HUMAN. :ǁ: NATURE.

First up,this release will divide Nightwish fans.Those expecting Epica,Within Temptation heaviness may be disappointed,but this is a band in Progression,not just recreating past glories for the sake of it.Personally I love it.2 tracks 4 and 5 are OK ,but the rest are great music.

HUMAN :II: NATURE - Nightwish

2020 Release from Finland band Nightwish. Much anticipated release and as it turns out very marmite for Nightwish Fans

1.Music : Ominous strings begin the album,kicking in with tribal drums at 1.25,heavenly choral at 2.29 -a big sound! Floor Jansen comes in around 3.08 and rocks out around 4.47 - great chorus.Classic Nightwish !

2.Noise : This track was previewed before the release and is all you'd expect from Nightwish -heavy,choral,fast,orchestral - fantastic,catchy chorus at 1.08 - one of their best ever.

3. Shoemaker : On first listen this was my favourite track.So second play: wow,that choral at 3.49 from Floor is majestic,and all too short -wish we had more of this.

4.Harvest : previewed before release.Male vocal to a simple,jolly,folky song - OK filler and a pleasant chorus.Kicks in heavier 2.45 for the middle - a kind of a heavy jig track.

5. Pan :Kind of light Phantom of the Opera,with heavy guitar interludes,very operatic around 3.20.OK track -bit stop start ,but OK

6.How's the Heart : New single -again the pan pipe sound intros -pleasant vocal - no overstretch -then a catchy chorus - pipes then repeat.Good,easy radio play - Floor at 2-48 stretches out a bit -nothing like Shoemaker -but the intent is there.Decent single -OK

7.Procession: Nice synth intro from Thomas -this is more like it -great vocals from Floor -kicks on at 3.10 -this is classic Nightwish after 2 lighter tracks.With the first 3 - another highlight. Could have been longer....

8.Tribal:Love the vocal over the tribal drum backdrop.Heavier vocals on this one.Great metal guitar and heavy - more tribal drums at 3.00 and then gets faster ,but oh so short...

9:Endlessness: Final-track on CD1 -just over 7 minutes in length. Great guitar intro then choral keys.Male vocals,then duet- like this one - very operatic in structure.It is a slow track so chance to develop a bit.Grand ending to CD1..

Top tracks 1,2,3,7.9. CD1 rating 9/10

CD2 All the Works of Human Nature Adorn the World:

Not one for metal heads ! Very classical in composition Vista -very Ennio Morricone like Blue -has some Floor female backing Green: Pleasant with recurring Themes Moors: A bit heavier than the previous parts-some tribal drums-,but again a lovely recurring theme,you'll recognise from CD1 Aurorae:Harp and choir -then very orchestral - like this one ! Quiet as the Snow:Piano,harp,orchestra -quite relaxing -then reprises general theme choral wise - kind of very Arabian nights.. Anthropocene : Strings begin this one.harp and nice violin part -again reprising the theme.Cello joins in to a crescendo leading to final part Ad Astra: Final segment of this CD2.Quiet intro,then a spoken narrative ,a rousing finish with some backing vocals to finish this amazing album.

CD2 Rating 9/10