An epic album but could have been better! (Dark Passion Play - Nightwish)

Member Name: alexela

Product:	Dark Passion Play - Nightwish
Date:	31/05/09 (75 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Powerful symphonic tracks that could have come straight from a film score

Disadvantages: Tracks that don't quite live up to their full potential

When Nightwish released Dark Passion Play in 2007, the question was: can they really do it without Tarja Turunen? Replacing their trademark operatic vocals for the rockier style of Anette Olzen, Nightwish proved they were more than just that band with the operatic chick.

Musically, Dark Passion Play continues where Once left off and then takes it a step further. The powerful sounds of the full orchestra fit seamlessly with the riffing guitars and on this album they really pull out all the stops by also featuring boy sopranos on the 14 minute epic film score-esque 'The Poet and the Pendulum' and even a gospel choir adding a real spiritual feel to album closer 'Meadows of Heaven'. 'Bye Bye Beautiful' and 'Amaranth' are both catchy rock anthems which will get stuck in your head and how anyone manages not to break out into a dance during 'Last of the Wilds' I doubt I'll ever know!

The problem with this album is that whilst it starts off fantastically, we soon find ourselves reaching tracks that feel like little more than just filler. Sixth track 'Eva', the first single from the album, continually feels like its about to become more powerful, yet never does and cushy ballad For The Heart I Once Had makes you wonder if Nightwish are about to go for another Eurovision bid. With the album B-side being the far more fitting and interesting Escapist, quite why both these tracks made the final cut remains a mystery.

And whilst tracks like the hauntingly atmospheric 'The Islander' and edgy 'Whoever Brings The Night' are both good tracks, one wonders whether they really fit with the tone of the rest of the album.

Vocally, I feel Anette Olzen fits well within the tone of this album, although very different to her predecessor, she still conveys great emotion and power in her delivery on the record. Cleverly, Nightwish have accounted for those who don't share the same fondness for Anette's vocals by also including the entire album as an instrumental on a second disc. Even for those who do enjoy the full versions, this is still worth a listen as it provides the opportunity to fully appreciate the orchestral work which may go unnoticed when listening to the full versions.

When this album is at its best, it is a truly epic work, but it is let down by the aforementioned weaker tracks. It could have been a truly spectacular piece of work yet disappointingly, it never quite reached its full potential.

For fans of their power metal style work who felt that Oceanborn is Nightwish's best work, this isn't going to change that, but for a music fan that is looking for a new and exciting musical journey, this could just be the album you're looking for!

Summary: 8/10