YESTERWYNDE

The title of the latest NIGHTWISH effort is a neologism, a combined concoction of Tuomas Holopainen and Troy Donockley, representing the main theme of looking at the past for one's present identity. While easily identifiable, It's noticeably more intense than usual even for NIGHTWISH, whose albums usually come off like off Broadway symphonic metal singalong scores, and I do mean that affectionately. Even when the subject matter is solemn, as say in "Endless Forms most Beautiful", it is generally offset by a carefree romp or three. I miss the old NIGHTWISH already, though that might have more to do with the absence of long time lead vocalist Marco Hietala, for whom the aforementioned Donockley tries valiantly to substitute. Luckily Floor is around to support the bulk of the singing, and she and Troy do harmonize well.

After the brief stage setting of the title track, the next couple of tunes suffer from wild mood swings from heavy metal to kilt-clad, which serves neither well, though "the Antikythera Mechanism" recovers enough to set the stage for the core of the album. "The Day of...", the single "Perfume of the Timeless", the tender ballad "Sway", and the Tongan inspired "The Children of 'Ata" (including the participation of a Tongan choir) form a formidable foursome. Unfortunately, after this only Donockley's "Hiraeth" can aspire to those levels.

MInor gripes notwithstanding, their legions of fans will find much to enjoy here, even if I wouldn't recommend "Yesterwynde" as an entry point. In fact, I'd say it's their weakest since "Dark Passion Play", but not by that much.

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