Nightwish - Dark Passion Play

Nightwish fans had been looking forward to this new album for a few months before it was finally released September 2007. It was promised to be a good album, Kerrang labeling it with 5/5 stars, and Metalhammer 9/10. Though, was it worth it's sale price?

When I got it in December, I was ecstatic (after the long wait as I had no money) and immediately started listening to it. I was extremely impressed with the songs. The new singer (Anette Olzon) had easily matched - possibly improving on their previous singer - Tarja Turunen, with a good style of singing. I'll admit, I was extremely impressed with the quality considering Tarja's reputation with Nightwish. I hadn't enjoyed listening to their previous songs as much as this album, the new singer pushing them on with a soothing and energetic voice that Tarja seemed to struggle offering. The band also threw in the use of an orchestra (like you would expect to find at a play) thus increasing the effect it actually has to the music.

Next were the songs. The album offers more then one style or music. Examples of this are "Master Passion Greed" and "Eva". "Master Passion Greed" Shows a louder, heavier style of play, using the vocals of Marco Hietala, bassist and vocalist since 2001 when Nightwish first formed. "Eva" on the other hand uses Anette's softer voice to make kindly, melodic sound. It introduces the quieter, more tame side of the album. Possibly the most addictive song on the album though was "Bye Bye Beautiful". It blends Marco's gruffer style of singing with Anette's soothing voice. It would probably be me favourite song on the entire album.

One thing I was disappointed about with probably "Amaranth". Regardless of being a good song, the lyrics are hard to understand and not exactly clear in the first place. Anette slides into the notes in such a way that it makes listening difficult in my opinion and it distracts from the overall sound of the song when you are sat their, trying to make out words that are hidden in slides and riffs from the guitars.

Overall, I think it's a satisfying album, recommendable certainly. If you like a melodic, yet slightly heavier style of music, then you'd love the album. On the other hand, if you are keen albums that is leaning more towards calm and peaceful, Dark Passion Play may not be the album for you.