderful and so the contrast between heavy riffs and symphonic passages. Definitely all this features have been the brand of a transcendent band in music history.

However I must admit that this is a mediocre album. I don't mean it's terrible but definitely it's far away from the early recordings: "Oceanborn" and "Wishmaster". This album is like stepping backwards to a mature but simpler style, so commercially oriented.

"Once" is a dark album influenced by plain heavy metal bands from the 90's like Metallica, Testament and Exodus and the 80's death metal scene. Their style is less technical and centered more on heavy riffs than on finest compositions.

The vocals of Tarja's are far away from their glorious days; tracks like "Dark Chest of Wanders", "Nemo" and "Romanticide" are plain short rock songs with repetitive riffs, insipid solos and in general terms, lacking technical composition.

Probably the best track is "Ghost Love Score", a unique epic composition with good symphonic arrangements. This is the only track that personally I consider that's worth enough to purchase this album.

"Koulema Tekee Tajteilijan" is an acoustic good track that reminds "Angels Fall First" album. "Higher Than Hope" is a cheesy enjoyable ballad that reminds me Stratovarius in the album "Visions".

There's series of interesting changes from previous recordings: the vocals of Marco Hietala fits good with their style giving a heavier approach to the band. There are arabic music influences, flute lines and an epic ambient.

The concept of the album still preserves the mystic from previous recordings but the performance isn't that good. Probably the lack of beauty in Nightwish music is due to internal problems among the band. Indeed Tarja was asked to leave the band after this release.

In conclusion, this band is losing his magic, the will of heading for a new style heavier is been sacrificed for a less in their technical. Despite "Ghost Love Score", there is no more important innovation to the music with this album. Even though a decent album, a must for fans but it's a possible disappointment. If you're interested in purchasing this album I recommend the US expanded version which has two bonus and the video of "I Wish I Had An Angel".

razifa | 3/5 |

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