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Dark Passion Play: First Impressions

1-The Poet And The Pendulum:
You are plunged right into the album with the first song of this title, 14 ultra epic minutes of a level comparable to the atmosphere of a film B.O. [no idea what B.O. stands for]. In addition to a very heavy chorus that immediately becomes catchy ("Get Away! Run Away! Fly Away!"), a cavalcade of rough guitars [riffing?] and mix of piano and cello, angelic voices swirling everywhere, the pounding tempo present since the beginning of the piece slowly winds down to an end that is very aerial [?] full of violins. It's truly a monument of symphonic metal!

2-Bye Bye Beautiful:
Listeners are introduced to a pretty piano melody before a very heavy guitar riff and heavy aggressive sounds. Marco Hietala and Anette Olzon share the vocals, but the bassist takes the lion's share (his bass playing is also present), and we are given an aggressive yet melodic chorus.

3-Amaranth:
It's really a surprise that the new single of Nightwish turns out to be a something very mid tempo [I'm guessing pop-like here] with a very catchy chorus. It's a new and powerful hit, given by good, clipped riffs, powerful chorus sung by Anette Olzon, and held together by lots of elements.

4-Cadence of Her Last Breath:
The title of this enthralling piece comes from the the gasping breathing that happens in the first few seconds. Built around technical riffs, this song comprises of a very good refrain sung well by Anette Olzon and gets into your head little by little.

5-Master Passion Greed:
Marco Hietala is the only singer here and brings a new level of agressiveness. It's a really fast and heavy song amplified by a huge production , riddled with an ever present chorus, riffs punching [?] through a thrash and metal world, and also has a great drum and bass break [solo?]. Powerful!

6-Eva:
It's a really calm and soothing piece that the voice of Anette presents to the listeners, delivered without many of the musical elements the preceding songs have. It's not specially remarkable; this song is well placed in the order of the songs on this album and gives a welcome break.

7-Sahara:
The orchestra is really noticeable in this piece that is started off with a huge but kinda slow guitar riff. It's a song adorned with delicate oriental touches (the lyrics evoke 1001 Arabian Nights), and Anette shows us her mastery of musical half-steps. It's a really smooth song that you're going listen to with great pleasure.

8-Whoever Brings The Night:
A menacing ambiance permeates this song composed by guitarist Emmpu Vuorinen, who shines here brightly with a lot of guitar parts and a beautiful solo. This fast song makes great use of "filtered" vocals, but puts a notch in the mix of the better songs in the first half of the album.

9-For the Heart I Once Had:
This song gives the melodic guitars and keyboards a lot of power. There's a rock feeling, which sometimes gives way to sweet lyrics revealed by guitars and the efficient chorus of Anette, whose vocals have a beautiful power. Another potential single?

10-The Islander
The setting of the seashore, with delicate drizzle and cries of seagulls in the background planted all in succession makes the atmosphere, and the folk sounds of acoustic guitars, violins, and flutes that adorn this piece, which is composed and sung by Maco Hietala (Anette Olzon is in charge of the harmonies), achieves a really beautiful celtic sound. The rain appears again at the end and leads us to a very smooth transition to the next song.

11-The Last of the Wilds
We were enchanted by this merry instrumental piece with half-Celtic, half-Finnish sounds evoked by a lot of traditional instruments not very easily identified. It's a nice enough song, although a little long at the end.

12-Seven Days to the Wolves:
Anette Olzon is the only one in charge of the verses of this powerful piece and is joined in the chorus by Marco Hietala in a very grand manner, declaring "Howl! Seven Days to the Wolves!" absolutely Dante-esque. It's definitely one of the better moments of the album.

13-Meadows of Heaven:
The most peaceful point with "Eva," "Meadows of Heaven" is the best ...(eveutant?). Here the song, in which is flawlessly sung by Anette Olzon, supported by the piano, strings, and the guitar of Emmpu Vuorienen who delivers a great solo, literally gives us the shivers, all with the gospel choir who makes their appearance at the end. It's a superb end for the CD that so richly merits another listen in order to be well understood.