Nightwish 'Once' review
Release date: 2004
Label(s): Nuclear Blast
Duration: 69:04
Details
- Dark Chest of Wonders
- Wish I Had an Angel
- Nemo
- Planet Hell
- Creek Mary's Blood
- The Siren
- Dead Gardens
- Romanticide
- Ghost Love Score
- Kuolema Tekee Taiteilijan
- Higher Than Hope
- White Night Fantasy*
- Live To Tell The Tale*
Review
Dark Chest of Wonders- Possibly one of the best opening tracks on any Nightwish album to date. You'll find yourself blown away with its powerful riffs and close to perfect vocals from Tarja Turunen. 5/5
Wish I had an Angel- This song draws on the basic rock principles: roaring guitar playing, gruff vocals (apart from Tarja's which are good too!) and a catchy beat. You can really feel the chemistry in this duet. It gets a little repetitive though. 4/5
Nemo- The first single off of Once boasts a haunting song built around a melodic piano piece. Yet another catchy song with soothing vocals and heavy rock influences on Nightwish's claim to fame. Another song that's a little repetitive. 4/5
Planet Hell- This track almost blew me off my feet. This epic song will leave you hungry for more with its fast pace and perfectly presented lyrics. The chorus stands out in this song and Marco's vocals throughout clean the cake. 5/5
Creek Mary's Blood- This song wavers in comparison to some of Nightwish's other long-length songs but is decent nonetheless. Though a little repetitive at times, this song gives reference to the composer's interest in the American Indians and feels a little imcomplete. You barely notice the end as it moves into the next track. 3/5
The Siren- The Siren was the third song released off of Once, and is a title it sorely deserves. It follows a theme of seduction and doesn't let go with it's locking kiss. In the tradition of classics such as Tutankhamen and Elvenpath, this song gives reference to the composer's interest in fantasy and mythology. You'll be mesmorised by Tarja's chants in this song. 5/5
Dead Gardens- This song begins the two-part weakness of the album. Extremely repetitive and unoriginal at best, this song is one of the only skipable tracks on the entire album. The only good thing about this song is it's guitar riff. 2.5/5
Romanticide- This song concludes the two-part weakness of the album. Though the verses are great and very catchy (the catchiest on the album, one could say, especially the duet at the conclusion of the song) the chorus is very much the downfall; being unoriginal and average at it's better moments. Skip this one too, if only to hear the next song. 3.5/5
Ghost Love Score- If you ever want musical perfection, listen to this song. This is Once at it's most brilliant combination: epic and fragile. The song's orchestral influences will leave you stunned from the experience and the lyrics and vocals will move you to...your own view of heaven. 5/5
Kuolema Tekee Taiteilijan- Song entirely in Nightwish's native tongue, Finnish, Kuolema Tekee Taiteilijan is a beautifully sung balla with a soothing string selection. This song will bring a tear to your eye, whilst at the same time putting a smile on your face from it's fragile beauty. 5/5
Higher than Hope- The album's closing track (not including the bonus tracks) boasts soft vocals with acoustic guitar in the verses with heavy vocals driven by roaring guitar scales. A quality track! The lyrics are beautifully written. 5/5
White Night Fantasy*- This song exhibits Tarja's vocal cabilities like never before, as well as a perfect balance between heavy and soft musical and vocal moments. Original and beautifully bare, this song gets full marks from me. 5/5
Live to Tell the Tale*- This songs's opening sequence is slightly reminescent of The Riddler but turns into a powerful track filled with smooth orchestral pieces and fast-paced vocals. A good a song as any on Once. 4/5
* bonus tracks.
Though with a few weaknesses at mid-album, Once is Nightwish at it's best; heavy and light in the same mix. A good album and definitely worth a listen for avid Nightwish fans and the public in general.
8/10