Imagine the cave where music was born. In the introduction to their 9th studio album "HUMAN. II: NATURE.", NIGHTWISH take us all the way back to this ancient place and time when bashing rocks became rhythm and voice turned into harmonies. In the course of the millennia, this amazing cultural achievement evolved via Bach and Beethoven into blues, rock and heavy metal – a mental journey that the Finns trace in their upcoming full-length’s first song, ‘Music’.
This opening track features all the elements that NIGHTWISH have fused into their own unmistakable sound ever since the band came to life in the small Karelian town of Kitee in 1996. There are the keyboards, which are also being used by bandleader, main composer, and lyricist Tuomas Holopainen at the starting point in the creation process of each of his albums. Another distinctive tone manifests in the Uilleann Pipes played by Northern English multi-instrumentalist Troy Donockley. The multi-instrumentalist and his great voice have enriched the sound of NIGHTWISH with a traditional flavour since Troy’s first appearance on the album "Dark Passion Play" (2007), which led to him becoming a permanent member in 2013. Guitarist Emppu Vuorinen leaves his metallic mark on ‘Music’ with a rocking solo. The same can be said about exceptional drummer Kai Hahto, who has been infusing his versatile, and highly precise style since the recording of "Endless Forms Most Beautiful" (2015). The other half of the band’s rhythm section rests solidly on the rock of Marko Hietala’s bass lines. The cherished Finnish veteran also contributes vocally with his deep sonorous timbre. On these massive rhythmic pillars rests a complex sound vault with an arching superstructure that is ornamented by stunning choirs and strings.
Making the most of the two excellent male voices of Marko and Troy, Tuomas has gifted each with a tailor-made song, ‘Harvest’ and ‘Endlessness’, on the new album. Yet there can be not a shred of doubt that Floor Jansen has the leading vocal role in NIGHTWISH. To capture the long career of the Dutch singer would fill a book. Her powerful, stylistically versatile voice and strong stage presence had quickly attracted a large following with Dutch symphonic metal outfit AFTER FOREVER, which were founded in 1995 and officially dissolved in 2009. Even back then, the dedication and determination of the charismatic frontwoman was easily noticeable. Floor’s unconditional devotion to always expand her own boundaries is once again showing on "HUMAN. II: NATURE."
To conclude, "HUMAN. II: NATURE." is a musical bag of magic, which is filled with unexpected twists and turns stylistically ranging from rock to metal, from folk rock to the neo-classical – yet every second sounds 100% NIGHTWISH. Goose bumps are a certainty and an incredible wealth of detail promises exciting voyages of discovery, which will still yield hidden treasures after years of intensive listening, and still allow us to find hidden secrets. It does not take a prophet to predict that the Finns will add more precious metal to their impressive collection of 25 platinum and 20 gold certifications with this future classic.
